CommPower's Operational Message Switching System (OMSS)

OMSS Block Diagram (Click image to enlarge)

OMSS Physical Layout Diagram (Click image to enlarge)

CommPower's Operational Message Switching System (OMSS)

The Operational Telecommunications Switching System (OTSS), a highly reliable message switch with 160 user connections, AUTODIN network connection, and based on a distributed architecture of UNIX processors, was originally developed and installed by CommPower at Vandenberg Air Force Base (AFB) back in 1985 to 1987. Having served Vandenberg AFB around the clock for more than 12 years, this legacy system is now being replaced by a state-of-the-art dualized Hewlett Packard computer architecture, running CommPower’s combined message switching/gateway software product. The system is based on DMS certified components, and it is named the Operational Message Switching System (OMSS).

OMSS System Overview

The dual pair of HP 9000 D230 processors are capable of handling the current OTSS traffic volume and are expandable for future enhancements. One host processor is active while the other is in warm standby, with automated or operator assisted switchover capabilities in case of fault or maintenance occurrences.

The OMSS installation connects to the existing Classified Operational Telecommunications Switching System (COTSS) via a pair of AUTODIN Interface Units (AIUs), exchanging data in JANAP 128 message format over Mode I lines. A patch panel allows manual switching of the circuits to one of the two HP 9000 D230 host processors. The dual pair of processors are furnished with audible alarm panels, mass storage disk assemblies (MSDAs), System Control Positions / Message Service Positions (SCPs/MSPs) including 19" color monitors, keyboard and mouse, plus local area network (LAN) controllers.

The dual pair of LAN switches facilitate (via RJ45, shielded twisted pair cables) attachment of additional SCP/MSP terminal positions (X-terminal types). Also, the dual LAN switches connect the host processors to the communications equipment in the equipment room. One LAN switch is active while the other is in standby, with automated or operator assisted switchover capabilities in case of fault or maintenance occurrences.

A total of five Data Terminal Controllers (DTCs) are replacing the five OTSS FEPs (Front End Processors) and maintain the connectivity of 160 external asynchronous user terminals/systems. One DTC is the common backup for the other four, each of which handles 40 circuits to the corresponding Line Switch Modules. A system printer with 500 line per minute output capability and a system alarm printer (dot matrix type) use two out of the eight spare ports on the common backup DTC.

A high-speed SCSI DAT tape drive is configured for operation on either the primary or secondary host processors.

The functional characteristics of the OMSS application software are based on the certified DMS MFI product plus several enhancements.

Contact Chuck.Purcell@commpower.com for additional information CRS information.

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