Define FENS
The FAA Enterprise Network Services Program (FENS) is the evolution of our reliable, secure, and resilient telecommunications system for the NAS. It will upgrade our communications capabilities so we can maintain our world-class network that is vital to our nation's air transportation system.
Key Messages
FENS will maintain our high level of availability, survivability, security, and performance.
FENS will be a flexible network, that allows for greater levels of:
for greater efficiency in:
when new sensors are introduced into NAS operations.
FENS is Coming
The FENS Program is on schedule. Here are some key dates to remember.
And, after award, a transition period is anticipated to last for 5 years.
Impacts To Your Facility
FENS will impact every facility in the NAS from communication towers, RADARs, VORs, TRACONS, Centers, to small control towers and admin buildings. All facilities will get updated services through the FENS program.
FAA requires telecommunications services at > 4,000 locations
Impacts To Your Facility
SITE VISITS:
You will probably have a site visit - More than 4,000 site visits will be conducted.
Some might have multiple visits
Key Facts For You To Know
FENS is IP
FENS is Internet Protocol based. Internet Protocol or IP, is a set of rules
You will probably have a site visit - More than 4,000 site visits will be conducted.
Regardless of your facility or type of service TDM is unsupported after 2024. The telecommunications industry is moving towards more modern computer switched networks and away from legacy systems.
Key Facts For You To Know
FENS is IP
Going forward, NAS Programs will need to be IP. This means new technologies being introduced into the NAS will need to connect into FENS services – these services will be IP based.
There is an ongoing effort now to convert our TDM services to IP. This is NOT a FENS program, but we want to assist this program and impress upon engineers and technicians of its importance.
Key Facts For You To Know
FENS is IP
More Bandwidth
The FAA’s bandwidth requirements are projected to greatly expand in the future as data feeds and sensors are more fully integrated into the NAS. FENS must be able to scale to meet this demand.
Key Facts For You To Know
Transition
Transition from FTI and other legacy systems to FENS will take years. We are anticipating at least 5-year effort. There are thousands of sites, tens of thousands of circuits and more than a million options of services provided currently. This entire system will need to be modernized as its rolled up into FENS.
Legacy Systems to FENS Timeline
Key Facts For You To Know
Implementation
Implementing the FENS contract will be disruptive. It will require your staff’s time and cooperation. The operations in the NAS must continue during transition so parallel efforts will be needed for some time.
Key Facts For You To Know
Scheduling
Scheduling will be difficult and confusing. With more than 4,000 locations and limited human resources there will be conflicts to resolve and risks to mitigate.
How Will We Keep You Informed?
Keeping You In The Loop
So, how will the FENS office keep you in the loop?
Information
Contacts and Reference
Here are some initial contacts and reference information to help you get the information you need.
More info about about the FAA and FENS
The FENS program is the largest procurement action in the FAA. It is central to maintaining the excellent aviation services we provide to the nation. Our mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. As technology advances and our services expand, FENS will enable us to fulfill our mission.
