During the Release 5.1.1 time frame, the first AWIPS sites received prototype Linux workstations (LXs) with a small subset of the D2D functionality ported and running. Since then, the Linux PC presence at the sites has grown. Now, all sites have two Linux workstations. In Release 5.2.1, more workstation functionality is available on the faster LXs with more functionality coming in Release 5.2.2 and OB1.

Several sites have prototype Linux Communications Processors (CP) with a high-speed LAN (HSL) interface. These Linux CPs replace the diskless Hewlett-Packard (HP) Real-Time (RT) systems. One major advantage to the Linux CPs is their disk storage, which allows the CPs to store data to disk. This will nearly guarantee that downstream processes (like the acquisition servers and decoders) will not “lose” data should they be down for short periods of time. The full deployment of the Linux CPs will start at the end of fiscal year 2002.

Another Linux initiative is the migration of server processes to the Linux Preprocessors (PXs). The initial PX prototype ported the Grib, Satellite, and Bufr decoders from the HP data server (DS) and application server (AS) to a pair of PXs. Improvements in performance in data throughput (decoding to display) have been noticeable at the test sites. Full deployment of the PXs is expected to begin in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003. Plans to port existing DS and AS functionality to the PXs will continue in the OB1 time frame.

Finally, a Linux Archive Server (AX) will be appearing at sites in the beginning of fiscal year 2003. The AX is a stand alone Linux PC and will take over the PUP Level IV archiving functionality, as well as support the Weather Element Simulator (WES).