Wireless Network Offers a Link Home for Soldiers at Overseas Bases

Aruba Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARUN), a global leader in wireless LANs and secure mobility solutions, today announced that its wireless networks have been deployed by Babylon Telecommunications Inc. at Joint Base Balad in Iraq to provide Internet access to over 20,000 soldiers. Prior to this deployment there was no authorized Internet access at the base for the individual soldiers, making it difficult for troops to stay in touch with loved ones and affecting morale. Babylon Telecommunications was awarded a contract by the Army & Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) to handle the integration services and provide Internet service at Joint Base Balad, the largest US military base in the region.

Aruba was selected for the project because of its mesh technology, ruggedized outdoor access points, and unrivaled ability to handle high densities of users. Mesh technology enables Wi-Fi access points to be located, and relocated, anywhere within a base without installing data cabling. Laptops are located in clusters throughout the bases, and dozens of laptops are served by each access point. Aruba’s client-to-core security ensures the privacy of communications and protects the integrity of the network.