HHSNet

Program Overview

HHSNet is a department wide initiative to optimize current HHS networks and communications services. The project, which began in FY02, has focused on network modernization and billing reconciliation.

HHSNet consolidates various Information Technology (IT) infrastructures within HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) into a unified IT infrastructure. This enables HHS to maintain better control of IT purchases, resources and overall infrastructures. The network supports many applications that are vital for departmental inventory management and centralized financial and human resource management in support of the President’s Management Agenda and the Secretary’s One HHS Vision.

HHSNet is a department wide initiative to design a comprehensive network that encompasses all aspects of the HHS Enterprise Network, including the build-out of the HHSNet Network Operation Center (HHS/NOC), while maintaining a strong security posture. The goals of the network redesign are to support intraoperational division communications to ensure high performance and reliability of strategic systems.

IPV6 Transitions

HHSNet currently supports the IPv4 protocol which is limited globally to 4,294,967,296 unique IP addresses based on its 32-bit address architecture. As more mobile phones, entertainment systems, and other types of electronic devices are connected to the Internet for everyday purposes, IP addresses limitations will become a real problem in the not-too-distant future. IPv6 is based on a 128-bit address architecture which will ensure sufficient, unique IP addresses for the foreseeable future.