Aircraft Data Link Network Routing Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The recurring costs of aircraft air-ground data link messages are significant due to varying message delivery rates across different network service providers and locations, highlighting a need for improvements in aircraft data link network routing.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that selects the most appropriate communications network based on aircraft state inputs such as flight phase, position, and trajectory, using programmable message routing rules to dynamically allocate bandwidth and reroute messages across multiple wireless networks, ensuring efficient data link services based on network availability and application needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single communications network is used for aircraft data link messages, then network configuration is simple, but message delivery rates vary considerably and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects communications networks based on real-time aircraft state inputs including flight phase, position, and trajectory. The routing rules are programmable and can be adjusted based on current operational conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying message delivery rate requirements across different flight phases and locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes routing parameters based on aircraft state inputs such as flight phase (climb, cruise, descent, approach), position coordinates, and trajectory. By monitoring these parameters and selecting appropriate networks based on predefined rules, the system optimizes message delivery rates while managing network complexity through structured parameter-based decision making.
2Productivity
If network routing is optimized based on aircraft state inputs, then costs are reduced and message delivery rates improve, but routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The routing system is segmented into multiple independent programmable rules that can be individually configured and managed. Each rule set handles specific flight phases or operational conditions, allowing complex routing logic to be divided into manageable segments that can be independently optimized and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary routing layer that sits between the message source and the communications networks. This intermediary applies programmable routing rules based on aircraft state inputs, mediating between the need for cost-effective message delivery and the complexity of managing multiple networks by centralizing the decision-making logic.
3Reliability
If multiple communications networks are used, then message delivery rates and cost efficiency improve, but system complexity and difficulty of management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The routing system is designed with universal programmable rules that can handle multiple communications networks and various flight phases through a single unified framework. The same routing logic adapts to different networks and operational conditions, reducing the need for separate management procedures for each network while maintaining reliable data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors aircraft state inputs including flight phase, position, and trajectory, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust network selection. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable data transmission by adapting to changing operational conditions while simplifying management through automated real-time decision making based on monitored parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes selecting a first communications network from a plurality of communications networks based on one or more aircraft state inputs. The one or more aircraft state inputs include at least one of a flight phase, a flight event, an aircraft position, an aircraft trajectory, an aircraft state, and an aircraft distance from a ground station. The method further includes transmitting data over the first communication network. The method further includes selecting a second communications network from the plurality of communications networks based on a change in the one or more aircraft state inputs.