Ottawa Semi-Automatic Exchange (OSAX)
Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
OTTAWA SEMI-AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE (OSAX)
Inevitably, computerization replaced earlier communications technologies. The OSAX computers were cutting edge and top secret in the early 1980s.
The original Burroughs 4800 mainframe computers, similar to the ones here, were enormous, both in terms of size and relative processing power. They handled more than 100,000 messages per month, and connected the Bunker to Canadian and allied military bases around the globe.
The room rests on a raised platform. Underneath, cables connect the computers and a ventilation system cools the hard-working equipment. Once the doors are closed, the OSAX is what the military calls a "TEMPEST room", shielded from floor to ceiling in metal to prevent electronic eavesdropping.
The computers' sole connection to the outside world was via secure optic fibre; data was stored on large magnetic tapes. The average smartphone has more computing power-but just try to get a signal in the Bunker.
Teletype machines were also in use in OSAX. Starting in the early 1990s, large computers were phased out in favour of PCs.
“…there were a lot of places in here that were restricted... OSAX was the most restricted area."
Janet Puddicombe, Teletype Operator/Communicator
(1981-1987)
Ottawa Semi-Automatic Exchange (OSAX)
Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
OTTAWA SEMI-AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE (OSAX)
Inevitably, computerization replaced earlier communications technologies. The OSAX computers were cutting edge and top secret in the early 1980s.
The original Burroughs 4800 mainframe computers, similar to the ones here, were enormous, both in terms of size and relative processing power. They handled more than 100,000 messages per month, and connected the Bunker to Canadian and allied military bases around the globe.
The room rests on a raised platform. Underneath, cables connect the computers and a ventilation system cools the hard-working equipment. Once the doors are closed, the OSAX is what the military calls a "TEMPEST room", shielded from floor to ceiling in metal to prevent electronic eavesdropping.
The computers' sole connection to the outside world was via secure optic fibre; data was stored on large magnetic tapes. The average smartphone has more computing power-but just try to get a signal in the Bunker.
Teletype machines were also in use in OSAX. Starting in the early 1990s, large computers were phased out in favour of PCs.
“…there were a lot of places in here that were restricted... OSAX was the most restricted area."
Janet Puddicombe, Teletype Operator/Communicator
(1981-1987)