CA2638512A1 - Aircraft data link network routing - Google Patents
Aircraft data link network routing Download PDFInfo
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- CA2638512A1 CA2638512A1 CA002638512A CA2638512A CA2638512A1 CA 2638512 A1 CA2638512 A1 CA 2638512A1 CA 002638512 A CA002638512 A CA 002638512A CA 2638512 A CA2638512 A CA 2638512A CA 2638512 A1 CA2638512 A1 CA 2638512A1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
- H04B7/14—Relay systems
- H04B7/15—Active relay systems
- H04B7/185—Space-based or airborne stations; Stations for satellite systems
- H04B7/18502—Airborne stations
- H04B7/18506—Communications with or from aircraft, i.e. aeronautical mobile service
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L45/00—Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L45/00—Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks
- H04L45/80—Ingress point selection by the source endpoint, e.g. selection of ISP or POP
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
- H04L51/58—Message adaptation for wireless communication
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
- H04W4/12—Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W84/00—Network topologies
- H04W84/02—Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
- H04W84/04—Large scale networks; Deep hierarchical networks
- H04W84/06—Airborne or Satellite Networks
Abstract
A method for routing aircraft data link messages over a plurality of communications networks is disclosed. The method assigns at least one data link message routing service for an aircraft having a fast message processing application based on prescribed criteria, the prescribed criteria comprising preferred networks of the plurality of communications networks. As a first preferred communications network becomes available, the method selects a first message route from the assigned routing service and transmits each of the data link messages on the first message route while the first message route satisfies the prescribed criteria. When the prescribed criteria changes over a plurality of flight phases of the aircraft, the method reassigns the at least one data link message route to continue data link message transmissions to and from the aircraft based on the latest prescribed criteria.
Description
Attorney Docket No. H0013872-5435 AIRCRAFT DATA LINK NETWORK ROUTIIYG
BACKGROUND
1OOO11 Flight phase measurements are already in common use in aircraft communication. A specific flight phase is often used to trigger certain communications messages. For example, many aircraft maintenance systems send their reports over an air-ground data link network when an aircraft is on final approach or imnmediately after touch-down. In addition, air-ground data links send information between an aircraft and air traffic control services when the aircraft is too far from an air traffie control tower to make voice radio communication and radar possible. For example, aircraft data link systems are used for long-distance flights operating over any substantial land and water routes.
BACKGROUND
1OOO11 Flight phase measurements are already in common use in aircraft communication. A specific flight phase is often used to trigger certain communications messages. For example, many aircraft maintenance systems send their reports over an air-ground data link network when an aircraft is on final approach or imnmediately after touch-down. In addition, air-ground data links send information between an aircraft and air traffic control services when the aircraft is too far from an air traffie control tower to make voice radio communication and radar possible. For example, aircraft data link systems are used for long-distance flights operating over any substantial land and water routes.
[0002) Recurring costs of aircraft air-ground data link messages are significant.
For example, message delivery rates (that is, upload and download speeds) vary considerably during certain flight phases between network service providers, the aircraft's location, and any applieable air-ground networks and sub-networks within the vicinity of the aircraft. Since connection rates for a specific air-ground network (sub-network) vary by service provider, any incremental improvement in network routing of the aircraft data links between various endpoints represents substantial cost benefits.
(00031 For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for improvements in aircraft data link network routing.
Attorney Docket No. H0013872-5435 SUMMARY
[0004] The following specification discusses aircraft data link network routing in an avionics conununications system. This sununary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is merely provided to aid the reader in understanding some aspects of one or nwre embodiments described in the following specification.
[0005] Particularly, in one embodiment, a method for routing aircraft data link messages over a plurality of communications networks is provided. The method assigns at least one data link message routing service for an aircraft having a first message processing application based on prescribed criteria, the prescribed criteria comprising preferred networks of the plurality of communications networks. As a fust preferred communications network becomes available, the method selects a fust message route from the assigned routing service and transmits each of the data link messages on the first message route while the first message route satisfies the prescribed criteria. When the prescribed criteria changes over a plurality of flight phases of the aircraft, the method reassigns the at least one data link message route to continue data link message transmissions to and from the aircraft based on the latest prescribed criteria.
DRAWINGS
[0006) These and other features, aspects, and advantages are better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
10007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an avionics commuttications system;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a message routing portion of an avionics conununications system;
10009J FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a network selection and management portion of an avionics communications system;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for aircraft data link network routing; and [00111 . FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for network selection and management in an avionics communications system.
Attorney Docket No. H0013872-5435 [0012] The various descnbed features are drawn to emphasize features relevant to the embodiments disclosed. Reference characters denote like elements throughout the figures and text of the specification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(00131 Embodiments of the present invention describe aircrafl data link network routing over various service provider networks through an aireraft communications management unit (CMU). In at least one embodimeat, a plurality of wireless networks covering local, metropolitan and wide-area (collectively, of global or continental scales) are used based on an expanded set of programmable message routing rules to select the appropriate network(s) at any given time. The network routing discussed here provides appropriate data link services based on network availability and application needs to various aircraft data link applications.
Moreover, message routing and network selections are based on current aircraft states and flight phases.
100141 As discussed in further detail below, the message routing and network selection rules are separate from specific networking protocol interfaces. The programmable rules can be customized to meet individual customer requirements of (for example) commercial airlines or aircraft manufactiuers, as 6uther described below. In addition, the network routing discussed here provides an application fratnework that is independent of any present (or future) networking protocol architecture, including any bandwidth efficient (that is, non-spread spectrum) wireless communications networks, as further discussed below.
[0015] In one implementation, a message routing function block provides a uniform service interface to converging data link applications attempting to conununicate over the plurality of wireless networks. Any specific data link application requests are analyzed and the message routing ntles are defined based on network availability. A network selection and management function block monitors and selects the various wireless networks and sub-networks for the service interface of the message routing function block. The network selection and management function block analyzes various aircraft state inputs and applies the message routing and network selection rules. The network routing discussed here combines infoctnation about network availability, user preferences (as specified in the programmable
For example, message delivery rates (that is, upload and download speeds) vary considerably during certain flight phases between network service providers, the aircraft's location, and any applieable air-ground networks and sub-networks within the vicinity of the aircraft. Since connection rates for a specific air-ground network (sub-network) vary by service provider, any incremental improvement in network routing of the aircraft data links between various endpoints represents substantial cost benefits.
(00031 For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for improvements in aircraft data link network routing.
Attorney Docket No. H0013872-5435 SUMMARY
[0004] The following specification discusses aircraft data link network routing in an avionics conununications system. This sununary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is merely provided to aid the reader in understanding some aspects of one or nwre embodiments described in the following specification.
