Duncan Aviation Field Guide

MAKING SENSE OF WI-FI:

AN OPERATOR’S GUIDE TO AIRCRAFT INTERNET OPTIONS
By Steve Elofson, Gary Harpster, Justin Vena
and Adrian Chene

www.DuncanAviation.aero/avionics
© 2014 Duncan Aviation, Inc.
 MAKING SENSE OF WI-FI
As operators research Wi-Fi and in-flight internet options,
it’s easy to get confused with all the systems, capabilities and coverage
zones. Let’s make sense of it all.
When researching aircraft
communications solutions for
a business aircraft, it’s best
to begin with the passengers’
preferences, as their expectations
will largely determine the
system requirements.
Additionally, determining where
an aircraft operates and what
equipment is currently installed
are also essential to selecting a
high-speed data (HSD)
system. The data
system, in turn, will
determine what Wi-Fi
options are available.
Passenger
Aircraft size,
preferences are service plans and
a key factor in installing agency
identifying aircraft experience and
communications capabilities also
requirements. present additional
points for
consideration.
This document
explores the various issues
operators face when selecting
Wi-Fi for business aircraft, and a
comparison of the major service
providers and main equipment
options for business aircraft.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF
IN-FLIGHT WI-FI
Executives tend to use business
aircraft as airborne offices, and
frequently equip them with the
same access to information as
their ground-based counterparts.
© 2014 Duncan Aviation, Inc.
Revised February 26, 2016
As recently as 2005, passengers
were still hamstrung by 2.4
to 64 kbps connection speeds.1
High-speed solutions offered
much higher bandwidth but the
equipment was too large to fit on
anything but the largest business
aircraft.2 Global data solutions
were also rather limited.2
Today, more service networks
are available that offer a variety
of connection speeds. Geographic
coverage has improved and smaller
equipment packages are available for
a much wider variety of aircraft sizes.
Wi-Fi is a more recent addition
to aircraft communications,
says Chad Ostertag, Avionics
Installation Representative at
Duncan Aviation-Battle Creek.
Solutions are now available for
most data systems in operation,
but whether the solutions are
certified is another story, he says.
WHAT IS WI-FI?
Wi-Fi is a trademark of the
Wi-Fi Alliance that suggests
“Wireless Fidelity,”3 which refers
1
George, Fred. “Broadband Comes of Age
for Business Aircraft.” Aviation Week. January,
2010. Pg 44, 45. http://www.aircell.com/sites/
default/files/publications/Broadband_aircell.pdf
2
“SwiftBroadband & Dial Up Comparison.”
YouTube video. Aircell. June 5, 2009.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9b1c
KHlwPo&feature=player_embedded
3
“Wi-Fi.” Wikipedia. December 20, 2010.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_Alliance
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MAKING SENSE OF WI-FI
to the communication standard for
wireless devices like smartphones
and laptops.4 In-flight Wi-Fi is
essentially a wireless network
installed onboard an aircraft, says
Steve Elofson, Avionics Installation
Sales Rep. at Duncan Aviation’s
Lincoln, Neb. full-service facility.
He explains that using in-flight
Wi-Fi is much like using a wireless
router at home or a public Wi-Fi
service at a coffee shop, hotel or
restaurant: the device
detects the hotspot
and can connect to it.
Like any home
network with a
wireless router,
Without internet, people can enable
Wi-Fi can’t connect their devices to
to the outside world. access information
shared through
Wi-Fi without
using cables
to connect to a
physical data port.
However, without an internet
connection, Wi-Fi won’t be able
to connect to the outside world.
The same concept applies to in-
flight Wi-Fi: a wireless router alone
isn’t enough to access the internet.
A data connection is necessary,
which can be achieved with a high-
speed data (HSD) connection.
WHAT IS HIGH-SPEED DATA?
High-speed data, also referred
to as broadband or in-flight
internet, is the data pipe to the
aircraft that supports internet
access. Wireless routers certified
for aircraft use interface with the
HSD equipment to provide Wi-Fi
onboard an aircraft, says Steve.
Ground-based communications
provide the fastest connection
© 2014 Duncan Aviation, Inc.
Revised February 26, 2016
speeds, operating very much
like what a person would
experience in a home or office
environment. However, these
solutions don’t activate until
an aircraft is above 10,000 feet,
and are only available within
the continental United States.
Most satellite-based
communications offer slower
connection speeds (except Ku-
band), and offer greater availability.
These solutions offer a connection
during all phases of flight with
very few geographical limitations.
WIRED VS WIRELESS
ACCESSIBILITY
Aircraft equipped with in-
flight internet may not have the
necessary hardware to support
Wi-Fi for laptops and mobile
devices installed by default. In such
cases, wired Ethernet ports allow
laptops to connect to the internet.
Wired connections are easier
to certify4 and offer a marginal
advantage in connection speed.
However, passengers are limited
to those seats where ports are
available, and connections may
become scarce if passengers carry
two or more devices that require an
internet connection. Additionally,
Apple iPhones® and BlackBerrys®
cannot connect to the internet
through an Ethernet port.4
Wi-Fi connectivity removes
the restrictions where devices
can be used, eliminates Ethernet
cords and supports greater
numbers and types of devices.
4
“Wired or Wi-Fi: Which is My Best
Option?” Aircell. March, 2009. http://www.
aircell.com/sites/default/files/publications/
AircellBrief101_March09.pdf
www.DuncanAviation.aero/avionics 3 of 14
 MAKING SENSE OF WI-FI
APPLICATIONS
Adding a Wi-Fi router to a
business aircraft’s internet source
will support most, if not all,
