DE19827995C1 - Communication server for interoperable connection of wired and radio military and/or civilian telecommunication networks - Google Patents

Abstract

The server (21;31) can be connected to at least one vehicle-mounted radio apparatus (36). The separation between the plugs and sockets on the housing is selected to allow operation when wearing gloves. The electrical and electronic functions of the server is realized in modules integrated in an expandable housing adapted to the dimensions of a vehicle mount.

Description

The invention relates to a communication server for inte Operable connection of wired and / or radio-bound military rischer and / or civil TK - (= telecommunications) networks in a housing that can be installed in a military Wheeled or tracked vehicle and with connection to at least one radio held in the vehicle.  

The functions of such a communication server, everyone However, its detailed design is not described ben in the magazine article "On the way to the field trial -Leadership support large association "in the magazine "Soldier and Technology", edition 12/1997, pages 738 to 740.

For some years now, individual troop gates IT-supported management and information systems turns. Examples of this are the systems "ADLER", "ARES" or "HEROS-2/1". However, the known systems are called "Island solution" has so far only been used for certain troops deploys air defense, for example for artillery or tank reconnaissance.

One with the troops in the context of these information systems A / VHF family of radios used as standard is at for example from the company brochure "SEM 70/80/90" of the company Alcatel SEL AG, 07/1996. In particular, this is Prospectus also describes a standardized "radio tower", of two radio devices stacked on top of each other and one inside the military vehicle on one C-rail screw-on vehicle bracket with mechanical Vibration dampers, on / off switch, as well as various Power supply sockets for the radios and other ge common functions exist.

As part of the high priority improvement of the Leadership ability of the army is becoming more and more troop gates tations and troop parts special IT-supported management systems received steme. The mandatory operation arises le Demand for the provision of user-friendly information across all management levels and for everyone  Forces involved in the management process, especially in terms of numbers Armed forces continued to reduce extreme growth require flexibility and agility when fighting strength should be preserved. The integration of the individual Partial solutions to an organic whole and thus to one a management concert requires a communication concert which the different communications available networks including the network connection elements for the Provides usage transparently and interoperably. The core of such a communication concept is the one described above, not yet available Communication server that enables it as a network element light, the different communication networks with your harmonize different hardware and software and to create a uniform common standard of a ge within the already existing isolated solutions common "bracket" creates.

On the other hand, from the company brochure "Communication Box" Siemens AG has known a device that is also essential Functions of a communication server, as in the one gangs quoted article from the magazine "Soldier und Technik" are enumerated, could afford. With regard to the conc te detailed design for the development of the above The subject can use a generic communication server man therefore take suggestions from this. A disadvantage of the well-known "Com-Box", however, is its lack of flexibility act, as for repairs or changes in function as well as Changes in the configuration each of the entire electrical nikplatine must be replaced. For the installation of the "Com-Box" in a military vehicle would also have its own Bracket to be developed. In addition, the well-known device not because of the extremely cramped space in military  adapted vehicles, especially not to the dimensions solutions of already existing and assembled "radio towers". Easily connectable to other similar devices "Com-Box" is also not intended.

In contrast, the object of the present invention is to egg flexible communication server with the be to present the written characteristics, the one if possible The possibility of expanding or changing the offers NEN functions, optimal mechanical and electrical to existing infrastructures in appropriate military or civil vehicles in confined spaces is adapted without a special own vehicle stops tion would be necessary for this, the interior of the driving do not testify to the installation of the communication server must also be modified, especially the me Chanel retrofit in the military driving standard existing "radio towers" ver is simple, and which after installing the device in a military vehicle all connections for one in front find standing operators geometrically in the same places, as is the case with the well-known military radios in installed condition is the case, whereby the same loading operating conditions of the communication according to the invention Servers used in military vehicles should result ten.

