Automatic AFTN Message Switching System with integration to Airport Admin and other Air Traffic Control systems.
STANDARD FEATURES:
- Fault tolerant configuration
- ICAO Annex 10
- AFTN Routing
- Content Routing
- Message Journal
- Message Archive & Retrieval
- Simple User Interface
- Based on Windows & Menus
- On-line Configuration
- 50 - 9,600bps line speed
- Up to 64 serial ports
Network Interfacing
Integration Options
ICAO Statistics
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 Copperchase AFTN Message Switch
The Automatic AFTN Message Switch from Copperchase, created for ATC using our extensive experience of the aviation marketplace. AFSWITCH has been specifically designed for AFTN use, meeting the requirements of the current issue of ICAO Annex 10. The Switch provides full connectivity to the Copperchase AFGATE & AFTERM products.
Copperchase hardware and software platforms are well proven through extensive use within the AFTN Network and commercially operated message switches worldwide. An ongoing development programme ensures that the software keeps pace with technological advances. It can also handle up to 64 serial connections, and is supplied configured for each application.
System Description
AFSWITCH is designed for non-stop 24 hour operation; its core consists of two mirrored file servers plus a pair of powerful serial communications processors. These are linked by a resilient high speed Ethernet LAN. The serial ports are connected via A/B switching units to the relevant line interfaces.
The mirrored file servers use replication software with high speed connection between the units. The operating system uses this high speed link to ensure that the disk and memory content of the two systems are identical. In the event of failure the secondary unit takes over without loss of data or disruption to any connected network user.
The serial interface module(s) run with one set on-line while the other monitors the on-line system, ready to take over instantly if needed. The CPU changeover unit assists in co-ordinating the two CPUs allowing for manual changeover. When changeover occurs, messages being transmitted or received will be interrupted by the hardware changeover. AFTN message sequence numbering allows AFTN systems to request a re-send of interrupted messages - this is done automatically by
AFSWITCH.
User-Friendly
The Man Machine Interface for AFSWITCH is driven by user-friendly menu systems based in MS Windows, reassuringly familiar to the majority of users, intuitively simple to learn for those new to computers. AFSWITCH offers AFTN format verification through the use of simple Form-fills. Copperchase form-fills are based on the ICAO approved Flight Plan as defined in Doc. 4444, though we are equally ready to meet special requirements.
Software Features
AFSWITCH Software - comprises a collection of tasks running on a multi-tasking operating system on the serial interface modules. It uses industry standard components and data formats where possible, e.g., Journal/Archive uses dBase format to allow access by standard spreadsheets and databases. Resilient data storage is provided by the mirrored fileservers.
Line Interface - provides outgoing message format (AFTN) generation. It supports ITA2 (Baudot) & ITA5 (ASCII) character sets. All circuit parameters can be modified by the supervisor without stopping the system. NB: setting a circuit to high level or Telex requires physical connection of the appropriate interface.
Journal & Archive - received & transmitted message text and message journals are stored in an integrated database to allow easy searching and retrieval. There are facilities to transfer the archive database to optical disk for storage or additional analysis elsewhere.
Routing - supports routing by AFTN address and & trunk routing according to ICAO tables. Also local routing by message type (e.g., FPL to Flight Data Processing System). These tables can be changed on-line without stopping the system.
Statistics - summaries are generated daily at midnight or on Supervisor request. The midnight summaries give the previous day's circuit and system traffic totals. Monthly and year to date summaries are by supervisor request. User can also define additional summaries as required by using standard spreadsheet packages.
Modules
Fileservers - rack-mounted processor with high reliability disks (typically 250,000 hours MTBF). The fileservers are inter-connected by a high speed mirrored server link and multiple Ethernet cards into the hubs.
Serial Interface Modules - rack-mounted processor unit with up to sixty four serial ports. These modules are connected to dual Ethernet Hubs to allow resilient communication with the fileservers.
LAN - The system supports dual hubs. One dedicated to the AMS, the other can be a cost effective method for connecting local terminals, i.e.: AFTERM. Extra circuits can be supported by the use of additional serial interface modules.
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