Using Software-Defined Radio for ATN B1 : A look into CPDLC encoding and VDL Mode 2 transmission

Abstract: An essential part of European air traffic control is the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network Baseline 1 (ATN B1) specification. This paper sheds some light on Controller–Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) and VHF Data Link Mode 2 (VDL Mode 2), two crucial components of ATN B1. For CPDLC, we discuss how to en- and decode the messages, and for VDL Mode 2, we talk about transmission and reception using inexpensive Software-Defined Radio equipment. Both parts are elements of the transmission and reception chain for ATN B1 CPDLC messages. The missing piece in the chain, the VDL Mode 2 en- and decoder, is not implemented due to it being out of scope for a project of this size. Furthermore, some potential security vulnerabilities, namely replay and flooding attacks, are discussed in relation to these two parts. The thesis aims to lay a foundation for further security research into the area of CPDLC, VDL Mode 2, and ATN B1 in general.