ASCOM ACCESS NODE User manual

REFERENCE CASE
Product: Ascom Access Node
Customer: The Finnish Defence Forces
Platform: Ascom openAccess®
MISSION-CRITICAL COMMUNICATION
BASED ON ASCOM openAccess®
TECHNOLOGY IN THE FINNISH DEFENCE
FORCES
In 2001, the Finnish Defence Forces saw a
clear need for a new communication solution
which bases on a commercial product in order to
integrate different systems and perform
different functions simultaneously. This product
should also meet new challenges in mobile
warfare from a management and command
point of view. Traditional technology was
considered to be limited in its ability to provide
sufficient interfaces, flexibility, capacity,
mobility, scalability, security and possibilities for
decentralized operations. The new technology
should offer higher capacity, quicker response
and more efficient communication for both fixed
and mobile troops. This was the basis for the
development of the Ascom openAccess®
technology and the Ascom Access Node as a first
product built upon it.
Ascom Tactical Access Nodes can be securely interconnected to form
highly scaleable communications networks for transmitting voice, data, and
video over copper, fibre, or existing wired and wireless networks and infra-
structures. As an all-IP solution, the Ascom Tactical Access Node enables the
full benefits of powerful QoS, traffic prioritization, and security features for
all network traffic.
The Ascom Tactical Access Node is easy to setup and manage and can
be deployed in a full range of operational environments. It is customisable
and supports all the required network interfaces and functional features
necessary to enable modern voice and data communications infrastructures
to be rapidly, easily, and flexibly constructed.
The Ascom Tactical Access Node is ideal for a large variety of perma-
nent and ad-hoc deployments. It connects office and field devices, both
wired and wireless, into a fully functioning all-IP network. It can connect
scattered local area networks into virtual LANs over various transmission
technologies, including SDH, DWDM, and satellite infrastructure. The Ascom
Tactical Access Node can create virtual private networks within IP networks
and secure these VPNs with effective encryption. Traffic of different
security levels can also be separated physically so that each connection
carries only the traffic from a specified security level.

REFERENCE CASE: THE FINNISH DEFENCE FORCES
The Finnish Defence Forces` Communication Needs
In the Finnish Defence Forces, communication and command play a
vital role. In recent years the role of communication has changed and
become more important than ever before. “Communication in all of its forms
plays a central role in the Finnish Defence Forces. With the help of
communication and technology, we can utilize our resources more
efficiently.
Communication systems play vital role during co-operation and joint
operations within our organization and with other parties.
Earlier, the biggest problem was that our information system
consisted of several separate systems that did not communicate properly
with each other. Transferring data from one system to another was difficult,
since these systems were not compatible. Maintenance of these systems
became expensive, and our own organization needed a system that would
be generally interoperable from one system to another within the Finnish
Defence Forces,” says colonel Kyösti Halonen from the Defence Staff of the
Finnish Defence Forces.
Ascom Access Node in an Integrator Role
“At the moment, the Ascom Access Node integrates our systems. As
the Army, Navy and Air Force have different and separate systems, the
Ascom Access Node functions as an integrating interface enabling these
systems to communicate with each other. On the other hand, the Defence
Staff is responsible for the Finnish Defence Forces’ core network and
common services. At this interface, the Ascom Access Node functions as a
device which connects the Army, Navy and Air Force to the network
maintained by the Defence Staff. Thanks to the Ascom Access Node,
different data networks and information systems now work better
together”, colonel Halonen says.
Now we can transfer information electronically from one system to
another. This technology is compatible with various systems used both
nationally and internationally. Taking a long-term view, it becomes a cost
effective solution as well since we don’t use overlapping systems for the
same tasks. Furthermore, this technology and the network is secure. The
information is standardized in order to be used by every person of our
organization. This improves our means and capabilities in management and
command”, Halonen continues.
“The Ascom Access Node is developed to
be suitable for wartime use. In addition, the
Ascom Access Node has been used in crisis
management operations. The Ascom Access
Node is part of wartime equipment of the Finnish
Defence Forces, and it was developed for local
communication corps’ use. I can’t imagine how
we would manage without the Ascom Access
Node anymore,” colonel Halonen says.

