CERTIUM Blog

Main design factors to consider for seamless migration to VoIP and beyond

Air navigation service providers (ANSP) consider redundancy mechanisms, cybersecurity measures and maintenance processes when transitioning their operational communications systems to digital technology. Redundancy (load-balancing, linked VoIP sessions) enhances service availability, while cybersecurity (firewalls, encryption) protects against attacks and unauthorized access. Maintenance processes (updates, patches) ensure smooth and secure digital infrastructure operation. With its geo-redundant architecture, CERTIUM VCS from Rohde & Schwarz offers redundancy mechanisms and high service availability, making it an ideal solution for ANSPs transitioning to digital air traffic control (ATC) systems.

In the realm of air traffic control (ATC), ensuring service availability is paramount. As air navigation service providers transition to digital technology, they must consider several key factors to maintain the highest levels of service availability and quality. Today, we will explore the main design factors for digital ATC systems, focusing on CERTIUM VCS from Rohde & Schwarz.

The shift from analog to digital services is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. To ensure a smooth transition, ANSPs need a long-term evolution plan focused on a target architecture while avoiding overspending, unnecessary complexity or functional limitations. When replacing ground communications systems like radios or voice communications systems (VCS), it is crucial to understand how to achieve high availability of services in digital infrastructures. This knowledge ensures future-proof investments by helping ANSPs select products that support both current migration needs and future requirements.

Three primary factors determine service availability in digital IP-based infrastructures: redundancy mechanisms, cybersecurity measures and maintenance processes. Let's delve into each factor:

1. Redundancy mechanisms: Implementing redundancy is essential for enhancing service availability. But it is crucial to strike a balance: too little redundancy can put availability at risk, while too much can be costly and add complexity. Redundancy mechanisms should be easy to implement, manage and maintain. Examples of redundancy mechanisms include load-balancing, linked VoIP sessions, dual-homing and Ethernet bonding.

2. Cybersecurity measures: Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of digital ATC systems. Safeguarding systems from attacks and unauthorized access is essential for maintaining service availability and data integrity. Cybersecurity measures include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption and secure access controls.

3. Maintenance processes: Regular software updates, patches and hardware maintenance are necessary to address security vulnerabilities and performance degradation. Implementing live system updates and real-time service monitoring can help ensure smooth and secure operation of digital infrastructure while reducing the administrative burden.

CERTIUM VCS from Rohde & Schwarz offers not only redundancy mechanisms but also provides best-in-class resiliency and the highest service availability through its geo-redundant distributed system architecture. This design enables CERTIUM VCS to minimize the impact of network failures, ensuring uninterrupted service even in network overload situations.

In summary, when transitioning to digital ATC systems, ANSPs should consider the following design factors:

• Develop a long-term evolution plan for digital transformation
• Understand how to ensure highly available services in digital infrastructures
• Prioritize redundancy mechanisms, cybersecurity measures and maintenance processes
• Select products that support both current migration needs and future requirements

By considering these factors, ANSPs can ensure a smooth transition to digital technology while maintaining the highest levels of service availability and quality for mission-critical voice communications.