FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS
These FAQs were last updated on 1 April, 2008.
Additional candidates for FAQs, with or without suggested answers, should be sent via e-mail to the DSN Webmaster for possible inclusion.
Clicking on any of the links directly below will take you to the list of questions for that subject. Clicking on a question will then take you to the question and its answer.
NOTE: Unified Capabilities Connection Office (UCCO) has now replaced the term Voice Connection Approval Office (VCAO).
I. General Information and Overview
II. Service
III. User Information and Questions
I. GENERAL INFORMATION AND OVERVIEW
1. What is the DSN? [Answer]
2. Who is listed in the DSN Telephone Directory? [Answer]
II. SERVICE
1. What is the difference between the "762" and "763" services? [Answer]
2. What are 762/763 services relative to a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card? [Answer]
3. I work in customer service at Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) Columbus. I often receive inquiries from vendors who have government contracts about contact information at the base. I would like if possible a listing of commercial numbers for all of the Air Force base operators. [Answer]
4. How do "8816" and "8817" relate to the billing number associated with the SIM card? [Answer]
5. What is the difference between item number 0006 (Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services [EMSS] Gateway Paging Services) and item number 0008 (EMSS Gateway Follow-Me Paging Services)? [Answer]
6. What happens if a hand-set is turned off and someone tries to call it? [Answer]
7. What is the "increment" for billing of airtime? [Answer]
8. Are there any issues related to transporting satellite telephones across national boundaries (customs, import restrictions licenses etc.)? [Answer]
9. What are INA-H and Improved Weather Reconnaissance System (IWRS) capabilities and limitations? [Answer]
10. What is the difference between Global Notification Service (GNS) and Follow-Me Paging (FMP)? [Answer]
11. Regarding deactivation/activation on SIM cards, does this mean the customer gets a new phone number every time the SIM card is deactivated? [Answer]
12. What is the time-frame for ISU warranties? [Answer]
13. When an organization moves, we will be in need of phone service to include DSN. How do we request guidance/assistance on obtaining such service. I would imagine that we would need some type of switch. Please advise. [Answer]
14. Who do I contact to obtain more information regarding EMSS Iridium Services? [Answer]
15. Who do I contact if trying to obtain personal identification numbers (PINs) for the EMSS Iridium Phone? [Answer]
16. How do I place a local overseas call from an Iridium Phone? [Answer]
17. What is needed to make an Iridium Phone secure? [Answer]
18. Does Iridium currently support Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)? [Answer]
19. Is it possible to acquire DSN services for our new VoIP system? We currently have DSN service but would like to get it directly from you for our VoIP system. [Answer]
20. Can a DSN user dial a worldwide 1-800 number to receive assistance with a problem? [Answer]
21. In early 2006, we received a new DSN prefix, 591. From to time-to-time, we receive complaints that other bases cannot dial our new prefix. For example, a deployed person in Honduras (DSN prefix 449) could not dial 591. However, the Comm squadron called their technician and the prefix was programmed into their switch. Is there anyway to ensure that bases have our new prefix programmed into their systems? [Answer]
22. The phone number you're listing on your web site for DSN operator assistance, 312-560-1110, rings a Mr. Katz with a mortgage company in Chicago. He says he can't change his number because it's published for his work, and he gets about 50 calls a day from DoD personnel. What's the problem? [Answer]
23. Where can I obtain information if DSN services are already approved by the Joint Staff in accordance with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 6215.01? If it is not already approved, by the Joint Staff, what are the approval procedures? Where can I locate other requirements that must be met for access to DSN? [Answer]
24. I am a contractor in Iraq and was wondering if you can provide any information on how to dial a DSN number from an Iridium SAT phone? [Answer]
25. I am looking for information on how to call Lansing, Michigan from Bamberg, Germany. [Answer]
26. Can I convert DSN 314 442 7110 to a commercial number? [Answer]
27. I work with a number of military customers but have no way to dial a DSN number. Is there a web-based tool available which will convert DSN to COMM numbers? [Answer]
28. We also make a fair number of OCONUS calls (particularly to Hawaii). I am trying to highlight the need for everyone to use DSN whenever possible instead of dialing commercial numbers. Can you direct me to a chart that shows what the various rates are for standard voice calls using DSN? I am specifically looking for anything that will show a "per minute" charge for voice calls based on the distance covered by the call. [Answer]
29. I am trying to find a number that I can dial on my DSN "fax machine" that will let me send faxes back to a 1-800 number in the States. I am currently stationed in Japan. [Answer]
30. I am the Communications Officer for the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) THREE and I am putting an unclassified brief together for families of deploying members. Someone told me that one can use a DSN phone from Iraq to call a switch near your homeport and then use a calling card so that it is not international rate, but local or national rate. Is this true and what is the entire number I would need to call if I was in Iraq trying to call Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme area ? Where is the closest switch ? [Answer]
31. Last year when I deployed Iraq, I had a DSN phone number that connected me directly to a dial tone, so that then all I had to do was enter my calling card number and I was connected. It by-passed the operator and went straight to the dial tone. I'm deploying to Iraq again the end of this month and I can't find that number. Please help!!! [Answer]
32. I am currently stationed in Iraq and have been issued an IraqNet cell phone. The problems I am having are as follows: [Answer]
- I need to be able to call locations that have only DSN and VoIP phone lines and have been unable to do this.
