Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) is the second-largest airport in India and a cornerstone of the country's aviation sector. With over 48 million passengers annually, MIAL faces a unique set of operational complexities that necessitate a robust, highly responsive network architecture.

The Imperative for a Robust Network Architecture

Whether it is real-time flight data, security protocols, or passenger facilitation services, each facet is highly reliant on a robust network backbone. A hiccup in network operations at MIAL is not just an internal problem; it reverberates through global air travel, impacting airlines, logistics, and millions of passengers.

Operational Challenges at MIAL

Network Latency: Intermittent data transmission delays hindered real-time operations like flight scheduling and security protocols.

Scalability: The existing architecture could not efficiently accommodate the airport’s rapid growth and expansion.

Security Gaps: Dated security protocols were insufficient for the modern landscape of cyber threats, posing a national security risk.

Inadequate Data Analytics: Limited real-time data analytics capabilities hampered operational optimization.

System Downtimes: Outages had a cascading effect on operations and associated industries.

Interoperability Issues: The network was a patchwork of disparate systems acquired over the years, lacking seamless interoperability.

The urgency and complexity of these issues required a network overhaul that would be both revolutionary and evolutionary, setting a new standard for what airports around the world should strive for in network architecture.

Objectives for Network Overhaul

MIAL has 50+ disparate systems. These systems include Information and Communication Technology (ICT), core Airport Systems like AODB, CUPPS, and FIDS, as well as Building Management Systems (Lighting, HVAC, Fire Alarm) and Security Systems (CCTV and Access Control). Each of these systems not only had to function flawlessly on its own but also interface effectively with one or multiple other systems, depending on business demands.

Such cross-system communication makes an Active Communication Network not just important, but strategically essential. It becomes the backbone that allows an airport to meet its operational and customer service objectives while also providing the high levels of reliability and scalability needed for real-time, mission-critical tasks.

We meticulously outlined the objectives for the network overhaul at MIAL:

1. Integrate existing systems with advanced solutions.

2. Implement an MPLS network architecture for operational needs.

3. Reinforce security measures across the network.

4. Build scalability and flexibility for future requirements.

5. Enable robust data analytics for operational efficiency.

Along with all these objectives, one more objective was to provide unmatched customer support to travelers, hence the need for an IVRS solution.

Implementing MPLS Network Architecture

For the first time in the history of Indian airports, a carrier-grade, three-tier Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network was implemented at MIAL.

Evaluating the Terrain: Existing Systems, Bottlenecks, and Performance Metrics

Such rigorous scrutiny allowed us to identify areas for optimization, thereby informing our design choices for a more efficient multi-layered network.

Understanding MPLS Network and Its Suitability for MIAL

What is an MPLS Network?

Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a protocol-agnostic routing technique designed to speed up and shape traffic flows across enterprise-wide and service-provider networks. MPLS allows for the creation of virtual links between distant nodes regardless of the contents of the data packets being sent, the protocols used, or the intermediary hops traversed.

In essence, MPLS attaches short-label identifiers to packets and routes them based on these labels, which allows for more efficient network use and offers better control over Quality of Service (QoS) settings. Because of its efficiency, it is commonly used in high-performance telecommunication networks that also require security and reliability.

Why MPLS Suits MIAL's Needs

Efficient Data Routing: High-speed, reliable routing supports the multitude of systems within MIAL, crucial for real-time operations.

Scalability: MPLS inherently supports scalability, a critical feature for an exponentially growing airport.

Security: MPLS networks seamlessly integrate with various encryption and security protocols.

Convergence and Interoperability: MPLS enables seamless integration of multiple data forms, critical for disparate system operability.

Quality of Service (QoS): Fine-tuning for specific QoS requirements is achievable, and vital for system differentiation.

Future-Proofing: The adaptability of MPLS offers a level of future-proofing against technological advancements.

The Magnitude: Wide-Reaching Connectivity

• 25,000 End Points: Connected crucial subsystems such as Common Use Passenger Processing Systems (CUPPS), Common Use Self-Service (CUSS), Flight Information Display System (FIDS), Baggage Handling System (BHS), Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), Access Control, and Departure Control Systems (DCS).

