Base Information Services Network Operations Centre
How many people work in the Network Operations Centre?
The Network Operations Centre currently has 16 personnel, seven civilians and nine military members. Normally there would be more military personnel, but all other units are shorthanded.
What are the responsibilities of the Network Operations Centre?
- The Network Operations Centre (NOC) is responsible for the creation and management of CSNI (Secret network) accounts. The NOC continuously monitors all Secret networks and reports any identified issues to the appropriate service teams for resolution.
- The NOC operates 24/7 and provides continuous monitoring and support, including during overnight shifts. As part of the NOC’s overnight responsibilities, their personnel conduct regular server room inspections and monitor the server room temperature. Maintaining an appropriate temperature is critical, as excessive heat can cause servers and other equipment to overheat, potentially resulting in equipment failure or damage. When elevated temperatures are identified, NOC personnel coordinate with the appropriate personnel and implement established heat-mitigation measures to help reduce the temperature and protect the equipment.
- The NOC also provides after-hours support for Defence Network (DWAN)-related issues. As a 24/7 operation, NOC personnel can perform basic troubleshooting for common DWAN issues and, when required, create and document Assyst tickets for the DWAN Help Desk to investigate and resolve during regular business hours.
- The NOC serves as a primary point of contact for ships at sea experiencing IT-related issues. NOC personnel coordinate with the appropriate technical and service teams to troubleshoot issues, facilitate communication, and assist in restoring services as efficiently as possible.
Overall, the NOC provides continuous monitoring, first-line support, coordination, and escalation services to help maintain the availability, reliability, and security of critical network and IT services.
How does the NOC team support CAF members and/or operations?
The NOC supports CAF personnel and operations in many ways, including:
- Serving as the primary point of contact for CSNI-related issues and inquiries. The NOC provides guidance and technical insight on matters involving security protocols, network operations, and other technical issues. The team’s support extends beyond users ashore to include IT personnel aboard ships at sea.
- Assisting users and shipboard IT personnel by providing recommendations and guidance based on established procedures, technical knowledge, and lessons learned from previous incidents. When an issue falls outside the NOC’s area of expertise, we identify and engage the appropriate technical personnel to ensure that accurate information and support are provided.
- Distributing Base-wide email messages related to upcoming IT service outages and other scheduled service-impacting events. The NOC responds to user inquiries and provides clarification whenever possible. When additional expertise is required, NOC personnel coordinate with the appropriate service teams to obtain the necessary information and ensure that users receive accurate and timely responses.
- Quickly identifying and engaging the appropriate personnel when an incident requires urgent action. Effective coordination and knowledge of available resources allow the NOC to rapidly escalate issues and ensure that affected users and units are kept informed of the situation, the personnel involved, and the expected resolution. This responsibility is particularly important when supporting ships at sea, where operational timelines can be critical and timely resolution of IT issues is essential. The NOC maintains continuous communication with affected ships throughout an incident, coordinating with the appropriate technical teams and providing regular updates. This ensures that shipboard personnel and command remain informed of the status of the issue, the actions being taken, and the anticipated timeline for restoration.
Where is the team located and how can we contact them?
The NOC is located at HMC Dockyard but the best way to contact them is by calling 427-2540. The NOC is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Are there any noteworthy achievements or interesting facts to share about the NOC team?
Except for one member, all members of the NOC civilian team are former Naval Communicators (NAV COMMs) with at least 10 years of experience, and all military members are current NAV COMM personnel. Users who contact the NOC are often aware of this, particularly shipboard IT sections. The expertise across the NOC provides a level of reassurance, as there is a strong likelihood that their team can understand and appreciate the circumstances a ship or unit is dealing with.
Archives:
Pay & Records, Shearwater Base Orderly Room
IT Business Line Advisory Services
BLog Material Control Division’s D206 Main Warehouse
Base Information Services Naval Operational Software Systems
PSP Fitness, Sports and Recreation teams (Halifax and Shearwater)
Base Logistics System Control Division
Formation Coordinator Official Languages
Base Information Services Project Management Office
Base Comptroller – Accounts Payable
Base Logistics Procurement Division
Transportation Services – Base Logistics Transport, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Division