- Personnel need to be able to reach me from a DSN line. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
[Answer]
33. How do you call to a DSN phone number from an ordinary US home phone, and please, just a brief explanation? The following websites http://www.disa.mil/gs/dsn/tut_instruct.html and http://www.disa.mil/gs/dsn/tut_instruct.html give complicated ones. [Answer]
34. I am trying to get information concerning several DSN lines. The contractors here in Balad, Iraq are currently setting up to call one of two numbers in the US: 504-391-7900 or 703-343-8999. Once they are connected, they then call the DSN lines on base. As of a few days ago neither of these lines works. Who do I call to get them fixed, and who is the local responsible organization for these numbers? [Answer]
35. I have a relative over in Iraq who asked me to search for a DSN so that he may call his loves ones back in the U.S. Would you be able to give or direct me to a DSN that would be acceptable for the Dallas-Ft. Worth (TX) area? [Answer]
36. We have contractors in Southwest Asia who need to contact organizations who do not DSN phone capability. Is there a number they could dial to give them access to DSN? [Answer]
37. Our office is located just outside Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Indiana. We have several employees that we would place in our facility and therefore out of government space. I was told that they would require a DSN number to keep in communication with the Fleet. Is it possible to have a DSN number outside of a government base? [Answer]
38. I am stationed with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Madrid, Spain. Is it possible to call a DSN phone number from a commercial phone if the commercial equivalent is not listed or unavailable? For example, I am sponsoring a soldier currently stationed in a combat area, and he only has access to DSN. How can I call him? We DO NOT have DSN capability here, and often need to call DSN phone numbers. Is there a central operator who can transfer calls from a commercial network to the DSN one? If not, is there any way to get DSN here? [Answer]
III. USER INFORMATION AND QUESTIONS
1. Does one have to report on the NexCom switches in the BOQ/BEQs? The MCX connectors at our site have a central exchange (Centrex) installed, do I have to report that? Neither of these touches the Defense Information System Network (DISN) backbone, but they're here. [Answer]
2. If we have 3 EOs on a base; a host switch and 2 Remote Switching Units (RSUs) how do we report them? [Answer]
3. On one of the DSN Online forms there is a field for O&M Organization. Should I use my Office Symbol here? [Answer]
VI. ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS
This section includes all acronyms defined, as well as common definitions. [Answer]
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I. General Information and Overview
1. What is the DSN?For More Information |
Phone: |
The DISN Network provides global voice services through the DSN, a worldwide private-line telephone network. Multilevel precedence and preemption (MLPP) capabilities on the DSN utilized by command and control users ensure that the highest-priority calls achieve connection quickly, especially during a crisis situation. The DSN also provides global data and video services using dial-up switched 56 kbps or 64 kbps Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) services. Secure voice services are provided by the Secure Telephone Unit, Third-Generation/ Secure Terminal Equipment (STU-III/STE) family of equipment that provides end-to-end encryption over non-secure DSN circuits. Interfaces are provided between strategic and tactical forces, allied military networks and EMSS. The military services and agencies in the Department of Defense (DoD) are authorized users, but other federal government departments and agencies, allies and DoD contractors can also use the DSN if approved by the Joint Staff (in accordance with CJCSI 6215.01). For more information, go to “DISA Direct,” an e-business ordering and tracking system at http://www.ditco.disa.mil/products/ASP/welcome.ASP. Contact your telecommunications control officer to expand service at an existing location, or contact the DSN service manager for new service activation.
