ICCS5 is based on a network of digital switching nodes featuring dynamic alternative routing. Multiple fibre optic links provide digital, contention-free communication paths between switching nodes. For small ships and submarines, single-node solutions are available as well. The multi-node arrangement guarantees a redundant structure and high survivability. In the event of a failure on one node, only equipment interfacing directly to it will be affected. Traffic among the remaining nodes will not be disturbed, due to embedded alternative routing principles. ICCS standard interfaces enable straightforward connectivity to other networks and offer indigenous growth capabilities, both in terms of configuration and technological evolution. Obsolescence risks are therefore minimised. The system complies with warship environmental requirements, namely shock, vibration and electromagnetic compatibility.

The system is essentially composed of:

• Network Access Units (NAU), providing the necessary digital and analogue interfaces to the communications system components, also holding responsibility for the switching and signal distribution functions

• Voice Terminals, through which external and internal voice communications are performed

• Management Terminals (CCC), enabling a single operator to take care of the full control and supervision of the system: through a user-friendly man-machine interface, a comprehensive set of tools is available to the operator, helping him to perform his duties efficiently and with minimum effort.

ICCS is by all means a step ahead in terms of shipboard communications management, supporting high-level concepts such as COMPLANS. The overall system set-up (channel allocation, frequencies, operation modes, etc.) can therefore be changed either automatically or with a single command. This means an efficient management of resources and the capability to react quickly to changes on the operational scenario. A powerful human interface, supported on a windows-based graphical user interface, turns the control and management of the ship's communications into a simple, trivial task.

From the functional point of view, ICCS5 provides:

• Flexible and fast distribution of voice and data signals, either plain or secure. External channels are dynamically assigned to users according to the prevailing operational requirements;
• Powerful internal communication capabilities including point-to-point and conference circuits. Compact, easy to use, voice terminals, enable simultaneous access to internal and external communication channels. Special facilities such as group calls, programmable priority break-in and wideband audio distribution are implemented as well;

• Remote control of the integrated communications equipment, including real-time status monitoring;
• Embedded Training facilities allowing the set-up of a communications training environment, coexisting with normal operation, it enables on-board users to develop their operational proficiency.
• Gateway to the Combat Management System either for control and/or status monitoring of the communication system.