Data Communication in Air Traffic Control

Data Communication Overview

• Data Comm revolutionizes communication between air traffic controllers and pilots by enabling data message transmission rather than traditional voice communications.
• Voice communication was prone to miscommunication and errors, often resulting in lengthy exchanges.
• Data Comm enhances safety, speeds up communication, and allows simultaneous instructions to multiple aircraft.
• Reduces travel delays significantly, enabling planes to receive rerouting instructions quickly.

Data Comm Implementation

• Operational at 65 air traffic control towers, significantly under budget and ahead of schedule.
• Original 55 airports expanded to 62 due to budget savings.
• Initial Operational Capability (IOC) declared at four Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs): Kansas City, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, and Atlanta.
• Eight additional sites operational 24/7, pending IOC declaration.

International Standards Organizations

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO): Develops global standards for safety, quality, and interoperability across various sectors.
• ISO membership includes over 160 national standards bodies, ensuring representation and consensus in standard creation.

ISO Standard Creation Process

• Proposal Stage: Industry groups request new standards.
• Preparatory Stage: A working group drafts the standard.
• Committee Stage: Optional review and consensus among committee members.
• Enquiry Stage: Draft is distributed for comments; becomes Draft International Standard (DIS).
• Approval Stage: Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) voted on by ISO members.
• Publication Stage: Approved FDIS published as an official ISO standard, requiring two-thirds approval.

ISO Certification

• Assurance from certifying bodies that products or systems meet ISO standards.
• Certification terminology should specify the relevant ISO standard rather than using "ISO certification."

Consultative Committee for International Telephony and Telegraphy (CCITT)

• Develops recommended standards for telephone and telegraph communication in the U.S.

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE)

• U.S.-based professional organization focused on electronic, computer, and communication engineering standards.
• Promotes safety, interoperability, and sustainability through technology standards.

Electronic Industries Association (EIA)

• Establishes and recommends industrial standards, can be proposed by businesses for market-specific needs or by government regulations.

Components of Data Communication

• Message: The critical asset, which can be text, audio, or video.
• Sender: The device transmitting the message (e.g., computer, mobile phone).
• Receiver: The device that receives the message (e.g., computer, telephone).
• Transmission Medium: Physical path (wired or wireless) through which messages travel (e.g., cables or radio waves).
• Set of Rules (Protocols): Established rules for communication between devices; essential for ensuring successful data exchange.

The Internet

• A global network of interconnected computers, servers, phones, and smart devices using Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).
• Facilitates the fast exchange of information and files across different hardware technologies.

Communication Services

• Services enabling lawful transmission of data, including voice, audio, video, and Internet transmission across various networks.

File Transfer Services

• Facilitates the exchange of data files across networks. Examples include Dropbox, Google Drive, and Apple's cloud services offering storage and collaboration features.

Directory Services

• A database system designed for storing and maintaining information about users and resources in a network.