Rohde & Schwarz makes the R&S® Series 4200 radio family ready for the future by adding voice over IP capability
Following successful field tests with two European air traffic control organizations last fall, the company demonstrated a VoIP-based radiocommunications system at the ATC Global trade fair in March. In future this IP technology will be used to connect ATC radios with the controller working positions, replacing the analog connection method that is common today. VoIP capability will become an important factor for ATC authorities when selecting communications equipment. R&S® Series 4200 radios already in use can be easily converted to VoIP by means of a software update.
EUROCAE has enhanced voice over IP to include specific requirements of ATC organizations. VoIP will enable air traffic controllers to network across national borders and to utilize the radio infrastructure of other air navigation service providers. Both are important for unifying the European airspace under the EU’s Single European Sky initiative, which is not yet possible with the technology implemented today. Another advantage over other methods is that voice and data transmission can be integrated into a single network, which reduces infrastructure costs.
