Aircraft communications system for data transmission and method for transmitting data with an aircraft communications system.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a system for an aircraft communications system (108). The aircraft communications system (108) comprises an Internet protocol network router (122) and an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router (114). The Internet Protocol network router (122), located within an aircraft (100), is configured to transmit data (106) to a group of ground stations (104) remote to the aircraft (100) using a communications link from internet protocol. The aircraft's communications addressing and reporting system network router (114), located within the aircraft (100), is connected to the Internet protocol network router (122). The aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router (114) is configured to transmit data (106) from aircraft systems (116) to the group of ground stations (104) using at least one of a aircraft communications addressing and reporting system communication (126) or, through the internet protocol network router (122), using at least one of an internet protocol communication link.

Description

1 / 36 Aircraft communications system for data transmission and method for transmitting data with an aircraft communications system. BASIC INFORMATION Field

[001] This disclosure relates generally to aircraft and, in particular, to the transmission of data from an aircraft to a ground station using an aircraft communications system. Background

[002] Aircraft communications include voice communications and other types of data. For example, a commercial aircraft exchanges data with a ground station using an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system. This type of system is also known as ACARS. The aircraft communications addressing and reporting system is a digital data link system for transmitting messages between aircraft and ground stations. This transmission is typically done using radio frequency signals and satellite signals. The ground station may be operated by an aircraft operator, a service provider, or a third party.

[003] As aircraft become more complex and include more electronic systems, the amount of data transmitted by an aircraft to a ground station has increased. For example, the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system may send data at the start of each major phase of flight, as well as continuously during aircraft operation. The aircraft communications addressing and reporting system may also receive data from a ground station.

[004] This information exchanged between the commercial aircraft and a ground station includes, for example, equipment health, plans Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 6 / 99 2 / 36 of flight time, engine operation data, air temperature, weather information, and other appropriate types of information. As the complexity and number of electronic systems increase in commercial aircraft, the amount of data transmitted also increases.

[005] The transmission of this data through the communication links used by the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system currently has high operational costs due to the amount of data sent. As the amount of data transmitted increases, the cost of transmitting the data also increases more than desired with currently used aircraft communications addressing and reporting systems.

[006] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that take into account at least some of the problems discussed above, as well as other possible problems. For example, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that overcome a technical problem with the transmission of data from an aircraft to a ground station. SUMMARY

[007] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an aircraft communications system. The aircraft communications system comprises an Internet protocol network router and an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router. The Internet protocol network router, located inside an aircraft, is configured to transmit data to a group of remote ground stations for the aircraft using an Internet protocol communication link. The aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router, located inside the aircraft, is connected to the Internet protocol network router. The aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router is configured to transmit aircraft systems data to the group of ground stations. Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 7 / 99 3 / 36 using at least one of the communication system's communication and aircraft communications reporting link or the Internet protocol communication link.

[008] Another embodiment of the present description provides a method for transmitting data with an aircraft communications system. The method comprises receiving data from aircraft systems on an aircraft at an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router on an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system. The method selects at least one of an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system communication link or an Internet protocol communication link to send the data received from the aircraft systems to a group of ground stations. The method transmits the data using an Internet protocol network router when the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router selects the Internet protocol communication link to transmit data.The Internet Protocol network router is configured to transmit data to the group of remote ground stations for the aircraft using the Internet Protocol communication link.

[009] The aspects and functions can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or can be combined in still other embodiments in which other details can be observed with reference to the description and drawings that follow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The new aspects believed to be characteristic of the illustrative embodiments are presented in the appended claims. However, the illustrative embodiments, as well as a preferred mode of use, other objectives and their aspects, will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment. Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 8 / 99 4 / 36 illustrative of the present description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft communication environment according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2 is an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft system that transmits data according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0013] Figure 3 is an illustration of the data flow for transmitting data to a ground station according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0014] Figure 4 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for transmitting data with an aircraft communication system according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0015] Figure 5 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for selecting a communication link according to an illustrative modality;

[0016] Figure 6 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for selecting a communication link according to an illustrative modality;

[0017] Figure 7 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for selecting an Internet protocol communication link according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0018] Figure 8 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for selecting an Internet protocol communication link according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0019] Figure 9 is an illustration of a block diagram of a data processing system according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0020] Figure 10 is an illustration of a block diagram of Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 9 / 99 5 / 36 a method of manufacturing and servicing an aircraft according to an illustrative embodiment; and

[0021] Figure 11 is an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft in which an illustrative embodiment can be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account one or more different considerations. For example, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that the transmission of data may require the use of standards implemented in an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system. The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that safety data may be transmitted through this type of system using the standards. The illustrative embodiments also recognize and take into account that other types of data may not require transmission using a specific standard. This type of data may be transmitted using a network that can provide cost, speed, and other advantages over those that need to be transmitted using specific standards.

[0023] The illustrative embodiments acknowledge and consider that a large amount of data transmitted from the aircraft to a ground station is generally not safety-related. For example, the illustrative embodiments acknowledge and consider that maintenance information, engine operating data, and other information may be sent that is not safety-related to the aircraft. The illustrative embodiments acknowledge and consider that unrelated safety data may be transmitted using communication links other than those normally used by an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system. The embodiments acknowledge and consider that these other types of communication links may have lower costs when compared Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 10 / 99 6 / 36 to those currently used in aircraft communication addressing and reporting systems.

[0024] Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for transmitting data. In an illustrative example, an aircraft communications system comprises an Internet protocol network router and an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router in the aircraft. The Internet protocol network router is configured to transmit data to a group of remote ground stations to the aircraft using an Internet protocol communication link.The aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router is connected to the Internet protocol network router, and the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router is configured to transmit aircraft systems data to the ground station group using at least one of the communications addressing and reporting system communication links or the Internet protocol communication link.

