Intelligent KVM solutions for Air Traffic Control

Powerful KVM solutions

are essential in high-tech industries such as ATC. Designing fail-safe systems, using space efficiently, optimizing working conditions and facilitating processes – there are many challenges to tackle. KVM from G&D enables flexible IT access, comprehensive redundancy concepts, fail-safety, and cyber security, while equally protecting technology and human life.

With KVM from G&D, controllers always have the right system at hand and benefit from pixel-perfect transmission with the best possible video quality and zero latency. In addition, KVM systems from G&D improve workplace ergonomics and make it easier for IT staff to maintain the equipment.

Saving valuable space

Space is scarce in a tower. Nevertheless, controllers must be able to work highly focused and without any distractions. By moving the hardware to a separate room, KVM helps you create more space, especially in confined areas.

Heat and noise from the powerful computers are thus kept out of the tower cab. At the same time, this means: towers need less air conditioning, which in turn saves costs. Thus, air traffic controllers can continue to work without any losses in data transmission and maintain a clear overview of air traffic without any irritating disturbances.

KVM in towers

In the tower, KVM solutions are indispensable. The computers are relocated to a central technical room and connected to a KVM matrix switch. From there, the signals are extended via the extender function, e.g., to individual offices, the entrance area, the test room, and of course, all the way up to the control booth with all working positions. Thanks to the KVM equipment in use, all workplaces have access to the remote computers – of course taking into account the assigned user rights. In a separate testing room, employees inspect any IT equipment thoroughly. And even from here, technicians can access and maintain the computers.

KVM as invisible helper

In any air traffic control center, computers must run and be available at all operator workplaces –always, every day. Here, KVM acts as an invisible helper and backbone of the entire IT infrastructure, with a decisive advantage: lots of space is saved in the actual center. This significantly improves the workplace conditions for your employees!

CrossDisplay-Switching is also effortlessly possible here. Thus, administrators can operate several computers simultaneously to maintain an overview of the systems at all times.

KVM in control centers

Redundancy and fallback concepts allow controllers to continue their activities immediately, safely, intuitively and in the familiar working environment, even in the case of complex failure scenarios. Switching and full computer access from a distance ensure optimized, emission-free working conditions and an improved overview of the workplace for employees. Maintenance can be carried out in a centralized and trouble-free manner, and thanks to active monitoring and SNMP, system administrators can notice and react to critical conditions, like excessive temperature, even before it will be detected by users.

Rethinking airport control

Controlling an airport remotely from hundreds of kilometers away is a highly innovative approach, requiring even more computer equipment and profound know-how – especially when augmented reality and AI are used.

KVM lets you pool and relocate computer sources while your staff continues to operate them in real time. At the same time, it is easier for you to visualize image/computer sources on large-screen projectors.

KVM in a remote tower

With KVM, you have the right conditions for the optimal integration of a remote tower. Using redundancies, flexible access to different workplaces and the outsourcing of computer technology, control rooms can be converted into a remote tower. Remote computer technology is made available at the workplaces via a KVM matrix switch. Operators can access the remote computers in real time via console modules (CON). The fully redundant design of the systems with a completely mirrored matrix switch guarantees maximum reliability.

Flexible training thanks to KVM

Air traffic controllers must be able to react quickly without any margin for errors. To prepare them and technical staff for any possible scenarios, simulation trainings centers are important tools in ATC. Here, training aspects and real-life data are included to prepare controllers for their tasks. The equipment used in this field also benefits from KVM: Remote computers in the simulation area guarantee controllers all the benefits from real operations and are also more ergonomic and flexible. Even heat and noise emissions are a thing of the past.

Reliable system control

Keeping control of all airport operations – that is the job of airport control room personnel. They monitor and control many processes such as baggage handling or security. KVM ensures distributed system access and reliable processes. At the same time, flexible IT access for all areas from apron control, security, customs and baggage handling to airline NOCs offers your employees a major advantage.

Here, KVM is used as follows: A matrix switch connects keyboard, mouse and monitor to computers stored in a technical room. Even when the systems need maintenance, employees can continue their work without being disturbed while technicians maintain the computers on a server rack in a separate room. Thus, work becomes easier for everyone – a difference you will notice immediately!

KVM in airport control rooms

In airport control rooms, for example in baggage handling, all computers are removed from the individual workplaces to a separate technical room and connected to a KVM matrix switch. This ensures that multiple users can access different computers remotely - in real time and without latency. Thanks to the intuitive CrossDisplay-Switching function, multiple systems can be operated with one set of keyboard and mouse.