Finland’s Nokia has announced the deployment of an upgraded, IP-based air traffic control communications network for the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) following the completion of a series of live trials in North Atlantic airspace.
Nokia supplied IP/MPLS (multi-protocol label switching) networking products specifically designed for mission-critical applications, plus integration and testing services. MPLS is a telecommunications routing method that enables fast switching of data across a network.
Currently in service, the network was installed at the IAA’s West Ireland disaster recovery center in early 2019 and has supported controllers’ voice and radar service during live trials across multiple airspace sectors, Nokia said on Mar. 11. The Finnish network equipment supplier continues to provide long-term maintenance service.
Working with UK controllers in Prestwick, Scotland, IAA radio officers provide communications with aircraft transiting the eastern half of the North Atlantic Ocean—the world’s busiest oceanic airspace—together with Nav Canada that manages the western half.
The IAA’s new high-bandwidth IP/MPLS network increases communications capacity and supports legacy, non-IP applications, including communications between radar stations, Nokia said.
“Given our responsibility to ensure the smooth operation of the North Atlantic airspace, it has been crucial that Nokia earn our trust,” IAA director of ATM operations and strategy Billy Hann said. “We are very pleased and confident in the performance of the new network.”