[0025] With reference now to the figures, and in particular with reference to Figure 1, the illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft communications environment is represented according to an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, aircraft 100 in aircraft communications environment 102 communicates with a group of ground stations 104.

[0026] As used herein, a group of when used with reference items means one or more items. For example, a ground station group 104 is one or more of the ground stations 104.

[0027] In this illustrative example, aircraft 100 exchanges data 106 with ground station group 104. Data 106 comprises at least one of the flight phase event data, flight plans, Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 11 / 99 7 / 36 meteorological information, equipment condition and maintenance data, ping messages, test messages, flight crew messages, or other appropriate types of data.

[0028] As used here, the phrase "at least one of," when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more listed items can be used, and only one of each item in the list may be required. In other words, "at least one of" means that any combination of items and number of items can be used in the list, but not all items in the list are mandatory. The item can be a particular object, a thing, or a category.

[0029] For example, without limitation, at least one of item A, item B or item C may include item A, item A and item B, or item B. This example may also include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and item C. Of course, any combination of these items may be present. In some illustrative examples, at least one of these may be, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or other suitable combinations.

[0030] In this illustrative example, aircraft 100 includes aircraft communications system 108. As illustrated, aircraft communications addressing and reporting system 110 is present in aircraft communications system 108. Aircraft communications addressing and reporting system 110 includes aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router 114.

[0031] In this illustrative example, the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system 110 is implemented using one or more Airline Electronics Engineering Committee (AEEC) ARINC standards. Aircraft systems 116 are linked to the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system 110. Aircraft systems 116 can generate and transmit data 106. Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 12 / 99 8 / 36

[0032] Aircraft communications system 108 also includes Internet protocol communications system 118. Internet protocol communications system 118 includes Internet protocol network router 122. Data transmission by the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router 114 and Internet protocol network router 122 can be implemented using various protocols, such as File Transfer Protocol Service (FTPS) or other suitable protocols.

[0033] As illustrated, the Internet protocol network router 122 on aircraft 100 is configured to transmit data 106 to a group of remote ground stations 104 from aircraft 100 using Internet protocol communication links 124. In addition, the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system 114 on aircraft 100 is connected to the Internet protocol network router 122.

[0034] The network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system 114 can be connected to the Internet protocol network router 122 in several different ways. This connection is a connection that allows data communication 106 between these components. The connection may include wired links, optical links, wireless links, or other types of connections.

[0035] In this illustrative example, the network router of the aircraft communications and reporting system 114 is configured to transmit data 106 from aircraft systems 116 to the ground station group 104 using at least one of the communication links of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system 126 or via the Internet protocol network router 122, using one or more Internet protocol communication links 124.

[0036] In this example, the protocol communication links of Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 13 / 99 9 / 36 Internet 124 are aggregated and provided as an aggregated Internet protocol communication link 125 to the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router 114 with the Internet protocol network router 122 selecting one or more Internet protocol communication links 124 to transmit data 106, if the aggregated Internet protocol communication link 125 is selected to be used to transmit data 106 by the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router 114. In other words, the Internet protocol network router 122 presents the Internet protocol communication link 125 to the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router 114 as a communication link that can be used to transmit data 106, although the Internet protocol communication links 124 are the actual communication links present to transmit the data 106.

[0037] As described, aircraft communications reporting and addressing network router 114 includes processes that allow this device to select Internet Protocol communication links 124 by selecting aggregated Internet Protocol communication link 125 to transmit data 106 to the ground station group 104. In this way, the aggregated Internet Protocol communication link 125 is provided as an additional service that can be used to transmit data 106, in addition to the currently available aircraft communications reporting and addressing system communication link 126.

[0038] In this illustrative example, the group of ground stations 104 is one or more ground stations that can receive data 106. A ground station is a physical installation that has equipment to receive data 106. As described, the Internet protocol network router 122 and reporting and addressing network router of Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 14 / 99 10 / 36 aircraft communications 114 can send data 106 to the same or different ground stations 104.

[0039] Furthermore, the aircraft communications reporting and addressing network router 114 selects the communications link of the aircraft communications reporting and addressing system 126 to transmit data 106 from a group comprising a satellite communications link, a very high frequency communications link, a high frequency communications link, or some other suitable type of communications link.

[0040] Furthermore, the Internet Protocol Network Router 122 on aircraft 100 provides aggregated Internet Protocol communications links 125 as an additional aircraft communications reporting and addressing system communications link that can be selected by the aircraft communications reporting and addressing network router 114. In other words, multiple types of Internet Protocol Communication Links may be present for use by the Internet Protocol Network Router 122. All these Internet Protocol Links are present to the aircraft communications reporting and addressing network router 114 as a single Internet Protocol Communication Link for selection by the Internet Protocol Network Router 122 to transmit data 106 in this illustrative example.

[0041] As depicted, the aircraft communications reporting and addressing network router 114 can select Internet Protocol communication links 124 to transmit data 106. When the aircraft communications reporting and addressing system network router 114 selects the aggregated Internet Protocol communication link 125, the Internet Protocol network router 122 selects one or more Internet Protocol communication links 124 from a group comprising a wireless network communication link. Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 15 / 99 11 / 36 terrestrial, a terrestrial cellular communications link, an L-band satellite communications link, a Ku-band satellite communications link, a Ka-band satellite communications link, or some other link for Internet protocol communications.

[0042] With reference to Figure 2, an illustration of a block diagram of transmitted data from an aircraft system is represented according to an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, aircraft system 200 is a system within aircraft systems 116 on aircraft 100 as shown in block form in Figure 1.