laptops and mobile devices now
and in the near future. This
includes Blackberry-,
iPhone-, iPad®-,
and Android™-
enabled devices.
Besides
Wired Ethernet internet access,
ports don’t support this combination
can also support
all wireless devices,
Virtual Private
like iPhones and Network (VPN)
Blackberrys. access, desktop
screen sharing,
video conferencing
and wireless
cabin controls.
WI-FI BENEFITS
• Increased productivity.
• Immediate accessibility.
• High-Speed Data benefits.
• Improved access to
information.
• More functional
cabin experience.
• Supports all Wi-Fi
enabled devices.
• Improves accessibility
throughout the cabin.
• Enables web browsing,
screen sharing and
video conferencing.
• Eliminates the use of
Ethernet cords and port
availability issues.
PLANNING A WI-FI INSTALLATION
Selecting a data solution for
in-flight internet is a lot like
choosing a cell phone company,
says Steve. Data connection speeds,
network availability, equipment
© 2014 Duncan Aviation, Inc. www.DuncanAviation.aero/avionics
Revised February 26, 2016
costs and monthly data plans
all factor into the equation.
Several HSD solutions are
available from several equipment
manufacturers and service
providers. Not all solutions include
Wi-Fi connectivity by default,
and some system configurations
don’t have wireless solutions
available yet, says Chad.
Understanding how passengers
will use an in-flight internet
connection is essential to
identifying a suitable airborne
communications system.
Passengers who limit their data
use to text-only emails and
don’t mind delays of several
minutes may find a narrow-
band connection adequate.
E-mail attachments, web
surfing and VPN connections will
require an intermediate internet
connection. Graphic-intensive
surfing, large attachments and
video conferencing will require a
high-speed internet connection.
Connection performance can
be significantly improved using
various acceleration technologies
like virtual bandwidth, compression
technology and byte-level caching.
Acceleration techniques also
help reduce service costs by
reducing IP data packet size.
Aircraft that operate outside
the continental U.S. will need
to compare system options for
multi-regional internet solutions
(see page 13, Service Types &
Capabilites). Several solutions are
available, ranging from high-speed
data for common international
flight paths, intermediate data
connections for near-worldwide
coverage, and a very slow data
connection for true worldwide
4 of 14
MAKING SENSE OF WI-FI
accessibility (see page 12,
Service Coverage Maps). Aircraft
that regularly operate in the
continental U.S. and overseas
may want to consider installing a
multi-regional solution alongside
a high-speed domestic system
for a seamless transition.
Investigating what equipment
is already installed on the aircraft
is also important. What kind of
antenna the aircraft
is equipped with
and what voice and
data systems are
Be aware of network already installed
security options. If can help determine
passengers work what upgrade paths
are available.
with sensitive data, It’s also important
verify a system can to be aware of
support encryption. network security
options and the
different types of
service plans for each
system. If passengers work with
sensitive data, consider verifying that
the system can support encryption
and a secure network connection.
How much data passengers work
with will help determine which
service plan to use. Some plans
charge by the megabyte, while
others offer unlimited data usage
for a fixed monthly cost (see page
14, Equipment & Available Rates).
IN-FLIGHT INTERNET
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Gogo Biz™ service from Aircell®
is a ground-based network of towers
located across the continental U.S.
and portions of Alaska.5 Equivalent
commercial systems are installed
5
“High-Speed Internet and Ground-
Quality Voice.” Aircell. http://www.aircell.
com/products-services/gogo-biz
© 2014 Duncan Aviation, Inc.
Revised February 26, 2016
in several U.S. airline fleets.6 With
this system, passengers experience
connection speeds similar to high-
speed internet available at a hotel
or coffee shop7 above 10,000 feet.
ViaSat Yonder® uses
commercial Ku-band satellites7
to provide coverage for major
flight paths8 in multiple regions
around the world. It is described
as a two-way broadband data and
voice communications service with
connection speeds similar to cable
modem and DSL technology9 for
downloads. Cost and equipment
weight considerations make this
system more feasible for larger
business aircraft, says Chad. The
system operates on geostationary
satellites orbiting about 22,000
miles above the Earth.7 Coverage is
anticipated to expand over Canada,
Russia, China, India and eastern
Africa in the third quarter of 2012.8
Inmarsat SwiftBroadband
operates on a satellite
communications network10 that
provides near-worldwide voice
and data coverage, excluding
6
“Getting Your Business Aircraft Online: The
Executive’s Guide to Airborne Communications.”
Aircell. 2010. http://www.aircell.com/sites/default/
files/GettingYourBusinessAircraftOnline.pdf
7
“Yonder: How it Works.” Satcom Direct.
http://www.satcomdirect.com/main/aviation/
Yonder-Mobile-Broadband/how-it-works.aspx
8
“Yonder: Coverage.” Satcom Direct.
http://www.satcomdirect.com/main/aviation/
Yonder-Mobile-Broadband/coverage.aspx
9
“Yonder: Overview.” Satcom Direct.
http://www.satcomdirect.com/main/
aviation/Yonder-Mobile-Broadband/
10
“SwiftBroadband Overview.” Satcom
Direct. http://www.satcomdirect.com/main/
aviation/swiftbroadband-swift-broadband-sbb/
www.DuncanAviation.aero/avionics 5 of 14
MAKING SENSE OF WI-FI
Polar Regions.11 Intermediate
connection speeds are not as
fast as residential high-speed
internet,6 but they can be scaled12
to increase bandwidth. The system
operates on three geostationary,
Inmarsat I-4 satellites also in
orbit about 22,000 miles above
