A network architecture for advanced aircraft

The fiber optic data distribution network (FDDN), a networking architecture defined to meet the interprocess communications needs posed by advanced avionic systems, is discussed. These systems are comprised of loosely coupled avionics processing elements including data processors, signal processors, and displays that will communicate through a high-speed message-passing avionics interconnect. In addition to providing the functionality, performance, and fault-tolerance requirements for these next-generation platforms, the FDDN achieves multivendor interoperability, which is essential towards meeting the system-level goal of common avionics. The author describes avionics interprocess communication requirements, gives an overview of FDDN, and discusses the transfer layer, the local area network layer, the cable plant, and FDDN management