scope:

Purpose and Scope

This document provides form and fit standards for Network Server System (NSS) components for installation in all types of aircraft. It defines the physical form factors, fit dimensions, low level built-in-test (BIT), data loading, and electrical interface definition. Functional aspects, beyond low level BIT and data loading, are defined in:

ARINC Report 821: Network Server System (NSS) Functional Definition

ARINC Specification 822: Aircraft/Ground IP Communication

This document defines both wired and wireless NSS components that enable the creation of airborne networks that are scalable, interchangeable, upgradeable, and remotely manageable with minimum cost. Aircraft equipment configurations and aircraft wiring recommendations are also described to allow aircraft network growth through the simple addition or replacement of NSS components. Hardware characteristics of standardized components are described without specifying equipment capacity or the operational functions of those components

The general characteristics of NSS equipment include standardized packaging, connectors, electrical power, and signal interfaces that apply to general families of network components. Equipment suppliers are free to define the hardware features of components that are designed to meet this characteristic. In typical commercial networking fashion, the functionality of the airborne network will be defined separately by the applications installed and executed on the equipment. Software developers are encouraged to utilize the network services defined in ARINC Report 821 to ensure application compatibility across the widest possible range of ARINC 763A implementations

The modular 2-MCU approach to NSS will enable networks on aircraft to grow and change with minimal impact on other systems. Suppliers are encouraged to create competitive ARINC 763A NSS components by developing new product versions that incorporate the latest processor, storage and network technologies, thus allowing airlines to make compatible hardware choices for the design, configuration, and expansion of their airborne networks.

Example NSS architectures are provided in Attachments 5 and 6 to this document. The NSS description includes a common file server, data processing, mass storage and interface capabilities to a number of terminals connected via an onboard aircraft Local Area Network (LAN).