This standard defines an Internet Protocol (IP)-based communication management
function for data communications called the Manager of Air/Ground Interface
Communications (MAGIC). This standard recognizes that the number of available
off-board communication links is expanding (e.g., broadband satellite, broadband
terrestrial, Gatelink), and that each link may be provided by a different service
provider. In addition, each link may be available to the aircraft in specific flight
phases and in specific geographic locations. As the industry continues to
increasingly embrace IP-based communications, there is reason to define an aircraft
routing function that provides standardized access by all aircraft subnets to available
communication links.
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