SIPRNet

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The Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) is a system of interconnected computer networks used by the United States Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of State to transmit classified information (up to and including information classified SECRET) via the TCP/IP protocol suite in a completely secure environment. It also provides services such as hypertext document access and electronic mail. As such, SIPRNet is the DoD’s classified version of the civilian Internet together with its counterpart, the TOP SECRET and SCI Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System, JWICS. The NIPRNet is used to controlled unclassified information (CUI).

Naming and history

SIPRNet and NIPRNet are referred to colloquially as SIPR (pronounced 'sipper') and NIPR (pronounced 'nipper'), respectively. SIPRNet supersedes the earlier DSNET 1, the SECRET level of the Defense Data Network based on ARPANET technology.

Comparisons to the Internet

Except for existing within a secure environment, the SIPRNet is virtually indistinguishable from the Internet to the user.^{[original research?]} Its chief visible difference is the domain name system, with almost all sites being under '.smil.mil' or '.sgov.gov' . Among its many features, computers cleared for SIPRNet access connect to the network via secure dial-up or LAN connections, access web pages written in standard HTML using a standard web browser, can upload and download files via FTP connections, and can send or receive email messages through SMTP services using any standard email client. All data transmitted on SIPRNet between secure facilities must be encrypted by approved NSA encryption systems. While the public Internet can be used to transmit encrypted SIPRNet packets ("SIPR over NIPR"), no access is permitted between the two networks. However, in certain rare circumstances, data is passed one way to the SIPRNET by means of a device known as a trusted guard. This device is designed and configured in such a way as to make it impossible for data to travel down to NIPRNET.

See also

• NIPRNet
• RIPR
• Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS)
• Intellipedia
• Protected Distribution System
• Crisis Response Operations in NATO Operating Systems (CRONOS) is the NATO equivalent of SIPRNet

External links

• DISA
• Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET) by the Federation of American Scientists' Intelligence Resource Program
• Using the SIPRNET - Guide to using the SIPRNet
• They've Got Learning Locked Down - article detailing U.S. Coast Guard Academy classroom being first to get access to SIPRNet