[0005] Particularly, in one embodiment, a method for routing aircraft data link messages over a plurality of communications networks is provided. The method assigns at least one data link message routing service for an aircraft having a first message processing application based on prescribed criteria, the prescribed criteria comprising preferred networks of the plurality of communications networks. As a fust preferred communications network becomes available, the method selects a fust message route from the assigned routing service and transmits each of the data link messages on the first message route while the first message route satisfies the prescribed criteria. When the prescribed criteria changes over a plurality of flight phases of the aircraft, the method reassigns the at least one data link message route to continue data link message transmissions to and from the aircraft based on the latest prescribed criteria.
DRAWINGS
[0006) These and other features, aspects, and advantages are better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
10007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an avionics commuttications system;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a message routing portion of an avionics conununications system;
10009J FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a network selection and management portion of an avionics communications system;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for aircraft data link network routing; and [00111 . FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for network selection and management in an avionics communications system.
Attorney Docket No. H0013872-5435 [0012] The various descnbed features are drawn to emphasize features relevant to the embodiments disclosed. Reference characters denote like elements throughout the figures and text of the specification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(00131 Embodiments of the present invention describe aircrafl data link network routing over various service provider networks through an aireraft communications management unit (CMU). In at least one embodimeat, a plurality of wireless networks covering local, metropolitan and wide-area (collectively, of global or continental scales) are used based on an expanded set of programmable message routing rules to select the appropriate network(s) at any given time. The network routing discussed here provides appropriate data link services based on network availability and application needs to various aircraft data link applications.
Moreover, message routing and network selections are based on current aircraft states and flight phases.
100141 As discussed in further detail below, the message routing and network selection rules are separate from specific networking protocol interfaces. The programmable rules can be customized to meet individual customer requirements of (for example) commercial airlines or aircraft manufactiuers, as 6uther described below. In addition, the network routing discussed here provides an application fratnework that is independent of any present (or future) networking protocol architecture, including any bandwidth efficient (that is, non-spread spectrum) wireless communications networks, as further discussed below.
[0015] In one implementation, a message routing function block provides a uniform service interface to converging data link applications attempting to conununicate over the plurality of wireless networks. Any specific data link application requests are analyzed and the message routing ntles are defined based on network availability. A network selection and management function block monitors and selects the various wireless networks and sub-networks for the service interface of the message routing function block. The network selection and management function block analyzes various aircraft state inputs and applies the message routing and network selection rules. The network routing discussed here combines infoctnation about network availability, user preferences (as specified in the programmable
3 Attomey Docket No. H0013872-5435 message routing and network selection rules), and the various data link application requirements to select preferred communications networks for any aircraft data link message routing.
[0016] Examples of applicable aircraft data link processing applications suitable for use with the network routing discussed here include, but are not limited to, flight management system (FMS) database information, avionics display data downloads, aircraft engine data, electronic flight bag (EFB) data, Quick Access data, Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) data, in-flight entertainment data, Aeronautical Operational Control (AOC) data, Air Traffic Control (ATC) data, Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) data, and Aircra$
Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) data.
[00171 FIG. I is a block diagram of an avionics communications system 100.
The system 100 comprises a CMU 102 having a processing unit 104. In the example embodiment of FIG. 1, the processing unit 104 is at least one of a programmable microprocessor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a field-programmable object array (FPOA), an appGcation-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a programmable logic device (PLD). Communicatively coupled to the processing unit 104 within the CMU 102 are a converged service interface 106 and a network adaptation interface 108. The converged service interface 106 serves as an on-board routing function for data link messages to (from) the message processing applications 110. In one implementation, the converged service interface 106 transfers the data link messages between the appropriate message processing applications 110.
Moreover, the converged service interface 106 translates between various data types of the message processing applications 110 for a plurality of routers (discussed below with respect to FIG. 2) to establish connectivity between the aircraft and any requested endpoints. The network adaptation interface 108 provides network-specific adaptation functions to transmit specific application information over certain eommunications networks as further discussed below with respect to FIG. 3.
[00181 The system 100 fuither comprises message processing applications 110, to 110K communicatively coupled to the CMU 102. It is understood that the system 100 is capable of accommodating any appropriate number of message processing applications 110 (for example, at least one message processing application 110) in a single system 100. As further discussed below with respect to FIG. 2, the message
[0016] Examples of applicable aircraft data link processing applications suitable for use with the network routing discussed here include, but are not limited to, flight management system (FMS) database information, avionics display data downloads, aircraft engine data, electronic flight bag (EFB) data, Quick Access data, Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) data, in-flight entertainment data, Aeronautical Operational Control (AOC) data, Air Traffic Control (ATC) data, Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) data, and Aircra$
Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) data.
[00171 FIG. I is a block diagram of an avionics communications system 100.
The system 100 comprises a CMU 102 having a processing unit 104. In the example embodiment of FIG. 1, the processing unit 104 is at least one of a programmable microprocessor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a field-programmable object array (FPOA), an appGcation-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a programmable logic device (PLD). Communicatively coupled to the processing unit 104 within the CMU 102 are a converged service interface 106 and a network adaptation interface 108. The converged service interface 106 serves as an on-board routing function for data link messages to (from) the message processing applications 110. In one implementation, the converged service interface 106 transfers the data link messages between the appropriate message processing applications 110.
Moreover, the converged service interface 106 translates between various data types of the message processing applications 110 for a plurality of routers (discussed below with respect to FIG. 2) to establish connectivity between the aircraft and any requested endpoints. The network adaptation interface 108 provides network-specific adaptation functions to transmit specific application information over certain eommunications networks as further discussed below with respect to FIG. 3.
[00181 The system 100 fuither comprises message processing applications 110, to 110K communicatively coupled to the CMU 102. It is understood that the system 100 is capable of accommodating any appropriate number of message processing applications 110 (for example, at least one message processing application 110) in a single system 100. As further discussed below with respect to FIG. 2, the message
4 Attomey Docket No. H0013872-5435 processing applications 110i to 110K include, but are not liniited to, an FMS, aircraft traffic services, an aircraft condition monitoring system, an EFB, and similar combinations of CMU-bosted message processing applications thereof. In addition, the system 100 comprises a plurality of network interfaces 112i to 112K
communicatively coupled to the CMU 102. It is understood that the system 100 is capable of accommodating any appropriate number of network interfaces 112 (for example, at least one network interface 112) in a single system 100. As further discussed below with respect to FIG. 2, each of the network interfaces 112i to are responsive to at least one wireless communications network including, but not limited to, a very high frequency (VHF) data link, a high frequency (HF) data link, a satellite communications (SATCOM) data link, a local area network (LAN) such as a Wi-Fi network, a wide area network (WAN) such as a cellular radio network, a metropolitan area network (MAN) such as a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) network, and similar bandwidth efficient wireless communications networks employing, among others, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)-based 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16d, 802.16o networking protocols.