[0043] In this illustrative example, aircraft system 200 generates and sends data 202, which is data within data 106 of Figure 1. When sending data 202, aircraft system 200 sets indicator 204 in media selection field 206 indicating that data 202 can be sent using internet protocol communication links 124, subject to configured communication link preferences. As illustrated, media selection field 206 is a field in message 208 that contains data 202.

[0044] In this example, media selection field 206 is examined by aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router 114. The presence of indicator 204 or a particular value for indicator 204 causes aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router 114 to forward message 208 to Internet protocol network router 122. Aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router 114 performs this routing by converting message 208 to message 211 containing data 202 and the corresponding fields: indicator 213 and destination field 210. The presence of indicator 213 in message 211 causes Internet protocol network router 122 to send data 202 in message 211 to the Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 16 / 99 12 / 36 group of ground stations 104 using one or more internet protocol communication links 124.

[0045] In another illustrative example, the network router of the aircraft communications reporting and addressing system 114 determines whether the data 202 generated by the aircraft system 200 should be sent using one or more Internet protocol communication links 124 based on an identification of the aircraft system 200 generating data 202. The network router of the communications reporting and addressing system 114 can set the indicator 213 in the destination field 210 in the message 211 containing the data 202 to indicate that the data 202 should be sent using Internet protocol communication links 124. The message 211 is forwarded to the Internet protocol network router 122. The Internet protocol network router 122 sends data 202 using one or more Internet protocol communication links 124 upon identification of the identifier 213 within the destination field 210.

[0046] In the illustrative example, the selection of a communication link may be based on the type of data being sent. For example, the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system 114 is configured to transmit non-security-related data 202 through one or more of the Internet protocol communication links 124.

[0047] Furthermore, the 202 data normally transmitted to the ground station group 104 is divided into blocks. In this illustrative example, the aircraft communications reporting and communication system network router 114 transmits 202 data without dividing 202 data into blocks when transmitting 202 data to the ground station group 104 using one or more Internet protocol communication links 124.

[0048] Different components in the communications system of Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 17 / 99 13 / 36 aircraft 108 in Figure 1 can be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. These different components may include, for example, at least one aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router 114, an Internet protocol network router 122, or other devices that process data in the aircraft communications system 108. When software is used, the operations performed by the aircraft communications system 108 can be implemented in program code configured to run on hardware, such as a processor unit. When firmware is used, the operations performed by the aircraft communications system 108 can be implemented in program code and data and stored in persistent memory to be executed on a processor unit. When hardware is employed, the hardware may include circuits that operate to perform the operations in the aircraft communications system 108.

[0049] In the illustrative examples, the hardware may take a selected form of at least one circuit system, an integrated circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, or some other suitable type of hardware configured to perform a number of operations. With a programmable logic device, the device can be configured to perform the number of operations. The device can be reconfigured later or can be permanently configured to perform the number of operations. Programmable logic devices include, for example, a programmable logic array, a programmable matrix logic, a field-programmable logic array, a field-programmable gate array, and other suitable hardware devices.

[0050] Aircraft communications system 108 is a system Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 18 / 99 14 / 36 of physical hardware and includes one or more data processing systems. When more than one data processing system is present, these data processing systems are in communication with each other using a communication medium. The communication medium may be a network. The data processing systems may be selected from at least one of a computer, a server computer, a tablet, or some other suitable data processing system.

[0051] Returning to Figure 3, an illustration of the data flow for data transmission to a ground station is represented according to an illustrative modality. In this illustrative example, the data flow for data transmission using different types of communication links is shown.

[0052] In this example, aircraft system 300 is an aircraft system in aircraft systems 116 in Figure 1. Aircraft system 300 generates and sends data 302 to aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router 114. As illustrated, aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router 114 can send data 302 to aircraft communications addressing and reporting system ground station 304 using an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system transceiver 306. In this example, aircraft communications addressing and reporting system transceiver 306 transmits data 302 using aircraft communications addressing and reporting system communication links.As illustrated, transceiver 306 of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system is in communication with aircraft communications addressing and reporting system service provider 307. Service providers include, for example, but not limited to, AEROTHAI, ARINC, AVICOM, and SITA-OnAir. Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 19 / 99 15 / 36

[0053] In turn, the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system service provider 307 transmits the data 302 to the data consumer 308. The data consumer 308 may be, for example, an airline, a third party, a maintenance service, a government entity or some other suitable entity.

[0054] This data stream 302 from the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system 114 is the data stream of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system 310. This data stream utilizes communication links currently employed by aircraft communications addressing and reporting systems on the aircraft.

[0055] In this illustrative example, the network router of the aircraft communications reporting and communication system 114 may choose to use an Internet protocol communication link to transmit some or all of the data 302. In this case, the network router of the aircraft communications reporting and communication system 114 sends the data 302 to the Internet protocol network router 122. The Internet protocol network router 122 sends data 302 to the Internet protocol ground station 312 using one or more Internet protocol transceivers 314. The Internet protocol transceiver 314 transmits data 302 using one or more Internet protocol communication links.

[0056] Data 302 is received at the Internet protocol ground station 312 and sent to the service provider 316. In this example, the service provider 316 could be an aircraft manufacturer, an avionics manufacturer, or some other third-party service provider. The service provider 316 sends data 302 to the data consumer 308.

[0057] As illustrated, data flow 302 from network router Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 20 / 99 The data stream 16 / 36 from the aircraft communications reporting and addressing system 114 to the data consumer 308 via the Internet protocol network router 122 is the Internet protocol data stream 318. This data stream is an additional data stream added for use by the network router of the aircraft communications reporting and addressing system 114 to transmit data to ground stations and ultimately to the data consumer 308. This data stream can provide a lower cost compared to the data stream of the aircraft communications reporting and addressing system 310. Furthermore, the Internet protocol data stream 318 can also have at least one of greater bandwidth, reliability, or transmission speeds compared to the data stream of the aircraft communications reporting and addressing system 310.

