Eurocontrol has been operating a centralised database for the management of static and dynamic aeronautical data since 2003. Organisations responsible for the provision of data, primarily the European air control organisations (ANSPs), required an efficient, reliant, secure and cost-efficient network.
Due to its experience in international telecommunication projects, team was assigned with the planning and implementation of the procurement procedure, subsequently taking the responsibility for the development of the redundant safety-critical network and the management of its operations.
It was the very first time, that an IP based geographically and technologically redundant network of European dimension was realised and in addition the existing X.25 network (AFTN) was connected. In this process IPSec was implemented successfully as safety-layer for encryption and authentication. The implementation of standardised site-surveys, the initial operation, load and redundancy tests, as well as SLA management, reporting, change management and the realisation of a technology shift from frame relay to MPLS, ensuring uninterrupted operation, are among the key aspects guiding the EAD service providers GroupEAD based in Frankfurt and Madrid.