100191 In operation, the processing unit 104 assigns at least one data link message routing service for a fust message processing application 110 based on prescribed criteria (for example, from at least one set of programtnable message routing nules). As a first communications network becomes available, the processing unit 104 selects a first message route on at least one of the network interfaces 112 from the assigned routing service. In one implementation, the processing unit detects the available wireless communications networks from the plurality of bandwidth efficient communications networks supported by the CMU 102 that satisfy the prescribed criteria. Moreover, the processing unit 104 dynamically allocates any required bandwidth for the converged service interface 106 to support any communication endpoint requirements independent of data format and transport media for the data link network routing discussed here.
100201 As instructed by the processing unit 104, the at least one network interface 112 transfers data link messages for the first message processing application 110 on the first message route that satisfies the prescribed criteria. In one implementation, the processing unit 104 activates at least one network interface 112 Attorney Docket No. H0013872-5435 to transfer each of the messages according to a set of progratnmable network selection rules. If network availability changes over a plurality of flight phases of the aircraft, the processing unit 104 reassigns the at least one data link message route to continue data link message transniissions to and from the aircraft based on the prescribed criteria for each of the message processing applications 110. In one implementation, the processing unit 104 reassigns the first message route to select at least a second prefetred network from the plurality of networks responsive to the network interfaces 112.
[0021) FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a message routing portion of an avionics communications system 200, similar to the system 100 of FIG. 1. The message routing portion of the system shown in FIG. 2 comprises the processing unit 104, the network adaptation iaterface 108, the message processing appGcations 110, and the network interfaces 112. The processing unit 104 further comprises a message routing function block 202 communicatively coupled to an ATN router 204, an ACARS
router 206 and an lnternet Protocol (IP) router 208. It is understood that additional routers for additional networking protocols are possible, and the network routing discussed here is not limited to any particular networking protocols. In at least one alternate implementation, the routers 204 to 208 form at least a portion of the processing unit 104.
[0022] In the exarnple embodiment of FIG. 2, the message routing function block 202 is finther responsive to the message processing applications l 10i to 1105.
The message processing applicatioas 110 comprise a flight tnanagement system 1101, aircraft traffic services 1102, an aircraft condition monitoring system 1103, an electronic flight bag (EFB) 1104, and a CMU=hosted message processing application 1105. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, alternate message processing applications 110 are possible. The message routing funetion block 202 is further operable to receive a plurality of programmable message routing rules from the CMU
102. As further discussed below with respect to FIG. 3, the message routing rules comprise network selection based on current aircraft equipment configurations, aircraft flight phase, current aircraft position and trajectory, message priority, network availability relative to other networks, reiative cost of networks at a givcn point in time, and the like.
Attorney Docket No. H0013872-5435 100231 The routers 204 to 208 are further responsive to the network interfaces 112, to 1126 through a plurality of adaptation and control blocks 212, to 2126 of the network adaptation interface 108 as shown in FIG. 2. The network interface.s 112, to 1126 comprise at least one of a VHF data link radio interface 112,, an HF data link radio interface 1122, a SATCOM data link radio interface 1123, a LAN interface 1124, a WAN interface 112s, and a MAN interface 1126. The adaptation and control blocks 212, to 2126 include a VHF data link (VDL) radio adaptation and control block 212,, an HF data link (HDL) radio adaptation and control block 2122, a SATCOM data link radio adaptation and control block 2123, a LAN adaptation and control block 2124, a WAN adaptation and control block 2125, and a MAN adaptation and control block 2126.
[0024] In operation, the messaging routing rules from the CMU 102 are analyzed by the message routing function block 202. As data link messages from the message processing applications 110 are received in the message routing function block 202, the message routing function block 202 determines which of the routers 204 to 208 will transfer the message over the applicablc network interface 112. In the example embodiment of FIG. 2, the message routing rules from the CMU 102 are evaluated by the message routing fiuiction block 202 and each of the data link messages pass through the network adaptation interface 108 for any additional network selection adaptation fanctions that may be required to complete the data link transmission, as further discussed below with respect to FIG. 3.
(0025] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a network selection and management portion of an avionics communications system 300, sitnilar to the system 100 of FIG.
1. The network selection and management portion of the system shown in FIG. 3 comprises the processing unit 104, the network interfaces 112, and the adaptation and control blocks 212, to 2126 of the network adaptation interface 108. The processing unit 104 further comprises a network selection and management function block responsive to the message routing function block 202 of FIG. 2. In the example embodiment of FIG. 3, the network selection and management functian block 302 is operable to receive a plurality of aircraft state inputs based on a current flight phase of an aircraft hosting the system 100, as fuNter described below with respect to FIG. 5.
In one implementation, the plurality of aireraft state inputs comQrise aircraft flight phase, aircraft location, network access level, message priority level, and the like.
Attorney Docket No. H0013872-3435 [0026] In operation, each of the adaptation and control blocks 212 route aircraft data link messages through a preferred network interface 112 based on the programmable message routing and network selection rules managed by the network selection and management function block 302. The network selection and management function block 302 monitors and controls the network interfaces 112 based on message routing decisions provided by the message routing function block 202 and on the aircraft state inputs received from the CMU 102. As illustrated in Tables I to 3 below, the network selection and management funcdon block 302 selects tbe appropriate network based on the aircraft state inputs and informs the appropriate adaptation and control blocks 212, to 2126 to perform the necessary additional network selection adaptation functions to complete the data link transmission through the appropriate network interfaces 1121 to 1126. For example, the WiMAX adaptation and control block 2126 will fotmat an ACARS message to be transmitted as an IP message by the WiMAX network interface 1126.
Aircraft State lnputs 100271 A partial listing of aircraft state inputs fcnm the CMU 102, including examples, appears below with respect to Table 1.
Aircraft State Inputs E=amples Flight Phase Pre-flight; Climb; Cruise; Descent; Takeoff; Approach;
Go-Around and Done Flight Event Out; Off; On and in (0001) Aircrafl Position and Trajectory lati.tude; longitude; ntapping cwordinates Derived firom on-board sensors, including but not limited Aircraft State to, strut switch/weight-on-wheels; parking brake; engine speed; engine oil ptrssure; air speed; ground speed; radio altimeter altitudo; barometric altitude Aircraft distance from specific Disaattce to an ACARS VDL ground station;
Distance to ground stations WiMAX or Wi-Fi access points Application Network Type ACARS High Availability; ATN ATC communications;
[P High Availability Network Access Level and ACARS Low Cost; ACARS Low Latency; IP Low Cost Relative Cost Message Priodty Level High, Urgent, Low Table l- Aircraft State Innuts (0028) As provided by Table 1 above, each of the aircraft state inputs are evaluated along with the network selection rules and the progratnmable message Attorttey Docket No. H0013872-5435 routing rules to route each of the data link messages to the proper network.
