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EDITORIAL |
TOPEX IP VCS - the future in ATC communications
TOPEX IP VCS is a full-IP implementation of a multi-service transport network for ATC. TOPEX IP VCS is a redundant digital system with flexible and scalable architecture to allow its configuration for a wide range of applications in the ATC/ATM field. It is well-suited for new Air Traffic Control market needs and developments, being flexible and easy to upgrade, integrate or customize.
Being permanently in line with the evolution of IP technology, TOPEX was a pioneer company for the use Voice over of IP technology in ATC environment. Therefore, TOPEX VCS solution was among the world's first fully IP implementation in this industry.
Since 2008, TOPEX has become a member of EUROCAE Working Group 67. The activities undertaken by this group are examining the use of VoIP in an Air Traffic Management environment (VoIP for ATM). The members of this group have the opportunity of sharing their experience in VoIP fields for the benefits of European (West and East) Industry Standardization.
TOPEX contribution to the development of Voice over IP standards guaranteeing ATM VoIP interoperability was proven until now in several forum meetings with important players from this industry.
TOPEX IP VCS advantages
TOPEX IP VCS is a fully redundant ATM solution and it integrates with legacy VCS solution and PSTN making migration to IP VCS a simple task.
One key aspect with TOPEX system is geographical redundancy allowing protection both to hardware and IP-link failures.
TOPEX solution is already running successfully as ATM communication system and it is based on distributed architecture eliminating “Single Points of Failures” from centralized architecture.
The solution is based on Eurocae WG67, Eurocontrol and ICAO standards and drafts and it is kept up-to-date with the standards.
ATM communications is about reliability, redundancy, top-quality, top-technology, failure- proof and future-oriented systems. TOPEX IP VCS solution is all of the above.
TOPEX IP VCS components
The key components every IP VCS should have are: Controller Working Positions, Database, OAM, Media Gateways, Radio Servers and Gateways, Synchronization Servers. Each mentioned component has its place and role in TOPEX solution:
- Controller Working Positions (CWP) – are Touchscreens that have similarities with the ones in traditional systems. The differences are the voice being VoIP, the simplicity to add new CWPs and to develop new applications for them. IP protocols used are: SIP, H323, RTP and R2S (RTP Extender)
- Redundant Database (DB) handles configuration information. In TOPEX IP VCS the CWP download their configuration regarding routing table and the panels and buttons each Touchscreen should display.
- The OAM application controls the data in the DB in a graphical manner assuring the simplicity in TOPEX IP VCS administration and maintenance.
- Redundant Media Gateways interconnect the VoIP network with legacy-VCS and external telephony using interfaces like E1, E&M, FXS/FXO, BRI
- Redundant Radio Servers and Radio Gateways bridge between the VoIP and the radio networks. They serve in air-ground communication. Radio communication is priority to telephone or interphone communication and the IP protocols used are SIP, RTP, R2S
- Redundant Synchronization Servers assure system time synchronization. It uses Network Time Protocol to deliver appropriate local time to all IP VCS subsystems and it can be equipped with a remote GPS receiver for satellite synchronization.
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