26 Proceedings Fall 2025 This carrier-neutral model also opens new opportuni- ties for competition and innovation. Smaller telecommu- nication providers can plug into the exchange without incurring the massive costs of establishing an indepen- dent, long-distance network. Tribal communities, often overlooked in large-scale infrastructure plans, gain more direct avenues for broadband connectivity. The result is not only a more resilient network but also the prospect of economic growth tied to improved digital access across Alaska. N-Wave’s core infrastructure is primarily for NOAA and other federal and Department of Defense (DoD) partners. NOAA is a data producer and the primary consumers in Alaska are state, local, tribal and territo- rial (SLTT) stakeholders, education and research, along with our partners. The implementation and operation of AlaskaIX and the federal TIC within Alaska is designed to provide SLTT, educational, and research organizations faster and more efficient access to NOAA data products. Satellites complement N-Wave’s network by provid- ing connectivity to remote areas and ensuring that data can be transmitted globally. An increase in the number of satellites would likely: • Improve coverage and reliability, particularly for remote field sites that N-Wave supports. • Reduce latency by enabling more direct and diverse data routing options. • Enhance environmental and climate research by enabling the real-time transmission of satellite data to NOAA and other agencies. • Increase cybersecurity challenges, as more satellites mean more data points that need secure transmission and protection against cyberthreats. The interplay of satellite communications with ter- restrial networks like N-Wave offers a layered approach to connectivity. In situations where local terrestrial links suffer outages—whether from severe storms, geological events, or equipment failure—satellite channels can keep data flowing. This redundancy proves especially vital for first responders and remote research stations that rely on continuous data streams for weather forecasting or environmental monitoring. However, each additional node in a network also presents new potential vulner- abilities, underlining the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies that evolve alongside techno- logical expansion. Expansion of this technology in Alaska would likely involve scaling up AlaskaIX to additional locations beyond Anchorage, such as Fairbanks and other rural areas. Integration of all federal and DoD partners, in conjunction with statewide participation in the Exchange would: • Enhance local data sovereignty, reducing reliance on infrastructure outside of Alaska. • Improve broadband connectivity, particularly for tribal nations, research institutions, and state agencies. • Increase network security and resilience, ensuring that NOAA datasets and other critical data remain secure within the state. • Enable better access to weather models and scientific research, supporting industries like fisheries, environmental monitoring, and emergency response. Targeted expansions toward regions like the North Slope or Southeast Alaska could significantly bolster local industries. For example, the fishing communities of Southeast Alaska rely heavily on accurate, up-to-the- minute weather reports. A more robust peering network could allow them to access NOAA’s datasets in near- real-time, reducing the risk of accidents at sea. Similarly, collaboration with University of Alaska research sites would foster advanced environmental studies, bridging academic research with real-world applications in wild- life conservation, adaptation to extreme weather, and sustainable energy development. Redundancy, the inclusion of additional components not strictly necessary to function in case other compo- nents fail, is a key resiliency principle. Achieving true redundancy is a costly endeavor if approached in iso- lation. However, expanding N-Wave’s Alaskan infra- structure by partnering with the federal agencies across the state and using AlaskaXI statewide, redundancy can be achieved in a cost-effective and efficient man- ner. By implementing multipath routing, localized data exchanges, advanced cybersecurity, and a distributed infrastructure, N-Wave achieves a high level of resil- ience and redundancy. This ensures that mission-critical operations, such as environmental monitoring and emer- gency response, remain operational even in the face of failures, cyberthreats, or infrastructure disruptions. This push toward collaborative infrastructure is more than just a technical upgrade. It’s a strategic decision that strengthens the state’s overall readiness. By pooling resources, various stakeholders are relieved of shoulder- ing the entire financial burden for robust network routes. That cost-effectiveness drives further innovation, allow- ing more frequent updates to hardware and software. Meanwhile, localized exchanges create a buffer against network congestion. Even if a major population center faces outages or security incidents, smaller nodes else- where in the state can maintain critical data flows. By integrating TICAP-compliant security measures with localized peering infrastructure, N-Wave offers a resilient and cybersecure communications blueprint for Alaska’s critical infrastructure stakeholders. The
