The Boeing Company
Methods and systems for transmitting terrestrial aircraft data using biometrically authenticated broadband over power line communication channels

Abstract:

Provided are methods and systems for transmission of terrestrial data between aircraft and ground-based systems using broadband over power line (BPL) communication channels. These channels are established based on authentication of biometric data. Specifically, a biometric module, positioned on an aircraft or a gate, receives biometric data from a user and then authenticates this data based on available reference data. The authentication results are used by a BPL module to establish (or not establish) a BPL communication channel. The BPL communication channel is established through an electrical power cable connecting the aircraft to the gate. Furthermore, the BPL communication channel is established through at least a portion of the onboard electrical power distribution system of the aircraft. The terrestrial data, e.g., aircraft control data, in-flight entertainment data, and/or airplane information system data, is then transmitted through this BPL communication channel.