KONGSBERG AIS BS600 shipborne automatic identification system base station

KONGSBERG AIS BS600 shore based base station: fourth generation AIS shore based communication platform

Since its inception, the automatic identification system for ships has become a core technical means for maritime traffic management, ship monitoring, and navigation safety. As a key node of the AIS system on the shore side, the performance of AIS shore based base stations directly determines the coverage range, data quality, and system reliability of the entire coastal AIS network. The AIS BS600 launched by Kongsberg Seatex (now Kongsberg Discovery) is a fourth generation AIS shore based base station that integrates software defined radio technology, high-sensitivity reception, built-in storage, and remote management capabilities, providing advanced infrastructure solutions for coastal maritime management agencies, port operators, and maritime traffic services.

Product positioning and system roles

AIS BS600 is the core component of AIS physical shore base stations, playing a key role in data aggregation and distribution in coastal AIS networks. It receives information from all AIS data sources within the coverage area, including:

AIS mobile station (shipborne AIS equipment)

Other AIS shore based base stations

AIS navigation mark equipment

Search and rescue AIS equipment on aircraft and lifeboats

The base station will transmit the received AIS data to the maritime traffic management system, ship traffic service system or other data platforms through wired or wireless networks, and can also broadcast differential GNSS correction signals, virtual navigation mark information, etc. to ships within the coverage area according to configuration.

According to the IEC 62320-1 standard, AIS shore based base stations are divided into two working modes: slave base stations and independent base stations. AIS BS600 supports two modes simultaneously and can be flexibly configured according to deployment scenarios.

Core technical characteristics

1. Fourth generation platform architecture

The AIS BS600 adopts the fourth generation AIS base station platform design and introduces multiple key technology upgrades while maintaining compatibility with existing AIS systems

Software defined radio: The receiving and transmitting links adopt a software defined radio architecture, providing flexibility for future functional upgrades and protocol evolution

Built in storage capability: The device is equipped with large capacity storage, which can record raw AIS data for easy data tracing, fault analysis, and compliance auditing

2U 19 inch rack mounted design: Compact 2U height standard chassis for centralized deployment in communication cabinets

2. Excellent receiving sensitivity

The receiving sensitivity of AIS BS600 is better than -115 dBm, significantly higher than the basic requirements of IEC 62320-1 standard. This performance advantage stems from Kongsberg Seatex's accumulated technical experience in the field of satellite based AIS reception - satellite based AIS reception requires capturing ship signals from satellite orbit at extremely low signal strength, and has much higher requirements for reception sensitivity than shore based applications. After introducing this technology into shore based base stations, AIS BS600 can stably receive AIS messages at longer distances and weaker signal conditions, effectively expanding the coverage radius of a single base station and reducing network construction costs.

3. Hot standby redundant architecture

To ensure high availability of AIS shore base stations, AIS BS600 supports hot standby redundancy configuration. Two BS600 units can form a redundant pair and operate independently without the need for additional hardware. The system automatically monitors the working status of the main unit, switches to the backup unit in case of a failure, and sends a status change notification to the control center. This design enables AIS shore base stations to meet the continuous operation requirements of critical traffic nodes.

4. Remote configuration and management

AIS BS600 provides multiple remote management and configuration methods:

Web interface: Through the built-in web server, administrators can use standard browsers to complete device configuration, status monitoring, and firmware upgrades

SNMP v.2: Supports Simple Network Management Protocol and can be integrated into a unified network management platform

AIS Service Management Suite: Through Kongsberg Seatex's AIS service management software, centralized operation and maintenance of single or multiple base stations can be carried out

5. Flexible interfaces and communication capabilities

The device is equipped with multiple communication interfaces:

RS-422/RS-232 serial interface: used to connect traditional maritime equipment or local monitoring terminals

100 Mbs BaseT Ethernet interface: supports high-speed connection with IP networks, enabling data upload and remote management

USB interface: used for local firmware upgrade

All interfaces support differential GNSS correction data input in RTCM v.2.3 format, and the base station can broadcast differential correction information to ships within the coverage area through AIS message 17.

Detailed explanation of technical specifications

1. RF module

Parameter specifications

VHF transmission power of 12.5 W or 1 W (remote switchable)

Receiving sensitivity better than -115 dBm

Channel bandwidth 25 kHz

Operating frequency range 156.025-162.025 MHz

Default AIS channels CH 87B (161.975 MHz)/CH 88B (162.025 MHz)

Access Protocol FATDMA

The base station is equipped with three remotely configurable receiving channels, which are used for receiving TDMA and DSC signals respectively, ensuring synchronous processing of AIS data and digital selective call signals.

2. GNSS module

The device is equipped with a 50 channel GNSS receiver, which provides high-precision positioning and timing information for the base station itself. Accurate time synchronization is the foundation for the normal operation of the TDMA protocol in AIS systems, and the GNSS module ensures the accuracy of time synchronization between the base station and the ship's AIS equipment.

3. Power supply and power consumption

Input voltage: 100-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz, suitable for global power grid standards

Average power consumption: 30 W

Peak power consumption: 55 W

Low power design enables devices to operate stably even under limited power supply conditions, reducing operating costs.

4. Environmental adaptability

Component operating temperature range

AIS host unit -15 ℃ to+55 ℃

GNSS antenna -50 ℃ to+70 ℃

VHF antenna -55 ℃ to+70 ℃

The host unit can withstand up to 95% relative humidity (non condensing), and the GNSS antenna and VHF antenna have fully sealed protection capabilities, which can work under 100% humidity conditions and adapt to harsh coastal environments with high salt spray and high humidity.

