Implementation

 
A major international airport requires a Public Address and automated announcement system to provide passengers with service information.

Example Requirement

A major international airport requires a public address and automated announcement system to provide passengers with service information.  This shall integrate into the existing Flight Information Display System (FIDS) to provide real time automated flight status announcements.

Additionally, the airport’s telephone system requires an upgrade to a cost effective VoIP based solution utilising the existing LAN for all internal communication.

The NetSpire™ Solution

The NetSpire™ Integrated Communications System comprises two fault-tolerant Communication Exchanges which provide system audio and call control, system management features and the integration point for the FIDS system.

The Communications Exchange’s Soft Switch capabilities, combined with its E1 module, provide both VoIP and analog telephony features to the system.  The Communications Exchange’s optional E1 Telephony module was included to provide external PSTN connection.

Although the Open Access solution has integration with many current FIDS systems, in this case integration work was required.  The fully documented protocol and Software Development Kit provided by Open Access allowed this integration to be carried rapidly and successfully.

At each gate new remote NetSpire™ system nodes called Media Gateway Units (MGU) control all announcements and calls.  Staff are provided with wireless DECT handsets that provide the following capabilities:

  • Make and receive internal and external telephone calls
  • Make live public address announcements through the local gate speakers via a single key press
  • Initiate pre-recorded Digital Voice Announcements based on 1 or 4 digit codes
  • Interact with the current Timetable Database – such as updating a flight to be cancelled.  These changes are then updated in the FIDS system
  • Receive text messages via the Email client interface into the Communications Exchange.  These can be directed to any combination of handsets throughout the system
the advantage

The NetSpire™ solution provides airport staff with a wide range of communication features from a wireless handset that allows them to be mobile.  The integration into the FIDS system provides the airport with a unified service information system to keep passengers informewd.

The NetSpire™ platform also allows the airport to think to the future with a variety of feature expansion options available – such as live public address announcements capabilities from centralised operators (Long Line PA), or announcement and call recording and archiving.

6-2.jpg