According to the invention, this complex task is also performed on surprisingly simple and effective way solved that all electrical and electronic radio tion of the communication server in modular hardware construction groups are realized that the modules in the disc like, modularly expandable housing are integrated, wel  ches in width and depth the dimensions of the driving tool holder of the radio device or devices held speaks, the attachment points of the communication Servers and the radio device (s) or their vehicle neck tion, in particular elongated holes for inserting screws ben or bolt, one above the other in the installation position, that Communication server between the vehicle holder of the or the radios and one rigidly connected to the vehicle which C-mounting plate is mountable, and that all electrical connections, in particular plugs, sockets and Connect cables to each other only at two corners adjacent side surfaces of the housing are positioned where the case is designed so that it has the same mili tary environmental needs, such as water spray protection, dirt resistance, waterproofness of the elec electrical connections, decontaminability etc. the radio device or devices held in the vehicle, and wherein the distances between the plugs and Sockets are selected so that they can also be operated is possible with gloves.

The communication server according to the invention can save space on or under the radio equipment in the vehicle or whose vehicle mounts are installed. Additional driving Tool holders are not required. Also the inside space of the vehicles for the installation of the communication server cannot be additionally modified. Because of the special The arrangement of the fastening points is the first assembly, the Retrofitting or replacement of the Kom according to the invention communication server is particularly simple. Due to the modularity the hardware modules can on the one hand in the event of a repair particularly quick and easy replacement of damaged ones Assemblies are secured, on the other hand, depending on  Configuration of a variety of communication solutions from from a simple radio data adapter to very complex ones Realize communication server services easily. Also with regard to the expected changes even the latest communication systems in the near future due the constantly growing demands on the one hand and the constant improvements in communication electronics and others on the one hand is the communication server according to the invention with its modular hardware assemblies and its modular expandable housing quick and easy adjustments and additions open at any time.

Because of the arrangement below the vehicle bracket no blocking of the forced ventilation of the radio equipment possible, by means of a ventilation device in the vehicle holder tion is generated, as is the case, for example, with an "on top "mounted communication server would be feared. Due to the immediate positioning of the communication Servers below the radio devices are short connection paths the electrical lines between the server and the radio equipment on the one hand and between the server and vehicle holder and others on the other hand. Existing cable sets for connections between the radios can now also for the An conclusion of the communication server according to the invention to the "Radio tower" can be used.

Furthermore, it is ensured that the invention Communication server the same fields of application and use options such as the radios connected to it points.  

With appropriate installation in a vehicle all connections for an operator in front only "in front" or "left", as is the case with the well-known military Radio equipment in the installed state is the case. With it erge ben same operating conditions of the invention Communication servers in use in military vehicles gene.

The operability with gloves is finally under one of the basic requirements for military applications Devices that not only "in nice summer weather", but Easy to use at any time, even under adverse conditions have to be.

With the communication server according to the invention presented a device that goes far beyond the "thought experiment ment "from the magazine article cited at the beginning" Sol dat und Technik "going beyond, for the use and the Suitability in practice very essential positive own features.

In contrast, US 5,676,553 only discloses one "Hub", but not a "communication server". In particular With this hub, they can not use radio-controlled, but le only wired networks (Ethernet) connected to each other that will.

A hub is a logical intermediate point, an intermediary nodes in a local network. The hub does not take over Si signal generation. The word hub is often synonymous with "optical star coupler" used. A hub has like a mul ti-port repeater, multiple ports used by data terminals or low-order hubs. Through the  Cascading possibilities of hubs can rea tree topologies be lized.

In contrast, a communication server is either an egg decent computer or a collection of hard and soft goods modules within a general system. He does for the connected clients communication tasks in broadest sense, from making simple connections to the administration of an electronic post office. Com Communication servers are functional units that communicate cation between LAN stations and participants outside the Enable LANs. They also come in contact with the PC Host pairing. Here they realize the transition from LAN-specific protocols to the protocols of the host World.

Another difference of that described in US 5,676,553 NEN hub to the communication server according to the invention in that the well-known hub is not a modular hardware construction has groups that are in a single, disc-like, Modularly expandable housing are integrated, but le only individual, separate housings for further, one below the other the identical hubs, with the various separate disks like housing according to US 5,676,553 with spacers stacked on top of each other.

