In 1994, AEROTHAI implemented two types of satellite ground communication system, the Multi-Channel Per Carrier (MCPC) and the Personal Earth Station (PES) and leased ? transponder bandwidth of THAICOM Satellite. Twenty-five remote ground stations were also installed across the country. This satellite network is used to support the Air Traffic Control Service and the Aeronautical Information Service with an aim at ensuring convenience and safety for air travel across the country and in the South-East Asia. In 1996, the Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS) Service was introduced, using the connectivity of the Network Management Data Processing System (NMDPS) and Remote Ground Stations (RGSs) via satellite network. Later in 1999, AEROTHAI implemented Telephony Earth Station (TES) to enhance the efficiency of our services. All of the systems were designed for satellite data and voice transmission.
In 2011, AEROTHAI operated a new satellite ground communication system using IP Broadband, Link Way to replace the obsolete PES system. The system and another four remote ground stations were installed at our VSAT Hub Station located at AEROTHAI headquarters in Bangkok. To ensure the high level of network availability, AEROTHAI completed the establishment of Geographic Redundant Hub Station at Suvarnabhumi International Airport and nine remote ground stations in mid 2012. Another five remote ground stations will be installed in 2013. AEROTHAI plans to replace the existing TES system with the latest satellite networking system during 2015-2016.
To increase the utilization of our satellite network, AEROTHAI has offered the satellite communication service for Air Traffic Service (ATS) Direct Speech Circuit and data communication via Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN) to ATS organizations of neighboring countries in the Southeast Asia on rental basis.
Three types of satellite ground communication system in use are:
- Multi-Channel per Carrier (MCPC)
MCPC system is a point-to-point network utilizing Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) for multiple access which saves bandwidth, accommodates many channels and supports many communication circuits. AEROTHAI has eight stations, of which six remote ground stations are located in Thailand: Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), Don Mueang Airport, Suvarnabhumi International Airport and other two overseas remote ground stations in Mongolia and Vietnam.
- Telephony Earth Station (TES)
TES system is a mesh topology supporting voice and data communications. Voice uses Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) whereas data uses Pre-Assigned Multiple Access (PAMA) for Multiple Access Technique. TES system transmits voice and data with minimum delays as each remote ground station communicates directly with each other and does not need to be connected through hub station. Moreover, Network Control System (NCS) is the centre of the system and manages channels. AEROTHAI also provides a Redundant NCS that enhances operational reliability of the TES system.
A hub station was installed at AEROTHAI headquarters and thirty-four remote ground stations were set up in Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, Trang, Narathiwat, Ranong, Krabi, Trad, Surat Thani, Samui, Khao Pom, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Tak, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Phitsanulok, Lampang, Phrae, Nan, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Mae Sot, including Malaysia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar (six remote ground stations were located in Myanmar).
- Linkway
Linkway system is a combination of star and mesh topologies utilizing IP broadband as an interface supporting the connection with computer devices. The network rapidly receives and transmits data in text, picture and voice through internet. Each remote ground station can communicate within one single hop and does not need to be linked with hub station; thus, decreasing signal transmitting delays. Also provided are Network Control Centre (NCC), which manages channels, and Redundant NCC so as to enhance round the clock reliable operations of the Linkway system. Additionally, the Linkway system also supports the performance of DVB S2, Digital Video Broadcasting- Satellite Second Generation utilized for video broadcast.
The installation of eighteen remote ground stations will be carried out inside and outside Thailand: Khao Bangduk, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Hua-Hin, Khao Mon, Ubon Ratchathani, Phetchabun, Sukhothai, Phu Khaio, U-tapao, Loei, Kao Yai (Kanchanaburi), Doi Intanon, Chumphon, Phnom P enh (Cambodia), Yangon (Myanmar), Kun Ming (China), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Colocated (Tung Mahamek). A hub station is scheduled to be located at Tung Mahamek whereas a redundant hub station will be set up at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Satellite Communication Rental Service
- ATS/DSC and AFTN Rental Service are provided as follows: Department of Civil Aviation, Myanmar 5 circuits
Yangon – Mandalay, Yangon – Lashio, Yangon – Sittwe, Yangon – Pathein and Yangon – Myeik - Lao Air Traffic Management, Lao PDR 4 circuits
Vientiane – Bangkok, Vientiane – Kunming via Bangkok, Vientiane – Ho Chi Minh and Vientiane (North) – Bangkok - Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Bangladesh 2 circuits
Dhaka – Bangkok and Dhaka – Yangon - Vietnam Air Traffic Management, Vietnam 3 circuits
Ho Chi Minh – Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh – Kuala Lumpur via Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh – Vientiane - Telekom Malaysia, Malaysia 2 circuits
Kuala Lumpur – Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur – Ho Chi Minh via Bangkok - Cambodia Air Traffic Services, Cambodia 1 circuit
Phnom Penh - Bangkok
Customers Reference:
- Department of Civil Aviation, Myanmar
- Lao Air Traffic Management, Laos PDR
- Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Bangladesh
- Vietnam Air Traffic Management, Vietnam
- Telekom Malaysia, Malaysia
- Cambodia Air Traffic Services, Cambodia