Demystifying The Different Types of Command Centers
What is a Command Center?
Command centers serve as a centralized space to control and monitor critical operations. Often referred to as the “war room” or “CC”, command centers are used in various applications including military, government and private industries. Due to the sensitive nature of certain organizations, these facilities are highly secured and designed to ensure the performance of daily operations under various circumstances 24/7/365. Characterized as intensive work environments command centers require complex coordination of personnel making the use for large video wall stands and custom technical furniture configurations necessary to collect, analyze, and perform related tasks. The command center is one of the most critical areas in a given facility meaning that each industry requires specific and effective tools to manage operations regardless of circumstances. In the next paragraphs, different types of command centers are defined based on their applications.
Network Operation Centers (NOC)
Also known as “Network Management Center”, the NOC is a centralized area supervised and maintained by IT technicians over computer, telecommunications or satellite networks. Serving as the principal respondent for software troubleshooting, NOCs also ensure software distribution, router updates and domain management in coordination with affiliated networks. The activities conducted by IT technicians range from troubleshooting software DDoS Attacks, power outages, network failures, and client routing systems. If an issue were to occur, the NOC is equipped to identify the origin of the failure and respond effectively. Common equipment found in network operation centers includes KVMs, rack installations, IP-PDU setup, and server cabling that ensure the reliability of the network. Frequently laid out with rows of consoles, video walls portray details of highly significant alarms, ongoing incidents and general network performance. Similarly, technicians require several computer screens to manage related tasks directly from their consoles.
Emergency Operation Centers (EOC)
The emergency operations center is defined as the central command and control facility in charge of managing emergencies and disaster at strategic levels during critical events while ensuring the continuity of operations. The EOC serves as a support function to field assets by collecting and analyzing data to develop strategic decisions that protect lives and property by disseminating the information to the related agencies. EOCs are found in many nations at the government level as well as in corporations dealing with a substantial number of employees and assets.
Similarly, EOC may be located near emergency communications center (ECC) also known as “public safety answering point” (PSAP) where callers make initial contact by dialling 9–1–1 and get assistance by trained dispatch operators. Depending on the situation, dispatchers redirect the calls to the relevant agencies who send assistance in the field. For instance, firefighting, police, or ambulance services. In North America, counties or large cities manage these services. Organizations such as the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) in the U.S set industry standards and encourages the implementation of new technologies. For instance, the Next Generation 9–1–1 (NG911) initiative which provides the ability to improve emergency communications services in today’s mobile society to receive text messages, images, video and data information. Considering that emergency control centers are operated 24/7 with dispatchers usually working for long shifts, operators require technical furniture and consoles tailored to their needs.
Security Operation Centers (SOC)
The “security operations centers” or SOC is a specialized unit in charge of resolving security issues within a building or facility. Typically, the SOC is equipped with data processing technology to monitor and control various functions including alarms, doors, and entry barriers. Similarly, “information security operations centers” also referred to as ISOCs are dedicated departments where critical information systems and endpoints are surveilled. For instance, databases, servers domains, web applications, and networks. The principal function of security operations centers is to serve as a communication hub for security personnel including law enforcement officers, airport customs and various other agencies. SOCs are normally operated 24/7. The SOC ensures that security protocols are being followed as they are the first to be notified of incidents. In the case of an airport, the SOC is responsible for handling issues pertaining to contraband, weapons, hazardous materials but also issues regarding flight delays, passenger injuries, damaged equipment and various other potential security threats. SOC infrastructures are equipped to protect sensitive data and comply with industry or government regulations. For instance, technical furniture & consoles, firewalls, IPS/IDS, breach detection solutions, event management (SIEM) system, telemetry, packet capture, Syslog, and other methods so that data activity can be correlated and analyzed by SOC staff.
Tactical Operation Centers (TOC)
The “tactical operations center” or TOC refers to the command post for law enforcement and military applications. A TOC consists of multiple integrated platforms that combine data, video, and voice communications networks designed for the tactical environment to provide situational awareness information to the commander and his team. Small groups of highly trained officers and military personnel normally operate TOCs to guide members in the field and provide tactical support during missions. Mainly comprised of security analysts, these are responsible for analyzing, responding, and reporting incidents during critical situations. Since team communication is crucial for the success of operations, TOCs also requires line-of-sight communication between team members and the operation officer or commander. Therefore, technical furniture is often laid out ergonomically to provide easy access to wall monitors. Considering the degree of sensitive information that is managed in this type of command center, TOCs operate advanced computer systems to keep track of operational progress and maintain active communications with personnel in the field. Note that smaller TOCs setups such as temporary tent outposts and vehicles/vans which brings an array of security issues to consider.
Combined Operation Centers (COS)
The combined operations center is defined as a large common area in charge of tactical and operational control of various divisions. This type of command center includes air and space traffic control, broadcast and energy and utility sectors. For instance, in the United States, the Air & Space Operations Center (AOC) combines five divisions to form a strategic center of the command and benefit from specialized information. The divisions include the strategy division (SRD), the combat plans division (CPD), the combat operations division (COD), Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Division (ISRD), and the Air Mobility Division (AMD). When more than one military service is necessary, such as the naval and aviation divisions, they incorporate into the Joint Air and Space Operations Center (JAOC). In cases of international operations (NATO) pertaining to air and space operations, the AOC becomes a Combined Air and Space Operations Center (CAOC). Similarly, when integrating space forces from various countries operations are controlled by the Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC). The goal of the CSpOC is to provide a centralized facility to operate worldwide joint space forces and integrate space power with global military operations.
About Sustema Inc.
Over the last 20 years, Sustema has successfully helped thousands of customers in North America to organize and manage their mission-critical command centers, 911 dispatch centers, war rooms, IT labs, data centers, and collaborative environments.
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