Finally, that in US 5,676,553 differs Written device of the communication according to the invention Server also in that in US 5,676,553 no fasteners points of the hub and a radio (which there not at all) for inserting screws or Bolts are provided, but, if at all, only on the Side walls of the hub attachable angles, the fasteners  is only implicitly disclosed on the side walls. Attachment points that with those of a radio or the Vehicle holder in the installation position aligned one above the other are not removed from US 5,676,553.

In particular, the special arrangement of a communication Servers between the standardized military vehicle mount radio equipment and a standardized, rigid with the mounting plate connected to the vehicle, which is the installation of the Device according to the invention and retrofitting it Lich relieved, is also not from US 5,676,553 forth. Finally, there is also the special geometric type order of the device according to the invention, the one oper compatibility with existing in the military vehicle Native facilities does not allow in US 5,676,535 sometimes hinted at because the one described there Hub in a completely different environment and for completely different purposes ken and functions is used.

The housing for electri disclosed in DE 195 01 660 A1 and electronic assemblies that meet the special requirements changes in the helicopter avionics and control area should speak, has a geometric arrangement of the casing groups next to each other instead of on top of each other. An Indian The bolt shown in DE 195 01 660 A1 only connects the Individual modules with each other, but do not attach them a standardized vehicle bracket. A link to an in a standard radio held in a military vehicle is absolutely impossible.

An embodiment of the invention is very particularly preferred Communication server according to the invention, in which at least two electrical connection options for connection to an im  Vehicle-mounted radio are provided, the one Enable voice-data switching. With this the inventor can communication server according to the invention also on an internal board communication system of the respective vehicle connected become. The possibility of connecting the woodpecker finally to the communication server and no longer like So far directly to the radio is a requirement for the smooth operation of the commu described above nication concept.

Advantageously, the housing of the invention Communication server cooling fins provided the removal the resulting heat loss of the electronic components serve from inside the device. In US 5,544,969 who the ventilation slots described. For him use according to the invention in military vehicles such slits, however, because of the spray water required Water tightness not acceptable at all.

In a preferred development, the cooling fins are open one or more side surfaces of the housing, which each have no electrical connections, so that the existing housing side surfaces in their functionality op timely can be exploited.

Preferably, all belong to or in the housing of the invention According to the existing communication server plug and book sen the same plug or socket family as the Stec ker and sockets of the radio devices held in the vehicle, so that there is an absolute connection compatibility between commu nication server and radio equipment results.  

With narrow, especially height-limited installation conditions, as they e.g. B. can be found in battle tanks, it is special advantageous if the height of the communication ser verse essentially equal to the height of the or the Vehicle is radio equipment. That way by simply removing a radio from one "Radio tower" the space gained for the installation of the invention according to the communication server.

In an alternative embodiment it is provided that the height of the communication server essentially equal to half the height of the or the holder in the vehicle radio equipment. This can be used to describe the above Advantages of exchanging a radio for two commons nication server with different functions.

The housing of the invention is particularly preferred Communication server essentially cuboid with in within a tolerance of less than 5% square Cross section and has a ratio of housing height to Ge Housing width or depth of 1:10 to 1: 2, preferably about 1: 6 or 1: 3. This is the communication according to the invention tion server in its spatial dimensions fully compatible with the A / VHF radio family as standard is used in the German Bundeswehr.

In another preferred embodiment, there are several Communication server, preferably with at least partially different functional characteristics, spatially in the vehicle arranged one above the other. This results in an even higher height re flexibility regarding the functions that come with the commu nication server can be performed, especially more Connection options to a wide variety of telecoms  communication networks that intero with the communication server to be connected perabel. Stackable devices as sol che are from DE 91 02 932 U1 or DE 295 13 782 U1 known that a "system of stackable module housings" or a "stacking technique (sandwich construction) for the construction of PC / workstation and server "describe, but the Stacking technology for completely different applications than the inventions The communication server according to the invention is provided and the Problem solving in detail seriously from the subject of the lying invention deviate.

