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ROC SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

ROC Systems Engineering provides technical consulting services on NEXRAD network, computer systems, and telecommunications equipment. Systems Engineering is also responsible for WSR-88D security implementations. Systems Engineering also provides the following services to WSR-88D system users:

  • Development, review, and recommendations on all ECPs, TCTOs and computer design changes.
  • Support to field operations.
  • Review of radar performance data and recommendations for observed problems in systems reliability.
  • Requirements analysis, feasibility studies and cost analysis for problem resolution.
  • Implementation of change requests involving computer, telecommunications systems and data storage.
  • Management of test programs for data distribution and storage systems.

News & Information:

CURRENT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TOPICS:

  • LEVEL II:
    The ROC has completed the re-architecture of Level II data to the National Servers. National servers have been established at the National Weather Service Telecommunications Gateway (NWSTG) and at the Radar Operation Center. The ROC has developed and implemented monitoring software to provide detailed status of the WSR-88D and Level II systems. Both the ROC and the NWSTG are staffed 24/7 to provide data monitoring support. The data collected by these servers is delivered to the user community via Internet 2.

    • The ROC continues to work issues supporting Level II:
    • Adding 8 CONUS DOD sites to the Level II system
    • Removing the sonicwall hardware and connecting the RPG directly to OPSnet
    • Installing distribution hardware at the University of Maryland


  • SECURITY:
    EHB 6-504: The WSR-88D Security manual was released in August 2010. Updates include changes in authentication policy, training requirements and control implementation.


  • TDWR SPG:
    TDWR SPG system has been transitioned to the ROC. ROC System Engineering is responsible for engineering maintenance and security. TDWR SPG Mod Note 001 for adding a LAN switch to TDWR sites has been completed and the switches were installed at 45 sites. TDWR SPG Build 3.5 will be released in October 2010.


  • RPG ROUTER REPLACEMENT:
    The RPG router replacement has been completed. 173 are now running Build 11.2 or greater.


  • OPUP DIGITAL AND REFRESH:
    ECP 374 provides OPUP software build 12.0 combined with a technical refresh of most hardware components, as well as migration of the operating system to linux. The formal testing effort for ECP 374 was combined with ECP 289. This ECP migrates associated user WSR-88D radar connections from obsolete and bandwidth limited analog telco links to an all digital private IP Wide Area Network (PIP WAN). ECP 289 will provide increased reliability and more bandwidth for routine product requests. Together these ECPs enable OPUP to support a number of future incremental enhancements - including reliable one time request (OTR) capability from any WSR-88D radar, simplification of system architecture - eliminating medium OPUP, and a much expanded number of dedicated radar connections will be supported in the large OPUP. The contract for the PIP WAN was awarded in December 2009 and deployment for ECP374/289 will begin in the 1st quarter of FY2011. The digital service drops for the PIP WAN for many of the 260 locations are already in progress to support this complex deployment.


  • ROCETEER:
    Systems Engineering maintains ROC Electronic Telecommunications Event-Monitoring & Emergency Restoral (ROCETEER) equipment to assist with field-support calls and emergency comms restoral. The ROCETEER is a dedicated WSR-88D support tool that enables Engineering and the Hotline to view status and traffic on NEXRAD circuits and devices to help isolate and resolve equipment faults and telecommunications outages. It is currently connected to a secured and closed NEXRAD frame-relay network, with connections to ROC AWIPS and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), when necessary. It can be used to reroute critical WSR-88D data to alternate WFO AWIPS or to the ROC per direction of the NEXRAD Program Manager. Systems Engineering maintains disaster recovery equipment and setup instructions for 4 kits of VSATs with 512K/512K available satellite bandwidth. Please call the NEXRAD Hotline for assistance, in the event of an emergency.