Method and system for bi-directional exchange of data based on user-defined policies for the selection of a preferred datalink
First Claim
1. A Connection Gateway for an Aircraft, comprising:
- a receiver for receiving requests from at least one application on the aircraft to transmit data from the aircraft, a plurality of datalinks for transmitting data from the aircraft, a selector for selecting a datalink from the plurality of datalinks using a predetermined set of rules, a router for routing data from the at-least one application over a TCP/IP connection on the selected datalink.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A communications channel selection device aimed at solving the problems associated with selecting a preferred channel for two-way communication between an aircraft and the ground over TCP/IP packet-based networks. The device provides a means whereby policies for the selection of a preferred datalink are associated with the communications from aircraft-based applications so that communications are effected over the preferred channel according to a pre-defined set of policies. The device overcomes the challenges presented by the dynamic assignment of IP addresses to onboard systems by providing a method for: the discovery of dynamically assigned IP addresses (thereby enabling ground-initiated communications with an IP addressable entity) where such addresses relate to the preferred datalinks for active policies; queuing connect requests pending establishment of a connection to a ground-based system over a selected datalink; forwarding data over the selected datalink; mapping between the TCP/IP connection established and the connection over which the communicating application is communicating; defining policies such that they are understood by air-based and ground-based systems; a ground-based registry with which each onboard connecting application registers its currently preferred IP points of attachment for defined policies; a method for suitable authorised systems to retrieve the current IP address for a particular aircraft; and managing datalink connectivity.
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Citations
41 Claims
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1. A Connection Gateway for an Aircraft, comprising:
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a receiver for receiving requests from at least one application on the aircraft to transmit data from the aircraft, a plurality of datalinks for transmitting data from the aircraft, a selector for selecting a datalink from the plurality of datalinks using a predetermined set of rules, a router for routing data from the at-least one application over a TCP/IP connection on the selected datalink. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method of operating a connection gateway on an Aircraft, comprising the steps of:
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receiving requests from at least one application on the aircraft to transmit data from the aircraft, selecting a datalink from a plurality of datalinks available on the aircraft using a predetermined set of rules, routing data from the at-least one application over a TCP/IP connection on the selected datalink.
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27. An Aircraft Location Registry comprising:
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a table adapted to store IP addresses assigned by Internet Service Providers to individual datalinks on individual aircraft, and an updater for updating said table in response to data received from individual aircraft. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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41. A method of operating an aircraft location registry comprising the step of updating a table a table adapted to store IP addresses assigned by Internet Service Providers to individual datalinks on individual aircraft, in response to data received from individual aircraft.
Specification