Availability of aeronautical ad-hoc network in different global air transport fleet scenarios

Internet connectivity is ubiquitous today and the desire for communication services doesn't halt before the aircraft cabin. The means to enable cabin connectivity include radio-based satellite and cellular access technologies, which are inherently limited concerning capacity, reach and delay. Aeronautical ad-hoc networks (AANETs) promise better capacity with enhanced reach compared to air-to-ground solutions, and lower infrastructure cost, better capacity and lower path delay compared to satellite. In this contribution, practical boundary conditions of AANETs are investigated using a global air traffic model. The expected node degree and the related reach, expressed by the ratio of connected aircraft, are regarded. Scenarios with and without satellites are considered.