[0058] In an illustrative example, one or more technical solutions are presented that overcome a technical problem with data transmission from an aircraft to a ground station, such as data transmission using the communication links of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system. As a result, one or more technical solutions may provide a technical effect of enabling data transmission with at least one of the following: lower cost, faster transmission speed, greater bandwidth, greater reliability, or other desirable characteristics compared to the communication links of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system currently used.

[0059] As a result, the aircraft communications system 108 in Figure 1 functions as a special-purpose computer system in which at least one of an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router 114 or an Internet protocol network router 122 in the aircraft communication system 108 allows greater flexibility in the transmission of Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 21 / 99 17 / 36 data 106 to a group of ground stations 104. In particular, at least one of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network routers 114 or Internet protocol network router 122 transforms the aircraft communications system 108 into a special-purpose computer system compared to currently available general systems that do not have at least one of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network routers 114 or Internet protocol network router 122 that are configured to send data 106 of Figure 1 to the group of ground stations 104 of Figure 1 in the manner described in the different illustrative examples.

[0060] The illustration of the aircraft communication environment 102 and the different components in Figures 1-3 do not imply any physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which an illustrative embodiment may be implemented. Other components may be used in addition to or instead of those illustrated. Some components may be unnecessary. Furthermore, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined, divided, or combined and divided into different blocks when implemented in an illustrative embodiment.

[0061] For example, although not shown, aircraft communications system 108 also includes at least one transmitter or transceiver to send data 106 to ground stations 104. In addition, aircraft communications system 108 also includes a group of receivers to receive data 106 from the group of ground stations 104. The transmitter or transceiver is connected to at least one of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network routers 114 or Internet protocol network router 122. These network routers send at least one of Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 22 / 99 18 / 36 a command, instructions or other information necessary to cause at least one of the transmitters or transceivers to send data 106 to the group of ground stations 104. In another illustrative example, one or more aircraft communications addressing and reporting system communication links may be present in addition to the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system communication link 126.

[0062] As another example, the data routing status in aircraft communications system 108 may be displayed to the flight crew on a display system in aircraft communications system 108. The flight crew may be provided with an interface to enable or disable the use of Internet protocol communication links 124 during aircraft flight 100. As another example, the availability of Internet protocol communication links 124 may be provided to at least one network router of aircraft communications addressing and reporting system 114, aircraft systems 116, Internet protocol network router 122, or other devices within aircraft communications system 108.

[0063] Returning to Figure 4, a flowchart of a process for transmitting data with an aircraft communication system is represented according to an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in Figure 4 can be implemented in aircraft communication system 108. In particular, one or more operations can be implemented using at least one of the aircraft communication addressing and reporting system network routers 114 or Internet protocol network router 122. These operations can be implemented in program code or other types of instructions that are processed by a hardware processor unit. Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 23 / 99 19 / 36

[0064] The process begins by receiving data from aircraft systems on an aircraft at an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router (operation 400). The aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router selects at least one of the communication links of an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system or the Internet protocol communication link to send the data received from the aircraft systems to the group of ground stations (operation 402).

[0065] The process transmits the data using the Internet Protocol network router when the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router selects the Internet Protocol communication link to transmit the data (operation 404). The process then terminates. The Internet Protocol network router is configured to transmit data to a group of remote ground stations for the aircraft using an Internet Protocol communication link.

[0066] With reference to Figure 5, a flowchart of a process for selecting a communication link is represented according to an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in Figure 5 can be implemented in the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system 114 in Figure 1. This process can be implemented using software, hardware, or some combination thereof. The software can take the form of program code that is processed by a processor unit to perform the different operations.

[0067] The process begins by receiving data for transmission to a ground station (operation 500). The process identifies the aircraft system that generates the data (operation 502). In operation 502, the aircraft system can be identified in several different ways. Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 24 / 99 20 / 36 For example, the identifier data included for the aircraft system or the aircraft system can be identified based on the communication link established with a communication network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system.

[0068] The process selects a communication link based on at least one of the aircraft system identification or configured communication link preferences (operation 504), with the process subsequently terminating. For example, some aircraft systems may generate data that requires the data to be sent via a specific pattern, such as that implemented in communication link 126 of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system in Figure 1 and Figure 2. Other aircraft systems may not generate data that requires a particular pattern to be used. For example, safety-related aircraft systems may require data to be sent via communication link 126 of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system, while other non-safety-related aircraft systems may have their data sent using one or more Internet Protocol communication links 124.

[0069] Returning to Figure 6, an illustration of a flowchart of a process for selecting a communication link is represented according to an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in Figure 6 can be implemented in the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router 114 in Figure 1. This process can be implemented using software, hardware, or some combination thereof. The software can take the form of program code that is processed by a processor unit to execute the different operations.

[0070] The process begins by examining the data received from a Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 25 / 99 21 / 36 aircraft system (operation 600). In operation 600, data is received in a message originating from an aircraft system on the aircraft.

[0071] A determination is made as to whether an indicator is set in a media selection field in the message indicating that data can be sent over an Internet Protocol communication link and whether the Internet Protocol communication link is the most preferred available link (operation 602). Data can be sent based on one or more different conditions related to the Internet Protocol communication link, such as availability, speed, latency, or other suitable factors. In some cases, data can always be sent using the Internet Protocol communication link, provided the link is available.

[0072] If an indicator is set and Internet protocol communications are the most preferred available link, the process selects the Internet protocol communication link for use in data transmission (operation 604) with the process terminating thereafter. Otherwise, the process selects an aircraft communications and reporting system communication link for use in data transmission (operation 606) with the process terminating thereafter.