2. Who is listed in the DSN Telephone Directory?
Any post, camp, base, or station served by the DSN that formally requests to be included in the directory is listed. Individual listings are restricted to command level, agency level, or organization level. To be included in the DSN Telephone Directory, or to correct or delete an existing directory listing, complete the form included in Appendix A of the Directory (Request for Listing). Return the form to:
HQ DISA, Code GS23
PO Box 4502
Arlington, VA 22204-4502
Requests can also be sent via e-mail
II. Service
1. What is the difference between the "762" and "763" services?
762 service has restricted incoming calls (cannot receive calls from the Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTNs) around the world or from foreign Iridium users) and 763 has full capability (no restrictions).
2. What are 762/763 services relative to a SIM card?
There are different SIM cards for the 762 and 763 services.
3. I often receive inquiries from vendors who have government contracts about contact information at the base. I would like if possible a listing of commercial numbers for all of the Air Force base operators.
All of the commercial numbers we have you can find on our DSN directory.
4. How do "8816" and "8817" relate to the billing number associated with the SIM card?
There are different SIM cards for the 8816 and 8817 services.
5. What is the difference between item number 0006 (EMSS Gateway Paging Services) and item number 0008 (EMSS Gateway Follow-Me Paging Services)?
Item Number 0006 is the Stand-Alone Paging service which means that the pager is not used in conjunction with a satellite telephone. The user is allowed up to three Message Delivery Areas (MDAs) and must update when traveling outside these MDAs. Item Number 0008 is the Follow-Me Paging that is an optional service under the satellite voice service. Follow-Me Paging works with an Iridium phone to maintain the user's location and therefore eliminates the need to update your MDAs.
6. What happens if a hand-set is turned off and someone tries to call it?
If the MSISDN (SIM card) does not have voice mail, the system will tell the caller that the called party could not be reached. If there is voice mail, the system will also ask the caller if they would like to leave a voice mail.
7. What is the "increment" for billing of airtime?
Iridium charges are rounded up to the next minute.
8. Are there any issues related to transporting satellite telephones across national boundaries (customs, import restrictions licenses etc.)?
EMSS would not expect there to be a problem for the commercial terminal. Iridium is working very hard to get "permission" in all countries.
9. What are INA-H and Improved Weather Reconnaissance System (IWRS) capabilities and limitations?
They work identical to the normal commercial offering with the following exceptions:
- INA-H (EMSS Gateway) subscribers roaming on terrestrial carriers will not be reachable from DSN via their 717/707 numbers.
- INA-H subscribers roaming on terrestrial carriers will not be able to call DSN via the 696 "country code".
- INA-H subscribers who have roamed onto a terrestrial carrier must re-register themselves on the Iridium system before being reachable via 717/707.
- INA-H subscribers having 762 GE codes are not reachable via any PSTN, and so are able to be provisioned for IWRS.
10. What is the difference between Global Notification Service (GNS) and Follow-Me Paging (FMP)?
Iridium has changed the GNS to FMP. GNS is no longer used. It is now called Follow-Me Paging.
11. Regarding deactivation/activation on SIM cards, does this mean the customer gets a new phone number every time the SIM card is deactivated?
Yes, if the SIM card is deactivated a new number will need to be issued. The Global Broadcast Service (GBS) (in our case this resides at the INA Tempe Gateway) puts the phone number in a 90-day suspension when it gets terminated. This means that the number can not be reused for those 90 days. At the end of the 90 days, the number is put back into the pool of numbers and can be reissued to the next request for activation.
12. What is the time-frame for ISU warranties?
The warranty is the standard commercial warranty of one year from the time we ship. It does not start from the activation date even if it is a delayed activation.
13. When an organization moves, we will be in need of phone service to include DSN. How do we request guidance/assistance on obtaining such service. I would imagine that we would need some type of switch. Please advise.
