Airport Multimedia Dispatch and Integrated Communication System

1 Overview

With the increasing number of general aviation airports in China, the demand for airport control center construction is growing. These airports are characterized by relatively low flight activity. Building a control center to full-scale airport standards would result in high costs and low utilization. However, lowering the standards may fail to meet air traffic control requirements for many operations. In commercial airports, airport management and control center communications are typically co-located, meaning communications between internal airport departments, between the airport and airlines, between the control room and aircraft, and between the control room and the air traffic control center are usually integrated in one place. Even the airline-passenger call center is often co-located as well.

For military field airports, there is also a need to rapidly establish an air-to-ground command system and ground support system. Typically, a single command vehicle can fulfill these functions, and with our integrated communication system, a single device can accomplish the same.

Airport communications and air traffic control communications both fall under dispatch communications. Communication terminals have priorities, where higher-priority terminals can interrupt lower-priority users. Dispatch operations are typically centered around the dispatcher. A large number of ground support personnel at the airport use two-way radios, which are divided into multiple groups based on operational needs, and coordination between groups is sometimes required. Ground personnel also need to coordinate with other airports. Controllers need to use wired and wireless channels to communicate with ground personnel and aircraft. This constitutes a complex communication system. If a traditional telephone switch were used, real-time performance could not be guaranteed, free switching between wired and wireless communications could not be achieved, group splitting and merging among wireless groups could not be realized, integrated image and voice communications would be inconvenient, and GPS/BD/GIS-based communications could not be supported.

2 Solution Overview

Raytrans' IDMM3000 and IDM M9000 series multimedia integrated dispatch systems provide customers with a more comprehensive and stable command dispatch and integrated communication platform. These systems integrate communication access, transmission, TDM switching, IP softswitch, dispatch, data fusion, and video access into a single integrated communication device. They are particularly suitable for government and enterprise communication networks without a dedicated communications department, as one device performs the functions of multiple devices.

The system consists of the IDMM3000 and IDM M9000 dispatch communication servers, dispatch consoles, dispatch terminals, and recording servers. It supports flexible networking with distributed deployment and HA-based system backup. The device also supports fiber optic transmission interfaces, which can be used to build a dedicated airport communication network, free from the limitations of traditional telephone lines and flexibly deployable as needed.

The IDMM3000 and IDM M9000 dispatch servers are deployed in the central equipment room. For stability considerations, two or more units can be configured for HA hot standby to ensure uninterrupted operation. As the core of switching and services, the dispatch server ensures seamless communication for all dispatch telephones within the system and provides the dispatch console with powerful dispatch capabilities. The dispatch server supports various trunk interfaces, including analog, digital, and IP trunks, offering multiple means of interworking with traditional or other communication systems. Its open API interface enables collaboration with existing airport business systems, integrating command dispatch into airport operations.

The IDM M3000 is an integrated communication command dispatch system with access capacity of up to 28 channels (28 frequency points) for radio trunking or broadcast access, or 70 FXO or FXS subscriber lines. The device provides integrated voice dispatch for connected subscribers. It also features an IP voice gateway interface with 30 IP voice channels, enabling access to locations slightly farther from the airport, such as navigation points, via leased IP networks, as well as communication with more distant entities such as airlines.

The IDM M9000 series dispatch server provides up to 48 channels (48 frequency points) for radio trunking or broadcast access, or 120 FXO or FXS subscriber lines. It also features an IP voice gateway interface with 30 IP voice channels. This device is well suited for airline airport management applications.

The IDM M3000 features 2.5G fiber optic transmission capability and can provide a multi-gigabit communication system with fiber optic ring network protection, offering access services for security cameras, radar information, navigation information, and various duty point data around the airport.

The IDM M9000 features a 155M SDH ADM transmission interface, making it suitable for large airports leasing carrier optical transmission lines, with ring network protection capability.

Dispatch servers with fiber optic communication capabilities are well suited for general aviation or military field aviation airports. The fiber optic interface, combined with field fiber optic cables, enables rapid deployment of a ring-type monitoring and support network.

3 Solution Features

3.1 Airport Fiber Optic Integrated Communication Private Network

The IDM M3000 dispatch communication server supports 2.5G optical transmission interfaces and can be used with other optical transmission equipment from our company to build a dedicated airport communication network. Ring, chain, and star topologies are supported, with the ring topology recommended for forming a self-healing ring to enhance network reliability and security.

The IDM M9000 supports standard 155M SDH optical interfaces and can interoperate with SDH optical transmission equipment from mainstream manufacturers, enabling flexible access within the airport's existing transmission network.

3.2 Multi-Console Dispatch

The system supports collaborative dispatch across multiple dispatch consoles, enabling dispatchers to perform remote collaborative dispatch and greatly improving work coordination. It provides air traffic control or airlines with integrated wired and wireless remote management capabilities.