the Earth.6 Service is available
through several service providers.
For system options, see Service
Types & Capabilities on page 13.
Iridium is a Low Earth Orbit
(LEO) satellite constellation that
provides a global canopy of narrow-
band voice and data, including
Polar Regions.13 Data speeds are
about a 27th of a single Swift64
channel.7 The system operates
on 66 cross-linked satellites that
operate in near-circular orbit about
483 miles above the Earth.13
ACHIEVING WORLDWIDE
HIGH-SPEED ACCESSIBILITY
While it’s not possible to
achieve complete, high-speed
accessibility worldwide with
current system options, an
operator can get very close
by installing more than one
system onboard their aircraft.
Aircraft that operate domestically
and internationally may want to
consider installing a high-speed
domestic solution alongside a
multi-regional solution for more
11
“SwiftBroadband Coverage.” Satcom
Direct. http://www.satcomdirect.com/
main/aviation/swiftbroadband-swift-
broadband-sbb/coverage.aspx
12
“SwiftBroadband Advantages.” http://www.
satcomdirect.com/main/aviation/swiftbroadband-
swift-broadband-sbb/advantages.aspx
13
“The Global Network: Satellite Constellation.”
Iridium. September 2010. http://www.iridium.com/
DownloadAttachment.aspx?attachmentID=1197
© 2014 Duncan Aviation, Inc. www.DuncanAviation.aero/avionics
Revised February 26, 2016
continuous coverage, says Chad.
However, the transition between
systems may be noticeable and
the connection speed will not
be consistent, especially when
transitioning between systems with
very different network capabilities.
EQUIPMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Aircraft antennas vary by
size, weight, shape, beam width,
signal direction and strength.
These variations offer different
advantages in signal reception,
transmission and speed.
A low-gain antenna (LGA)—
like what is used with Inmarsat
SB200 systems (see page 14,
Equipment & Available Rates)—
support slower connection speeds
that are suitable for texting and
e-mail without attachments, says
Adrian Chene, Avionics Technical
Rep. at Duncan Aviation’s Battle
Creek, Mich., full-service facility.
LGAs are smaller and lighter
than other antennas. Since they are
fuselage-mounted on the aircraft,
this makes them much more
suitable for installation on smaller-
bodied aircraft, like Learjets,
Citations and Hawkers, says Chad.
By contrast, a high-gain antenna
(HGA)—like what is used with
Inmarsat Class 6 SBB (see page 15,
Equipment & Available Rates)—
offers the best quality of service and
speed, and is suitable for regular
internet browsing and attachments,
but not video, says Adrian.
HGAs are bigger and heavier
than LGAs. These antenna can also
be tail-mounted, and tend to be more
suitable for installation on larger
aircraft, like Falcons, Challengers,
Globals and Gulfstreams, says Chad.
Device compatibility with
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MAKING SENSE OF WI-FI
existing systems can limit data
upgrade and Wi-Fi options, says
Justin Vena, Avionics Installation
Sales Rep. at Duncan Aviation-
Battle Creek. It’s important
to understand what systems
are currently installed in the
aircraft, and what kind of
antenna is installed.
When customers
request in-flight
internet options, one
of the first questions
Steve asks is “Do
Wi-Fi proposals you have a Satcom
should be detailed, system?” Many times,
and include customers already
equipment, labor have a voice or data
and any engineering system that can
be upgraded to
costs.
support high-speed
data and Wi-Fi.
EVALUATING AN
INSTALLATION PROPOSAL
When seeking price quotes
for high-speed data or Wi-Fi, it’s
important to carefully evaluate
each proposal, the equipment, the
avionics shop and the technical
data through which the Wi-Fi
connection is being installed.
Proposals should be detailed,
and include equipment, labor,
and any engineering costs that
may be involved, especially if the
installing agency will be creating a
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
for the aircraft. System configuration
costs, like secure Virtual Private
Network (VPN) connections,
should also be represented.
All units identified for
installation onboard the aircraft
must be aviation-grade equipment.
Such equipment often has Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA)
© 2014 Duncan Aviation, Inc.
Revised February 26, 2016
or European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) certifications, or
an STC that accompany them,
says Adrian. “Always install
equipment in your aircraft by
STC,” he says. STCs certify that
the equipment to be installed
has been tested in a particular
model and found to be safe.
“Do not permit a commercial
Wi-Fi system to be installed,”
says Adrian. Commercial Wi-Fi
routers have not been tested for
aviation applications, transmit
the Wi-Fi signal too far and run
the risk of causing interference
with other onboard systems,
like the Flight Management
System (FMS). Additionally,
equipment manufacturers won’t
help troubleshoot problems
for uncertified equipment.
Also verify that the equipment
identified in the proposal can
support the level of security
required by passengers. “When
working with sensitive data,
an aviation-grade router that
supports encrypted communication
is desirable,” says Adrian.
TESTING CONSIDERATIONS
After a Wi-Fi system is
installed, it should be tested in
the same way that passengers
will use it. Standard connectivity
and speed tests will indicate if the
equipment is performing basic
functions, says Adrian. From there
it will be up to the operator and
their IT department to further
define the details of system
configuration. “The installer should
be a partner in this effort,” he says.
If smartphone connectivity is a
priority, make sure to test the system
with the same make, model and
www.DuncanAviation.aero/avionics 7 of 14
 MAKING SENSE OF WI-FI
system configuration, says Adrian.
If VPN client software will be used,