[0073] Returning now to Figure 7, a flowchart of a process for selecting an Internet protocol communication link is represented according to an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in Figure 7 can be implemented in the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router 114 in Figure 1. This process can be implemented using software, hardware, or some combination thereof. The software can take the form of program code that is processed by a processor unit to perform the different operations. Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 26 / 99 22 / 36

[0074] The process begins by setting an indicator in a destination field (operation 700). In this example, the indicator is set in a destination field in a message containing the data. The indicator can be configured using a specific value in the field. In this example, the indicator indicates that an Internet Protocol communication link should be used to transmit the data.

[0075] The process forwards the message to an Internet protocol network router (operation 702). The process then terminates.

[0076] Returning now to Figure 8, a flowchart of a process for selecting an Internet protocol communication link is represented according to an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in Figure 8 can be implemented on the Internet protocol network router 122 in Figure 1. This process can be implemented using software, hardware, or some combination thereof. The software can take the form of program code that is processed by a processor unit to execute the different operations.

[0077] The process begins with the identification of data from an aircraft system for transmission to a ground station (operation 800). In this example, the data may be received in a message that has a set of indicators to show that the data can be transmitted using an Internet Protocol indications link. This indicator may be located in a destination field in a message containing the data. In other illustrative examples, the data may be identified as a message received from an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router.

[0078] The process selects the communication link of the protocol of Internet access is provided by a group of Internet Protocol communication links available for data transmission to ground stations. Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 27 / 99 23 / 36 (operation 802). In this example, the selection of the particular Internet Protocol communication link is performed by the Internet Protocol network router instead of the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system. In this illustrative example, the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system is presented with an aggregated Internet Protocol communication link that represents the group of Internet Protocol communication links that can be used to transmit the data.

[0079] The process of selecting the specific communication link is located in the Internet Protocol network router. The process includes a policy that may take into account factors such as load balancing, data type, data quantity, originating aircraft system, a ground station, or other appropriate factors. The policy provides a set of rules used to select the specific Internet Protocol communication link transmitting the data.

[0080] The process then transmits the data using the selected Internet protocol communication link (operation 804). The process then terminates.

[0081] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different forms represented illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of devices and methods in an illustrative form. In this respect, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams can represent at least one of a module, a segment, a function, or a part of an operation or step. For example, one or more of the blocks can be implemented as program code, hardware, or a combination of program code and hardware. When implemented in hardware, the hardware can, for example, take the form of integrated circuits. Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 28 / 99 24 / 36 devices that are manufactured or configured to perform one or more operations in flowcharts or block diagrams. When implemented as a combination of program code and hardware, the implementation can take the form of firmware. Each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams can be implemented using special-purpose hardware systems that perform the different operations, or combinations of special-purpose hardware and program code executed by the special-purpose hardware.

[0082] In some alternative implementations of an illustrative embodiment, the function or functions observed in the blocks may occur out of the order shown in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be implemented substantially and simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be implemented in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. In addition, other blocks may be added beyond the blocks illustrated in a flowchart or block diagram.

[0083] Returning now to Figure 9, an illustration of a block diagram of a data processing system is represented according to an illustrative embodiment. The data processing system 900 can be used to implement one or more data processing systems, such as network routers or other devices in the aircraft communication system 108 in Figure 1. In this illustrative example, the data processing system 900 includes a communication frame 902 that provides communications between the processor unit 904, memory 906, persistent storage 908, communication unit 910, input / output unit 912, and display 914. In this example, the communication structure can take the form of a bus system.

[0084] Processor unit 904 is used to execute instructions for software that can be loaded into memory 906. A Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 29 / 99 The 25 / 36 processor unit 904 can be a series of processors, a core of multiple processors, or some other type of processor, depending on the specific implementation.

[0085] Memory 906 and persistent storage 908 are examples of storage devices 916. A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable of storing information, such as, without limitation, at least one of the following: data, program code in functional form, or other suitable information, temporarily, permanently, or both temporarily and permanently. Storage devices 916 may also be referred to as computer-readable storage devices in these illustrative examples. Memory 906, in these examples, may be, for example, random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage 908 may take various forms depending on the particular implementation.

[0086] For example, persistent storage 908 may contain one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage 908 may be a hard disk, a solid-state hard disk, flash memory, a rewritable optical disc, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage 908 may also be removable. For example, a removable hard disk may be used for persistent storage 908.

[0087] The 910 communication unit, in these illustrative examples, provides communication with other data processing systems or devices. In these illustrative examples, the 910 communication unit is a network interface card.

[0088] The 912 input / output unit allows data input and output with other devices that can be connected to the system. Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 30 / 99 26 / 36 data processing 900. For example, the input / output unit 912 can provide a connection for user input through at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, or some other suitable input device. Additionally, the input / output unit 912 can send output to a printer. The display 914 provides a mechanism for displaying information to a user.

[0089] Instructions for at least one of the operating system, applications, or programs may be located in storage devices 916, which are in communication with processing unit 904 through communication structure 902. Processes of different modes may be performed by processing unit 904 using computer-implemented instructions, which may be located in a memory, such as memory 906.

[0090] These instructions are referred to as program code, computer-usable program code, or computer-readable program code that can be read and executed by a processor in the processing unit 904. Program code in different forms can be embodied in different physical or computer-readable storage media, such as memory 906 or persistent storage 908.

