This document describes the datalink service provider system inputs, outputs and functions from the perspective of the datalink user. The functions are described in the detail necessary to provide a complete understanding of what the functions do while not restricting the datalink service provider network internal implementation. Where there are differences in message formats or functions provided between the various service providers which affect the datalink user interface, the differences are specifically described.

In addition to supporting the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) ground interfaces, this document expands the service provider ground interface to support other aircraft-ground communication solutions (e.g., Media Independent Aircraft Messaging (MIAM), defined in ARINC Specification 841).

The Extensions of DataLink Ground System Standard and Interface Specification for aircraft MIAM messaging are defined in Section 7 of this document.

Purpose of this Document

This document sets forth the desired interface characteristics of the Datalink Service Provider (DSP) to the datalink user. The intent of this document is to provide datalink users the information needed to develop applications and to encourage uniformity and standardization, to the extent possible, among the various Datalink Service Providers (DSP). This document contains general and specific guidance concerning the interfaces between the Datalink Service Providers and both the airborne and ground user.