User Friendly Edge Computing in FTI Networks

Abstract

Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) networks typically require low power, small form factor equipment which can capture and process data in rugged environments. Edge computing is a computing paradigm that brings data processing closer to the source of the data. In recent years, advances in low power processors and the proliferation of user friendly, single-board computers, has made edge computing more accessible and powerful. These advances can be leveraged and integrated into an FTI network to provide for flexible data processing, both reducing post processing requirements and providing services on the FTI network that were previously not feasible. In addition to this, standards like IRIG-106 Chapter 7 allow for more flexible transfer of native network traffic to the ground, allowing these edge computing devices to pass the processed data, transparently to the ground. This paper will address some of the approaches, showing how user-friendly data processing can be brought to the FTI network, within existing power, weight and size constraints.