The AWIPS wide area network provides the point-to-point, multipoint-to-point communication capability for NWS AWIPS sites. It is a private network for weather data distribution among the AWIPS sites. This nation-wide network was completely deployed in 1999. It interconnects about 138 sites: WFOs, co-located RFC/WFOs, Regional Headquarters, National Center, and Network Control Function (NCF) in CONUS, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico.

The paper will briefly present the network architecture; this will include the topology, routing protocol, IP address space, and Alaska and Pacific sites special connectivity. The network has built-in redundant features, and backup schemes to support the network availability. The domain name convention and the network security issue will also be discussed.

AWIPS NCF proactively monitors the WAN by using COTS network management tools, and in-house developed software to monitor the network including circuit quality, backup circuit functionality and router configuration.

The network went through two major planned events, a network circuit bandwidth upgrade in 2000 and a change of carrier provider from AT&T to MCI/WorldCom network in 2001. Each of these events took place over several months. PRC and NWS had worked together to come up with procedures to upgrade, test, and cutover the network to minimize the impact on the operational network.