The Boeing Company
Onboard network systems for passenger aircraft and methods of operating thereof

Abstract:

Disclosed are onboard network systems for passenger aircrafts and methods of operating thereof. Specifically, an onboard network system is configured to handle various requests (e.g., communication, entertainment) from passenger devices during aircraft operation. Each request is first received at a cabin virtual router, which determines the security threat associated with this request and, if the security threat exceeds a security threshold, performs a corresponding security operation. In some examples, the cabin virtual router is configured to disable its operation entirely, e.g., if the security threat is high. In other examples, the cabin virtual router switches to a new operating system and/or throttles its operation. The cabin virtual router effectively isolates other components of the onboard network system (e.g., a flight deck) from potential threats associated with the passenger devices using this system. Security threats are analyzed to reconfigure the cabin virtual router on the aircraft and/or entire fleet.