The routing tvles are evaluated dynamically as aircraft state inputs are updated by the CMU 102. It is understood that the aircraft state inputs ptrsented here are not meant to be an exhaustive listing and that any aircraft state input that may affect aircraft data link tnessage routing can be used. In one implementation, the flight phase and the flight event inputs are adapted from Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated (ARINC) and ATC standards.
Prog;ammable Message Routingand Network Selectfon Rules {0029] A partial listing of progtnmmable message routing rules from the CMU
102, including examples, appears below with respect to Table 2.
Message Routing Rules E=amples Application 1, type I tnessages can use any ACARS High priority AOC tnessages or IP sub-network Application 1, type 2 messages can only use Moderate priority AOC
ACARS VHF or iP tnessages Application 1, type 3 are hald until Wi-Fi network Low priority AOC messages detected Application 2, type 1 messages use ATN network, ATN ATC messages VHF sub-network only Application 2, type 2 messages use ACARS FANS messages network, VHF or SATCOM sub-networks only Application 3, all types of messages can use Extetnal user of converged ACARS or IP networks and any sub-network network service(s) Application 4, all types of inessages can use External ACARS licati s ACARS network and any ACARS sub-network ~p ~) Application 5, type I rttessages can use any IP sub- High priority EFB
messages network Application 5, type 2 ntessages can use only low Low priority EFB messages cost IP sub-networks Table 2- Prograrrtmable Messagg Routing Rules 100301 As provided by Table 2 above, each of the programmable message routing rules are evaluated dynatnically as aircraft state inputs are updated by the CMU 102. It is undetstood that the message routing rules presented here are not meant to be an exhaustive listing and that any programmable message routing rules Attomey Docket No. H0013872-5435 can be used. For example, the programmable message routing rules illustrated in Table 2 apply to routing applications that implement AOC and Future Air Navigation System (FANS) messaging standards. In order to route the data link messages using programmable message routing rules described above in Table 2, the system 300 actively manages the network (protocol) stacks and sub-networks in the network selection and management function block 302. The network selection and management function block 302 uses the programmable network selection rules that are also executed dynamically as aircraft and network state changes. Examples of network selection rules are shown below with respect to Table 3.
Network Selection Rules Examples Selection based on network types Activate ACARS VHF sub-networks always supported by aircraft using existing network selection rules Selection based on cun-ent aircraft Activate ACARS SATCOM sub-network in state AND other network availability (0001 state OFF) OR (when no other ACARS
sub-network is available) Selection based on aircraft flight Activate Wi-Fi when 0001 state is IN
phase Selection based on aircraft flight (Activate WiMAX when flight phase IS NOT
phase AND other network availability Cruise) AND (Wi-Fi is not available) Selection based on aircraft flight (Activate Cellular WAN when OOOI state is phase AND other network availability IN) AND (Wi-Fi is not available) AND
(WiMAX is not available) Selection based on aircraft flight Deactivate WiMAX during a Cruise flight phase phase Selection based on aircraft flight (Activate WiMAX when flight phase is phase AND selection based on Descent) AND (within 15 miles of destination cun-ent aircraft position and trajectory airport) Selection based on current aircraft Activate ATN in an airspace defined by position and trajectory latitude/longitude region Table 3 - Programmable Network Selection Rules 10031J It is understood that the network selection rules of Table 3 are not meant to be an exhaustive listing and that any programmable network selection rules can be used. The progrannnable network selection rules within the scope of user data link messages can be refined by the customer and loaded in the CMU 102 independent of software that implements the network protocols. In one implementation, each set of Attoraey Docket No. H0013872-5435 the programmable message routing and network selection rules form at least a portion of a customizable feature set of known aircraft communications managenient systems.
The programmable message routing and network selection rule sets that pertain to specific air traffic services can also be loaded independently of the operational software in the CMU 102, but would be controlled by standard airoraft certification processes.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 400 for routing aircraft data link messages over a plurality of wireless communications networks. The method 400 addresses providing appropriate data link services based on network availability and application needs to the various on-board aircraft message routing applications discussed above with respect to FIGS. I to 3. The method 400 routes the appropriate data link services over the plurality of wireless conununications networks, including the bandwidth efficient wireless networks discussed above with respect to FIGS. I to 3.
100331 The method of FIG. 4 assigns at least one data link message routing service for an aircraft baving a first message processing application based on prescribed criteria at block 402. In one implementation, the at least one data link message routing service receives instructions from a set of programmable message routing rules and a set of network selection rules (similar to the rules discussed above with respect to FIGS. I to 3) as the prescribed criteria. Moreover, the method of FIG.
4 incorporates each set of the message routing rules and the network selection rules as functions of a CMU of the aircraft.
100341 If a first (that is, a preferred) communications network is availablc at block 404, the method 400 selects a first message route from the assigned routing service at block 406 for the preferred network based on at least one aircraft state input. The method 400 detects available networks from the plurality of bandwidth-efficient wireless communications networks that satisfy the prescribed criteria defined in block 402. In one implementation, the ntethod 400 translates at least one data type of the fuxt message processing application for at least one router to establish connectivity between the aircn;fft and any requested endpoints using the first message route. Moveover, the method 400 uses a converged service interface to dynamieally allocate any required bandwidth for at least the first message route.
tt Attorney Docket No. H0013872-5435 100351 While the preferred network is available, the method 400 transmits each of the data link messages on the first message route that satisfies the prescribed criteria at block 410. When the prescribed criteria changes over a plurality of fligbt phases of the aircraft (block 408), the method 400 reassigns the at least one data link message route at block 402 to least one second preferred network selected from the plurality of bandwidth-efficient wireless communications networks. The reassigned data tink message route continues data link message transmissions to and from the aircraft based on the latest prescribed criteria. For example, when the preferred aetwork changes over the plurality of flight phases of the aircraft, one or more network application interfaces are activated (deactivated) as discussed below with respect to FIG. 5.
100361 FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method 500 for network selection and management in an avionics communications system. The method 500 manages the various network application interfaces discussed above with respect to FIG. 4 based on network availability and application service needs (for example, current aircraft states). The method of FIG. 5 periodically evaluates at least one aircraft state at block 502. If the at least one aircraft state has changed since a previous evaluation (block 504), each of the programmable network selection rules (for example, network selection rules I to N) are individually evaluated at blocks 5061 to 506N. Periodic monitoring of the programmable network selection rules ensures that the prescribed message routing criteria in a network selection and management function block (for example, the network selection and management function block 302) continue to be satisfied. In one implementation, a current network interface (for example, the network interfaces 112, to 112K) is activated (deactivated) at blocks 508i to 508m based on the programmable rule under evaluation. The method of FIG. 5 resumes after a prescribed time period elapses at block 510.
