scope:

Purpose

This standard defines an Internet Protocol (IP)-based communication management function for data communications called the Manager of Air/Ground Interface Communications (MAGIC). This standard recognizes that the number of available off-board communication links is expanding (e.g., broadband satellite, broadband terrestrial, Gatelink), and that each link may be provided by a different service provider. In addition, each link may be available to the aircraft in specific flight phases and in specific geographic locations. As the industry continues to increasingly embrace IP-based communications, there is reason to define an aircraft routing function that provides standardized access by all aircraft subnets to available communication links.

When an aircraft has only one communication link for IP traffic to ground, the method to connect that link to the various onboard clients is relatively simple. However, an Interface Control Document (ICD) is desired with even one link. Additionally, when multiple off-board communication links are available to an aircraft, the need to take advantage of each link (in terms of coverage, cost, availability, etc.) becomes complex and needs to be handled in a standardized manner to preclude the need for tailoring onboard clients to the specific characteristics of each available aircraft-ground link. This concept is similar to the function of the Communications Management Unit (CMU) in an Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS)-configured aircraft. Though it has been suggested that an Ethernet port could be added to the CMU design, the functions involved in routing ACARS messages and IP packets are vastly different. Combining these functions would be prohibitively complex.

This standard recognizes the presence and availability of multiple subnetworks to the aircraft. Equipment manufacturers and service providers have developed IPbased communications methods. For example, ARINC Characteristic 781: Mark 3 Aviation Satellite Communication System defines IP services available over satellite; ARINC Characteristic 791: Ku/Ka Band Satellite Communications defines an IP broadband subnetwork providing non-safety services to the aircraft.

This standard has been written to provide both general and specific guidance for managing multiple types of IP communication links that may be available on an aircraft.