FREQUENTIS Extends Malaysian ATM-grade Network Solution to Include Borneo

Following a successful installation of the Frequentis vitalsphere network solution for the new Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre (KL ATCC), Frequentis was selected to extend the ATM-grade radio communication solution for the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to the second FIR.

The solution is based on VCX-IP and integrates the centres at Kuching and Kota Kinabalu with 21 radio sites across Borneo, enhancing resilience and safety for air traffic control (ATC) radio communication. The Malaysian airspace is divided into the Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu FIR, with each having its own air traffic control centres, Kuala Lumpur ATCC (KL ATCC) and Kota Kinabalu ATCC (KK ATCC) as well as a sub-centre in Kuching.

“The Frequentis solution has proven its commercial and technical benefits in the KL ATCC project and, given the positive experience, it was a natural choice to rely on the same technology for the country-wide extension,” says Mohd Fahmi Abd Aziz, Telekom Malaysia Account Manager for aviation sector.

VCX-IP is an application-level gateway for voice and data communications complying with European and international VoIP (voice over IP) standards for civil and military air traffic management (ATM). It provides protocol conversion for radio, phone and data, enables ATM-specific contingency scenarios using intelligent routing and optimises ATM applications used by civil and military air navigation service providers (ANSPs).

“ATM-grade network solutions such as the VCX-IP are a powerful means to safely connect and deliver controller benefits even during the transition towards an all-IP infrastructure. With thousands of network nodes installed globally for safety and mission critical networks, Frequentis is proud to have been chosen by TM to extend the network solution for CAAM to a country-wide network”, says Gonzalo Moreno, Frequentis Director Air Traffic Management Networks.

The network spans the complete Malaysian airspace, covering three air traffic control centres (ATCCs), 19 peninsular radio sites and 23 radio sites in Borneo. Given the hybrid infrastructure, which comprises legacy as well as ED-137 IP based systems, it is good example of how Frequentis ATM-grade network technology supports a seamless integration and the transition towards new technologies.