IDAHO FALLS — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently designated Idaho National Laboratory's (INL) Wireless Test Bed as a National User Facility. Establishing the Wireless Test Bed as a National User Facility will help assert U.S. leadership in full-scale research, development, demonstration and scientific investigation of wireless communications systems.

The unique capabilities at this National User Facility will enable industrial, federal and academic researchers to address national challenges in infrastructure security, communications interoperability, spectrum utilization, and the reliability of wireless technologies. INL’s isolated location paired with DOE’s significant investment in infrastructure created an ideal situation for those interested in full-scale wireless research. With a decade of experience in the operation of national security and critical infrastructure test ranges, INL offers a credible and integrated approach to solve national challenges. Daniel Poneman, the United States Deputy Secretary of Energy, first announced the designation to the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) today.

"The energy security of our nation requires sustainable innovation, development and deployment of secure and resilient communications technologies that are scientifically proven and demonstrated to operate at scale,” Poneman said. “With this new Wireless National User Facility, DOE will provide the nation with unmatched research and demonstration capabilities.”

Designation of the Wireless Test Bed at INL as a National User Facility will directly contribute to the development of improved products and processes, encourage innovative scientific research, and will increase U.S. scientific competitiveness. The Wireless National User Facility offers unique domestic capabilities and laboratories that were designed, built and continue to be operated today by industry experts and national research leaders, and it provides capabilities and expertise that industry, universities and regulatory agencies will be able to utilize.

INL is one of the DOE's 10 multiprogram national laboratories. The laboratory performs work in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and environment. INL is the nation's leading center for nuclear energy research and development. Day-to-day management and operation of the laboratory are the responsibility of Battelle Energy Alliance.