• Layer 2 or Layer 3 VPNs for Subsystems: Provisioned to ensure traffic isolation and Quality of Service (QoS).

• Next-Generation Multicast VPN (NGMVPN): Implemented to support multicast throughout the MPLS network.

Robust and Redundant Hardware Architecture

• 10G Backbone: The entire network is built on a 10G backbone.

• 1000 Access Switches, 18 Distribution Switches, and 2 Core Switches: These numbers reflect the sheer scale and redundancy of the network.

• 50+ Racks of Compute Devices: The server layer is well-equipped to handle more than 50 racks of computing devices, all backed by redundancy protocols.

A Non-Negotiable, Multi-Faceted Approach Towards Security

Given the high-stakes nature of airport operations, every phase incorporated stringent security compliance checks, ensuring each layer was fortified against potential breaches.

• Firewalls at Multiple Layers: Ensures protection against a broad spectrum of potential cyber threats.

• 3,000 CCTV Cameras and 800 Access Control Devices: The physical layer of security is just as robust, covering extensive ground and multiple access points.

• Distributed CCTV Storage: Designed to avoid unnecessary data traffic and conserve network resources.

Seamless Integration and Zero Impact

The new MPLS network was effortlessly combined with the existing Terminal 1 network, all while maintaining uninterrupted operations.

Implementation Phases

Our team executed a phased approach to minimize service disruption, featuring pre-testing, pilot implementation, and full-scale rollout.

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Enhancing Customer Support with Copper

To adhere to MIAL’s mission of providing exceptional customer support experience to travelers, Netcon implemented its home-grown IVRS customer support solution called Copper. It resulted in effortless and efficient handling of customer requests, reducing wait times and improving overall experience.

We had integrated Copper with AODB through the Information Broker to provide real-time information to the customers.

The Impact this transformation had on MIAL

The monumental network overhaul not only met the set objectives but exceeded them. It brought transformative changes in various operational aspects of MIAL. Here is a close look at how MIAL reaped substantial benefits from the new multi-layered network architecture.

Enhanced Security and Compliance

The newly implemented security features offer a comprehensive suite of capabilities:

• Real-time Monitoring: The 3,000 CCTV cameras and 800 access control devices provide extensive surveillance and monitoring capabilities, rendering a real-time situational analysis.

• Automated Threat Response: The multi-layered security features come with automation capabilities that enable swift identification and neutralization of potential threats, both internal and external.

Operational Efficiency via Data and Automation

• Data Analytics: The multi-layered MPLS network enables robust data analytics capabilities. Real-time data from various subsystems like CUPPS, CUSS, FIDS, and BHS is now harnessed for insightful analytics. These insights fuel strategic decision-making, such as optimal resource allocation and streamlining passenger flow.

• Automation: We integrated advanced features like automated baggage handling and queue management into the operational workflow. These not only reduce manual errors but also significantly improve the passenger experience.

Future-Proof Scalability: Readiness for Technological Advancements

We built this network architecture with scalability in mind:

• 10G Backbone with Redundant Capacities: The backbone can be scaled to accommodate future data and operational demands.

• Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs: These VPN configurations ensure traffic isolation and QoS today and are flexible enough to adapt to future requirements.

• Open Standards: The hardware and software selected adhere to open standards, allowing for seamless integration of future technological advancements.

Metrics

• Security: 40% improvement in real-time threat response.

• Efficiency: 20% increase in operational efficiency.

• Scalability: Demonstrated flexibility with a scalability index improvement of 30%.

Conclusion

At Netcon, we are proud and grateful we got the opportunity to be a key enabler in this monumental turnaround for MIAL. Being the second busiest airport and functioning seamlessly day in and day out is a serious feat. We will keep updating this case study with new developments at MIAL.

Intrigued by What We Accomplished at MIAL? Let us Elevate Your Airport Operations.