FXC FXCollaborateConnect Forecast Systems Laboratory Boulder CO FXC

FXC (FX-Collaborate/Connect) Forecast Systems Laboratory Boulder, CO

FXC System Overview Java “Application” consisting of client & server • CLIENT – Runs on all Windows platforms (Not fully tested on Macintosh and Sun) 1 -2 GHz CPU, 1 GB Memory, DSL • SERVER – Runs only on Linux platforms Uses AWIPS for creation of meta files Java server connects to users 1 -2 GHz CPU, 1 GB Memory, DSL (more memory for large number of users)

Collaborative Features • Common data base (AWIPS plus other) • Shared control of display • Text chat room • Slide show (Power. Point-like) • Case review • Local data sharing (plots, JPG/GIF/PNG) • Web access (e. g. Cams) • Telephony (under development) • Mobile/wireless (under development)

• AWIPS-like user interface • Extensive data sets (models, obs, imagery, text) • Display manipulation and interaction • Procedures, cross-sections, soundings, etc • Extensive graphic annotation capability • Choice of servers (real-time and review)

FXC Data Access #1 FXC #2 #3

System Configuration I Stand-alone Mode (No Server) FXC FXC WWW Local Data

System Configuration II Collaborative Mode FXC Session Control AWIPS DB FXC Server FXC

System Configuration III Independent Mode AWIPS DB FXC Server Session Control FXC

System Configuration II & III Hybrid Mode collaboration FXC Session Ctl FXC independent AWIPS DB FXC Session Ctl FXC independent FXC Server FXC Session Ctl FXC

Special Configuration USAF / NASA AWIPS, FXC Server and Client on the same machine Monitor A AWIPS NFS AWIPS DB Monitor B Capture Session Control FXC Component AWIPS Component

Implementation Considerations • • • Firewalls and proxy servers (TCP/IP) Network bandwidth (DSL) Server location (access to AWIPS data) Customization (menus, special data) User training

FXC Customers • • NWS/RFC – Hurricane briefings to EOC’s NWS/WFO – NDFD forecast coordination (trial) NWS/WFO – Web page preparation FAA/CWSU – Aviation product evaluation NASA/Houston – Shuttle landing Wx brief. USAF/VBAFB&Kennedy – Rocket launch COMET – Classroom training (radar) Alaska - Volcanic Ash Coordination

FXC Customers (Illustrations)

FDEM Tallahassee, FL SERFC Peachtree City, GA Remote Weather Briefing Tropical Storm Hanna

Aviation Product Evaluation

VACT Remote Collaboration

FXC Display (private session)

FXC Wireless Demonstration

USAF Briefing Tool

Planned Enhancements FXC 3. 0. 0

FXC 3. 0. 0 Development Message Repeater FXC High Speed R High Speed Server R FXC FXC FXC Current Server

FXC 3. 0. 0 Development Session Arbitration ISSUE: Large number of collaborators in a session cause the system to queue up action-requests OPTIONS: • • Assign a session leader (Briefing) Pass token from user to user Lock out other users for a fixed interval Request control from a master