make sure to test that connection
through the customer’s laptop.
“The installer should support any
testing a customer may seek, as they
would any other service,” he says.
HOW IN-FLIGHT WI-FI WORKS
A Wi-Fi router is essentially
a sophisticated
radio that creates a
wireless access point
(WAP), also known
as a hotspot, says
The installing Adrian. A business
aircraft’s wireless
agency should
router transmits
support all testing a information via a
customer requires. satellite or ground-
based network data
connection, and
from there to the
internet. This data
connection is provided by an
aircraft’s high-speed data system.
A WAP allows devices equipped
with wireless adapters to connect to
the wired Local Area Network (LAN),
says Adrian. The network can also be
accessed by plugging in a device to
the aircraft’s wired Ethernet ports.
A wired connection provides
the same access to informational
resources as a wireless connection,
although wired connections offer
more reliable and marginally faster
data transfer rates, says Adrian.
SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
Secure access to information
is invaluable for many businesses,
and it is essential that passengers
are provided with the highest level
of computer security they require.
Consider an engineering crew
operating in the field that needs
© 2014 Duncan Aviation, Inc.
Revised February 26, 2016
to send sensitive information to
the home office for analysis. If the
aircraft uses a satellite system
for its data connection, a secure
link to the home network could
be initiated from the business
jet on the ground, says Adrian.
There are many security
options available for in-flight
Wi-Fi solutions. “Business
people typically use their VPN
to provide a secure connection,”
says Steve. “There may be some
companies or government entities
with more stringent security
protocols, and we handle these
on a case-by-case basis.”
WI-FI CERTIFICATION PROCESS
The FAA requires Wi-Fi
routers to be installed by STC
specific to an aircraft’s make and
model. There are many types of
wireless routers, and with all
the different makes and models
of business aircraft in operation,
the demand for Wi-Fi STC
development is high, says Steve.
Certifying a Wi-Fi installation
is a complicated process, which
involves the wireless router that’s
being installed. An Aviation Week
article published in August of
2010, entitled “Clearing WiFi to
Fly,” explains the certification
process and surrounding issues.14
The current certification process
for aviation Wi-Fi equipment on
U.S.-registered aircraft begins
with an “issue paper,” which
identifies the testing procedures
14
Seidenman, Paul & Spanovich, David J.
“Clearing WiFi To Fly.” AviationWeek.com.
Aug. 23, 2010. http://www.aviationweek.
com/aw/generic/story_channel.
jsp?channel=mro&id=news/om/2010/07/01/
OM_07_01_2010_p51-229890.xml
www.DuncanAviation.aero/avionics 8 of 14
MAKING SENSE OF WI-FI
that the installing agency must
follow. This process ensures that
Wi-Fi equipment—including the
router, transceivers, wiring and
antenna—will perform as intended
and shield the aircraft’s electronics
from potential interference.14
However, the
testing procedures
only apply to the
Wi-Fi equipment
installed, not the
A Wi-Fi router must mobile devices
be installed by STC, that will use the
which is specific Wi-Fi connection.
These devices
to each aircraft
are considered a
configuration.
potential source of
signal interference.
According
to the FAA, the
aircraft’s operating certificate
holder is the only one who can
determine whether mobile
devices interfere with onboard
systems, based on the testing
done by the installing agency.14
MOBILE DEVICE
COMPATIBILITY TESTING
Gary Harpster, Duncan
Aviation Avionics Installations
Rep. in Lincoln, explains that an
issue paper mandates a multi-
step testing process to determine
mobile device compatibility.14
“The FAA is concerned about
any type of device that uses 802.11,
which is the standard Wi-Fi
communication protocol, using up
to one watt of power output,” he
says. “Once the Wi-Fi equipment
is installed, the technician will
test the Wi-Fi system at each
seat location in the aircraft.”14
Technicians carefully document
the procedure and note any
© 2014 Duncan Aviation, Inc. www.DuncanAviation.aero/avionics
Revised February 26, 2016
abnormalities, says Gary. “That
documentation becomes part of
a ‘system substantiation data
package,’ which is included with
the STC application.” Flight
testing is also mandated for
aircraft with autopilots that can’t
be activated on the ground.14
Testing is specific to each
aircraft, varying by make, model
and avionics configuration, says
Gary. It can take about two days for
the testing and documentation for
the initial STC, but only one day
for any follow-on STCs for the same
aircraft type and configuration.14
ODAS & STC APPROVALS
When an STC is created for
a new aircraft configuration, a
FAA field office representative
will validate the documentation
at the Maintenance, Repair and
Overhaul (MRO) organization, says
Gary. “However, for subsequent
STCs for the same aircraft type
and configuration, the FAA will
usually authorize the MRO to
validate the documentation,
with sign-off by a designated
airworthiness representative.”14
The STC then enters a multi-
step approval process, which begins
at field level and concludes at
the FAA’s Transport Directorate
Office in Seattle. For a number
of avionics shops, especially
those without an Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA),
the approval process may encounter
sequencing situations at the FAA
that can result in waiting periods
as long as 90 days, depending
on field office work load.14
An ODA allows an installing
agency to issue STCs for aircraft
alterations on behalf of the FAA,
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 MAKING SENSE OF WI-FI Revised February 26, 2016 MAKING SENSE OF WI-FI Revised February 26, 2016