[0091] Program code 918 is located in a functional form on computer-readable media 920 that is selectively removable and can be loaded or transferred to the data processing system 900 for execution by the processing unit 904. Program code 918 and computer-readable media 920 form a computer program product 922 in these illustrative examples. In one example, computer-readable media 920 may be computer-readable storage media 924 or computer-readable signal media 926. Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 31 / 99 27 / 36

[0092] In these illustrative examples, the computer-readable storage medium 924 is a physical or tangible storage device used to store the program code 918 rather than a medium that propagates or transmits the program code 918. Alternatively, the program code 918 may be transferred to the data processing system 900 using computer-readable signal media 926. The computer-readable signal medium 926 may be, for example, a propagated data signal containing the program code 918. For example, the computer-readable signal medium 926 may be at least one of an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, or any other suitable type of signal. These signals may be transmitted over at least one of the communication links, such as wireless communication links, fiber optic cable, coaxial cable, a wire, or any other appropriate type of communication link.

[0093] The different components illustrated for the 900 data processing system are not intended to provide architectural limitations on the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented. The different embodiments illustrated may be implemented in a data processing system including components in addition to, or in place of, those illustrated for the 900 data processing system. Other components shown in Figure 9 may be varied from the illustrative examples shown. The different embodiments may be implemented using any hardware device or system capable of executing the 918 program code.

[0094] Illustrative embodiments of the description may be described in the context of aircraft manufacturing and service method 1000, as shown in Figure 10, and aircraft 1100, as shown in Figure 11. Going back first to Figure 10, an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft manufacturing and service method is Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 32 / 99 28 / 36 represented according to an illustrative embodiment. During pre-production, the manufacturing and service method of aircraft 1000 may include specifications and design 1002 of aircraft 1100 in Figure 11 and material procurement 1004.

[0095] During production, the manufacturing of components and sub-assemblies 1006 and the system integration 1008 of the aircraft 1100 in Figure 11 take place. Subsequently, the aircraft 1100 in Figure 11 may undergo certification and delivery 1010 to be put into service 1012. While in service 1012 for a customer, the aircraft 1100 in Figure 11 is scheduled for routine maintenance and service 1014, which may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other maintenance or service.

[0096] Each of the processes in the 1000 aircraft manufacturing and service method may be conducted or performed by a systems integrator, a third party, an operator, or some combination thereof. In these examples, the operator may be a customer. For the purposes of this description, a systems integrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major systems subcontractors; a third party may include, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, a leasing company, a military entity, a service organization, and so forth.

[0097] With reference now to Figure 11, an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft is represented in which an illustrative embodiment may be implemented. In this example, aircraft 1100 is produced by the manufacturing and service method of aircraft 1000 in Figure 10 and may include the structure 1102 with the plurality of systems 1104 and interior 1106. Examples of systems 1104 include one or more of the propulsion system 1108, the electrical system 1110, the hydraulic system 1112 and the environmental system 1114. Any number Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 33 / 99 29 / 36 of other systems can be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, different illustrative modalities can be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry.

[0098] The apparatus and methods incorporated herein may be used during at least one of the stages of the aircraft manufacturing and service process 1000 in Figure 10. In an illustrative example, components or subassemblies produced in the component and subassembly manufacturing 1006 in Figure 10 may be produced or manufactured in a similar manner to components or subassemblies produced while the aircraft 1100 is in service 1012 in Figure 10.

[0099] In yet another example, one or more embodiments of the apparatus, embodiments of the method, or a combination thereof may be used during the production stages, such as the fabrication of components and subassemblies 1006 and the system integration 1008 in Figure 10. For example, the aircraft communications system 108 may be implemented within the aircraft 1100 during the system integration 1008.

[00100] One or more apparatus modes, method modes, or a combination thereof may be used while aircraft 1100 is in service 1012, during maintenance and service 1014 in Figure 10, or both. Aircraft communication system 108 may be operated while aircraft 1100 is in service 1012, allowing a reduction in data transmission cost. Aircraft communication system 108 may be added to or modified on aircraft 1100 to include features in the illustrative examples that provide data transmission using an Internet protocol communication link in addition to or instead of other types of communication links currently used by aircraft communication addressing and reporting systems.

[00101] The use of a series of different illustrative modalities Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 34 / 99 30 / 36 can substantially accelerate the assembly of aircraft 1100, reduce the cost of aircraft 1100, or both, accelerate the assembly of aircraft 1100 and reduce the cost of aircraft 1100. With the use of aircraft communications system 108, data 106 can be transmitted using Internet protocol communication links 124. In this way, the cost for transmitting data 106 to the group of ground stations 104 can be reduced.

[00102] Thus, there are one or more technical solutions that overcome a technical problem with data transmission from an aircraft to a ground station, such as data transmission using aircraft communications addressing and reporting system communication links. As a result, one or more technical solutions may provide a technical effect of enabling data transmission with at least lower cost, faster transmission speed, greater bandwidth, greater reliability, or other desirable characteristics, compared to currently used aircraft communications addressing and reporting system communication links.

[00103] In the illustrative examples, some of the data may require transmission using standards implemented in the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system 110. For example, safety data may be transmitted over this network. Other types of data may not require transmission using a specific standard. This type of data may be transmitted using the Internet protocol communications system 118.

[00104] In addition, the illustrative examples provide the ability to preserve the current hardware and software systems used by ground stations, service providers, and other entities. The addition of an Internet protocol communication link does not require these entities to change their systems. Instead, new systems Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 35 / 99 31 / 36 can be added, or other entities can use systems designed for Internet protocol communication links.

[00105] Furthermore, the disclosure includes modalities in accordance with the following clauses:

[00106] Clause 1. Aircraft communications system comprising: an Internet protocol network router on an aircraft, wherein the Internet protocol network router is configured to transmit data to a group of remote ground stations to the aircraft using an Internet protocol communication link; and an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router on the aircraft, wherein the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router is connected to the Internet protocol network router and wherein the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router is configured to transmit aircraft systems data to the group of ground stations using at least one of the communication links of an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system or the Internet protocol communication link.

