Performance Evaluation of Wireless Protocols for Avionics Wireless Network

Abstract

Ever-increasing demand for higher bandwidth and data rate for communication between line replaceable units in an aircraft is forcing aircraft manufacturers to turn toward alternative technologies, including wireless to replace the existing network of wires, for future generation aircraft. Wireless technology can meet most of the challenges of modern avionics systems, apart from significantly reducing the weight due to wires and associated hardware, with proper selection of technology. Boeing and Airbus have started using wireless technology for in-flight entertainment systems. Wireless Avionics Intra-Communication (WAIC) is expected to pave the way for use of wireless technology in avionics. One of the crucial factors in introducing a wireless network in an aircraft for flight critical operations is identifying a suitable wireless protocol that meets the avionics safety requirements. This paper aims to evaluate different commercial off-the-shelf wireless protocols for introducing an avionics wireless network (AWN) in an aircraft. The comparison is carried out on the basis of various parameters, such as transmission time, coding efficiency, throughput, range, number of nodes in AWN, energy consumption, and security. Based on the comparison and simulation, suitable protocols for WAIC have been identified.