DSNA and DFS FABEC Air Navigation Service Providers successfully test VoIP for ATS use

Two years ago the French and German Air Navigation Service Providers (DSNA and DFS) in collaboration with FREQUENTIS decided to start planning for a common VoIP field trials based on EUROCAE WG67 specifications.
 
The test phase of this field trial (between 7th September and 4th November) has resulted in more than 230 VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Air Traffic Services (ATS) related tests being performed within a simulated operational environment by DSNA and DFS.

A test platform was installed and configured between the two ANSP sites in Toulouse (France) and Langen (Germany). The platform, comprised of an IP network employing routers interconnected through 2 Mb Ethernet links (compliant with the forthcoming DSNA IP Network nominated RENAR IP), Analogue/IP Gateways, Voice Communication Systems (some with integrated VoIP interfaces) and IP Radio Transmitters and Receivers. The participating suppliers were: 

• Frequentis (Austria) Analogue/IP gateways and VCS supplier
• Juniper (USA) RENAR IP routers supplier
• Nextiraone (France) RENAR IP supplier
• Parkair Systems (UK) IP radio supplier
• Rohde&Schwarz (Germany) IP radio supplier 
• Selex (Italy) IP radio supplier
• Telerad (France) IP radio supplier

These trials have confirmed the maturity of VoIP (according to the EUROCAE WG67 specifications) for deployment in an operational environment. Another objective of the field trial was to investigate how existing legacy systems can be integrated within an IP network infrastructure and this was demonstrated by the success of tests performed on the gateways. Additionally, these field trials have been implemented in order to verify and/or optimise the different algorithms necessary to enable an ATS Radio service to be employed in an operational IP network.

Philippe Merlo (DSNA Head of Direction de la Technique et de l'Innovation) in Toulouse and Georg Dickhaut (DFS Director of Technology Management) in Langen sampled the IP infrastructure themselves by holding a 25 minute VoIP-conversation and both were pleased with the results achieved.