Performance analysis of AFDX switch for space onboard data networks

Avionics Full-Duplex Switched Ethernet (AFDX) is designed for deterministic communications in avionics sensor networks embedded in large aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787. This paper proposes to apply the AFDX concept to the space domain, since there are increasing requirements to develop a similar system in spacecraft. In this paper, the AFDX switch is comprehensively studied and analyzed to tailor the standard for applicability to the space domain. The evaluation results show that AFDX can be efficiently adapted for space onboard data networks to provide deterministic communications even in asynchronous and high-traffic networks.