[0037] The methods and techniques described herein may be implemented in a combination of digital electronic circuitry and software residing in a programmable processor (for example, a special-purpose processor, or a general-purpose processor in a computer). An apparatus embodying these techniques may include appropriate input and output devices, a programmable processor, and a storage medium tangibly embodying program instructions for execution by the programmable processor. A
process embodying these techniques may be performed by a programmable processor Attorney Docket No. H0013872-5435 executing a program of instructions that operates on input data and generates appropriate output data. The techniques may be implemented in one or more programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from (and to transmit data and instructions to) a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Generally, a processor wiQ receive instructions and data from at least one of a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).
[0038] Storage media suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include aU forms of non-votatile memory, and include by way of example, semiconductor memory devices; ROM and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks;
optical disks such as compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), and other computer-readable media. Any of the foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, a specially-designed ASIC. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a cotnputer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly tettned a computer-readable niedium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.
100391 This description has been presented for purposes of illustration, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed.
Variations and modifications may occur, which fall within the scope of the following claims.
/
communicatively coupled to the CMU 102. It is understood that the system 100 is capable of accommodating any appropriate number of network interfaces 112 (for example, at least one network interface 112) in a single system 100. As further discussed below with respect to FIG. 2, each of the network interfaces 112i to are responsive to at least one wireless communications network including, but not limited to, a very high frequency (VHF) data link, a high frequency (HF) data link, a satellite communications (SATCOM) data link, a local area network (LAN) such as a Wi-Fi network, a wide area network (WAN) such as a cellular radio network, a metropolitan area network (MAN) such as a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) network, and similar bandwidth efficient wireless communications networks employing, among others, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)-based 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16d, 802.16o networking protocols.
100191 In operation, the processing unit 104 assigns at least one data link message routing service for a fust message processing application 110 based on prescribed criteria (for example, from at least one set of programtnable message routing nules). As a first communications network becomes available, the processing unit 104 selects a first message route on at least one of the network interfaces 112 from the assigned routing service. In one implementation, the processing unit detects the available wireless communications networks from the plurality of bandwidth efficient communications networks supported by the CMU 102 that satisfy the prescribed criteria. Moreover, the processing unit 104 dynamically allocates any required bandwidth for the converged service interface 106 to support any communication endpoint requirements independent of data format and transport media for the data link network routing discussed here.
100201 As instructed by the processing unit 104, the at least one network interface 112 transfers data link messages for the first message processing application 110 on the first message route that satisfies the prescribed criteria. In one implementation, the processing unit 104 activates at least one network interface 112 Attorney Docket No. H0013872-5435 to transfer each of the messages according to a set of progratnmable network selection rules. If network availability changes over a plurality of flight phases of the aircraft, the processing unit 104 reassigns the at least one data link message route to continue data link message transniissions to and from the aircraft based on the prescribed criteria for each of the message processing applications 110. In one implementation, the processing unit 104 reassigns the first message route to select at least a second prefetred network from the plurality of networks responsive to the network interfaces 112.
[0021) FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a message routing portion of an avionics communications system 200, similar to the system 100 of FIG. 1. The message routing portion of the system shown in FIG. 2 comprises the processing unit 104, the network adaptation iaterface 108, the message processing appGcations 110, and the network interfaces 112. The processing unit 104 further comprises a message routing function block 202 communicatively coupled to an ATN router 204, an ACARS
router 206 and an lnternet Protocol (IP) router 208. It is understood that additional routers for additional networking protocols are possible, and the network routing discussed here is not limited to any particular networking protocols. In at least one alternate implementation, the routers 204 to 208 form at least a portion of the processing unit 104.
[0022] In the exarnple embodiment of FIG. 2, the message routing function block 202 is finther responsive to the message processing applications l 10i to 1105.
The message processing applicatioas 110 comprise a flight tnanagement system 1101, aircraft traffic services 1102, an aircraft condition monitoring system 1103, an electronic flight bag (EFB) 1104, and a CMU=hosted message processing application 1105. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, alternate message processing applications 110 are possible. The message routing funetion block 202 is further operable to receive a plurality of programmable message routing rules from the CMU
102. As further discussed below with respect to FIG. 3, the message routing rules comprise network selection based on current aircraft equipment configurations, aircraft flight phase, current aircraft position and trajectory, message priority, network availability relative to other networks, reiative cost of networks at a givcn point in time, and the like.
Attorney Docket No. H0013872-5435 100231 The routers 204 to 208 are further responsive to the network interfaces 112, to 1126 through a plurality of adaptation and control blocks 212, to 2126 of the network adaptation interface 108 as shown in FIG. 2. The network interface.s 112, to 1126 comprise at least one of a VHF data link radio interface 112,, an HF data link radio interface 1122, a SATCOM data link radio interface 1123, a LAN interface 1124, a WAN interface 112s, and a MAN interface 1126. The adaptation and control blocks 212, to 2126 include a VHF data link (VDL) radio adaptation and control block 212,, an HF data link (HDL) radio adaptation and control block 2122, a SATCOM data link radio adaptation and control block 2123, a LAN adaptation and control block 2124, a WAN adaptation and control block 2125, and a MAN adaptation and control block 2126.
[0024] In operation, the messaging routing rules from the CMU 102 are analyzed by the message routing function block 202. As data link messages from the message processing applications 110 are received in the message routing function block 202, the message routing function block 202 determines which of the routers 204 to 208 will transfer the message over the applicablc network interface 112. In the example embodiment of FIG. 2, the message routing rules from the CMU 102 are evaluated by the message routing fiuiction block 202 and each of the data link messages pass through the network adaptation interface 108 for any additional network selection adaptation fanctions that may be required to complete the data link transmission, as further discussed below with respect to FIG. 3.
(0025] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a network selection and management portion of an avionics communications system 300, sitnilar to the system 100 of FIG.
1. The network selection and management portion of the system shown in FIG. 3 comprises the processing unit 104, the network interfaces 112, and the adaptation and control blocks 212, to 2126 of the network adaptation interface 108. The processing unit 104 further comprises a network selection and management function block responsive to the message routing function block 202 of FIG. 2. In the example embodiment of FIG. 3, the network selection and management functian block 302 is operable to receive a plurality of aircraft state inputs based on a current flight phase of an aircraft hosting the system 100, as fuNter described below with respect to FIG. 5.
In one implementation, the plurality of aireraft state inputs comQrise aircraft flight phase, aircraft location, network access level, message priority level, and the like.
Attorney Docket No. H0013872-3435 [0026] In operation, each of the adaptation and control blocks 212 route aircraft data link messages through a preferred network interface 112 based on the programmable message routing and network selection rules managed by the network selection and management function block 302. The network selection and management function block 302 monitors and controls the network interfaces 112 based on message routing decisions provided by the message routing function block 202 and on the aircraft state inputs received from the CMU 102. As illustrated in Tables I to 3 below, the network selection and management funcdon block 302 selects tbe appropriate network based on the aircraft state inputs and informs the appropriate adaptation and control blocks 212, to 2126 to perform the necessary additional network selection adaptation functions to complete the data link transmission through the appropriate network interfaces 1121 to 1126. For example, the WiMAX adaptation and control block 2126 will fotmat an ACARS message to be transmitted as an IP message by the WiMAX network interface 1126.
