Design of Wireless Optical System for Data Transmission inside the Aircraft Cabin

Offering high data speeds to users inside the cabin of an airplane is attractive to airlines. Copper networks installed in aircraft cabins are unable to support new technologies and services over the lifetime of the aircraft. With the current cabin architecture there is a significant increase in the weight of aircraft and therefore in fuel consumption. Furthermore, traditional Wi-Fi transmission is not suitable for security reasons; possible electromagnetic interference with on-board equipment. In this article, we describe an optical communication network project capable of providing passengers with entertainment, Internet access, communication with crew and other value-added services. Furthermore, on a separate and secure optical network, it guarantees the possibility of exchanging information between the flight crew. The proposed system involves a Li-Fi network for creating a broadband connection inside the aircraft cabin. Furthermore, a system using Infra-Red radiation is proposed for wireless communications between flight crew.