Data communication is a key enabler to the FAA's NextGen Air Transportation System program. However, capacity demand on the data communication networks is growing. The increase in data transmission capacity is supported by a single VHF channel, known as VDL 2. Currently, the VDL 2 radios of air-based communication stations and ground-based communication stations transmit data at a pre-fixed power level. This leads to limited channel spatial capacity, inefficient spectrum use, and eventually results in requiring an excessive amount of frequencies to meet the NextGen data communication demand. This new system boosts channel spatial capacity and enhances the network’s spectrum efficiency.
Patent Number: 8,780,862
Date Issued: July 15 2014