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Hot Topic: We Don’t Need No Stinking Wires…Or Do We?

We don’t like to do stories like this… but, sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and dig a little deeper to see if rumors have merit. The story goes like this: It seems a source (make that multiple sources) have told IFExpress that at least the first B787 will not deliver with Wi-Fi enabled entertainment on-board. Rather, a wired solution will be implemented. We contacted Boeing and they flatly refused to answer questions or help us understand the issues, if indeed there are any issues. However, we think there are and here is why.

First, we understand that the IEEE 802.11n standard is simply not stable enough to suit Boeing, given that they want a stable platform by aircraft launch. And who can blame them? While preliminary chipsets are available today, the spec could change as the arduous process seeks to resolve critical issues. We also hear that the primary supplier is behind schedule, possibly by as much as one year. True or not, we think Boeing is seriously looking at a wired system, probably gigabit Ethernet with a possible collocation in the seat track raceway with power wires. This presents interesting challenges for EMI and RFI decoupling, given, we hear, that plastic connectors were originally chosen for their light weight characteristics. Also challenging, is the issue of Wireless Access Points (WAP). To deliver high bandwidth connectivity to each seat, there are probably well over 20 WAPs required for each plane. These units not only cost weight, they require additional loads on ceiling panels…which in their own way, provide an additional weight penalty. Even though this is not the first time we have speculated on the possibility of a weight problem, we are now guessing the crux of the matter is that the wireless system could very well provide a weight penalty that exceeds a wired solution.

From our perspective, the bottom line looks to be: no Wi-Fi IFE on the first aircraft. But if our speculation is correct, the real question is will it be a future enhancement or be added to follow-on airplanes as an out-of-sequence installation or dumped altogether? Compounding these problems, we have reported in the past the challenges CBB had in getting worldwide approval for the frequency allocations from governments where the aircraft will fly (a contentious and challenging issue, at best). We do not believe in the years Connexion was afloat that they completed all the regulatory hurdles for their connectivity solution worldwide. And, no doubt, the B787 folks are experiencing the same issues. The end result: we don’t think the first B787 will be wireless. You can ask the Boeing IFE team at the WAEA TC meeting, perhaps you can get better answers than we did.

(Publisher's Note: There are unresolved technical issues with 802.11n and experts tell us that a mid-2007 date for a more homogenous agreement  and resolution of issues is simply too late for Boeing's liking… given that it is so close to aircraft rollout. If you want to dig deeper into the standards business, start here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11) 
 

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Technology Committee Meeting
1/23/2007 - 1/24/2007

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