REFERENCE CASE: THE FINNISH DEFENCE FORCES
Ascom Access Node in International and Cooperational Crisis Management
“The benefits of the Ascom Access Node can be attained particularly well
in international crisis management operations. Soldiers, civilian authorities and
international telecom operators work together in crisis management
operations. Some of these operators use their own communication systems,
and some of them use commercial services. The Ascom Access Node fits well
in interfaces where military organizations, civilian organizations and
com-mercial operators should work together. With the Ascom Access Node,
inte-gration between all these systems is easy.
There are several possible roles in international crisis management
operations and joint operations with various public authorities. The Access
Node integrates incompatible communication networks to work together in
these operations as well. Ascom Access Node technology is ideal for inter-
national collaboration and ensures interoperability. We have used the Ascom
Access Node technology in a number of crisis management operations such as
the peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and
Afghanistan.
Military operations or civilian crisis management operations – the Ascom
Access Node fits almost every situation, since it enables us to utilize existing
networks. The Ascom Access Node can be used if there are local networks
already in place, but it can also be used when building totally new systems. On
the other hand, when building a totally new communication architecture in a
disaster area, the Ascom Access Node can be easily moved to be operated by
a commercial operator. This means that there is no need for military personnel
to manage the system in the way there would be when a purely military system
was used. The Ascom Access Node enables the extension and transformation
of a military operation into a civilian crisis management operation and further
into a network operated by local operators,” colonel Halonen continues.
Esa Kaakinen, Senior Manager at Ascom (Finland) Oy, has extensive
experience in the fields of communication and command systems. Concerning
the impact of the Ascom Access Node he states: “The Ascom Access Node
technology has proven to be a decisive technology in fulfilling the com-
munication needs in crisis management and disaster relief. Thanks to this
technology, we are now able to provide versatile solutions for both demanding
conditions in the field and broadband service environments in offices. The
Ascom Access Node is also an excellent solution for connecting multinational
organizations within the same communication infrastructure, without having
to give up established working procedures.
Advantages to the Finnish Defence Forces
All-IP solution: IP-only networking. One
communication solution fits all ap-
plications: data, voice and video are
transmitted simultaneously over the same
network
Cost-effectiveness
Security and robustness
Flexibility: fast and simple installation
Scaleability :the system scales through a
series of available expansion units
Mobility
Compliance with international standards
Simple management: only one device
performing different roles has to be
managed
Form factor: small size and low energy
consumption compared to traditional
tactical communication equipment
 Network integration: interconnects
incompatible communication networks.
Connects office and field devices, both
wired and wireless, into a fully functioning
all-IP network. Ideal for collaborational
operations where different military
organisations, civilian organisations and
commercial operators should work
together.
Fast deployment
. Tailor-made solutions available:
custuomer specific extensions can
be integrated easily

Ascom (Switzerland) Ltd. Ascom (Finland) Oy Ascom (Poland) SP. Z.o.o. Ascom (Czech Republic) s.r.o.
Freiburgstrasse 251 Pakkalankuja 6 Ul. Farbiarska 71a Zemské právo 1199/5
CH-3018 Berne FIN-01510 Vantaa 02-862 Warsaw 10200 Prague 10
T+ 41 31 999 24 72 T + 358 9 8259 01 T [phone] T + 41 31 999 24 72
F + 41 31 999 16 82 F + 358 9 8259 0279 F + 48 22 544 22 05 F + 41 31 999 16 82
[email protected] info@ascom.fi [email protected] [email protected]
www.ascom.com/securitysolutions www.ascom.fi www.ascom.com.pl www.ascom.cz
REFERENCE CASE: THE FINNISH DEFENCE FORCES
Advantages for the Finnish Defence Forces
In urgent situations a quick response is needed. The Ascom Access node
can be easily moved from one location to another. On the other hand, the
Ascom Access Node uses internationally standardized interfaces and
commercial technology which makes it a cost effective solution. “The Ascom
Access Node can be used to integrate almost any systems. When the system
changes, only a change of interfaces is required. There is no need for cust-
omizing the system itself for every change. This means that the Ascom Access
Node technology is also co st effective. Benefits of this system are especially
apparent in crisis management operations: when the operation´s lead country
changes, communication systems traditionally have changed also. With the
Ascom Access Node, interoperability problems can be solved,” colonel Halonen
comments and continues: “a lot of times tactical communication equipment is
heavy and consumes a lot of power. We benefit from the Ascom Access Node´s
small size and low energy consumption.”
Cost Efficiency through Partherships
The Finnish Defence Forces have concentrated on partnership programs
with different companies. The goal of the partnership is to secure and lead
development, and to produce services cost effectively and reliably. High
standards in the partnership and risk management are guaranteed by
guidance and control procedures and internal management procedures.
Relating to this partnership-oriented strategy, the Finnish Defence Forces have
chosen Ascom as a strategic partner for the implementation and development
of integrated communication systems. The Finnish Defence Forces have
ordered further development work with Ascom for additional products based
on Ascom’s openAccess® Technology. The contract value amounts to
approximately € 0.9 million. A budget of € 10.7 million is foreseen for the
purchase and maintenance of Ascom openAccess® technology based products
in the years 2007-2011.
To colonel Halonen the cooperation between the Finnish Defence Forces
and Ascom is very important: ”The only possible way to find a solution for our
needs when we don’t have sufficient resources is to develop our systems with
partners. Our cooperation has been very successful. Our needs as a customer
have been taken into account very well. We hope we can have influence on the
development work in the future as well.”
05.2008 © Ascom (Finland) Oy