Please get in touch our DISA Scott office at DSN 770-8827 or commercial 618-220-8827. You'll need to go through a certified switch; if not your own, then maybe you could be connected through another switch close by that is already connected to DSN.
14. Who do I contact to obtain more information regarding EMSS Iridium Services?
More information can be obtained by contacting the EMSS Program Office.
15. Who do I contact if trying to obtain personal identification numbers (PINs) for the EMSS Iridium Phone?
If you have a Crypto PIN, then you must contact your Communications Security (COMSEC) custodian. More information can be obtained from the EMSS Program Office regarding initial PIN numbers.
16. How do I place a local overseas call from an Iridium Phone?
Click here for Dialing Hints. Please note that Iridium LLC may not have a Host Nation Agreement in place with the local phone company to process your calls. Iridium is currently addressing these issues. Click here for International dialing codes.
17. What is needed to make an Iridium Phone secure?
The Iridium phone itself is not a secure device. An Iridium Secure Module (Type I Secure Sleeve) must be attached to the phone device with a SIM card in order to support secure functionality. Secure services are classified as Handset to Handset, or to a STU-III/STE (in the STU-III mode). Please contact the EMSS Program Office for more information.
18. Does Iridium currently support VoIP?
Currently, Iridium does not support VoIP
19. Is it possible to acquire DSN services for our new VoIP system?
We currently have DSN service but would like to get it directly from you for our VoIP system. I'm sorry, but at the present we are not offering VoIP over the DSN backbone. There are some bases switches that have it, but they can't get from the base to our DSN. We are working toward this capability and hopefully, in the near future, this will be a service we can offer.
20. Can a DSN user dial a worldwide 1-800 number to receive assistance with a problem?
Yes, you can call our DISN CONUS Call Center (DCCC) at 800-554-3476 or DSN 850-4790.
21. In early 2006, we received a new DSN prefix, 591. From to time-to-time, we receive complaints that other bases cannot dial our new prefix. For example, a deployed person in Honduras (DSN prefix 449) could not dial 591. However, the Comm Squadron called their tech and the prefix was programmed into their switch. Is there anyway to ensure that bases have our new prefix programmed into their systems?
It is the responsibility of each location to notify their Community of Interest (COI) when they acquire a new number, and it is DISA's policy that the bases not restrict their switches from calling a DSN prefix. Our DSN switches screen the prefixes for validity and provide recordings when not a valid number. We are unable to ascertain why 449 could not dial 591, unless the 449 number is being restricted for some reason? Do you know what happened when 449 tried calling 591? Knowing this might help us determine the cause.
22. The phone number you're listing on your web site for DSN operator assistance, 312-560-1110, rings a Mr. Katz with a mortgage company in Chicago. He says he can't change his number because it's published for his work, and he gets about 50 calls a day from DoD personnel. What's the problem?
This number has been a DSN working number for a long time. It goes to our base operator at Schriever AFB. It sounds like the DoD customer's are forgetting to use their DSN line when dialing the number which would make sense as to why they are getting a commercial location. We are under a different system than the commercial world, so changing the number wouldn't necessarily fix everything. As a matter of fact, 312 is a Chicago area code and we also use it in the DSN for CONUS. So, the number does not need to be changed. Even if we changed the number, and our customers make the same mistake, they could end up at a different commercial location.
23. Where can I obtain information if DSN services are already approved by the Joint Staff in accordance with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 6215.01? If it is not already approved, by the Joint Staff, what are the approval procedures? Where can I locate other requirements that must be met for access to DSN?
One half of a floor in Crystal City and the leaser provides commercial service and our users require DSN in and out of the facility. Defense Telecommunications Service Washington (DTSW) said that we would need to purchase and install a separate switch, telephones and our own commercial trunk. To be able to use the leaser PBX and limit access to an office, please review the sites below.
Please review the following informational sites: http://www.disa.mil/gs/dsn/ops_connect.html
To view current products on the DSN APL: http://jitc.fhu.disa.mil/tssi/apl.html
To see what products are currently scheduled: http://jitc.fhu.disa.mil/tssi/schedule.html
To submit a product for testing: http://www.disa.mil/gs/dsn/jic/index.html.
