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Comparison of Five Major NWS Data Dissemination Systems


  NWWS EMWIN IWIN FOS AWIPS/NOAAPORT
Type Satellite Satelite INTERNET Land Line WAN/Satellite
Delay (Sec) 10 (warnings)
40 (average)
80 (average)
130 (W/O NWWS)
130 130 120
Availability 99.9 98 <99 N/A 99.7
Dependency NWWS, AWIPS (local) NWSTG, AWIPS, NWWS, GOES, Phones NWSTG, AWIPS, INTERNET NWSTG, AWIPS, Telephone AWIPS, Telephone
User Cost (initial/Recurring) 10K / $600-$1600  1.5K / 0* 0 / 0 13.5K / 91.5 K** 95K / 11K
Collect Data Yes No No No  Yes
Disseminate Data Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Remarks Fastest product delivery method; Independent of NWSTG and INTERNET; Terrestrial dial backup ensures data collection. Low recurring cost to user; possible data loss during sun outage periods (2/year) Ready availability through INTERNET; reliabililty uncertain  during storm conditions or weather and civil emergencies Requires dedicated land circuits to user  

* User equipment maintenance costs unknown.
** For all six services associated with FOS.

Other NWS Dissemination Systems


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Last modified: November 15, 2004
Page Author: Gary.Banks@noaa.gov
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