[00107] Clause 2. Aircraft communications system of clause 1, wherein the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system selects the communication link of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system to transmit data from a group comprising a satellite communication link, a high-frequency communication link and a high-frequency communication link.

[00108] Clause 3. Aircraft communications system of clause 2, wherein the Internet protocol network router on the aircraft Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 36 / 99 32 / 36 aggregates Internet Protocol communication links as an aggregated Internet Protocol communication link, which is an additional communication link for addressing and reporting system communications available to the aircraft's addressing and reporting system network router.

[00109] Clause 4. Aircraft communications system of clause 3, wherein, when the network router of the aircraft communication addressing and reporting system selects the aggregated Internet protocol communication link, the Internet protocol network router selects the Internet protocol communication link from a group comprising a terrestrial wireless network communication link, a terrestrial cellular communication link, an L-band satellite communications link, a Ku-band satellite communications link and a Ka-band satellite communications link.

[00110] Clause 5. Aircraft communications system of any of clauses 1-4, wherein an aircraft system on the aircraft is connected to the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system and wherein the aircraft system sets an indicator in a media selection field which, subject to configured communication link preferences, indicates that data should be sent using the Internet protocol communications link.

[00111] Clause 6. Aircraft communications system of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system sets an indicator in a destination field in the data wherein the indicator indicates to the Internet protocol network router that the data should be sent using the Internet protocol communications link.

[00112] Clause 7. Aircraft communications system of Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 37 / 99 33 / 36 any of clauses 1-6, whereby the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system determines whether data should be sent using the Internet protocol communication link based on at least one of an aircraft data-generating system identifier or configured communication link preferences.

[00113] Clause 8. Aircraft communications system of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system is configured to transmit non-security related data via the Internet protocol communications link.

[00114] Clause 9. Aircraft communications system of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system transmits the data without splitting the data into blocks when transmitting the data to the group of ground stations using the Internet protocol communications links.

[00115] Clause 10. Aircraft communications system of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the data comprise at least one of the flight phase event data, flight plans, meteorological information, equipment health and maintenance data, ping messages, test messages or flight crew messages.

[00116] Clause 11. Method for transmitting data with an aircraft communications system, comprising the method:

[00117] receiving data from aircraft systems on an aircraft in an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router in an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system on the aircraft;

[00118] selection of at least one of the communication links of a Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 38 / 99 34 / 36 aircraft communications addressing and reporting system or an Internet protocol communication link to send data received from aircraft systems to a group of ground stations; and transmission of data using an Internet protocol network router when the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router selects the Internet protocol communication link to transmit the data, wherein the Internet protocol network router is configured to transmit data to the group of ground stations remote to the aircraft using an Internet protocol communication link.

[00119] Clause 12. Method of clause 11, wherein the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system selects the communication link of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system to transmit the data of a group comprising a satellite communication link, a high-frequency communication link and a high-frequency communication link.

[00120] Clause 13. Method of clause 12, wherein the Internet protocol network router on the aircraft aggregates the Internet protocol communications links as an aggregated Internet protocol communications link which is like an additional communications link of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system available to the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system.

[00121] Clause 14. Method of clause 13, further comprising:

[00122] selection, by the Internet protocol network router, of the Internet protocol communications link from a group comprising a terrestrial wireless network communications link, a terrestrial cellular communications link, a satellite communications link of Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 39 / 99 35 / 36 L-band, a Ku-band satellite communication link, and a Ka-band satellite communication link when the aircraft communication and reporting system network router selects the aggregated Internet protocol communications link.

[00123] Clause 15. Method of any of clauses 11-14, wherein an aircraft system on the aircraft is connected to the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system, further comprising: The aircraft system configures an indicator in a media selection field which, subject to the configured communication link preferences, indicates that data should be sent using the Internet Protocol communications link.

[00124] Clause 16. Method of any of clauses 11-15 further comprising: The configuration, by the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system, of an indicator in a destination field in data where the indicator tells the Internet protocol network router that the data should be sent using the Internet protocol communications link.

[00125] Clause 17. The method of any of the clauses 1116 further comprising: The determination, by the network router of the aircraft's communications addressing and reporting system, of whether data should be sent using the Internet protocol communications link based on an identification of an aircraft system generating the data and the configured communications link preferences.

[00126] Clause 18. Method of any of clauses 11-17, wherein the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system is configured to transmit non-security related data over the protocol communications link. Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 40 / 99 36 / 36 of the Internet.

[00127] Clause 19. The method of any of the clauses 1118, wherein the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system transmits the data without splitting the data into blocks when transmitting the data to the group of ground stations using the Internet protocol communications link.

[00128] Clause 20. Method of any of clauses 11-19, wherein the data comprise at least one of the flight phase event data, flight plans, meteorological information, equipment health and maintenance data, ping messages, test messages or flight crew messages.

[00129] The description of the different illustrative embodiments has been presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form described. The different illustrative examples describe components that perform actions or operations. In an illustrative embodiment, a component may be configured to perform the described action or operation. For example, the component may have a configuration or design for a structure that provides the component with the ability to perform the action or operation described in the illustrative examples as being performed by the component.

