Munich мар. 24, 2021

Rohde & Schwarz assures quality of ANSP networks for airspace recovery

Advanced Voice Quality Assurance system (R&S AVQA by Rohde & Schwarz) extends the functionality from IP to radio frequency of air traffic control provider networks.

Rohde & Schwarz announces new functionalities to its Advanced Voice Quality Assurance system (R&S AVQA), extending the functionality from IP to radio frequency (RF). This takes the advantage of the ED-137 protocol with information such as Frequency ID or Radio Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). With this information, AVQA provides great new insights into the RF channel.

High-quality voice communications is paramount in air traffic control (ATC) and needs to be maintained. Rohde & Schwarz released R&S AVQA mid-2020, a ground-breaking monitoring solution for voice communications in air traffic management. Later that year, the company introduced (RSSI) monitoring as a unique enhancement to R&S AVQA.

The RSSI monitor provides short-term and long-term statistics on the signal and noise distribution received by radios. This gives radio engineers valuable insights into the RF spectrum behavior. If an air traffic controller reports poor transmission quality, the source, such as a weak signal or poor IP transmission, is easy to discover.

Another new function is the frequency monitor, which automatically monitors the utilization of a radio channel. It also provides user behavior analytics of air traffic controllers and pilots and allows disturbances in the RF spectrum to be quickly and easily recognized. Users are automatically alarmed of irregularities such as long pressed PTT or long SQL as well as technical issues such as SQL/PTT drops.

R&S AVQA uses a patented loopback monitor for continuous, non-intrusive monitoring of the RF transmission and reception channel. In a typical installation, the RX and TX sites are geographically distributed to reduce interference. R&S AVQA takes advantage of the systemwide monitoring and correlates both signals. The system also monitors signal delay and the RSSI level, which must be within the predefined range. If irregularities occur, the system alerts the user.

“Air traffic is recovering again and communications systems need to be ready to handle the future increase in air traffic,” Jindrich Slavik, ATC Portfolio Manager, Rohde & Schwarz, explains. “R&S AVQA provides non-intrusive IP and RF assurance for air traffic communications, helping to quickly identify hidden impairments in the infrastructure and to ensure compliance with legal requirements.”

R&S AVQA is part of CERTIUM ANALYSIS in the advanced CERTIUM communications suite, increasing safety, security and efficiency for civil ATC customers. If you want to learn more, please register for our webinar at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/3576861270720714255

Press & media contact

Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated a net revenue of EUR 2.78 billion in the 2022/2023 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2023, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,800 employees worldwide.

R&S® and CERTIUM® are a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.