including the authority to approve including Bombardier, Dassault, DUNCAN AVIATION’S HSD / WI-FI STCS
design data, tests and analysis, Hawker Beechcraft (Lincoln only), Duncan Aviation offers more than 20 STCs for high-speed internet and
and make a finding of compliance Embraer and Cessna—and is Wi-Fi on several popular makes and models of business aircraft, and offers
to regulations.15 This allows an approved by the FAA as a STC a three year, 1500-hour warranty on avionics installation workmanship.
MRO to sign off on the work and and Major Repair and Alteration We are an authorized dealer for most major cockpit and cabin avionics
send it directly to the Transport (MRA) ODA at its Lincoln and equipment, including Rockwell Collins, Universal Avionics, Honeywell/
Directorate, which eliminates the Battle Creek full-service facilities. EMS, Aircell, ICG, True North and Thrane & Thrane. We also hold several
potential for getting sequenced Duncan Aviation is a full- airframe service center authorizations.
in a long line of service MRO for business aircraft, Please contact an Avionics Installation Sales Rep. for our latest Wi-Fi
applicants by the offering refurbishment, upgrades, and high-speed data capabilities at +1 402.475.2611.
FAA, says Gary.14 modification, parts and support
capabilities. Wi-Fi and high- SERVICE COVERAGE MAPS
Coverage is expected to increase for some services in the near future.
Duncan Aviation DUNCAN AVIATION’S speed data installations can be
Please contact an Avionics Installation Sales Rep. at +1 402.475.2611 or the
WI-FI SOLUTIONS accomplished at either of Duncan
installed more than Duncan Aviation Aviation’s full-service facilities in
service provider for the latest coverage information.
100 high-speed data is the industry Battle Creek, Mich. or Lincoln,
systems in the past leader in Wi-Fi Neb.; or at any of Duncan Aviation’s
3 years, and most installations, with network of avionics shops located
included Wi-Fi. more than 100 high- at more than 20 major Fixed Based
speed data systems Operators (FBOs) across the U.S.
installed over the Contact some of the most
past three years, experienced people in the
most of which have included industry to discuss Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi routers. The company has solutions for your aircraft. Call
developed and holds many Wi-Fi an Avionics Installations Sales Aircell Gogo Biz: a high-speed ground-based network. ViaSat Yonder: a multi-regional, high-speed Ku-band
STCs covering many makes and Rep. today at +1 402.475.2611 satellite network.

