FNC Working Groups and Committees

FNC Executive Committee

The FNC's Executive Committee is comprised of representatives of the participating HPCC agencies with major network initiatives and others as designated by the FNC chairperson. The Executive Committee provides support to the FNC chairperson and serves as primary decision making and implementing body of the FNC to coordinate with the NSTC HPCCIT Subcommittee on HPCC crosscut budgets, plans, and activities. It will also perform annual reviews of FNC working groups and task groups with regard to membership, purpose, and continuing need in order to make changes as appropriate.

FNC

The Federal Networking Council (FNC) consists of representatives from Federal Agencies that have requirements for operating and using networking facilities, mainly in support of research and education, and for advancing the evolution of the federally funded portion of the Internet. The FNC works closely with the appropriate Federal committees and private organizations to provide a broader forum for discussion and resolution of networking plans, operations, and issues.

FNC Working Groups:

Engineering & Operations Working Group (EOWG) The Engineering and Operations Working Group is responsible for integrating new network technologies into the Interagency Internet and providing support to the Federal HPCC Program. The EOWG oversees the ongoing operation of the Federal research and education portion of the Internet and has overall responsibility for coordinating the requirements, engineering, and operational activities, for both domestic and international research and education requirements, for implementing the Interagency Internet.
Education Working Group (EWG) The FNC Education Working Group prepares reports on issues, requirements, and recommended FNC activities with regard to educational networking support, needs, and benefits.
Policy Working Group (PWG) The Policy Working Group is currently inactive, but may be re-activated should policy issues warrant such action. In conjunction with the FNC Executive Committee (FNCEC), other FNC working groups and the FNC at large, the PWG is generally responsible for identifying, documenting, and reviewing policy issues affecting the development of the Interagency Internet. It works with the FNCEC to develop plans and proposals for managing the Interagency Internet and for the operation of the FNC; identify policy issues associated with the operation and evolution of the Federal portion of the Internet; and develop policies and plans to address these issues. Currently, these responsibilities are being shared by the FNCEC, the FNC, and the FNC working groups.
Privacy & Security Working Group (PSWG) The Privacy & Security Working Group is responsible for addressing network security technology, management, and administration issues related to maintaining and improving the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of Interagency Internet resources. It will also review security requirements of the evolving NREN and propose technical developments, operational guidelines, and administrative procedures needed to meet them. It prepares input to the FNC, as needed, on security related matters. The PSWG works closely with other organizations developing or defining security policies, standards, services, and mechanisms in fulfilling these duties.