Airbus has introduced the new Taira TETRA Server for professional mobile radio networks, which is based on IP technology. The company says that it can replace conventional switches and operates at much lower costs. The Taira is smaller than a typical switch and Airbus claims that it works more efficiently and economically and can be managed easily as it fits into existing IT environments.
Copyright photo: Airbus
“For users of mission-critical networks, Taira facilitates daily operations: the flow of information is fast and extremely reliable,” says Eric Davalo, head of strategy, solution portfolio and engineering of Secure Land Communications at Airbus. Thanks to the virtualisation of commercial off-the-shelf hardware, server capacities can be exploited in a better way. “This is expected to help TETRA be installed in complicated and narrow surroundings, for instance in the mining industry, at airports or in underground systems,” he explains.
Using modern IT server technology in the framework of a TETRA network enables operators to integrate a TETRA system into their existing data centres. The TETRA network can be operated with the same processes that are used for other IT solutions and managed by the same personnel. It helps operators to reduce their operating expenses and marks the start of a new era in critical communications infrastructure. On top of its “exceptionally high availability”, the server from Airbus consists of standard solutions with virtualisation layers – ensuring "true hot standby redundancy even in extreme situations".
For the first time in Asia, three Taira TETRA servers will soon be used in four metro lines of the Chinese megacity Chongqing. Airbus was assigned to install a single integrated TETRA radio communication system across the four metro lines, with three switch centres to support cross-line train dispatching, operation and security. The system is expected to enter operation in December 2017. The Taira TETRA servers will be presented during the Critical Communications World (CCW) exhibition at the Airbus stand C5, AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong from 16 to 18 May 2017.
