ARINC Releases Gatelink White Paper with Results from European TrialsOctober 10, 2006Annapolis, Maryland—ARINC Incorporated today released a white paper on Gatelink technology for the aviation industry, including results from extensive operational trials of commercial Gatelink avionics and ground infrastructure. The tests were conducted earlier this year by ARINC, Lufthansa, Fraport, and the Munich International Airport Authority. “We wanted a comprehensive trial, testing the industry specifications for Gatelink at multiple airports,” stated Andrew Kemmetmueller, Business Manager at ARINC. “Our testing not only answered questions about hardware performance and airport network integration, but highlighted the many areas in need of standardization.” The joint trials in Germany tested commercial Gatelink avionics connecting to an ARINC-supported ground network, under both laboratory and airport ramp operational conditions. Wireless infrastructure and local area network connectivity were provided by the airport authorities. Four avionics manufacturers provided Terminal Wireless LAN Units (TWLUs) designed to provide aircraft with 802.11g wireless connectivity. The tests included factors such as terminal coverage, authentication, host connectivity, effects of encryption, and handoffs between access points. Lufthansa provided a specially-equipped bus for ramp testing of the TWLU avionics. Driving on the ramps at Frankfurt and Munich, the bus simulated actual aircraft movements on the ground. “Our tests showed the avionics were successful in providing a very high bandwidth connection through an 802.11g connection to a host application,” continued Kemmetmueller. “We were pleased our efforts resulted in the successful migration of the avionics to the second airport without configuration changes. This reflects a goal that airlines will have when an aircraft flies to different airports.” The airport ramp and lab tests in Germany were witnessed by ten airlines and four avionics makers. Results are detailed in the Gatelink white paper, “Wi-Fi Gatelink Trial, Frankfurt and Munich, Germany.” The paper is available on request from Mike Dufton, ARINC Director, Commercial Aviation Solutions. E-mail mgd@arinc.com. Gatelink is the aviation industry term for wireless connectivity between the aircraft and a ground network, and is defined in ARINC Characteristic 763. Currently, Gatelink utilizes 802.11g “Wi-Fi” technology. Substantial interest in Gatelink has developed due to new aircraft programs, electronic flight bag installations, and other applications with download requirements. ARINC Incorporated is the world leader in transportation communications and systems engineering. The company develops and operates communications and information processing systems and provides systems engineering and integration solutions to five key industries: airports, aviation, defense, government, and surface transportation. Founded to provide reliable and efficient radio communications for the airlines, ARINC is headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, and operates key regional offices in London and Singapore, with over 3,200 employees worldwide. ARINC is ISO 9001:2000 certified. Release: 06-121 Corporate Communications |
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