Once it has passed its current testing phase, AeroMACS will be adopted as the sole internationally recognized standard for airport ground communications. The goal is to increase the speed, availability, and quality of communication in applications such as airport ground traffic control, a move designed to keep pace with the ever-increasing volume of data.
Siemens offers three products for wireless network installations in airports: the Ruggedcom WIN7251 base station, along with mobile and fixed subunits. The base station enables high-speed broadband communication with a large number of subunits throughout the airport. The Ruggedcom WIN 5251 fixed subunit is used in permanent installations such as boarding gates, radar antennas, or weather stations, while the Ruggedcom WIN 5151 mobile subunit is designed for use in any type of service vehicle (e.g., fuel or catering trucks). This is a cost-effective solution that users can install and expand to include as many additional network components as needed. Because the base stations communicate directly with each other, no management server is required. This significantly reduces the cost and effort involved in system installation and operation. All devices are AeroMACS-compliant as standard, and their IP67 protection rating allows them to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
AeroMACS is currently being tested as part of several pilot projects at different airports. As a member of the WiMAX Forum, Siemens is participating in the introduction of this standard, which will enhance existing airport communications and is expected to become the only valid wireless standard for ground communications. AeroMACS is based on the IEEE 802.16 broadband model for wireless communications, specifically the WiMAX Mobile System Profile Specification. Communication takes place in the 5.1 GHz frequency band reserved for aviation.