Aircraft State lnputs 100271 A partial listing of aircraft state inputs fcnm the CMU 102, including examples, appears below with respect to Table 1.
Aircraft State Inputs E=amples Flight Phase Pre-flight; Climb; Cruise; Descent; Takeoff; Approach;
Go-Around and Done Flight Event Out; Off; On and in (0001) Aircrafl Position and Trajectory lati.tude; longitude; ntapping cwordinates Derived firom on-board sensors, including but not limited Aircraft State to, strut switch/weight-on-wheels; parking brake; engine speed; engine oil ptrssure; air speed; ground speed; radio altimeter altitudo; barometric altitude Aircraft distance from specific Disaattce to an ACARS VDL ground station;
Distance to ground stations WiMAX or Wi-Fi access points Application Network Type ACARS High Availability; ATN ATC communications;
[P High Availability Network Access Level and ACARS Low Cost; ACARS Low Latency; IP Low Cost Relative Cost Message Priodty Level High, Urgent, Low Table l- Aircraft State Innuts (0028) As provided by Table 1 above, each of the aircraft state inputs are evaluated along with the network selection rules and the progratnmable message Attorttey Docket No. H0013872-5435 routing rules to route each of the data link messages to the proper network.
The routing tvles are evaluated dynamically as aircraft state inputs are updated by the CMU 102. It is understood that the aircraft state inputs ptrsented here are not meant to be an exhaustive listing and that any aircraft state input that may affect aircraft data link tnessage routing can be used. In one implementation, the flight phase and the flight event inputs are adapted from Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated (ARINC) and ATC standards.
Prog;ammable Message Routingand Network Selectfon Rules {0029] A partial listing of progtnmmable message routing rules from the CMU
102, including examples, appears below with respect to Table 2.
Message Routing Rules E=amples Application 1, type I tnessages can use any ACARS High priority AOC tnessages or IP sub-network Application 1, type 2 messages can only use Moderate priority AOC
ACARS VHF or iP tnessages Application 1, type 3 are hald until Wi-Fi network Low priority AOC messages detected Application 2, type 1 messages use ATN network, ATN ATC messages VHF sub-network only Application 2, type 2 messages use ACARS FANS messages network, VHF or SATCOM sub-networks only Application 3, all types of messages can use Extetnal user of converged ACARS or IP networks and any sub-network network service(s) Application 4, all types of inessages can use External ACARS licati s ACARS network and any ACARS sub-network ~p ~) Application 5, type I rttessages can use any IP sub- High priority EFB
messages network Application 5, type 2 ntessages can use only low Low priority EFB messages cost IP sub-networks Table 2- Prograrrtmable Messagg Routing Rules 100301 As provided by Table 2 above, each of the programmable message routing rules are evaluated dynatnically as aircraft state inputs are updated by the CMU 102. It is undetstood that the message routing rules presented here are not meant to be an exhaustive listing and that any programmable message routing rules Attomey Docket No. H0013872-5435 can be used. For example, the programmable message routing rules illustrated in Table 2 apply to routing applications that implement AOC and Future Air Navigation System (FANS) messaging standards. In order to route the data link messages using programmable message routing rules described above in Table 2, the system 300 actively manages the network (protocol) stacks and sub-networks in the network selection and management function block 302. The network selection and management function block 302 uses the programmable network selection rules that are also executed dynamically as aircraft and network state changes. Examples of network selection rules are shown below with respect to Table 3.
Network Selection Rules Examples Selection based on network types Activate ACARS VHF sub-networks always supported by aircraft using existing network selection rules Selection based on cun-ent aircraft Activate ACARS SATCOM sub-network in state AND other network availability (0001 state OFF) OR (when no other ACARS
sub-network is available) Selection based on aircraft flight Activate Wi-Fi when 0001 state is IN
phase Selection based on aircraft flight (Activate WiMAX when flight phase IS NOT
phase AND other network availability Cruise) AND (Wi-Fi is not available) Selection based on aircraft flight (Activate Cellular WAN when OOOI state is phase AND other network availability IN) AND (Wi-Fi is not available) AND
(WiMAX is not available) Selection based on aircraft flight Deactivate WiMAX during a Cruise flight phase phase Selection based on aircraft flight (Activate WiMAX when flight phase is phase AND selection based on Descent) AND (within 15 miles of destination cun-ent aircraft position and trajectory airport) Selection based on current aircraft Activate ATN in an airspace defined by position and trajectory latitude/longitude region Table 3 - Programmable Network Selection Rules 10031J It is understood that the network selection rules of Table 3 are not meant to be an exhaustive listing and that any programmable network selection rules can be used. The progrannnable network selection rules within the scope of user data link messages can be refined by the customer and loaded in the CMU 102 independent of software that implements the network protocols. In one implementation, each set of Attoraey Docket No. H0013872-5435 the programmable message routing and network selection rules form at least a portion of a customizable feature set of known aircraft communications managenient systems.
The programmable message routing and network selection rule sets that pertain to specific air traffic services can also be loaded independently of the operational software in the CMU 102, but would be controlled by standard airoraft certification processes.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 400 for routing aircraft data link messages over a plurality of wireless communications networks. The method 400 addresses providing appropriate data link services based on network availability and application needs to the various on-board aircraft message routing applications discussed above with respect to FIGS. I to 3. The method 400 routes the appropriate data link services over the plurality of wireless conununications networks, including the bandwidth efficient wireless networks discussed above with respect to FIGS. I to 3.
100331 The method of FIG. 4 assigns at least one data link message routing service for an aircraft baving a first message processing application based on prescribed criteria at block 402. In one implementation, the at least one data link message routing service receives instructions from a set of programmable message routing rules and a set of network selection rules (similar to the rules discussed above with respect to FIGS. I to 3) as the prescribed criteria. Moreover, the method of FIG.
4 incorporates each set of the message routing rules and the network selection rules as functions of a CMU of the aircraft.
