Air/Ground Data Transport With Size-Based Protocol Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data communication systems for aircraft and ground systems face limitations such as packet loss, significant delay, restricted bandwidth, and challenging environmental conditions, leading to inefficient and unreliable data transfers.

Innovation Solution

The proposed air/ground data transport (AGDT) system employs a layered communication stack that dynamically selects protocols based on data size. For small data, MQTT is used, while for large data, rsync/SSH is employed. The system includes layers such as QUIC/TLS, UDP, IP, LINK/PHY, and Application Layer to manage data transmission and reception efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If TCP/IP protocols are used for file transfers, then data transmission reliability is improved, but transfer speed and network switching efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidtransfer speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication protocol is segmented into multiple layers (Application Layer, Session/Transport Layer, QUIC/TLS Layer, UDP Layer, IP Layer, LINK/PHY Layer), with each layer handling specific functions. This segmentation allows optimized data handling at each level, improving both reliability through structured error management and speed through efficient processing stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects protocols based on data size characteristics. Small data triggers MQTT protocol while large data triggers rsync/SSH protocol, allowing the system to adapt its behavior based on actual transmission needs, thereby optimizing both reliability and speed for different data types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If Wi-Fi, cellular, or satellite communication is used, then connectivity is achieved, but bandwidth constraints and packet loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidbandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes protocol parameters based on data characteristics and network conditions. By switching between MQTT (for small data) and rsync/SSH (for large data), the system optimizes bandwidth utilization and adapts to varying connectivity conditions, effectively managing the limited bandwidth available in aircraft communication environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic network switching is required due to aircraft movement, then connectivity maintenance is achieved, but network instability and dropped packets occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares for network instability by implementing robust error handling and protocol selection before transmission issues occur. The layered architecture with dedicated error-checking at each layer provides a buffer against packet loss and connection drops, maintaining reliability even during dynamic network conditions caused by aircraft movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250293761A1Method and System for Air/Ground Data Transport

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

System and method for air/ground data transport (AGDT) is provided. The system includes an Application Layer, a Session/Transport Layer, a QUIC/TLS Layer, a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) Layer, an Internet Protocol (IP) Layer, and an Internet Protocol (IP) Layer. If the data is small, the Session/Transport Layer selects MQTT transport protocol for control plane communication. If the data is large, the Session/Transport Layer selects rsync/SSH protocol for data plane communication.