NATCA Bookshelf

Interruptions in service on the lines during file uploads can cause data packet losses and result in the NIDS network being "out of sync." Data transfer speeds improperly loaded/coded onto the hardware switches can have, and have had, huge impacts on NIDS networks. This state does not immediately impact the interface data (wind, weather, etc.), but over time can cause deeper network issues. The fact that a network reaction to these issues of this magnitude has only been experienced in SCT is puzzling. Investigations into the network will continue at the labs in both the Tech Center in Atlantic City, N.J., and the vendor in addition to monitoring the SCT operations and reviewing the logs. The amount of testing and support required by the vendor (including visits to SCT for support and troubleshooting) may have an impact on the proposed development and delivery of the next NIDS build. NAS VOICE SWITCH (NVS) Jon Shedden (ZFW) is the Article 114 Rep for the NVS project. The National Airspace System (NAS) Voice over IP Communication Enterprise (VoICE) program will encompass what was the NVS program. This will include acquisitions to replace our aging voice switches, as well as Radio Control Equipment (RCE). The first Request For Industry (RFI) was released last summer. The FAA is working on a second RFI with more detailed questions. The FAA is also working on revising and/or updating requirements for the Voice Communications System Specification to better align with existing industry standards. Work continues on the Air-to-Ground Media Gateway (AGMG). The AGMG, being developed as a part of the Future Flight Service Program (FFSP for flight service in the contiguous U.S.), will allow modern Internet Protocol (IP) voice switches to communicate with legacy radios. These will be deployed to several Centers to aid the transition of flight service radios to VoIP. Alaska Flight Service was scheduled to have their aging voice switch replaced with NVS. Now that the NVS contract has ended, work has begun to find a suitable replacement. Work continues on a shortfall analysis as well as requirements review. Next Generation Air-Ground Communication (NEXCOM) continues deployment of new CM300/350 V2 radios to terminal facilities across the country. The NEXCOM Program Office has kicked off the Emergency Transceiver Replacement. This program is looking to replace aging tunable transceivers at DEN, HNL, PCT, PHX, SCT, and SLC. Work continues in Second Level Engineering to develop a suitable replacement. They are also looking to replace approximately 2,000 of the grab-and-go style emergency transceivers (e.g. PET-2000). The replacement for the PET-2000 is currently in source selection. The NAS Voice Recorder Program (NVRP) is the replacement for existing NAS voice recorders (DALR, DALR2, DVRS, DVR2). NICE Ltd. was officially awarded the NVR

• Cover
• January 27-February 2, 2020 Update