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FAA Future Air/Ground Communications
System Architecture
James Williams
Integrated Product Team Lead
Communications Systems
ATN-2000
26 September 2000
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En Route ATC Analog Voice
Communications System Architecture
(Current)
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En Route and Oceanic Voice & Data
Communications System Architecture
(6/02 - 6/10)
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En Route Controller Pilot Data Link
Communications Build I (6/2002 - 6/2003)
• Single-site data link capability
– Key Site: MIA Air Route Traffic Control Ctr.
– Key site Initial Operational Capability (IOC):
Jun 2002
• Provide 4 operational services
–
–
–
–
Transfer of Communication
Initial Contact
Altimeter Setting
Informational free text menu capabilities built by supervisor inputs
• ARINC will provide the VDL-2 A/G sub-network
• American Airlines will be launch carrier
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Data Link Application Processor (DLAP)
System
• Currently in development and will be
deployed to Miami ARTCC
• CPDLC ATN Application
– Processes uplinks and downlinks exchanged
between the controllers and pilots
– Maintains a transaction database of
outstanding CPDLC messages
• Context Management Application
– Log-on service that allows initial aircraft
introduction
– A directory of all other data link
applications on the aircraft
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FAA Aeronautical Telecommunication Network
(ATN) Ground-to-Ground (G/G) Router
• Router currently in development
and will be deployed to Miami
ARTCC as a “single FAA ATN G/G
router”
• Interfaces with NADIN PSN using
X.25
• FAA ATN G/G Router:
– Coordinates routing with the service provider (ARINC for
Build I)
– Routes messages between the HID/NAS LAN router and
the VDL-2 service provider router
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Conceptual ARINC ATN/VDL-2 Network
•
Infrastructure will be
employed to provide
coverage for Miami ARTCC
airspace utilizing A/G and G/G
routers
•
Sub-network Service Provider
through which CPDLC
messages are delivered
•
ARINC G/G router interfaces
with FAA G/G router via
NADIN PSN using X.25
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En Route Controller Pilot Data Link
Communications Build IA Service (6/03 - 6/06)
• National CPDLC capability
– Key Site IOC: June 2003-Miami
– National deployment of CPDLC
capability
• Begin installation Jan 2004
• Complete installation December 2004
• Increases the message set to
accommodate assignment of
speeds, headings, altitudes as
well as a route clearance function
• Capability to handle pilot-initiated altitude requests
• Uses VDL-2 as A/G Sub network
• Anticipate widespread industry participation
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Planned FAA ATN G/G Backbone
Routing Domain
• FAA ATN G/G backbone
RD to support national
communication
requirements for handling
CPDLC message traffic
and system management
• ATN Message Handling
System (AMHS,)
processes, converts and
stores ATN-to-AFTN, and
AFTN-to-ATN messages
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Conceptual ATN/VDL-2 Network
• Airlines select
their own service
provider
• Service provider
required to meet
FAA’s interface
requirements to
the FAA ATN
Backbone RD
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En Route Controller Pilot Communications
Build II Service (6/06 and beyond)
• CPDLC Build II:
– Additional ATN message services
– Implement ICAO SARPs ATN security
directory service and system
management requirements
– Continued use of VDL-2 as A/G Sub
network
– Integration with Decision Support Tools
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Conceptual En Route ATC NEXCOM A/G
Digital Voice Communications Capability
(2008 - Beyond)
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Conceptual En Route ATC NEXCOM A/G
Digital Voice Communications Capability
(2008 - Beyond)
•
•
•
•
Digital voice communications
capability from A/G remote
radio sites and BUEC sites
– Radio Interface Unit (RIU)
– Multi Mode Digital Radio
MDR supports: analog voice
25Khz, analog voice 8.33Khz
and VDL Mode 3.
RIU provides radio control
functionality for both digital
and analog radios
GNI hosts the VDL-3 subnetwork and interfaces to
voice switches
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Conceptual En Route ATC Digital Voice &
Data Communications System Architecture
( 2011 +)
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Voice Switches, Next Generation Communications
(NEXCOM) and En Route Controller Pilot Data Link
(CPDLC) Implementation Path
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Future of Other Domains
• Post 2011
– NEXCOM migration to TRACONS
– NEXCOM migration to Towers
– End to End Digital Voice
• Far Term
– NEXCOM to FSS
– Voice Switch Installations
• ETVS ongoing to 2005
• AFFS Voice through 2009
• VSCS Replacement
beginning 2007
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Questions?
Visit our Website:
www.faa.gov/and/and300/and360