100341 If a first (that is, a preferred) communications network is availablc at block 404, the method 400 selects a first message route from the assigned routing service at block 406 for the preferred network based on at least one aircraft state input. The method 400 detects available networks from the plurality of bandwidth-efficient wireless communications networks that satisfy the prescribed criteria defined in block 402. In one implementation, the ntethod 400 translates at least one data type of the fuxt message processing application for at least one router to establish connectivity between the aircn;fft and any requested endpoints using the first message route. Moveover, the method 400 uses a converged service interface to dynamieally allocate any required bandwidth for at least the first message route.
tt Attorney Docket No. H0013872-5435 100351 While the preferred network is available, the method 400 transmits each of the data link messages on the first message route that satisfies the prescribed criteria at block 410. When the prescribed criteria changes over a plurality of fligbt phases of the aircraft (block 408), the method 400 reassigns the at least one data link message route at block 402 to least one second preferred network selected from the plurality of bandwidth-efficient wireless communications networks. The reassigned data tink message route continues data link message transmissions to and from the aircraft based on the latest prescribed criteria. For example, when the preferred aetwork changes over the plurality of flight phases of the aircraft, one or more network application interfaces are activated (deactivated) as discussed below with respect to FIG. 5.
100361 FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method 500 for network selection and management in an avionics communications system. The method 500 manages the various network application interfaces discussed above with respect to FIG. 4 based on network availability and application service needs (for example, current aircraft states). The method of FIG. 5 periodically evaluates at least one aircraft state at block 502. If the at least one aircraft state has changed since a previous evaluation (block 504), each of the programmable network selection rules (for example, network selection rules I to N) are individually evaluated at blocks 5061 to 506N. Periodic monitoring of the programmable network selection rules ensures that the prescribed message routing criteria in a network selection and management function block (for example, the network selection and management function block 302) continue to be satisfied. In one implementation, a current network interface (for example, the network interfaces 112, to 112K) is activated (deactivated) at blocks 508i to 508m based on the programmable rule under evaluation. The method of FIG. 5 resumes after a prescribed time period elapses at block 510.
[0037] The methods and techniques described herein may be implemented in a combination of digital electronic circuitry and software residing in a programmable processor (for example, a special-purpose processor, or a general-purpose processor in a computer). An apparatus embodying these techniques may include appropriate input and output devices, a programmable processor, and a storage medium tangibly embodying program instructions for execution by the programmable processor. A
process embodying these techniques may be performed by a programmable processor Attorney Docket No. H0013872-5435 executing a program of instructions that operates on input data and generates appropriate output data. The techniques may be implemented in one or more programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from (and to transmit data and instructions to) a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Generally, a processor wiQ receive instructions and data from at least one of a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).
[0038] Storage media suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include aU forms of non-votatile memory, and include by way of example, semiconductor memory devices; ROM and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks;
optical disks such as compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), and other computer-readable media. Any of the foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, a specially-designed ASIC. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a cotnputer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly tettned a computer-readable niedium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.
100391 This description has been presented for purposes of illustration, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed.
Variations and modifications may occur, which fall within the scope of the following claims.
/
Claims (20)
1. A method for routing aircraft data link messages over a plurality of communications networks, the method comprising:
assigning at least one data link message routing service for an aircraft having a first message processing application based on prescribed criteria, the prescribed criteria comprising preferred networks of the plurality of communications networks;
as a first preferred communications network becomes available, selecting a first message route from the assigned routing service;
transmitting each of the data link messages on the first message route while the first message route satisfies the prescribed criteria; and when the prescribed criteria changes over a plurality of flight phases of the aircraft, reassigning the at least one data link message route to continue data link message transmissions to and from the aircraft based on the latest prescribed criteria.
assigning at least one data link message routing service for an aircraft having a first message processing application based on prescribed criteria, the prescribed criteria comprising preferred networks of the plurality of communications networks;
as a first preferred communications network becomes available, selecting a first message route from the assigned routing service;
transmitting each of the data link messages on the first message route while the first message route satisfies the prescribed criteria; and when the prescribed criteria changes over a plurality of flight phases of the aircraft, reassigning the at least one data link message route to continue data link message transmissions to and from the aircraft based on the latest prescribed criteria.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein assigning the at least one data link message routing service further comprises:
receiving instructions from a set of programmable message routing and a set of programmable network selection rules; and incorporating each of the sets of message muting and network selection rules as functions of a communication management unit of the aircraft.
receiving instructions from a set of programmable message routing and a set of programmable network selection rules; and incorporating each of the sets of message muting and network selection rules as functions of a communication management unit of the aircraft.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the first message route comprises:
detecting available networks from a plurality of bandwidth-efficient communications networks that satisfy the prescribed criteria;
translating at least one data type of the first message processing application for at least one router to establish connectivity between the aircraft and any requested endpoints using the first message route; and allocating any required bandwidth for at least the first message route using a converged service interface.
detecting available networks from a plurality of bandwidth-efficient communications networks that satisfy the prescribed criteria;
translating at least one data type of the first message processing application for at least one router to establish connectivity between the aircraft and any requested endpoints using the first message route; and allocating any required bandwidth for at least the first message route using a converged service interface.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the first message route further comprises routing each of the data link messages through a network adaptation interface based on at least one aircraft state input.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein reassigning the at least one data link message route further comprises selecting at least one second preferred communications network for the at least one data link message routing service.
6. A computer program product comprising program instructions, embodied on a machine-readable medium, the program instructions cause at least one programmable processor in an aircraft communications management unit to:
assign at least one data link message routing service for a first message routing application based on prescribed criteria in a message routing function block, the prescribed criteria comprising preferred networks of a plurality of communications networks;
as a first communications network becomes available, select a first message route from the assigned routing service in a network selection and management function block;
transfer data link messages for the first routing application on the first message route through a network adaptation interface while the first message route satisfies the prescribed criteria; and when the prescribed criteria changes over a plurality of flight phases of the aircraft, reassign the fust message route using a plurality of routers to continue data link message transmissions to and from the aircraft based on the latest prescribed criteria for the first message processing application.
assign at least one data link message routing service for a first message routing application based on prescribed criteria in a message routing function block, the prescribed criteria comprising preferred networks of a plurality of communications networks;
as a first communications network becomes available, select a first message route from the assigned routing service in a network selection and management function block;
transfer data link messages for the first routing application on the first message route through a network adaptation interface while the first message route satisfies the prescribed criteria; and when the prescribed criteria changes over a plurality of flight phases of the aircraft, reassign the fust message route using a plurality of routers to continue data link message transmissions to and from the aircraft based on the latest prescribed criteria for the first message processing application.
7. The computer program product of claim 6, wherein the program instructions that assign the at least one data link message routing service cause the at least one programmable processor to receive instructions from at least one set of programmable message routing rules.
8. The computer program product of claim 6, wherein the program instructions that select the first message route cause the at least one programmable processor to:
detect the available communications networks from a plurality of bandwidth efficient communications networks that satisfy the prescribed criteria;
translate at least one data type of the first message processing application for at least one router to establish connectivity between the aircraft and any requested endpoints using the first message route; and allocate any required bandwidth for the first message route using a converged service interface.
detect the available communications networks from a plurality of bandwidth efficient communications networks that satisfy the prescribed criteria;
translate at least one data type of the first message processing application for at least one router to establish connectivity between the aircraft and any requested endpoints using the first message route; and allocate any required bandwidth for the first message route using a converged service interface.
