INTERCEPTOR + Armored Cable = The New PDS

In 2005, Network Integrity Systems (NIS) recognized the potential of INTERCEPTOR monitoring dark fibers within the cables being protected to eliminate hardened conduit requirements for PDS systems.  The physical conduit no longer played a role in the intrusion detection component of a PDS, however physical protection of the fibers remained a requirement.

NIS recognized that flexible interlocking armored cable, which has been offered for over 10 years by leading fiber optic cable manufacturers, would meet the requirements for protection.  NIS began collaborating with the manufacturers to test and integrate INTERCEPTOR with armored cable to present a new Alarmed Carrier PDS solution.  NIS was granted a U.S. Patent for monitoring dark fibers within optical cables and the deployment of those cables in a point-to-multipoint configuration.  This solution has been successfully deployed for U.S. Government customers since 2009.

Benefits of INTERCEPTOR + Armored Cable

• Enables concealment of cables providing enhanced security and aesthetics
• Significant cost savings compared to Hardened Carrier PDS consisting of EMT or commercial secure raceway
• Drastic reduction in deployment time and complexity, nearly eliminating workplace disruption during installation
• Ideal for point-to-multipoint zone architectures to reduce PDS cost per user
• Streamlined integration with technologies such as Secure PON fiber to the desktop

Point-to-Multipoint INTERCEPTOR Architecture with Flexible Interlocking Armored Cable

*55 dB dynamic range supports dozens of SIPR drops per INTERCEPTOR port depending on type and quality of connections and splices.

 

TEMPEST Authority Reviews of INTERCEPTOR + Armored Cable Solution

• Navy Certified TEMPTEST Technical Authority (CTTA), SPAWAR San Diego, 2006.
• Air Force CTTA at the Air Force Communications Agency (AFCA), 2007.
• Navy CTTA, SPAWAR Charleston, 2009.  This led to the initial deployment of INTERCEPTOR with flexible interlocking armored cable in 2009.
• Army CTTA, Ft. Meade, 2011.

Approvals and Authorizations for use of INTERCEPTOR + Armored Cable

• INTERCEPTOR added to Air Force Approved Products List (APL) for Protective Distribution Systems (PDS) Alarm Systems in 2006.
• In a 2009 ESIM (2009-01) supplementing Air Force Instruction AFSSI 7703 (Communication Security: PDS), flexible interlocking armored cable monitored by INTERCEPTOR™ was authorized as an approved Alarmed Carrier PDS in lieu of Hardened Carrier PDS.

USAF Guidelines for INTERCEPTOR + Interlocking Armored Cables as a PDS

CLASSIFICATION	CONUS USAF/ANG/ AFRES BASES	CONUS Off Base/Other Facilities	OCONUS Joint USAF Air Bases	OCONUS Off Base/Other Facilities
SECRET and Below	Interceptor + Interlocking Armored Cable permitted in lieu of EMT or commercial PDS products	Interceptor + Interlocking Armored Cable permitted in lieu of EMT or commercial PDS products	Interceptor + Interlocking Armored Cable permitted in lieu of EMT or commercial PDS products	Interceptor + Interlocking Armored Cable permitted in lieu of EMT or commercial PDS products
TOP SECRET and SPECAT	Interceptor + Interlocking Armored Cable permitted in lieu of EMT or commercial PDS products	Interceptor + Interlocking Armored Cable permitted in lieu of EMT or commercial PDS products	PDS Not Permitted	PDS Not Permitted