[00130] Many modifications and variations will be evident to those versed in the technique. Furthermore, different illustrative modalities may provide different characteristics compared to other desirable modalities. The selected modality or modalities are chosen and described in order to better explain the principles of the modalities, the practical application, and to allow other experts in the technique to understand the disclosure of various modalities with various modifications, as they are suited to the particular use considered. Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 41 / 99

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. Aircraft communication system (108), characterized in that it comprises: an Internet protocol network router (122) in an aircraft (100), wherein the Internet protocol network router (122) is configured to transmit data (106) to a group of ground stations (104) remote from the aircraft (100) using an Internet protocol communication link (124);and an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router (114) on the aircraft (100), wherein the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router (114) is connected to the Internet protocol network router (122), wherein the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router (114) is configured to select a communication link from an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (126) to transmit the data (106) of a group comprising a satellite communication link, a very high frequency communication link, a high frequency communication link;wherein the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (114) is configured to transmit data (106) from the aircraft systems (116) to the ground station group (104) using at least one of the communication links of an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (126) or the Internet protocol communication link (124); wherein the Internet protocol network router (122) on the aircraft (100) aggregates the Internet protocol communication links (124) as an aggregated Internet protocol communication link (125) which is an additional aircraft information addressing and reporting system communication link (126) available to the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (114);the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (114) determines whether the data (106) should be sent using the Internet protocol communication link (124) based on at least one of an identification of an aircraft system (200) that generates the data (106) or configured communications link preferences; wherein, when the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (114) selects the aggregated Internet protocol communication link (125), the Internet protocol network router (122) is configured to select the Internet protocol communication link (124) from a group comprising a terrestrial wireless network communication link, a cellular terrestrial communication link, an L-band satellite communication link, a Ku-band satellite communication link, and a Ka-band satellite communication link;and wherein the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system network router (114) is adapted to transmit the data (106) without splitting the data (106) into blocks when transmitting the data (106) to the ground station group (104) using the Internet protocol communication link.; 2. Aircraft communications system (108), according to claim 1, characterized in that the aircraft communications system (108) further comprises an aircraft system (200) on the aircraft (100), wherein the aircraft system (200) is connected to the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (114), and wherein the aircraft system (200) is configured to set an indicator (204) in a media selection field (206) which, subject to the configured communication connection preferences, indicates that the data (106, 202) should be sent using the Internet protocol communication link, wherein the media selection field (206) is a field in a message (208) containing the data (202).

3. Aircraft communications system (108), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the network router of the aircraft communications and reporting system (114) is configured to set an indicator (204) in a destination field (210) in the data (106) wherein the indicator (204) indicates to the Internet protocol network router (122) that the data (106) should be sent using the Internet protocol communication link (124).

4. Aircraft communications system (108), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (114) is configured to transmit non-security related data (106) through the Internet protocol communication link (124).

5. Aircraft communications system (108), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the data (106) comprises at least one of the following: flight phase event data, flight plans, meteorological information, equipment health and maintenance data (106), ping messages, test messages or flight crew messages.

6. Method for transmitting data (106) with an aircraft communications system (108), the method characterized in that it comprises: receiving, by a network router of the aircraft communications reporting and communication system (114) from the aircraft communications system (108), the data (106) from aircraft systems (116); selecting, by a network router of the aircraft communications reporting and communication system (114), a communication link from an aircraft communications reporting and addressing system (126); transmitting the data (106) from a group comprising a satellite communication link, a very high frequency communication link, a high frequency communication link; aggregating, by an Internet protocol network router (122),Internet protocol communication links (124) as an aggregated Internet protocol communication link (125) which is an additional communication link of the aircraft communication addressing and reporting system (126) available to the network router of the aircraft communication addressing and reporting system (114); determine, by the network router of the aircraft communication addressing and reporting system (114), whether the data (106) should be sent using the Internet protocol communication link (124) based on the identification of an aircraft system (200) generating the data (106) or on the configured communication link preferences; wherein, when selected, by the network router of the aircraft communication addressing and reporting system (114), the aggregated Internet protocol communication link (125) to transmit the data (106), select,via the Internet protocol network router (122) the Internet protocol communication link (124) from a group comprising a terrestrial wireless network communication link, a cellular terrestrial communication link, an L-band satellite communication link, a Ku-band satellite communication link and a Ka-band satellite communication link Petition 870250090555, dated 10 / 03 / 2025, page 45 / 99 5 / 6 transmit, via the network router of the aircraft communications reporting and communication system (114),the data (106) received by the aircraft system (116) via the additional communication link of the aircraft communication addressing and reporting system (126) or Internet protocol communication link (124) to a group of ground stations (104) remote to the aircraft (100); wherein the data (106) is transmitted without splitting the data (106) into blocks when transmitting the data (106) to the group of ground stations (104) using an Internet protocol communication link.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that an aircraft system (200) in the aircraft (100) is connected to the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (114), the method further comprising: establishing, by the aircraft system (200), an indicator (204) in a media selection field (206) which, subject to the configured communication link preferences, indicates that the data (106, 202) should be sent using the Internet protocol communication link, wherein the media selection field is a field in a message (208) containing the data (202).

8. Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it further comprises: configuring, by the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (114), an indicator (204) in a destination field (210) in the data (106) wherein the indicator (204) indicates to the Internet protocol network router (122) that the data (106) should be sent using the Internet protocol communication link.

9. Method, according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises: Petition 870250090555, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 46 / 99 6 / 6 transmitting, via the network router of the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (114), data (106) not related to safety via the Internet protocol communication link.

10. Method, according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the data (106) comprise flight phase event data (106).

11. Method, according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the data (106) comprise flight plans.

12. Method, according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the data (106) comprise meteorological information.

13. Method, according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the data (106) comprise health and equipment maintenance data.

14. Method, according to any one of claims 6 to 13 characterized in that the data (106) comprise pin messages and / or test messages.

15. Method, according to any one of claims 6 to 14, characterized in that the data (106) comprise flight crew messages. Petition 870250090555, dated 10 / 03 / 2025, p. 47 / 99

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