CDM Net

One challenge the CDM group faced was developing a method which would enable rapid information exchange between the many people involved in flight operations. Existing communication links were outdated and of limited bandwidth. CDM's Communications Sub-group designed an intranet communications link between Airline Operational Control (AOC) centers, Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) and Volpe National Transportation Systems Center called the AOCnet. ARINC, Inc. was hired to build the AOCnet and was originally the sole vendor. Several vendors now provide similar communications links. The collective network of all these vendors is referred to as the CDMnet. The CDMnet allows users the capability for two-way data exchange of real-time information. Currently, AOCs send real time schedule updates to via the CDMnet to Volpe, which then integrates these updates wsith NAS messages and other data. The integrated prediction of activity at an airport is then sent back to the AOCs and ATCSCC in the form of an Aggregate Demand List (ADL). The CDMnet supports not only Ground Delay Program Enhancement (GDPE) efforts, but also Aircraft Situational Display to industry (ASDI) and the expansion of information exchange. CDM’s NAS Status Information Sub-group is currently exploring and prioritizing data suitable for exchange over the CDMnet (i.e. airport configuration data, braking action reports, RVR, etc.). The CDMnet will also be used to support Collaborative Routing efforts between ATCSCC and the AOCs.