An analysis of alternative data communications networks for the Federal Aviation Administration's weather message switching center replacement

Abstract

The design and life cycle cost of commercially available data communication networks for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Weather Message Switching Center Replacement (WMSCR) were analyzed. Only existing commercial networks large enough to handle the WMSCR traffic load were considered.

The recommendation is to proceed into a full and open competitive government procurement. In a competitive environment, this type of procurement will allow the government to receive the lowest possible life cycle cost.

A description of the existing system, the end-state system, the interim network design, the commercial networks analyzed, and their associated life cycle costs are included.