In a preferred development of this embodiment is just a common power connector for everyone Communication servers arranged one above the other are provided. This makes the device group even more compact and the arrangement designed to save space and cables, which is particularly the case with the extremely limited space in mi mentioned above military vehicles is crucial.

An arrangement of the power supply is also advantageous circuit and an on / off switch for communication ons server in the bottom of the stacked group of communication servers, because with such "device towers" such functions usually in the lowest part of the Turmes are sought, and thus a quick service even for non-specialized people.

Further advantages of the invention result from the Be writing and drawing. Likewise, the above mentioned and invented the features further invented in accordance with the invention individually for themselves or for several in be arbitrary combinations are used. The shown and The embodiments described are not intended to be final  Understand enumeration, but rather have exemplary th character for the description of the invention.

The invention is illustrated in the drawing and is hand explained in more detail by exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the communication server according to the invention in a schematic spatial Dar position;

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 1 in a "double pack" with a further embodiment of the communication server according to the invention; and

Fig. 3 advises a further embodiment with two communication servers according to the invention packed one above the other in the installed position below a vehicle mount with a standardized radio device arranged above it.

All electrical and electronic function groups shown in Fig. 1 communications server 1 are attachments ren a modular, extendable, disc-like flat Ge häuses 2 in the form of modular hardware modules reali Siert to ensure requirements a flexible adaptation of different system. The integration of different subnetworks in an overall communication concept is therefore possible at any time with the communication server 1 .

The modular hardware assemblies are integrated in the compact, dirt-resistant military housing 2 with external electrical connections 3 a to 3 g on the left and left side of the housing in the figure, as is the case with the radios usually built into military vehicles is. The distances between the plugs or sockets 3 a to 3 f are chosen so large that operation is possible even with gloves.

The following table lists abbreviations as well as the functions of the reference numerals 3 a to 13 f in Figs. 1 and 2, where electrical connections marked again. It is particularly important that electrical connection options are provided for connection to a radio device held in the vehicle, which enable voice-data switching. In both Figs. 1 and 2, these are the connections to 3 d, 3 e, and c 13, 13 d.

As shown in FIG. 2, the disk-like housing 2 of the communication server 1 is modularly expandable by placing a further communication server 11 with a disk-like housing 12 of approximately the same external dimensions. The connector arrangement is essentially retained, as is the housing width and depth. Only the housing height changes due to the stacking, depending on the expansion level.

The dimensions of the housings in the exemplary embodiments shown are 298 mm in width and 308 mm in depth and thus correspond to the standard vehicle mounts of the A / VHF family of military radios. The overall height of the two housings 2 and 12 is approximately 50 mm.

The position of the attachment points 4 and 14 of the communication server 1 , 11 is particularly important, which are designed as elongated holes for inserting screws or bolts and, in the installation position, connect directly to the corresponding attachment points of the vehicle mount used as standard.

In Fig. 3 such a typical installation position of two stacked communication servers 21 , 31 according to the invention with a vehicle holder 30 arranged above it is shown, the vibration damper 33 and a base plate 35 attached thereto. The base plate 35 is via slots 34 and the corresponding mounting points 4 , 14 of the communication server, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, screwed on a C-mounting plate not shown in the drawing, rigidly connected to the vehicle . On its upper side, the vehicle holder 30 shown in FIG. 3 with various electrical connection options carries a VHF radio 36 of the A / VHF device family.

The below-mounted communication server 1 of the "double pack" shown in Fig. 2 contains the connection 3 g for a common power supply with the communication server 11 located above it and a common on / off switch 5 for both devices.

The functions and protocols of ISO / OSI levels 1 - 3 b are implemented in a highly integrated manner on PCMCIA modules that are not visible in the drawing, those of levels 3 c- 7 on a single map in Europe format. Compact, pluggable modules are used to access the various subnets, for example modules for HF radio, VHF radio, AUTOKO II, AUTOKO 90 , SATCOM, BIGSTAF as well as Ethernet and ISDN.

In addition to the complete separation of communication and Application functions is both integration in already existing or future host systems as well as the execution in a militarily hardened housing with the ent speaking available connectors provided. In order to will occur in military communication systems de Interface problems solved and for the future required interoperability ensured, the device due to the modular construction both the hardware construction groups as well as the housing parts without any special Adjustments and changing requirements in the future extensions and extensions without major further development tasks wall can be met.