3.3 Collaborative Emergency Response

In a distributed dispatch system deployment, each dispatch console can monitor the communication status of members in other sub-dispatch systems and, within permission limits, perform dispatch operations on members of other dispatch systems, including group call functions such as multicast and conference. This enables collaborative emergency response across systems, enhancing the command center's ability to monitor the scene and fully leveraging the power of mutual cooperation.

3.4 Wide Coverage

As long as the deployment is within the airport private network, the system can be flexibly deployed anywhere. Terminals are no longer restricted by telephone lines and can be deployed anywhere within wired or wireless network coverage, eliminating the inconvenience of locations that previously lacked deployment conditions. The transmission network can be fiber optic, E1, IP, or other types.

3.5 Multiple Interfaces Ensure Reliable External Communications

The dispatch system supports various external communication interfaces, including PSTN interfaces, GSM/CDMA wireless gateways, and traditional trunking system interconnections, ensuring maximum communication reliability under different conditions. The system provides analog, digital, and IP trunks, which can be used for communication when traditional dispatch systems are at full capacity or when lines are interrupted. The system's default optimal routing automatically selects the most cost-effective route for outgoing calls.

3.6 Comprehensive Dispatch Functions

The dispatch system not only provides basic call capabilities but also offers a rich set of dispatch functions, such as forced release, barge-in, monitoring, call barring, broadcast, multicast, and conference. These functions save precious time in emergencies, ensuring timely information reporting and task assignment. These features allow dispatchers to continue operating according to their established habits without any inconvenience. The trunking services extended to wireless terminals support all business functions of traditional trunking systems, truly maximizing terminal service capabilities.

4 Solution Description

4.1 System Topology

1.1.1 Topology Description

In the figure above, the dispatch center equipment room is equipped with an IDM M3000 multimedia dispatch server, a recording server, and dispatch consoles configured with IDM-MCC21, IDM-MCC12, IDM-MCC12, IDM-MCC IP audio dispatch consoles, and an IDM-MCC7 multifunction dispatch console. The IDM M3000 also supports VHF and HF radio access, and can be used with radio trunking gateways to access remote VHF and HF radio equipment via the airport private network. The system also provides SIP trunk interfaces for direct connection to the airport's softswitch system.

Other airport branch companies need to install a radio trunking gateway and a mobile radio, connected to the branch's IP network for interconnection. Passenger service dispatch, catering dispatch, and cargo dispatch can each be configured with IP dispatch telephones to achieve interworking with the airport's central dispatch.

1.1.2 Implemented Functions

Ø Dispatch telephones at the dispatch center can communicate with radios on aircraft via two-way radio.

Ø Dispatch telephones at the dispatch center can interwork with passenger service dispatch, catering dispatch, and cargo dispatch. Interworking can also be achieved via handheld radios.

Ø Handheld radios at the dispatch center can interwork with handheld radios at other branch dispatch centers.

Ø Dispatch telephones or handheld radios can interwork with Kenwood analog handheld radios in signal dead zones.

Ø The IDM M3000 manages and dynamically groups VHF/HF radios, IP dispatch telephones, and analog telephones, and provides basic dispatch functions for these terminals, such as monitoring, barge-in, forced release, broadcast, and conference.

Ø The recording server records all terminal conversations throughout the entire process, providing FTP upload of recording files as well as rich file search and playback services.

Ø The dispatch server supports dispatch with multiple wireless trunking systems.

Ø Provides internal communication functions for the airport control room, as well as wireless communication command functions with aircraft, and supports intercom between wired telephones and wireless channels.

Provides airport security and alerting functions. The two physically isolated gigabit Ethernet channels can connect numerous HD video cameras, and surveillance images can be displayed in real time on the dispatch console software.

Ø The IP access capability of the IDM M3000 and IDM M9000 provides remote access services to other airports or airlines via IP networks.

The IDM M3000 can receive GPS location information of mobile airport assets via IP networks and can provide GIS geographic information system services for the airport area.

1.1 Implemented Functions

Ø Dispatch position telephones communicate with aircraft personnel via VHF

Using the VHF trunking gateway interface of the IDM M3000 or IDM M9000 dispatch communication server, connected to the airport's digital radios, and with dispatch position telephones also connected to the IDM M3000 or IDM M9000 multimedia dispatch system, interworking between dispatch position telephones and aircraft radios is achieved. Interworking modes include intercom mode, individual call mode, and conference mode.

Ø Interconnection of branch trunking systems

Digital trunking services at other branches can be easily interconnected using Raytrans' VHF/HF trunking gateways. Branch trunking gateways are interconnected and connected to the airport private network, enabling interworking between dispatch center telephones and all branches.

