TSA, The Latency Issue
Carnegie Mellon University, Fall 2021
Problem Statement
Determine a way for TSA officers to review and identify images processed at security checkpoints from geographically dispersed locations in near real-time.
Problem Scoping and Discovery
The team conducted 31 informational interviews and validated that TSA cannot review CT images created by security checkpoint machines across geographically dispersed locations. With the existing technology, there is a latency issue between the capture of an image and when it can be remotely viewed.
Outcome
The team developed a secure remote access beta product that would allow TSA operators to remotely control CT machines. They found that secure remote access, with the help of several technologies including endpoint security, virtual private networks (VPN), zero trust network access (ZTNA), and optical fiber technology, would allow for remote control of CT machines in near real time while sustaining operations. They also recommend incorporation of edge computing and 5G networking to improve the speed and decrease the latency of images.
Results
Since the solution requires minor policy changes, TSA has already invested in some of the infrastructure needed for this solution. The team did not have the ability to replicate the TSA environment or test these solutions in a TSA environment, they recommend that TSA test these solutions at the TSIF facilities. After testing, the team recommends that the TSA deploy this solution through a pilot program at smaller regional airports and slowly expand it to larger international airports.