models of aircraft, and offers a

three year, 1500-hour warranty on Duncan Aviation would like
avionics installation workmanship. to thank the representatives of
As provider of complete Satcom Direct, Aircell, Inmarsat,
avionics solutions for most popular Thrane & Thrane, Honeywell/
business aircraft, Duncan Aviation EMS, ICG, True North, Rockwell
is an authorized dealer for most Collins and Iridium for their
major cockpit and cabin avionics assistance and contributions.
equipment, including Rockwell
Inmarsat SwiftBroadband: a near-global/multi-regional, Iridium: a worldwide, narrow- and intermediate-band satellite
Collins, Universal Avionics, intermediate speed satellite network. network.
Honeywell/EMS, Aircell, ICG, True
North and Thrane & Thrane. The
company holds several airframe
service center authorizations—
15
“Duncan Aviation Receives Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) Approval.”
October 20, 2009. http://www.duncanaviation.
aero/news/articles/2009/20091020-oda.php

© 2014 Duncan Aviation, Inc. www.DuncanAviation.aero/avionics 10 of 14 © 2014 Duncan Aviation, Inc. www.DuncanAviation.aero/avionics 11 of 14
MAKING SENSE OF WI-FI Revised February 26, 2016 MAKING SENSE OF WI-FI Revised February 26, 2016

SERVICE TYPES & CAPABILITIES* RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT*

Additional service offerings are available. Please contact an Avionics Installation Sales Additional equipment options are available. Please contact an Avionics Installation Sales Rep.
Rep. or additional offerings and capabilities. or the service provider for the latest options, specifications and plan information.

