VDL2 power control

Currently U.S and European data communications initiatives are counting on extensive use of Very High Frequency Digital Link Mode 2 (VDL2) subnetworks for both Air Traffic Control and Aeronautical Operational Control. As a consequence of potential demand, channel congestion is emerging as a serious issue resulting in message delays longer than required. Although adding more VDL2 frequencies can mitigate channel congestion, the VHF spectrum is a limited resource. In this paper, we present a VDL2 power control mechanism that increases the VDL2 channel spatial capacity by controlling the VDL2 transmission power. This method has the potential to significantly increase the VDL2 spectrum efficiency, alleviate the VDL2 channel congestion, and satisfy subnetwork performance requirements.