Claims (13)

1. Communication server for the interoperable connection of wired and / or radio-bound military and / or civil TK - (= telecommunications) networks in a housing ( 2 ; 12 ) with installation option in a military wheeled or tracked vehicle and with connection to minde least one in the vehicle radio ( 36 ), the housing ( 2 ; 12 ) of the communication server is designed so that it has the same military environmental needs, such as splash protection, dirt resistance, water resistance of the electrical connections ( 3 a to 3 g; 13 a to 13 f), can be decontaminated, etc., like the radio device ( 36 ) or vehicle holder ( 30 ) held in the vehicle, the distances between the plugs and sockets ( 3 ; 12 ) attached to the housing ( 2 ; 12 ) a to 3 g; 13 a to 13 f) are selected so that operation of the same is also possible with gloves, all the electrical and electronic functions of the Ko communication server ( 1 ; 11 ; 21 ; 31 ) are realized in modular hardware assemblies, the assemblies being integrated in the disk-like, modularly expandable housing ( 2 ; 12 ), the width and depth of which correspond to the dimensions of the vehicle mount ( 30 ) of the radio device or devices ( 36 ) corresponds, the fastening points te ( 4 ; 14 and 34 ) of the communication server ( 1 ; 11 ; 21 ; 31 ) and the radio device (s) ( 36 ) or their vehicle mount ( 30 ), in particular elongated holes for pushing through Screws or bolts, one above the other in the installation position, the communication server ( 21 , 31 ) being mountable between the vehicle mount ( 30 ) of the radio device (s) ( 36 ) and a mounting plate rigidly connected to the vehicle, and where all electrical connections ( 3 a to 3 g; 13 a to 13 f), in particular plugs, sockets and cables from finally on two adjoining corners of a side of the housing ( 2 ; 12 ) positio are nated. 2. Communication server according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two electrical connection possibilities ( 3 d, 3 e; 13 c, 13 d) are provided for connection to a radio device ( 36 ) held in the vehicle, which has a voice Enable data switching. 3. Communication server according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that cooling fins are provided in the housing ( 2 ; 12 ). 4. Communication server according to claim 3, characterized in that the cooling fins are arranged on one or more side surfaces of the housing ( 2 ; 12 ) which do not carry any electrical connections ( 3 a to 3 g; 13 a to 13 f). 5. Communication server according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all on or in the housing ( 2 ; 12 ) existing plugs and sockets ( 3 a to 3 g; 13 a to 13 f) of the same plug or socket family belong like the plugs and sockets of the radio equipment ( 36 ) held in the vehicle. 6. Communication server according to one of the preceding An sayings, characterized in that the overall height of the Communication servers essentially the same as the build height of the radio device (s) held in the vehicle is. 7. Communication server according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the overall height of the communication server ( 1 ; 11 ; 21 ; 31 ) is substantially equal to half the overall height of the radio device (s) held in the vehicle ( 36 ) is. 8. Communication server according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 2 ; 12 ) is essentially cuboid with within 5% square cross-section and a ratio of housing height to housing width or depth from 1:10 to 1: 2. 9. Communication server according to claim 8, characterized records that the ratio of housing height to housing width or depth is about 1: 6 or 1: 3. 10. Communication server according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of communication servers ( 1 , 11 ; 21 , 31 ) are arranged spatially one above the other in the vehicle. 11. Communication server according to claim 10, characterized in that the communication server ( 1 , 11 ; 21 , 31 ) at least partially have different functional features. 12. Communication server according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that only one common power supply connection ( 3 g) is provided for all stacked communication servers ( 1 , 11 ; 21 , 31 ). 13. Communication server according to claim 12, characterized in that the power supply connection ( 3 g) and an on / off switch ( 5 ) for the communication server ( 1 , 11 ; 21 , 31 ) in the bottom ( 1 , 31 ) of communication servers arranged one above the other are arranged.