Ø Access for signal dead zone trunking networks

At airports, signal dead zones where wireless signals cannot reach are inevitable. Raytrans offers two solutions. If personnel in a signal dead zone are stationed at a fixed location, an IP dispatch telephone can be deployed to interwork with trunking radios via the IP dispatch telephone. If personnel in a signal dead zone are mobile within a range of one kilometer, we use an analog mobile radio and a radio gateway to bring the signal from that location into the trunking intercom system.

Ø Wired Intercom Support

Wired intercom services can be provided to users through wired dispatch telephones. Dispatch telephones using this service must be configured in the same intercom group. Pressing the intercom key on the telephone initiates an intercom session, and all telephones in the group automatically enter hands-free mode and begin playing audio. Pressing the intercom key again releases the talk right, allowing other telephones to start speaking by pressing their intercom key.

Redundant Backup (HA)

HA is the abbreviation for High Availability. An HA system operates on a model where one host unit provides services while multiple standby units serve as backups. When the host unit fails, a standby unit takes over and continues providing services, thereby ensuring uninterrupted service to users. Moreover, when the HA system determines that the host unit has failed and a switchover is required, the host-to-standby switchover is completed within 1 second, guaranteeing uninterrupted service at all times.

In the IDM M3000 dispatch system, multiple dispatch servers are deployed to form an HA system, where the dispatch servers back each other up and collectively provide services. As long as any one server remains operational, seamless and uninterrupted service delivery is guaranteed.

Ø  Flexible grouping and switching

The dispatch system supports a flexible user grouping mechanism, where a single user can belong to multiple groups. Users can also flexibly switch between groups via their terminals, making the system well-suited for cross-group and dynamic regrouping applications.

Ø  Support for massive concurrent users

In the wireless dispatch system, the dispatch server provides unimpeded communication capability for all dispatch members, allowing all members to communicate concurrently during dispatch operations. For scenarios where all dispatch members use wireless handsets, the wireless system likewise delivers unparalleled concurrent user capacity, fully supporting dispatch operations.

1           Service Capabilities

1.1          Trunking Intercom Services

1.1.1         Private Call

Handsets support private calls. Any handset can communicate with any other handset or with the dispatch console via dialing, functioning in the same manner as a mobile phone call, operating in full-duplex mode.

1.1.2         Group Call and Intercom

Group call is the fundamental function of the wireless intercom dispatch system. All handset dispatch users are divided into multiple user groups according to their working relationships. Any member within a group can initiate a group call by pressing the PTT key, and all members in the group can hear the caller's speech. By using the rotary knob on the handset, users can select different user groups and initiate group calls to different groups. Group calls operate in half-duplex communication mode. Other members in the same group can seize the floor by pressing the PTT key to engage in intercom conversation.

1.1.3         Grouping and Switching

Handsets are assigned to different intercom groups by default, but can be flexibly switched to other groups via the group selector knob to participate in that group's intercom. A single handset can also be assigned to multiple groups. When idle, a handset can listen to intercom traffic from any group. When a call is in progress, intercom calls initiated by other groups will be displayed as a notification on the handset screen, and the user can decide whether to answer.

1.1.4         External Calls

Once the system is connected to an external communication network, handsets can dial external telephone numbers via the keypad in full-duplex mode. Administrators can configure call permissions for each handset, specifying whether a particular handset is allowed to place local, domestic long-distance, or international long-distance calls.

1.1.5         Conference Triggering

Handsets can initiate preset conference calls by dialing a conference trigger number. Conferences operate in full-duplex communication mode, a capability not available on traditional handsets. Conference participants can all be handsets, or can include fixed-line telephones, mobile phones, and other traditional telephone terminals.

1.1.6         Number Display

When a handset initiates a private call, the called handset displays the calling handset's number or name. When a group call or conference is triggered, handsets in the same group display the group number and the conference trigger number. If the group has been named, the group name and conference name are also displayed, keeping group members informed at all times.

1.2          Primary Dispatch Services

1.2.1         Calling

The dispatch console can place calls by selecting a member icon and clicking to call, or by using the dial pad to call external numbers. All dispatch terminals can also call each other by directly dialing their numbers.

1.2.2         Barge-in

After selecting a user who is currently in a call, the dispatcher clicks the barge-in button to insert into the selected user's call, creating a three-way conversation. Lower-level dispatchers cannot use this function against higher-level dispatchers.

1.2.3         Forced Disconnect

After selecting a user who is currently in a call, the dispatcher clicks the forced disconnect button to directly establish a call with the selected user, and the original party in conversation with the selected user is disconnected from the call. Lower-level dispatchers cannot use this function against higher-level dispatchers.

1.2.4         Call Pickup

After selecting a user whose phone is ringing, the dispatcher clicks the call pickup button to answer the incoming call on behalf of the selected user. Lower-level dispatchers cannot use this function against higher-level dispatchers.

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