Data Acceleration
Service Coverage

What connection

Streaming Video

Antenna
Service

Speeds

Weight
System
/ Compression

Wi-Fi Capable

Speed

Equip.
Simple E-mail
VPN Capable
speeds really

High-
Service Type

Peak Speeds

Attachments

Type

Peak
Data

Size
feel like

Texting
E-mail
ATG 4000 Up to 3.1 About 15 lbs Omnidirectional, non-steered. Requires 2.
(integrated mbps
broadband) Weight: 1.25 lbs (.57 kg)

Aircell Gogo Biz

Up to 3.1 mbps U.S. / parts of Alaska No High-speed: full Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Gogo Biz
Aircell

broadband — like a
hotel or coffee shop.
ATG 5000 Up to 3.1 About 15 lbs Omnidirectional, non-steered. Requires 2.
(standalone mbps
1-2 mbps Multi-regional No High-speed: full Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
broadband) Weight: 1.25 lbs (.57 kg)
broadband — like a
Yonder®

hotel or coffee shop,

but with some delay.

ViaSat Yonder 1-2 mbps About 32 lbs Mechanically Steered.

432-330 kbps Near-global Yes Intermediate: not like Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Yonder®
SwiftBroadband

broadband on the
Weight: 18 lbs (8.16 kg)
ground, but very usable.

MCS-7120 Up to 432 About 35 lbs High Gain, Phased Array or Mechanically Steered antennas.
(multi- kbps ‡
channel)† Weight: Varies
200 kbps Multi-Regional Yes Intermediate: not like Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
SwiftBroadband 200

broadband on the
Enfusion HSD- Up to 2 x About 35 lbs High Gain, Phased Array or Mechanically Steered antennas.
ground, but very usable.
400 (multi- 432kbps‡
(SB200)

channel)† Weight: Varies

SAT-6100 432 29 lbs High Gain, Mechanically Steered.

SwiftBroadband
kbps‡
Weight: 11.3 lbs (AMT-700)

Class 6
* The above information is for general reference and illustration only, and is subject to change at any time.

Simphone 432 About 20lbs High Gain, Phased Array or Mechanically Steered.
Global kbps‡
Broadband Weight: Varies

Aspire Up to About 9 lbs AMT-700 HGA – Mechanically Steered.

200/250HG 432
(single kbps‡ Weight: 4.3 lbs
channel)†
Type F DLNA

Weight: 7.0 lbs

(cont’d on next page)

* The above information is for general reference and illustration only, and is subject to change at any time.
† Redundant/Automatic fallback to I3 Swift64.
‡ Streaming data service available.

© 2014 Duncan Aviation, Inc. www.DuncanAviation.aero/avionics 12 of 14 © 2014 Duncan Aviation, Inc. www.DuncanAviation.aero/avionics 13 of 14
MAKING SENSE OF WI-FI Revised February 26, 2016

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT & AVAILABLE RATES (CONT’D)*

Service Type

Peak Speeds
Data System
High-Speed

Equipment

Antenna
Weight

Size
Aviator 700 Up to About 25 lbs High Gain, Phased Array or Mechanically Steered antennas.
Class 6 (cont’d)

(multi- 432
channel)§ kbps‡ Weight: Varies
Aviator 350 Up to About 12 lbs High Gain, Phased Array or Mechanically Steered antennas.
(single 432
SwiftBroadband (cont’d)

channel) kbps‡ Weight: Varies

Aspire Up to About 9 lbs AMT-3500 IGA – Fuselage mounted phased array.
200/250IG 330
(single kbps‡ Weight: 11.7 lbs
channel)
Type F DLNA
Class 7

Weight: 7.0 lbs

Aviator Up to About 12 lbs Intermediate Gain Antenna.
300 (single 330
channel) kbps‡ Weight: 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg)

Aspire Up to About 9 lbs Low Gain Antenna.

200/250 200
SwiftBroadband 200 (SB200)

LG (single kbps‡ Weight: 1.5 lbs (0.7 kg)

channel)
IPLD
Class 15

Weight: 5.3 lbs

Aviator Up to About 12 lbs Low Gain Antenna.
200 (single 200
channel) kbps‡ Weight: 1.5 lbs (0.7 kg)

Nxtmail 2.4 kbps About 3 lbs Iridium patch antenna.

Iridium

Weight: 6 oz (0.7 kg)

* The above information is for general reference and illustration only, and is subject to change at any time.
‡ Streaming data service available.
§ Currently two channels per aircraft. Starting October 2011, four channels per aircraft.

© 2014 Duncan Aviation, Inc. www.DuncanAviation.aero/avionics 14 of 14