Optimize airport IBMS operations with industrial Ethernet switches
This year, global airline passenger traffic is expected to reach 5.2 billion: This marks the first time in history that it will exceed 5 billion travelers. Over the next three decades, the number will escalate to 22.3 billion.
While growth is welcome, it also places more pressure on aging airport infrastructure, manual operations and overburdened staff. More passengers means more baggage, longer lines, crowded terminals and higher security requirements.
That’s why airports must take advantage of technology now, becoming smarter and more efficient to manage and optimize the passenger experience and everything that comes with it.
A pivotal advancement in this transformation is the implementation of integrated building management systems (IBMS). These systems are central to streamlining and optimizing airport operations. From managing critical systems like lighting and security to enhancing the passenger experience by simplifying check-in and shortening wait times, IBMS plays a vital role in airport efficiency.
What is IBMS?
An integrated building management system (IBMS) is a unified platform that allows airports to centralize the monitoring, management and control of operational functions like:
- Building automation
- Elevators
- Fire alarms
- HVAC
- Lighting
- Security systems
By centralizing these operations, IBMS improves efficiency, safety and energy management. The key to IBMS is real-time data collection, which enables precise monitoring and quick response to changes or anomalies.
As technology progresses, IBMS continues to evolve by integrating more automation capabilities, predictive maintenance features and artificial intelligence (AI) to further streamline airport management.
To maintain the performance of an IBMS, robust data networks are essential—and this includes industrial Ethernet switches.
Key components of an airport IBMS
Every system managed within the IBMS (lighting, HVAC, security, etc.) has its own controllers, switches, servers and workstations. Integrating these components requires a sophisticated data communication framework.
Five logical data links (LDLs) form the backbone of an IBMS:
- LDL1: Connects the IBMS servers to the system controllers. It transmits the most direct and real-time operational data, controlling on-the-ground equipment like elevators or HVAC systems and sending feedback to the servers.
- LDL2: Connects the servers to workstations, enabling the graphical user interface (GUI) that operators use to interact with the IBMS. This link is crucial for human-computer interactions that provide visibility and control over the systems.
- LDL3: Connects the IBMS server to the servers of other systems (lighting, HVAC, security, etc.). This link allows the IBMS to consolidate all data into a unified GUI, offering a holistic view of airport operations.
- LDL4: Connects the IBMS with external systems, such as upper-level monitoring platforms or external control systems, ensuring that the airport can be monitored at a macro level.
- LDL5: A temporary maintenance or debugging link between workstations and controllers. It’s used for system diagnostics or troubleshooting issues in specific systems.
How industrial Ethernet switches impact an IBMS
An airport IBMS typically operates on a three-layer network architecture.
- Core layer: This layer houses core switches, servers and workstations. Core switches manage the five critical data links (LDL1 through LDL5) and connect the IBMS to firewalls and the aggregation layer. They ensure that data traffic flows smoothly between key systems and servers.
- Aggregation layer: This layer includes aggregation switches that link the core switches to the access layer. It carries high-priority data, such as LDL1, ensuring that real-time operational data reaches the controllers efficiently.
- Access layer: This layer connects controllers, converters, IPCs and HMIs, linking them to the aggregation layer. It handles data for system control and temporary maintenance tasks.
Industrial Ethernet switches form the core infrastructure of an IBMS network, facilitating high-speed, stable data transmission between devices like controllers, sensors and servers. Unlike standard commercial switches, industrial Ethernet switches are designed to handle the unique environmental challenges encountered in an airport, such as extreme temperatures, electromagnetic interference (EMI) and mechanical vibrations.
There are several ways they contribute to the performance of an IBMS.
1. Real-time performance and low latency
Industrial Ethernet switches provide specialized low-latency optimization for real-time performance.
By prioritizing the fast forwarding of short packets, they ensure that control data, which is critical for real-time operations, is processed quickly. Advanced technologies like time-sensitive networking (TSN) allow control packets to be assigned priority time slots, preventing them from being delayed by other data traffic. This ensures that airports can respond instantly to system changes or emergencies, keeping operations running smoothly without interruptions.
2. Reliability in harsh environments
Industrial switches are designed with rugged hardware and anti-interference features to provide the durability necessary for long-term, stable operation. They can resist EMI, a common challenge in environments with heavy machinery. This ensures that communication between IBMS components remains intact.
3. Lower maintenance requirements and costs
In addition to boosting performance and reliability, industrial Ethernet switches reduce operational costs.
By enabling better network-level optimization during the commissioning stage, these switches simplify maintenance tasks. They integrate with network management systems to quickly identify and resolve faults in the network or connected front-end equipment. This streamlines maintenance, reduces downtime and lowers costs associated with system outages and failures.
Enhancing safety and the passenger experience
A reliable, efficient IBMS powered by industrial Ethernet switches not only ensures smooth airport operations but also plays a direct role in enhancing safety and the passenger experience.
With real-time data monitoring, airport systems can immediately respond to issues like HVAC system malfunctions or security breaches. This minimizes disruptions and creates a safer, more comfortable travel environment.
As airports continue to evolve and become smarter, the role of industrial switches in ensuring safe, efficient and responsive operations will only become more critical.
Belden’s Customer Innovation Center provides a collaborative environment where you can work with our experts to develop, test and validate smart airport solutions supported by future-ready networks.
Learn about our Customer Innovation Centers.
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- 10 Things You Need to Know About TSN
- To Improve Mass Transit Efficiency, Start by Connecting Operational Silos
- Innovative Tech Is Making Mass Transit Ridership More Alluring