Challenges and current state of implementation of an IP platform for Brazil's ATM communications

This paper presents challenges and current implementation state of an IP platform to support ATM communications (Radio, Telephony, Surveillance Data, etc.) in the SISCEAB (Brazilian Integrated Airspace Control System) taking into account the national plan for CNS/ATM development. This IP platform comprises Voice Communication System (VCS), Ground Radio Stations (GRS) and Surveillance Systems (RADAR) based on IP Standards and Protocols as well as an IP/MPLS backbone to interconnect them. The paper describes the current scenario of Brazilian Aeronautical Telecommunication Network (ATN) as well as future scenarios and challenges to support the safe and gradual migration to a new infrastructure based on IP technology following EUROCAE (European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment) Standards and ICAO Recommendations. It also presents the basic infrastructure of the Information and Communications Systems Qualification Laboratory for SISCEAB (LQCEA) built at CPqD (a Brazilian Telecom Research Center) which will be used to test and validate the IP platform performance and equipment interoperability before they are deployed operationally. In addition, it presents an overview of the systemic tests executed to analyze and validate this new platform which have contributed to the project progress. Finally, this paper gives an overview about the next steps of ATN communications implementation in Brazil.