Comprehensive VoIP systems: from the microphones to the antennas
Voice over IP (VoIP) is one of the key technologies used in air traffic control. At the European level, this technology is defined by the European Organization for Civil Aviation Equipment (EuroCAE) in its ED-137 standard. This standard has been adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and leading air traffic control authorities.
Rohde & Schwarz was actively involved in this standardization and offers comprehensive VoIP systems for air traffic control requirements all around the world. As a full service provider, the company provides system solutions – from the microphone to the antenna.
Voice communications system
The R&S®VCS 4G voice communications system makes full use of IP technology. This scalable, cost effective and future proof system meets the requirements of small and large area control centers (ACC) and of backup systems and tower installations. The R&S®VCS 4G fulfills the most stringent standards with regard to failsafety, reliability and security. It supports conventional voice communications services, such as air ground communications, intercom systems and telephony. The distributed IP based architecture has a number of significant advantages:
- Decentralized infrastructure enables considerably higher availability even in a disaster scenarios
- Easy extendibility and growth by integrating new terminal devices (CWP, radio)
- Implementation of new functionality through simple software updates
- Flexibility in the case of temporary, scheduled shutdowns (e.g. in the event of relocation and renovation)
- Creation of innovative applications such as remote towers or virtual centers
- Integration of new services (e.g. video) and growth based scalability
Rohde & Schwarz is the first manufacturer of voice communications systems to offer virtual center technology (VCT) for air traffic control. This smooths the way for new operational concepts such as "air traffic control in the trusted cloud". VCT can be used to operate a group of voice communications systems in which the resources for radiocommunications and telecommunications are shared as if they were in a single, virtual air traffic control center.
Radios
The family of R&S®Series4200 radios is one of the most modern available on the air traffic control market. These radios are in use all over the world and have a reputation for high reliability and system stability. R&S®Series4200 radios are fully VoIP capable and comply with EUROCAE ED-137. As a result, previous analog or digitally operated systems can be easily converted to VoIP without having to replace hardware.
