A study on Media Independent Aircraft Messaging (MIAM)

Media Independent Aircraft Messaging (MIAM) is a new protocol that provides a standardized interface for the exchange of data between aircraft and ground systems. Although it is envisioned to accommodate broadband IP and other communication networks in the future, the initial version of this protocol only supports existing ACARS networks. One of the immediate intents of MIAM is to support the transfer of messages much larger than possible in the ACARS subnetworks through message segmentation and reassembly features. In an attempt to reduce the impact of MIAM transfers on the ACARS networks, the protocol includes data compression, segment temporization, and flow regulation controls. This paper begins with a discussion of the MIAM protocol. The protocol is analyzed and tested through detailed simulations of the ACARS VDL Mode 2 subnetwork with various traffic profiles and protocol parameters. As the inclusion of large messages may add significant load, the study investigates the flow regulation features of MIAM and its effects on the underlying ACARS network, looking for adverse impacts on other ACARS traffic. The findings of this study are presented and discussed in conclusion.