KVM systems for optimal IT control in the ATC industry

As leading manufacturers of KVM technologies for ANSPs, Guntermann & Drunck (G&D) will be presenting the latest KVM innovations for air traffic control at the WorldATM Congress, 10 – 12 March 2020, at booth 433. For more than 35 years, the company has used its knowledge of control rooms to develop equipment providing the best possible working conditions for controllers and technicians. KVM makes it possible to operate multiple physically separated computers from different workstations, thus optimizing the IT infrastructure. On top of this, it also offers numerous redundancy and fallback concepts for ANSPs. 

The ControlCenter-IP system and the required peripheral modules

With the ControlCenter-IP, the ControlCenter-Digital and the ControlCenter-Compact, G&D present three first-class digital matrix systems that meet the high demands of the ATC industry. The ControlCenter-IP enables the extension and distributed switching of computer signals via IP networks. While the network infrastructure takes over the transport of KVM-over-IP™ using network switches and routers, the ControlCenter-IP contributes the logic. Thanks to the network connection and the option of using standard network components, the application gains even more usability and flexibility. With its support of numerous signals and easy scalability, the system is known for virtually eliminating the limits of dedicated transmission. Hence, the transmission length is almost unlimited since two active network components can be connected to each other over a length of up to 100 m via CAT or up to 10,000 m via optical fibers.

The classic portfolio includes a wide range of compact and modular systems, which are available in expansion stages from 8 to 288 ports, depending on requirements. The systems are available in CAT, fiber and mixed versions. By using the in-house HDIP compression technology in the latest development stage, Level 3, the systems require less bandwidth to transmit signals – but still provide crystal-clear images and latency-free operation. All systems support the lossless transmission of video signals with a resolution of up to 4K at 60 Hz and provide an absolutely reliable video quality during transmission.

Extremely fast switching via DP1.2-MUX3-ATC

Thanks to many years of working closely with air traffic controls around the world, the KVM manufacturers develop systems that are specially tailored to the requirements of ANSPs. As a high-performance KVM switch, the DP1.2-MUX3-ATC lets ATCOs operate up to three computers from one workstation (e.g. primary, redundancy and fallback system). The system enables extremely fast switching with the newly developed InstantSwitching technology, avoiding the short interruptions to the picture that otherwise occur when switching to a redundant system.

The KVM switch DP1.2-MUX3-ATC enables extremely fast switching between computers.

Constant availability through redundancy and fallback systems

A key aspect for all ANSPs is the implementation of security concepts as well as cyber security. Here, KVM systems play an important role and enable numerous scenarios involving redundant applications. From simple setups with extender lines to complex concepts for fully redundant infrastructures with automatic switching to back-up systems or redundant control rooms – there are almost endless possibilities for designing redundant structures using G&D KVM systems and thus increasing security in control rooms or the tower. The manufacturers continue to develop their redundancy concepts by adding further switching and database concepts, such as the MatrixGuard function for a KVM matrix grid or the syncSwitching function, which guarantees equal switching of redundant matrices and thus offers even more security in failure scenarios.

For many years, G&D's KVM systems have been applied successfully in air traffic controls, airport centers and towers around the world. At the World ATM Congress from 10 – 12 March 2020, interested ANSPs and integrators will be able to get personal advice on their individual IT solution at booth 433. More information about KVM solutions is available on www.gdsys.de.