Originally Posted by
bobdxb
From Boeing AERO NEWS
" ONS file server. The ONS file server is the hub of the 737 MAX onboard network. Housed in the electronics equipment bay, the ONS file server connects to a
large set of data-rich 737 systems, houses hundreds of gigabytes of mass data storage, sends maintenance data to flight deck displays, and hosts onboard and offboard data processing functions. Direct connection to the ONS file server via the airline’s maintenance device is provided by a flight deck Ethernet port or by optional connectivity systems. The ONS file server is available on the Next‑Generation 737"
Yes, I think we've now established that the suggestion in the original post (which didn't quote the source, but is presumably this:
ABC News: Even as Lion Air jet's black box is found, some answers may be back in the United States) that the flight could have been sending loads of FDR-type data that would be helpful to investigators via satcom in real time is almost certainly a red herring.