To submit for a desktop review or an update: (APL) Product Submission Form
24. I am a contractor in Iraq and was wondering if you can provide any information on how to dial a DSN number from an Iridium SAT phone?
The for EMSS handsets there are different dialing codes for each transport much the same as dialing 94 for DSN or 99 for commercial, just a little more involved. To dial a DSN number from an EMSS handset (must be EMSS and not commercial Iridium), you use the following dialing string: 00 + 696 + DSN Area Code (CONUS is 312) + 7 digit DSN number.
25. I am looking for information on how to call Lansing, Michigan from Bamberg, Germany.
From your question, we are not sure if you have a DSN switch board number. All the numbers we have worldwide can be found at the following site (www.disa.mil} in the DSN Directory.
26. Can I convert DSN 314 442 7110 to a commercial number?
For DNS assistance please contact phonedsn@disa.mil.
27. I work with a number of military customers but have no way to dial a DSN number. Is there a web-based tool available which will convert DSN to COMM numbers?
The only way to dial a DSN number is to have a DSN line. A workaround would be if you can find a military base operator's commercial number and see if they will transfer your call. All of our commercial/DSN conversion numbers are listed in our DSN Directory.
28. We also make a fair number of OCONUS calls (particularly to Hawaii). I am trying to highlight the need for everyone to use DSN whenever possible instead of dialing commercial numbers. Can you direct me to a chart that shows what the various rates are for standard voice calls using DSN? I am specifically looking for anything that will show a "per minute" charge for voice calls based on the distance covered by the call.
Basically, DSN no longer charges minutes of use since DISN Subscription Services (DSS) (formerly EPP) was established. There are approximately 400 customer DSS/EPP sites that subscribe to DISN Transmission, which includes various subscription services of which DSN voice services is one of the DISN products/services included in the yearly cost of the pipe. So, if you are a customer on a base that is an EPP/DSS site and the predominant DISN services user is paying for the pipe subscription, the customer can call DSN all he wants and not be charged for minutes of use. The service included in cost of yearly subscription of transmission. If you have any additional questions, I recommend you call Ms Jo Prince at 703-882-1498 or DSN 381-1498, she is our billing/rates expert.
29. I am trying to find a number that I can dial on my DSN "fax machine" that will let me send faxes back to a 1-800 number in the States. I am currently stationed in Japan.
There is a DSN number 809-463-3376 that can only be used with calling cards or 800 numbers. Just dial the number like any other DSN number, wait for the second dial tone then follow the instructions on your calling card or dial the 800 number.
30. I am the Communications Officer for the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) THREE and I am putting an unclassified brief together for families of deploying members. Someone told me that one can use a DSN phone from Iraq to call a switch near your homeport and then use a calling card so that it is not international rate, but local or national rate. Is this true and what is the entire number I would need to call if I was in Iraq trying to call Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme area ? Where is the closest switch ?
The DSN number 809-463-3376 is what you can use with a calling card. Just dial the 809 number just like you would any other DSN number, wait for the second dial tone, then follow the instructions on your calling card or dial your 800 number. If a location/individual has an 800 number, then you wouldn't need a calling card, just dial the 809 number and wait for the dial tone, then dial your 800 number. Actually, there is a switch at Ventura Naval Base and
31. Last year when I deployed Iraq, I had a DSN phone number that connected me directly to a dial tone, so that then all I had to do was enter my calling card number and I was connected. It by-passed the operator and went straight to the dial tone. I'm deploying to Iraq again the end of this month and I can't find that number. Please help!!!
The DSN number to use with a calling card or 800 number is 809-463-3376.
32. I am currently stationed in Iraq and have been issued an IraqNet cell phone. The problems I am having are as follows:
- I need to be able to call locations that have only DSN and VoIP phone lines and have been unable to do this.
- Personnel need to be able to reach me from a DSN line. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
We are not sure how you accomplish this using an IraqNet cell phone on DSN. We recommend that you contact whoever gave you the phone. The phone would have to be certified to use on DSN and I don't believe they are. Unless both of you have DSN, you won't be able to call each other and would have to call commercially.
