Aircraft Network Switching for Cost-Aware Link Availability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and variability of in-flight internet systems due to varying usage demands pose a challenge, necessitating efficient data transfer management to optimize connectivity and reduce expenses.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft communication system with multiple communication modules and a connection manager that prioritizes data links based on availability and cost to efficiently switch between different external networks, ensuring reliable and cost-effective data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single communication module is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and communication availability deteriorate due to inability to switch between different data links
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into multiple independent communication modules (first communication module and second communication module), each capable of establishing separate data links to external networks. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different communication paths, improving reliability without requiring each individual module to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic selection and switching between different communication modules based on real-time conditions such as data link availability and cost considerations. The connection manager dynamically determines which module should be active, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions and maintain reliable communication.
2Reliability
If multiple communication modules are deployed, then reliability and communication availability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication modules are designed with universal functionality, each capable of performing the same basic communication tasks and establishing data links with external networks. This multi-functionality allows any module to potentially serve as the active communication path, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliability through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection manager acts as an intermediary between the multiple communication modules and the on-aircraft communication networks. This intermediary component centralizes the logic for selecting and switching between modules, reducing the complexity burden that would otherwise be distributed across all modules and making the system more manageable.
3Speed
If high-cost data links are used, then communication speed and quality are improved, but data transfer costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of communication by dynamically selecting between different data links with varying characteristics (speed, cost, availability). The connection manager monitors and adjusts which parameter set is active based on current needs, allowing the system to optimize for speed when necessary and for cost efficiency at other times.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system dynamically adjusts its data link selection based on real-time conditions, switching between high-speed high-cost links and lower-speed lower-cost links as needed. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve high speeds when performance is critical while minimizing costs during routine operations.
4Loss of energy
If cost-effective data links are selected, then data transfer costs are reduced, but communication reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for potential communication failures by maintaining multiple pre-configured communication modules and data links. When a cost-effective link is being used, the system has backup options already in place that can be activated if reliability issues arise, cushioning against the potential unreliability of cheaper links without requiring constant use of expensive redundant links.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection manager serves as an intermediary that monitors the performance and availability of cost-effective data links in real-time. When reliability thresholds are approached or violated, the connection manager can switch to alternative links, ensuring that cost savings do not come at the expense of communication reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling wireless communication between one or more on-aircraft communication networks, including a wireless cabin network, and a plurality of off-aircraft communication networks. A first communication module is configured for wireless communications with a first off-aircraft network, such as for example a network configured for high altitude communications. A second communication module is configured for wireless communications with a second off-aircraft network, such as for example a network configured for terrestrial communications. Availability of a data link between the second communication module and the second network is determined. When the data link is determined to be available, the second communication module couples one or more of the on-aircraft networks to the second network. When the data link is determined to be not available, the first communication module couples one or more of the on-aircraft networks to the first network.