Ground or satellite based network access and mobile communication technologies - in order to achieve a permanent internet connection to aircraft there have been many approaches over the past decades. Today, this feature is more important than ever. The amount of data to be exchanged has increased tremendously, the passengers demand for being 'online' is rising rapidly and cost reduction plans drive aircraft operators to more automation and acceleration of operation and maintenance processes. In order to cope with such demands, the only solution is to efficiently reach the goal of a 'totally connected aircraft'. As an existing, proven and affordable technology, we have always seen cellular ground networks as an effective instrument to help achieving this goal. By pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of different technologies, this paper describes the current and future role of cellular ground networks in the totally connected aircraft. It has been shown how - despite the apparent disadvantage of ground-limited connectivity - the utilization of cellular ground networks is technically and economically reasonable. Based on cellular ground network technologies, Air-to-Ground networks like AirCell will soon be set up all around the world. This will make ATG a fast and cheap alternative or supplement to Satcom systems. A disadvantage of ATGs is the limitation to continental and usually populated areas. Also, setting up the networks will take much time and the obstacles on the way to a global continental coverage are found rather in political reasons than technical ones. Satcom systems will always keep their important role in aviation as there will definitely be no alternatives for having in-flight ground-connectivity over the oceans. It will also be a good solution to achieve a total connectivity regardless of flight status or location. Despite the relatively high price for installations and data volume, Satcom systems are still under intense development and with Inmarsats I-5 satellites and Iridium Next, a new milestone for civil satellite communications will be set. As mentioned above, with mobile technology being the new driver for todays innovation, it is very likely that mobile ground networks are upgraded at a much higher pace than satellite systems. The way for future cellular mobile network technologies has been paved by organisations like the IEEE or 3GPP. Although disadvantages like regionally dependent coverage and data rates will always exist, new network technologies will strengthen the two key advantages of cellular ground networks - high data rates and low costs. Besides the advantages of minimal power consumption and low installation costs, the ability of transferring huge amounts of data in a short time at relatively low costs forms the most important attributes of cellular ground network utilization in aviation. In future, cellular mobile ground networks will continue playing an important role in the totally connected aircraft.
The role of cellular ground networks in a totally connected aircraft
Die Rolle zellulärer Grundnetzwerke in einem total vernetzten Flugzeug
2011
10 Seiten, 3 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 17 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Datenträger
Englisch
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