Network Voting System Data Link System Solutions, Simultaneous Downlink Monitoring

Network Voting System

An air-to-ground data link has limited range using a single, fixed ground receiver site. Enterprise Control Systems Ltd (ECS) has developed and deployed solutions extending the capability of a single receive site to an unlimited operational area. The Network Voting System consists of any number of ground receiver sites which may be controlled and monitored by a Network Voting System Graphical User Interface (GUI).

General Description
Technical Data

General Description

The Network Voting System incorporates a set of ground receiv¬er sites to provide downlink reception beyond the capabilities of a single, fixed site where appropriate network infrastructure ex¬ists. The exact placement of the receiver sites and the antenna configuration at each site is designed by ECS to provide optimal coverage according to the Customer’s bespoke operational requirements, siting arrangements and terrain. Simultaneous downlinks from multiple platforms may be distributed to moni¬toring sites across the network.

The downlink signal is converted to Internet Protocol (IP) data before being delivered securely and bandwidth efficiently across the Customer’s own network to a monitoring point or multiple points of the Customer’s choosing.

A voting technique is used to select the best real time downlink signal available from multiple receiving sites. The system uses smoothed signal quality and packet error data to select the most consistently reliable downlink feed for each channel, incorporat¬ing a hysteresis effect to minimise unnecessary switching while remaining responsive to sudden data losses.

Control of the system is via a Voting System GUI which may be located anywhere on the network. The GUI includes selection of the receiver channel, video encoder mode and encryption keys. The GUI can also provide manual control of tracking or switched antenna systems at the receiver sites and, manual over-ride of the receiver site for each downlink channel. The GUI includes a Built in Test (BIT) function and allows system monitoring.