Base Access Area Communications Test Needs

The Base Access Area is a system of telephone cable, terminal and support communications equipment that delivers an analog or digital communications circuit from the Defense Communications System (DCS) technical control or commercial common carrier to the base or post user. Considerable effort has been expended toward upgrade of the back-bone transmission systems, networks and technical control facilities. Until recently, minimal effort has been directed toward the base access area. This paper outlines base communications problems, test and fault isolation needs, and solutions derived in a recent study of access area communications. It further discusses the proposed Base Access Area Automated Reporting System (BAAARS) which upgrades the on-base/post fault isolation and testing capability.