5. Size and weight

Component dimensions (width x height x depth) and weight

AIS host unit 485 mm × 89 mm × 345 mm (2U) 5.2 kg

GNSS antenna 230 mm x 33 mm (diameter x height) 0.15 kg

VHF antenna 1250 mm (length) 1.0 kg

6. Compliance certification

AIS BS600 strictly follows the following international standards:

Electrical safety: EN 60950-1

Electromagnetic compatibility: EN 60945/EN 61000-6-3/EN 61000-6-2

Electrical interface: IEC 61162-1/IEC 61162-2

Base station operation: IEC 62320-1

Radio performance: IEC 61993-2 (Clause 15)

Message protocol: ITU-R M.1371-5

IALA recommendation: A-124

The average time between failures in equipment design exceeds 100000 hours, reflecting strict requirements for long-term operational reliability.

Function expansion and auxiliary equipment

1. IALA correction receiver

The AIS BS600 can be equipped with a built-in IALA correction receiver, which can directly receive differential GNSS correction signals from IALA beacons, further enhancing the real-time and accuracy of broadcast correction information.

2. Virtual navigation mark function

The base station supports some functions according to the IEC 62320-2 standard and can transmit virtual navigation mark messages. By sending virtual navigation mark information through AIS messages, it is possible to quickly mark special water areas such as temporary danger zones, construction zones, and sunken ship locations without the need for physical navigation marks, reducing maintenance costs.

3. AIS relay function

The relay function that complies with the IEC 62320-3 standard enables the AIS BS600 to forward AIS data in specific scenarios, expanding network coverage or filling signal blind spots.

4. Auxiliary equipment

Kongsberg Seatex provides a range of supporting equipment to enhance the deployment flexibility and functional integrity of base stations:

Independent or combined transmitting and receiving antennas: Select separate or combined antenna configurations based on site conditions

Remote hard reset controller: realizes remote power reset of base station equipment across the shore, reducing on-site maintenance requirements

Differential GNSS reference and monitoring stations: providing high-precision reference sources and quality monitoring for differential correction services

Deployment and Application Scenarios

1. Coastal AIS network

AIS BS600 is an ideal choice for building national or regional coastal AIS networks. With its high sensitivity receiving capability, it can achieve wider ship coverage, reduce the number of base stations, and simplify network topology under the same transmission power conditions. The built-in storage function allows the base station to serve as a data acquisition node, temporarily storing AIS data in case of communication link interruption, and transmitting it again after the link is restored to ensure data integrity.

2. Ship traffic services

At the Ship Traffic Service Center, AIS BS600 provides real-time and reliable ship dynamic information for VTS operators. The base station supports AIS message filtering function, which can filter high priority data according to preset rules, reducing the processing burden of the center. The differential correction broadcast function can improve the positioning accuracy of ships within the VTS coverage area and optimize the efficiency of channel utilization.

3. Port and Terminal Operations

Deploying AIS BS600 in port areas can achieve continuous monitoring of incoming and outgoing ships, assisting berth scheduling and pilotage operations. The base station can be integrated with the port management system through Ethernet interface to achieve data sharing and business process linkage.

4. Offshore wind farms and ocean engineering

For offshore facilities such as wind farms and oil platforms, AIS BS600 can be deployed as an independent shore base station in the platform or onshore control center to monitor the activities of surrounding ships and ensure the safety of the facilities. The virtual navigation mark function can be used to indicate the location of construction areas or underwater pipelines, and remind passing ships to avoid.

5. Inland waterway transportation

Deploying AIS BS600 along inland waterways can achieve monitoring and management of inland vessels. Compared to offshore applications, inland river environments have higher requirements for equipment size and power consumption. The compact 2U design and low-power characteristics of AIS BS600 make it suitable for deployment in sites with limited space.

Remote operation and network management

1. Centralized monitoring

Through the AIS service management suite, operation and maintenance personnel can centrally monitor multiple BS600 base stations. The system provides device status overview, alarm management, performance statistics, and other functions, supporting rapid location and response to faulty devices.

2. Firmware upgrade

AIS BS600 supports firmware upgrade through web interface or USB interface without on-site operation. The upgrade process preserves the device configuration parameters to ensure quick service recovery after the upgrade.

3. NTP time synchronization

The base station supports serving as an NTP client and server, which can access a unified time source for shore based networks or provide timing services for connected local devices, ensuring the consistency of the entire AIS system's time reference.

Data Security and Network Protection

The AIS BS600 fully considers the security requirements of the data link during design:

Access control: Web management interface and SNMP service support user authentication and permission grading

Data filtering: Built in AIS data filtering capability, which can filter data based on source stations, message types, and other conditions to prevent invalid or malicious data from entering the core network

Physical security: The front panel integrates a display and keyboard for easy local configuration, and supports remote locking to prevent unauthorized local operations

Compliance and Quality Assurance

The development and production of AIS BS600 strictly follow the relevant regulations of the International Maritime Organization and IALA. The product has passed the compliance testing of the following key standards:

IEC 62320-1: Operation and performance requirements for AIS shore based base stations

ITU-R M.1371-5: Technical Characteristics of AIS VHF Data Link

EN 60945: General requirements for maritime navigation and wireless communication equipment

Kongsberg Seatex provides a complete quality assurance system, and the equipment undergoes comprehensive environmental and electromagnetic compatibility testing before leaving the factory to ensure reliable operation in complex marine environments.