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

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

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

4. 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)

5. FXC Data Access #1
FXC #2 #3

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. 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

13. FXC Customers (Illustrations)

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

16. Aviation Product Evaluation

17. VACT Remote Collaboration

18. FXC Display (private session)

19. FXC Wireless Demonstration

20. USAF Briefing Tool

21. Planned Enhancements FXC 3.0.0

22. FXC 3.0.0 Development Message Repeater FXC R Server R FXC FXC FXC FXC
High Speed
Server
High Speed R
FXC
FXC
FXC
FXC
FXC
FXC
FXC
Current
Server

23. 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