In-Flight Networks: Airlines Have Wireless Choices WAEA Technology Committee 5 November 1999 San Diego, CA Patrick Potega AirPower

Wireless cabin networks aren’t limited to radio IEEE includes both Infrared and RF ARINC 763 already provides for Infrared, under IEEE interconnectivity and compatibility compliance A Strawman for a Supplement to ARINC 763 is being introduced as part of ADNS initiatives Infrared meets or exceeds all RTCA SC-177 recommend- ations for PEDs Airlines Have Wireless Choices

The Bluetooth specification has adopted the IrDA (Infrared Data Association) standard for API (Application Interface) sessions. Both Infrared and Bluetooth RF systems will comply with IrOBEX (Infrared Object Exchange Protocol) as the method of synchronizing wireless devices. Similar to the HTTP Internet protocol, IrOBEX allows both quick connect/disconnect sessions, as well as allowing wireless devices to maintain connections over a period of time, even while the devices are idle. IrOBEX means that applications such as , schedules, database transactions, etc., that run under Infrared wireless networks are also compliant with Bluetooth. Airlines Have Wireless Choices (Cont’d)

Both Infrared and radio technologies deliver the same results -- interoperable wireless network communications Performance differentiators: Infrared and RF both deliver 10 meter range Ir delivers higher data speeds: Bluetooth = 1 Mbit/sec Infrared = 4 Mbps now; 16+ in works (max = ??) Roaming Multiple-users Bluetooth Piconet = 8 users Infrared = unlimited users Both Ir and RF are non-directional: “Diffuse” Infrared behaves just like RF (no more “point-and-shoot” -- just be in the environment) Airlines Have Wireless Choices (Cont’d)

Infrared v. RF performance differentiators: Infrared doesn’t travel through walls, ceilings, floors, etc., so Ir inherently offers better privacy and data security Light waves and radio waves co-exist without contention Infrared does not interfere with A/C systems Infrared networking hardware and software have been successfully test flown on commercial aircraft Infrared use in A/C fire extinguisher systems has proven reliable and safe At the FAA/ATA “RF Laptop” meeting, 50+ agency, airline, computer, and cellular industry representatives present all unanimously agreed that Ir poses “NO SAFETY ISSUE.” Airlines Have Wireless Choices (Cont’d)

For five years, major ground-based Infrared network installations in daily use that support 650+ simultaneous users performing complex and critical data transfers -- with virtually 100% reliability Industry Support for Infrared: Infrared is mature and stable technology: Infrared technology is well-documented and is supported by standards that have been in place for over 10+ years Hundreds of Infrared-based companies: HP, Siemens, etc. Microsoft Windows supports Infrared (NDIS) Built-in Infrared ports in 95+% of all laptops shipped last year Airlines Have Wireless Choices (Cont’d)

“A wireless [RF] environment adds layers of complexity to deal with the problem of phasing in and out of coverage, as in ‘Did you get that last bit? And if you didn’t get that last bit, where did the failure occur -- the device, the modem, the server or the carrier?’” What are the biggest factors currently holding back wireless [RF] adoption? “Security and cost are the key, but I’ve seen people struggle with product selection as well. With so many technologies available, how do I pick the right one? And once I feel like I’ve picked the right one, how do I maintain an environment that’s flexible enough for me to introduce new technology without completely shutting out what I’ve already invested in?” Interview with Ken Stoffregen, IBM Global Services regional services executive Mobile Computing & Communications, November 1998

Bluetooth Presentation Available These slides are a subset of a presentation about Bluetooth RF technology. The full Bluetooth presen- tation is available by sending an request to:

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