33. How do you call to a DSN phone number from an ordinary US home phone, and please, just a brief explanation? The following website http://www.disa.mil/gs/dsn/tut_instruct.html give complicated ones.
You cannot unless a base will transfer your call, and we do not know which ones will and which ones will not. Each base decides whether these specific call transfers are supported or not
34. I am trying to get information concerning several DSN lines. The contractors here in Balad, Iraq are currently setting up to call one of two numbers in the US: 504-391-7900 or 703-343-8999. Once they are connected, they then call the DSN lines on base. As of a few days ago neither of these lines works. Who do I call to get them fixed, and who is the local responsible organization for these numbers?
The numbers you’re referring too, 504 & 703, are not DSN numbers in the US, and we are not responsible for commercial numbers. You'll probably need to contact Verizon or the base you are connected too, to find out who is providing the service.
35. I have a relative over in Iraq who asked me to search for a DSN so that he may call his loves ones back in the U.S. Would you be able to give or direct me to a DSN that would be acceptable for the Dallas-Ft. Worth (TX) area?
There is a DSN # 809-463-3376 that can be used if the calling card or the number being dialed is an 800 number. You first dial the 809 number, wait for the second dial tone, then follow the instructions on the calling card. Some bases will transfer their calls to commercial numbers, but we do not know who they are. The list of bases they can find in our DSN directory.
36. We have contractors in Southwest Asia who need to contact organizations who do not DSN phone capability. Is there a number they could dial to give them access to DSN?Unless they have the commercial number of a base that will transfer their call or have a DSN line put in, there is no way.
37. Our office is located just outside Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Indiana. We have several employees that we would place in our facility and therefore out of government space. I was told that they would require a DSN number to keep in communication with the Fleet. Is it possible to have a DSN number outside of a government base?
- Yes there is a way, but if you are a contractor you will have to have a sponsor and there are monthly recurring costs involved. Furthermore you will have to be connected to a certified switch. Where do you get your DSN service from now?
Any service that we currently use is provided by the Navy in their NSWC Crain, IN facilities. We are located about a mile outside the gate in a new technology park. We are the first building in the park and we are trying to move some of our contractors to free up the government space. Could you give me details or point me in the right direction for the cost, connection and switch? I assume our particular NSWC Crane customer would be the sponsor.
- A government sponsor and the purchase of a certified switch from our APL, (found on the JITC website), is required. The government sponsor will need to write a letter of justification to the Joint Staff, copying this office, stating why the DSN service is required. Please don’t forget to make clear whether global access is required, how many people will be using the service, whether two-way/one-way is used, and if there is a specific custom/location that calls will be made to.
The only way to call from commercial to a DSN line is to find a base operator somewhere that will transfer your call. We have commercial and/or DSN equivalent listings for some locations in our DSN Directory that you'll find on our website at www.disa.mil. You may try calling one of the base commercial numbers to see if they will transfer your call. Also, you may want to check with your NATO contacts because they do have DSN access in some locations. Furthermore, you may at least call them and they may transfer your call. Because the requirements for having access to DSN are very involved, I would recommend trying the above, and if you do not succeed, let us know and we will be glad to assist you further. In the meantime I will check with our DISA Europe POCs to see if there are any other possibilities.
III. User Information and Questions
1. Does one have to report on the NexCom switches in the BOQ/BEQs? The MCX connectors at our site have a central exchange (Centrex) installed, do I have to report that? Neither of these touches the DISN backbone, but they're here.
Yes. The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) tasking letter states "...a complete inventory of all telecommunications switches that are, or will be installed or connected to the DSN (to include tactical switches) or public switched telecommunications networks" needs to be completed.
2. If we have 3 EOs on a base; a host switch and 2 Remote Switching Units (RSUs) how do we report them?
Report them as 3 separate switches; be sure you specifically state the function of each switch and report the host switch as your Remote Switch.
3. On one of the DSN Online forms there is a field for O&M Organization. Should I use my Office Symbol here?
No. Whoever operates and maintains the switch is the real question. For example, in Hawaii the answer is a DISA contractor. The agency is DISA. At most sites it will be the organization (for example: 198 Signal Battalion, NCTAMS-LANT NORFOLK VA/N2).
