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ROSS
2.6
ROSS System Overview
The ROSS server operates as a mediation device between the Comtech Satellite Modems and
Antenna Control Units (ACU) subsystem. Its primary role is to poll Global Positioning Satellite
coordinates (GPS) information from the ACU, determine the current location and push the
appropriate command/configuration files updating communication parameters. The ROSS unit
communicates to the modem and ACU on a network LAN interface connection using proprietary
IP protocols. Each unit's IP address is programmed into ROSS starting a poll process which
gathers location, status and current configurations. As each units respond to the queried
messages the ROSS compares the received information to set database files making decisions to
mute carrier, change service area or continue to operate without interruption within the current
service area.
Service Areas are fundamental to the overall operation of ROSS as they contain control
information which is associated to three separate database/configuration files. Each service area
is configured with ACU set controls and linked to a Modem Parameter file, which are Service
Bound together through geographical operational fencing. The third element is the Coordination
Area Maps which are shared by all service areas. The overall fencing (binding) is geographical
longitude/latitude coordinates combined to create a closed polygon forming an operational area
or handoff boundary.
Through the polling of GPS coordinates from the ACU, ROSS processes hundreds of checks per
minute against the Service Area, Shoreline database, and Coordinated Areas. If anyone or all
represent a HIT, the ROSS initiates the proper action.
The ROSS server has four states that are processed during the course of initialization and
operation:
• Startup – Loading configuration and acquiring modem, ACU communications
• Normal – Normal operation mode assumes VMS connectivity in a service area
• Handoff – Detected transition to next service area
• Parked – No service area coverage configured
Startup
Startup is the first state the ROSS enters when the unit is powered or rebooted. During the startup
phase, the unit boots up the base OS, after system initialization the ROSS server is automatically
started by a watchdog script. This script is called from the OS and continually monitors the
ROSS running process. If the watchdog script fails process check, the ROSS process will be kick
started within 10 seconds. Boot time for ROSS server is approximately ~5 seconds, as a
complete cold start of the unit is ~25 seconds.
As the ROSS application is started the process loads configuration files, initializes internal
modules, and establishes communication with the modem and ACU. ROSS stays in this mode
until all devices are put into a known state by checking current location. If the current location
matches set service ID in the modem, no change is made dropping into normal operations.
Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products
MN/13070
Page 18 of 87
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