Connection Master as a Bridge Between Legacy and Modern Networks
Powered by DNWP solutions, the migration from outdated telecom systems to a modern platform was not only a smooth success – it also served as a springboard for new aviation infrastructure projects.
“In the end, the new solution turned out to be far better than what we originally proposed in the tender phase – more optimized and no longer reliant on SDH,” says Operations Manager from Comsa Enrique Cano.
Comsa is a Spanish infrastructure and technology company with a strong track record in transportation, energy, and telecom network projects across Europe and Latin America.
Mr. Cano is referring to the evolution of the engineering approach of the Valencia Airport project, originally launched to modernize outdated telecom infrastructure.
Spanish air navigation authority Enaire had initiated a critical telecom network migration at Valencia Airport, aimed at replacing its aging PDH/SDH infrastructure with a modern, future-proof solution.
The project was executed by Comsa in partnership with Dedicated Network Partners, and it stands as a prime example of how DNWP’s Connection Master platform enables smooth, low-risk transitions from legacy to next-generation telecom networks.
The legacy system at Valencia consisted of a Dynanet 2 Mbps PDH multiplexer and an older-generation Ericsson SDH transport network, both of which were no longer supported by OEMs.
The urgency to modernize was driven by the construction of a new Terminal Area Control Centre (TACC), which required seamless integration into the airport’s communication infrastructure.
Given the safety-critical nature of the applications involved – radar, Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), and ground-to-air communication – maintaining uninterrupted service throughout the migration was non-negotiable.
Smart Solution: One Connection Master vs. Two Full Racks
The chosen solution was DNWP’s Connection Master (CoMa) platform. This compact, carrier-grade node provided full interoperability with both SDH and PDH systems, enabling the reuse of legacy assets while paving the way toward modern Ethernet networks.
One Connection Master unit was capable of replacing two full racks of Dynanet and Ericsson equipment, dramatically reducing space, power, and maintenance requirements.
The unit was successfully installed at Valencia Airport and performed flawlessly, allowing a seamless and efficient transition with minimal physical footprint.
Service Continuity & Migration Phasing
The migration was executed in carefully staged phases, with each channel migrated individually. Approval from air traffic controllers was required for every switchover, along with extensive documentation including planning, safety procedures, and fallback strategies. Most migrations were conducted at night to minimize operational risk.
The seamless interoperability provided by the Connection Master ensured zero service disruption throughout the process.
Broader Impact and Continued Success
The success at Valencia set the stage for further wins. In 2019, Comsa and DNWP were awarded a new ground-to-ground communication ring tender for Barcelona Airport, and a separate contract has been made to cover also the airports of Alicante and Girona in 2021, as well as completing Valencia airport nodes with Connection Master.
The same Connection Master units initially deployed at Valencia were later reused during a full network upgrade to 10GE Carrier Ethernet, demonstrating the solution’s scalability and long-term value.
The Valencia Airport migration demonstrates how modern technology and close partnership can overcome significant legacy constraints.
With Connection Master at the core, Comsa and DNWP delivered a solution that not only solved a decade-old challenge but also established a model for future migrations in critical infrastructure sectors.
“We believe that ADIF projects, for example, could greatly benefit from this solution, particularly for migrating their extensive Dynanet and SDH networks built on Siemens and Huawei equipment,” states Enrique Cano.
“This was an excellent example of how a competent team can utilize the Connection Master platform to migrate from TDM to a packet-switched network,” says Antti Viro, CEO of Dedicated Network Partners.
“The key to success in this project was having expertise in several technologies and leveraging the versatility of the Connection Master.”
Connection Master Key Benefits for the end customer
- Modern, supported network infrastructure
- No downtime during migration
- Lower maintenance workload with fewer devices
- Extended life of legacy investments
- Improved monitoring, visibility, and network manageability
Read more about Connection Master!