The goal of the ATN is to achieve data transparency and bit oriented messages, interoperability of systems and functions, better addressing, data rates and reduced life cycle costs. The limitations in ATN stem from the limited bandwidth, large propagation delays and stringent requirements for data traffic. ATN follows the OSI model in its implementation. We look into the design issues concerning the three layers above the physical layer.
Further enhancements are possible to the DRMA using GPS for synchronization.
The communication between the ground and the aircraft is in the form a multipoint star network with the ground stations connected via a separate wireline network. In the Logical Link Control Layer we study the affect of windowing on the throughput and delay with voice and data traffic. Windowing plays a critical role as the propagation delay grows larger. We propose to use the GPS data and the flight path information to better predict the handoff. When an aircraft enters the control of a new ground station, the packets are lost before reservations are obtained.