9. The computer program product of claim 6, wherein the program instructions that transfer the data link messages for the first message processing application cause the at least one programmable processor to activate at least a portion of the network adaptation interface according to a set of programmable network selection rules.
10. The computer program product of claim 6, wherein the program instructions that reassign the first message route cause the at least one programmable processor to select at least a second preferred network using the network selection and management function block.
11. An avionics communications system, comprising:
a communications management unit having a plurality of routers;
a plurality of message processing applications communicatively coupled to the communications management unit;
a plurality of network interfaces, communicatively coupled to the communications management unit, each of the network interfaces responsive to at least one wireless communications network; and a processing unit within the communications management unit and responsive to the plurality of message processing applications and the plurality of network interfaces, the processing unit comprising:
a message routing function block responsive to the plurality of message processing applications and the plurality of routers, the message routing function block operable to receive a plurality of programmable message routing rules from the communications management unit;
a network selection and management function block responsive to the message routing function block, the network selection and management function block operable to receive:
a plurality of aircraft state inputs based on a current flight phase of an aircraft hosting the system; and a plurality of network selection rules from the communications management unit; and a plurality of adaptation and control blocks responsive to the plurality of routers and the processing unit, wherein each of the adaptation and control blocks are operable to route aircraft data link messages through a preferred network interface as instructed by the programmable message routing and network selection rules.
a communications management unit having a plurality of routers;
a plurality of message processing applications communicatively coupled to the communications management unit;
a plurality of network interfaces, communicatively coupled to the communications management unit, each of the network interfaces responsive to at least one wireless communications network; and a processing unit within the communications management unit and responsive to the plurality of message processing applications and the plurality of network interfaces, the processing unit comprising:
a message routing function block responsive to the plurality of message processing applications and the plurality of routers, the message routing function block operable to receive a plurality of programmable message routing rules from the communications management unit;
a network selection and management function block responsive to the message routing function block, the network selection and management function block operable to receive:
a plurality of aircraft state inputs based on a current flight phase of an aircraft hosting the system; and a plurality of network selection rules from the communications management unit; and a plurality of adaptation and control blocks responsive to the plurality of routers and the processing unit, wherein each of the adaptation and control blocks are operable to route aircraft data link messages through a preferred network interface as instructed by the programmable message routing and network selection rules.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the communications management unit further comprises:
a converged service interface communicatively coupled between the plurality of message routing applications and the processing unit, the converged service interface operable to transfer the data link messages between the appropriate message processing applications; and a network adaptation interface communicatively coupled between the processing unit and the plurality of network interfaces.
a converged service interface communicatively coupled between the plurality of message routing applications and the processing unit, the converged service interface operable to transfer the data link messages between the appropriate message processing applications; and a network adaptation interface communicatively coupled between the processing unit and the plurality of network interfaces.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the communications management unit incorporates the plurality of programmable message routing rules and the plurality of network selection rules in at least a portion of a customizable feature set of the communications management unit.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of network interfaces comprise at least one of a very high frequency data link radio interface, a high frequency data link radio interface, a satellite communications data link radio interface, a local area network interface, a wide area network interface, and a metropolitan area network interface.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of routers form at least a portion of the processing unit.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the network selection and management function block applies the message routing rules and the network selection rules based on the plurality of aircraft state inputs.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of aircraft state inputs include one of aircraft flight phase, aircraft location, network access level, or message priority level.
18. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one wireless communications network is a bandwidth efficient wireless communications network.
19. The system of claim 11, wherein the programmable message routing rules include one of network selection based on current aircraft equipment configurations, aircraft flight phase, current aircraft position and trajectory, message priority, network availability relative to other networks, or relative cost of networks at a given point in time.
20. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of message processing applications comprise at least one of a flight management system, an aircraft condition monitoring system, an electronic flight bag, and a communications management unit.
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| CN113168778A (en) * | 2018-12-18 | 2021-07-23 | 瞬已网络科技（上海）有限公司 | Method for improving flight communication 5G network service quality |
| US11558256B2 (en) * | 2019-10-28 | 2023-01-17 | Ge Aviation Systems Llc | Method and system for automatic configuration of a communications interface for a specialized data network of an aircraft |
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| US7729263B2 (en) * | 2007-08-08 | 2010-06-01 | Honeywell International Inc. | Aircraft data link network routing |
| US8107412B2 (en) | 2007-08-08 | 2012-01-31 | Honeywell International Inc. | Gatelink startup controlled by ACARS CMU |
| US20090058682A1 (en) * | 2007-08-27 | 2009-03-05 | Honeywell International Inc. | Aircraft data network access for personal electronic devices |
| US8190727B2 (en) * | 2008-07-15 | 2012-05-29 | Airbus Operations Gmbh | Network management system for an aircraft |
-
2007
- 2007-08-08 US US11/835,864 patent/US7729263B2/en active Active
-
2008
- 2008-08-01 EP EP08161690A patent/EP2023685B1/en active Active
- 2008-08-01 DE DE602008001411T patent/DE602008001411D1/en active Active
- 2008-08-04 CA CA2638512A patent/CA2638512C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2008-08-07 BR BRPI0803345-5A patent/BRPI0803345A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2010
- 2010-05-28 US US12/790,382 patent/US8284674B2/en active Active
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN113168778A (en) * | 2018-12-18 | 2021-07-23 | 瞬已网络科技（上海）有限公司 | Method for improving flight communication 5G network service quality |
| CN113168778B (en) * | 2018-12-18 | 2023-09-22 | 瞬已网络科技（上海）有限公司 | Method for improving quality of service of flight communication 5G network |
| US11558256B2 (en) * | 2019-10-28 | 2023-01-17 | Ge Aviation Systems Llc | Method and system for automatic configuration of a communications interface for a specialized data network of an aircraft |
| US20230164031A1 (en) * | 2019-10-28 | 2023-05-25 | Ge Aviation Systems Llc | Method and system for automatic configuration of a communications interface for a specialized data network of an aircraft |
| US11949558B2 (en) * | 2019-10-28 | 2024-04-02 | Ge Aviation Systems Llc | Method and system for automatic configuration of a communications interface for a specialized data network of an aircraft |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| BRPI0803345A2 (en) | 2009-03-31 |
| DE602008001411D1 (en) | 2010-07-15 |
| US7729263B2 (en) | 2010-06-01 |
| EP2023685B1 (en) | 2010-06-02 |
| CA2638512C (en) | 2017-06-27 |
| US20090041041A1 (en) | 2009-02-12 |
| US8284674B2 (en) | 2012-10-09 |
| US20100232295A1 (en) | 2010-09-16 |
| EP2023685A1 (en) | 2009-02-11 |
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