SDDS enhances safety, security and interoperability by providing the following features:
ASTERIX data format conversion
ASTERIX data format conversion is an interoperability feature allowing the introduction of technologies such as ADS-B and Multilateration in the surveillance infrastructure, without having necessarily to update the end systems at the same time.
Filtering
The static-filtering capabilities allow data streams to be tailored to User's needs, applying a wide range of filtering criteria (e.g. geographical filter, surveillance technology filter, specific SSR Mode 3/A code ranges, etc.), while dynamic-filtering capabilities help prevent uncontrolled loss of data due to overload. The SDDS uses a lean publish/subscribe mechanism to manage the connections to the provided services, thereby facilitating interoperability and reducing configuration effort. Such a mechanism also ensures that Users can only access data for which they are authorised.
ADS-B Server
The ADS-B Server function is responsible for the processing of ASTERIX CAT021 messages, provided by various ADS-B Ground Stations. It can be used to reduce the data load on other surveillance components either filtering out duplicated messages related to the same Target Address (data-driven mode) or merging the information delivered in multiple messages – related to the same target – in one single message, to be served at a defined pace (periodic mode).
Interoperability
Gateway functions allow the simultaneous use of a wide variety of communication protocols. These functions are not restricted to surveillance data: indeed SDDS can be used in transparent mode to distribute any other type of data. An automatic switchover function ensures data availability in case of data source loss, activating the connection to a backup source.
Safety
Safety-related features include a high availability hardware platform, alternative data path selection, data syntax and range checks, static and dynamic filtering.
Security
Security-related features include a top-level architecture separating payload and management flows, as well as a clear segregation of the inter-centre and intra-centre communications.