ASTi was selected to provide a building-wide, networked intercom system for a large research facility at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The complete system provides multiple-channel network intercom capabilities between 24 operators in 8 different lab, test, control, and debrief rooms widely scattered throughout the facility.

Base stations located in each room service multiple operators using ASTi's flexible and scalable TDM architecture. Interconnection throughout the building is achieved using the facility's existing fiber-based ethernet network, addressing the requirement for a more secure transmission environment. The system also provides interface capability to other audio equipment such as a wireless intercom system, VTRs, and professional audio mixers.

One of the primary reasons ASTi was selected for this project was scalability. Many traditional intercom systems use a star topology with a central set of switching equipment. Audio lines must be brought to the central switching equipment from all parts of the building, creating an extensive cabling installation and upgrade problem.

Even if audio is digitized, it is often not designed to be transported over a standard Local Area Network (LAN). Expandability is problematic and expensive.

With ASTi equipment, however, the user can expand the system simply by adding additional base systems to each new room, and tapping into the existing facility network infrastructure. Additional communication buses can also be added via software upgrade (as opposed to adding or upgrading additional equipment and cabling). Because the facility network is utilized, security issues are immediately addressed.

• Four (4) independent user-selectable, networked intercom channels provide local-room and facility communications
• Additional channels can be added with a simple software change either local to a base system, or across all base systems for a facility wide upgrade
• TDM/RIU architecture allows scalability of operators within a room
• Network voice capability between nodes allows system expansion throughout the facility
• User selectable Voice Operated (VOX) or Press-To-Talk (PTT) transmission capability
• Capability for each user to select multiple, simultaneous channels for transmission and/or reception
• Ability to restrict individual operators from accessing specific communication buses
• Configurable Hand-Held Terminal provides simple, cost-effective operator interface
• Simplified cabling: RIU provides convenient audio, control panel, and PTT interface; TDM cabling uses standard category 5 ethernet cable; communication nodes are interconnected via existing facility network infrastructure

• 24 Operators located in 8 different rooms within a large facility
• Multiple intercom channels to provide private, independent communications functionality
• Simple, cost-effective user interface with independent channel transmit and monitor selection, level control, Voice Operated or Press-To-Talk selection, simplex/duplex mode selection
• Interface capability to a wireless intercom system
• Interface capability to Professional VTRs for recording and playback of communications throughout the facility
• Interface capability to professional audio mixing equipment for mixing of live, recorded and other audio sources for debrief and presentation
• Capability to utilize existing fiber-based network infrastructure for voice distribution, creating a cost effective upgrade path and addressing secure communications requirements between rooms