Feasibility study of IEEE 802.15.4 for aerospace wireless sensor networks

Abstract

Wireless communications has been a reliable data link means in many aerospace applications, including critical ones. The major concern for using wireless links for aerospace sensors is the feasibility of their in the aerospace setting; i.e., whether wireless links will negatively affect the overall reliability and safety of the aircrafts. In a previous paper, we studied the feasibility issue and concluded that with appropriate choice of wireless communication schemes and parameters, the wireless links can have reasonable immunity to interferences, low interference to other on-board wireless systems, and good security performance. In this paper, we consider the feasibility of adapting an existing technology, IEEE 802.15.4, to implement the wireless links for aerospace sensors, with focuses on immunity to interferences and data security. We conclude that a wireless network based on IEEE 802.15.4-compatible devices is appropriate for non-critical aerospace applications, at least from building a demo system's point of view.