Our Work

The Texas A&M University System Center for Applied Communications and Networks (CACN) performs applied research focused on wireless and next-generation communications systems for public safety, defense, and critical infrastructure. It also supports basic and applied research within The Texas A&M University System and internationally. The primary focus of these efforts is connectivity, interoperability, and security of the systems. As a key component of this work, CACN convenes stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to advance the deployment of practical technology solutions.

OUR History

The Texas A&M Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC) was established in June 2004 under the Academy for Advanced Telecommunications and Learning Technologies, with Dr. Walt Magnussen as the Director. In 2006, ITEC was selected by the Department of Homeland Security as the proof-of-concept leader for Next Generation (NG) 9-1-1. By 2009, ITEC had completed the first NG 9-1-1 Interoperability Plugtest. In 2012 and 2013, interlocal agreements were signed to support Harris County’s first-ever 4G Public Safety Broadband Network. In 2015, ITEC participated in the Department of Homeland Security CAUSE Experiment with Canada, focusing on inter-border disaster communications. The Global Mission Critical Push to Talk Plugfest was held at Texas A&M University in 2017. In 2019, ITEC was awarded Phase 1 funding for NG 9-1-1 Interoperability Testing through the Department of Homeland Security. Between 2022 and 2023, ITEC supported the 5G Department of Defense research mission at the RELLIS campus. In 2023, ITEC’s funded projects totaled $5.2 million for the year to date, including contracts in progress. Phase 1 of NG 9-1-1 Interoperability Testing was completed in 2022, and Phase 2 began with the formation of the Interoperability Task Force. Michael Fox was named Executive Director in 2024, and in 2025, ITEC transitioned to the Texas A&M University System.