Cornet Switching Systems Ltd was selected by Rockwell Collins to provide Digital Matrix Switches for the modernisation of the UK Ministry of Defence’s high-frequency service communications (DHFCS). In conjunction with Rockwell Collins, Cornet Switching Systems Ltd installed seven MTX-L digital matrix switches (DMS) throughout the UK and in British Territories overseas. The DMS is used at two Network Control sites and five HF stations to switch a variety of low and high speed digital and analog voice frequency signals and will support switching of simplex, half duplex and full duplex, voice and data communication circuits. The Cornet MTX-L single-stage, non-blocked, crosspoint architecture incorporated the latest developments in switching technology to provide reliability, availability and fault tolerance as required by Rockwell Collins and their customer. System availability assurance is one of the MTX-L’s many design strengths with no single point of failure.
Cornet Switching Systems were approached by the UK Government to resolve network problems at the Whitehall Communications Centre. The network consisted of a number of disparate systems and a complicated arrangement of generic ‘special purpose’ nodes, located by necessity in various areas within the building. The problems in the network were unmanageable, and they were being resolved reactively by personnel who operated from within a control area left over from telex operations. The Cornet MTX matrix switch was the clear choice to resolve these network problems, as the MTX switch could help network operators in three distinct areas: <br /> • Proactive alarm alerting on individual circuit problems <br /> • Ability to restore user service immediately by patching in spare resources <br /> • Centralised test and diagnostic tool to facilitate a repair action All from within a central location. <br /> The Cornet MTX switch became instrumental in providing centralised interface alarm monitoring and alerting, fully electronic reconfiguration patching and sparing and remotely managed test, monitor and diagnostics facilities.
Airbus Defence & Space, formerly known as EADS Defense & Security Systems, approached Cornet Switching Systems to provide the Baseband Switching requirements at UK Satellite Ground Stations (SGSs) as part of the modernisation of the UK Governments communications facilities. Together with EADS, Cornet Switching Systems installed four major MTX 256 matrix switches, at two SGSs, together with various system test and development switches at other UK locations. The contract includes the provision of ongoing support services. The Skynet 5 satellites are capable of beaming communications signals between MOD headquarters in the UK and British forces deployed around the world. They are also used in the field of welfare services to enable a free message service for service personnel, family and friends. The Skynet 5 Satellites are the most powerful military X band satellites launched to date by any nation and will allow high data rates to be available to small and disadvantaged terminals, typically used as ‘first in’ for disaster and rescue operations as well as military missions.