AFDX stands for Avionics Full Duplex Switched Ethernet; it’s much easier to say AFDX. AFDX is a system by which data is transmitted from one port to another. It is used to provide a reliable and secure method of data communication.
Purpose
In avionics, an AFDX network acts as the HUB for many in-flight operations such as electricity, flight controls, navigation systems and landing gear. All of these systems work together to make a flight comfortable, controlled and safe. The AFDX network connects each system in order for them to communicate with one another. It is important for any Ethernet communications system to integrate well with the other systems in use. The AFDX network is fully capable of integration with a variety of other systems.
Parts & Users
Some well-known carriers of avionic AFDX systems are Boeing, Airbus, Dreamliner and Super Jet. They are also used in military applications in the United States. The most common use for AFDX is found within the avionics industry. An AFDX network is comprised of three main parts: switches, end systems and virtual links. These pieces work together to form a network for communication.
Switches
Switches are responsible for filtering, monitoring and forwarding information that is sent through the network’s virtual links. A single switch can handle an abundance of virtual links (more than 4,000). A network may also have multiple switches, allowing for an endless amount of data to be successfully transmitted at once.
End Systems
The piece of the network that sends and receives data is called the end system. Think of this as a kind of port: a starting and stopping point for data. Data flows from one end system through a virtual link and switch before landing in another end system.
Virtual Links
Virtual links are best described as the virtual cable from one data port (or end system) to another. These links are unidirectional and are used to transmit data from the sending end system to the receiving end system. Each end system can handle multiple virtual links, so a multitude of data is seamlessly transmitted throughout the network.
