Mexico to enhance airspace network availability with Frequentis satellite system upgrade

SENEAM, the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) of Mexico, has selected a turnkey VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) network solution from Frequentis, in cooperation with ND Satcom. The main goal of the project is to optimise the bandwidth utilisation of the satellite segment and increase the availability of all Air Traffic Management (ATM) services.

The solution complies with strict requirements of the ATM domain as well as specifically supporting SENEAM’s safety-critical operations.

“The proposed solution from Frequentis will guarantee the continuity of communication by providing the full redundancy and compatibility with the new IP technology, applicable to modern networks. The VSAT ground station network is our critical service network, required to provide robust and reliable communications channels in order for relevant ATM information to be transmitted from each station instantly. We are looking forward to working with Frequentis on this network modernisation to meet our airspace demands,” says SENEAM.

The innovative solution from Frequentis was selected as the best fit to meet the requirements of SENEAM. The heart of the solution combines the latest ND Satcom technology, SkyWAN, with the newest product from the Frequentis VCX-IP vitalsphere portfolio. The solution cover 40 VSAT stations across Mexico and will integrate and support more than 500 current legacy interfaces.

As well as the modernised infrastructure and the necessary civil works, Frequentis is also responsible for the safe migration from the current legacy VSAT network to the new solution.

VCX-IP is an application-level gateway for voice and data communications. As well as providing protocol conversion from legacy to internet protocol (IP), it complies to the ED-137 standard for voice over IP (VoIP), ensuring that the solution complies with the strict needs of ATM and interoperability. Frequentis has worked with SENEAM since 1995, installing its voice communication system (VCS), DIVOS recording for its airport tower and a country-wide terrestrial network solution at about 70 sites.

“We see this VSAT modernisation for SENEAM as a next step in our cooperation and are pleased to be part of the evolution of its ATM infrastructure, supporting the demands of Mexican airspace with our state of the art ATM-grade network,” says Hannu Juurakko, Frequentis Vice President ATM Civil and Chairman of the ATM Executive Team.

The VSAT network solution will provide flexible carrier and channel design supporting the highest efficiency and availability of satellites. Both technologies – ND Satcom’ s SkyWAN and Frequentis VCX-IP – are in operational use for many ANSPs airspace networks around the world, proving their capability. The solution to enable safe and secure use of VSAT as a backup network, will start roll-out later in 2022, and include the of optimisation of ground stations throughout the Mexican territory.