that allow the transmission of messages across Ethernet connects at speeds limited only by the network bandwidth. In 1996, DoD decided to phase out AUTODIN by December 31, 1999. Early in the 21st century, all but one of the AUTODIN Switching Centers had been shut down. The intention is to transition secure messaging traffic to the Defense Message System. See also Defense Switched Network Defense Message System Western Union AUTOVON contemporaneous voice network References Wide area networks History of telecommunications in the United States Military communications Western Union