Wifi Access Point On GA Plane

[LH2]

We have been discussing with another pilot the possibility of running a wifi access point on a light aeroplane, as a means of accessing and configuring an on-board data server (which is not connected or related to the avionics in any way). One point of concern is whether the wireless signal is likely to cause interference with anything else onboard. So my questions are:

a) Does anyone have any information / thoughts on this subject?

b) How would Bluetooth operation differ (or not) from 802.11 as regards interference?

The aeroplane is equipped with conventional (steam) gauges, IFR-certified, and has an autopilot.

[Jimmy Do Little]

"Direct TV" has some experience with this type of installation. they may have some answers for you.

[Mike-Bracknell]

With the prevalence of 802.11 a/b/g/n you will be virtually unable to avoid flying whilst being within receive distance of those wifi frequencies. Given that the frequencies are defined within a specific radio frequency spectrum (see linky), I assume that anything certified for use within an aircraft has gone through anechoic chamber testing of these and any other relevant spectra to ensure little or no interference from such kit.

However, that's not to say that the AP you're considering doesn't suddenly become faulty, etc, etc. In essence, this should in no way be considered as the green light to go do it, but just comment from an informed IT guy who worked for a wifi company and happened to work for another company with an anechoic chamber :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2.4_GHz_Wi-Fi_channels_(802.11b,g_WLAN).png (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2.4_GHz_Wi-Fi_channels_%28802.11b,g_WLAN%29.png)