IV. Acronyms and Definitions
Accreditation |
Accreditation is the formal approval to operate which is granted by the Designated Approval Authority (DAA) |
APL |
Approved Products List |
ATO |
Authority to Connect |
BEQ |
Bachelor Enlisted Quarters |
BOQ |
Bachelor Officers' Quarters |
C2 |
Command and Control |
CENTAF |
US Air Forces, US Central Command |
CENTCOM |
US Central Command |
Centrex |
Central exchange |
Certification |
Certification is the evaluation of the technical and non technical security features of an information system. Certification is granted by the Certifying Authority. |
CJCSI |
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction |
CO |
Central Office |
COI |
Community of Interest |
Comm |
Communication |
COMSEC |
Communications Security |
CONUS |
Continental United States |
DAA |
Designated Approval Authority |
DCCC |
DISN CONUS Call Center |
DFAS |
Defense Finance and Accounting Service |
DISA |
Defense Information Systems Agency |
DISN |
Defense Information System Network |
DITSCAP |
DoD Information Technology Security Certification and Accreditation Process |
DoD |
Department of Defense |
DoDI |
DoD Instruction |
DSN |
Defense Switched Network |
DSS |
DISN Subscription Services |
DTSW |
Defense Telecommunications Service Washington |
EO |
End Office |
EMSS |
Enhanced Mobile Satellite Service |
FAQs |
Frequently Asked Questions |
FIPS |
Federal Information Processing Standard |
FMP |
Follow-Me Paging |
FSO |
Field Security Office |
GBS |
Global Broadcast Service |
GNS |
Global Notification Service |
GSCR |
Generic Switch Certification Requirements |
Hz |
hertz |
IA |
Information Assurance |
IAO |
Information Assurance Officer |
IASE |
Information Assurance Support Environment |
IIS |
Internet Information Server |
INA-T |
Iridium North American |
IO |
Interoperability |
Interoperability Certification |
The DISA test facility at JITC has certified several telephone switch models as interoperable. JITC has posted the list of certified switches on their web site. If you cannot determine the status of your telephone switch certification, put NO on the inventory. |
ISU |
Iridium Satellite Unit |
ISDN |
Integrated Services Digital Network |
IWRS |
Improved Weather Reconnaissance System |
JITC |
Joint Interoperability Test Command |
kbps |
kilobits per second |
MCEB |
Military Communications-Electronics Board |
MDA |
Message Delivery Area |
MLPP |
Multilevel Precedence and Preemption |
MSISDN |
Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network |
| NATO | North Atlantic Treaty Organization |
NCR |
National Capital Region |
NIPRNet |
Unclassified but Sensitive Internet Protocol Router Network |
NMCB |
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion |
NSTISSP |
National Security Telecommunications and Information Systems Security Policy |
| NSWC | Naval Surface Warfare Center |
O&M |
Operations and Maintenance |
OCRS |
Online Compliance Reporting System |
OSD |
Office of the Secretary of Defense |
PBX |
Private Branch Exchange |
PDI |
Potential Discrepancy Item |
PIN |
Personal Identification Number |
PM |
Program Manager |
PSTN |
Public Switched Telephone Network |
RSU |
Remote Switching Unit |
SERS |
Special Emergency Radio Service |
SIM |
Subscriber Identity Module |
SIM Card |
Also known as a "smart card," A SIM card is the physical item that contains all necessary information for uniquely identifying a subscriber. |
Software Patch Levels |
Vendors send out bundled software load updates (software code) known as patches, to update and/or fix problems in the software. The software load and software patches are considered when a switch is certified by DISA. You may require the software vendor to provide you information on the software patch levels. |
ST&E |
Security Test & Evaluation |
STIG |
Security Implementation Guide |
SRR |
Security Readiness Review |
SSAA |
System Security Authorization Agreement |
STU-III/STE |
Secure Telephone Unit, Third-Generation/Secure Terminal Equipment |
DSN DIRECTORY
- Complete Directory
- AFRICOM
- Alaska
- Australia
- Canada
- CONUS
- Europe
- Pacific
- Central
- UK MOD DFTS
- DSN Gateways
- Commercial No. Conversion
- Alaska
- Australia & Pacific
- CONUS
- OCONUS
- Canada