An Analysis Of VTS Network Construction Based On The Area Network

The rapid development of Information Technology (IT) has brought huge impact and revolution to all industries. It has been proved by lots of examples we can improve greatly our work efficiency and service quality by integrating advanced IT methods into engineering areas. For Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), though it has used some new technologies to improve its efficiency and service quality, advanced IT methods still should be employed into its daily maritime management to promote VTS working level. Specially, currently most of VTS centers in China are still working independently, seldom with information exchange and resources sharing between the centers. This situation, certainly, baffles the further improvement for service efficiency and quality.This article therefore concentrates on how to apply advanced computer & network technologies for VTS centers' inter-connections to exchange information and share their resources. The contents cover:1. The feasibility, applied inter-connection methods and network architecture for about 20 VTS centers all over China to set up a national VTS Wide Area Network (WAN).2. The features of VTS produced information. Emphasis is given on information necessary for exchange. Definitions of five kinds of typical information should be exchanged between VTS centers.3. Every kind of maritime information flow's contents > direction participants^ technical protocols/standards recommended and styles. Best efforts have been taken to cover and analyze all possible information flows exchanged between maritime management departments (including ships).4. How to set up an advanced, information-ized and network-ized VTS center. Many advanced computer and network technologies have been employed to implement the information transmit and resources sharing.