STE Phones: 4 Kinds and Detail Description
What is STE? STE (Secure Terminal Equipment) is a communication system used by US government with enhanced security level. The purpose of STE communication is to prevent any kind of malicious attempt to access information. This communication system uses the ISDN telephone line. These communication systems are not used by the common public. They are used by security personnel, armed forces and other people related to the US government. How does this communication system differ from the standard communication systems? One of the biggest differences is the level of voice clarity. STE phones provide a much higher level of voice clarity as compared to the standard communication systems.
In terms of types, there are four types of STE phones. Given below are the names of these types and descriptions related to them.
Office Secure Terminal Equipment:
The Office STE equipment is a high standard secure communication system with state of the art encryption system. It is a communication system verified and recommended by NSA. Government officials use it for secure video conferencing as well.
For important calls related to US government, crystal clear communication is an important parameter. A standard communication system cannot be used for this purpose. The office STE communication system has a much higher level of communication clarity.
Government officials can use this communication system for secure file transfer and video conferencing as well. As the security mechanism of the office STE communication system is dependable, government officials and security personnel depend on it and use it without any doubt.
In terms of targeted users, this office STE communication system is used by army personnel, security professionals and government officials.
Data Secure Terminal Equipment:
The Data Secure Terminal equipment is key communication mechanism for secure file transfer. Users who use this communication system include US government officials, army personnel and professionals related to the US Security.
In terms of file transfer, the speed provided by this system is much faster than a normal communication system. Other than that, the security standard provided for file transfer purposes is quite high. In other words, the chances of information being leaked or being used for malicious purposes does not exist.
In terms of compatibility with operating systems, the Data STE is compatible with Windows XP and 2000.
Professionals who use STE phones need to access remote networks in a secure manner. This is very much possible if you are using Data STE. Along with that, a lengthy process for call set up purposes does not need to be executed.
When you talk about Data STE, army personnel and government officials who use this device select a system that is 100% secure. Data STE is completely dependable and any kind of classified information cannot go into the wrong hands.
Communication that takes place by using Data STE is completely secure and encrypted. In other words, malicious attackers cannot get any idea of the communication taking place.
STE Remote Controllable Secure Voice and Data Terminal:
The STE remote controllable device is also meant for US government officials and army personnel. For providing the highest level of security, this equipment has a crypto card installed. This helps in smooth and secure communication. This STE terminal is mainly used for voice conferencing. The user does not have to go through lengthy process if he wishes to upgrade the software. Relevant updates can be downloaded easily without any problem. The equipment has an auto answer feature as well.
This feature is activated automatically if a mission is not answered. Army professionals and government personnel who use this device can adjust the security level according to their preferences. By default, there are two security levels and the users can adjust the security level according to their preferences. The security level can be adjusted at the minimum level, maximum level or anywhere between the two.
Secure Voice Conferencing System:
This STE system supports different kinds of conferences. One of these types is called the “Meet Me” conference. When this secure conference is initiated, the number of participants who would be a part of the conference would be identified in advance. This kind of conferencing has a pre- defined code that provides access to the conference. Another kind of conference type that this system provides is called the alerting conference or the preset conference. Through this conference, a pre-programmed number is dialed which triggers all the people who are a part of the conference.
Another conference type provided by this system is termed as progressive conferencing system. When this conferencing system is used, one participant is added initially. After that each participant who is a part of the conference is added in a gradual manner. The SVCS is not a small scaled conferencing platform. On a maximum scale, 160 participants can be involved in a conference at the same time. In addition to that, there are no sound clarity problems and users can communicate smoothly without going through any form of distortion problems.
STE phones are not intended for the common public. They are only used by security personnel and people who are a part of the government. The key purpose of these devices is to enable secure communication and prevent all kinds of malicious attempts as well. People who are part of the US security do use these phones so that file transfers can be made in a secure manner as well as classified information can be exchanged without the fear of unwanted people accessing it. Conference calls made by US presidents in different parts of the country are made using these secure phones.
These phones are used on a variety of technological platforms including VOIP. VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol is a communication platform that promises the highest level of clarity). An important factor is that all the STE phones termed as reliable are verified by NSA. This verification provides a confirmation that equipment maintains the highest standards of security in every situation. At present, STE phones are a necessity for secure communication.