KVM systems for optimized IT control and redundant infrastructures

KVM products from G&D have been established in ATC control rooms for decades. Many ANSPs worldwide rely on KVM systems to optimize their IT infrastructure and remotely operate computers in real time. KVM products extend and switch computer signals and let users remotely operate multiple computers from multiple workstations with 100% real-time access. Manufacturers Guntermann & Drunck will present their broad portfolio of KVM products and user-friendly features for mission-critical applications at booth 433 at the World ATM Congress from 12 to 14 March, 2019.

Using KVM makes IT infrastructures of air traffic controls even more secure. An easy setup of redundancy concepts is just as possible as increased cyber security, because KVM products only access the standard interfaces of the computers as hardware switches and therefore do not require any software installation. With the help of KVM systems, you can set up a completely redundant infrastructure, including complex, fully automated switching to backup systems in the event of a failure.

Among many other highlights, G&D's booth will feature the high-performance KVM switch DP1.2-MUX3-ATC, which has been specially developed to meet the requirements of ANSPs. The KVM switch lets ATCOs operate up to three computers from one workstation (e. g. primary, redundancy and fallback system). Working without any compression, the system allows extremely fast switching while supporting resolutions up to 4K at 60 Hz and avoiding short image interruptions during switching that are usually caused at these resolutions.

In combination with a KVM extender, computer signals can be extended so that the computers are physically separated from the controller stations from where they can be operated remotely. When applied in control rooms, this concept leads to ideal working conditions without noise and waste heat emissions.

KVM-over-IP™ meets matrix

Another novelty at the WATM Congress will be G&D’s IP-based ControlCenter-IP matrix. The system allows the distributed switching of multiple computers to several workstations. Now users at every connected workstation can access every remote computer. While the network infrastructure takes over the transport of KVM-over-IP™ by using network switches and routers, the ControlCenter-IP contributes the logic. Transmission takes place compressed via CAT cabling or optical fibres via standard IP-based networks on layer 3, with a data transmission rate of 1 Gbit/s per line. The new matrix for KVM-ober-IP™ offers many advantages, especially for control room applications, since it is possible to use existing IT infrastructures and scale IT installations more easily, flexibly and cost-effectively. The new system features all well-known and popular control room features such as CrossDisplay-Switching for multi-monitor workstations, the Push-Get function for optimal team collaboration and scenario switching, which is ideal for control room constellations with shift changes.

Lossless video transmission
The ControlCenter-IP offers pixel-perfect video transmission and, in combination with the KVM extenders DP1.2-Vision-IP, DP-Vision-IP, DL-DVI-Vision-IP and DVI- Vision-IP, it enables extender solutions for DP1.2a and DP1.1a as well as single-link and dual-link DVI – with a powerful performance and pixel-perfect video quality up to 4K@60 Hz over IP.

Signal transmission is compressed, lossless, and almost latency-free, whereby G&D do not reduce the sharpness during transmission, but use their in-house compression method, High Dynamic Image Processing (HDIP). This compression mode allows the loss-less transmission of video signals and delivers perfect images.

As manufacturers with many years of experience with ATC applications, G&D place maximum value on the reliability and availability of their systems. The company offers the broadest combinable KVM portfolio on the market, which easily adapt to growing infrastructures and thus ensure a high degree of investment security for ANSPs. With their proven know-how, G&D offer a wide range of concepts for optimizing working conditions, designing redundancy concepts and securely storing IT systems. Interested users will have the opportunity to experience G&D's systems live at the World ATM Congress at booth 433, 12 - 14 March 2019.