The development of standards for the common ICAO Data Interchange Network /CIDIN/

This paper describes recent work by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to develop standards applicable to a modern data network to serve the aeronautical community. The ICAO work is discussed in relation to the seven layer architecture for open systems interconnection that has been identified by ISO and explains the transport service functions considered to date (Levels 1-4). The requirement for more modern facilities is reviewed in the light of evolution of air traffic facilities from manual to more automated type in which teleprocessing will become increasingly important. Compatibility with international standards and application of public data networks in the private aeronautical environment is discussed. An outline is presented of the domestic data interchange plan for aeronautical data, showing the evolution of the data network and provision of aeronautical data bases. Finally, an indication of the likely impact of satellite bearers on network topology is given.