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Gain insights into the new XML-based ASDI feed for real-time flight data, including changes in VPN usage, message batching, packet compression, and XML schema. Get ready to transition to the updated system!
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Basic Information About the XASDI Feed A Telcon with Vendors ASDI Vendors and Users FAA 18 May 2007
Agenda • Introduction • What is changed and unchanged? • VPN Over the Internet • Batching of messages • Packet header • Compression • XML schema • Support provided by the FAA • Schedule
Introduction • The ASDI feed provides near-real time flight data. • Since 1992 this data has been in plain, ASCII text. • The FAA is now redesigning the feed so that the data is in XML. • This redesign is causing various aspects of the feed to change. • This telcon covers the basics and allows vendor to ask questions.
ASDI Web Page • For the latest version of all XASDI documentation as well as sample data files, go to www.fly.faa.gov/ASDI/asdi.html
What is the Same? • The application level method of connecting is the same. • The client must provide a vendor name and password. • Note: New vendor names and passwords will be used for the XASDI feed. • The method of transmission is still a TCP/IP socket. • Note: New IP addresses and port numbers are used. • The content of the data is the same. • It is in a different format. • Minor exceptions: Dates are given more fully, and flight index in RT message is no longer provided.
What Is Different? • VPN Over the Internet • Batching of messages • Packet header • Compression • XML Schema
VPN Over the Internet • With the old feed, each vendor was required to install a dedicated line. • With the new feed, vendors will use a VPN over the Internet. • Dedicated lines are not allowed (except for vendors that carry CDM data). • See “XML ASDI Over the Internet: VPN End User Requirements and Guidelines” on the web site.
Batching of Messages • In the old feed, messages were sent individually. • Since XML uses more bandwidth, messages are batched and compressed to make more efficient use of bandwidth. • The current thinking is that at most 64 messages will be batched together into a packet, though this is a configurable number that might be changed. • At a busy time, the feed contains perhaps 110 messages/second.
Packet Header • The length of the header is always 32 bytes. • The header is not compressed. • The header is in network format and must be converted to host format before processing it. • Five fields are in the header. • The date/timestamp is 14 characters in yyyymmddhhmmss format. • The other four fields in the header are 4-byte integers. • The header is followed immediately by the compressed data for, say, 64 messages.
Compression • If the XML were uncompressed, it would use an unacceptably large amount of bandwidth. • To deal with this problem, messages are batched and then compressed. • The vendor’s client software will need to unzip the compressed payload of each packet. • The last field in the packet header gives the size of the buffer needed for the uncompressed data.
XML Schema • The ASDI data is fully formed using XML • Lowest level of data items are described by XML elements and attributes • The ASDI XML documents are validated using XML Schema Definitions (XSD) • XSDs ensure that only valid data is sent to each client • Definitions are based on NAS and ETMS standards
XML Schema • There are five schemas used to describe and validate ASDI data • TFMS_XIS.xsd • ASDI.xsd • MessageMetaData.xsd • NasXCommonMessages.xsd • NasXCoreElements.xsd
XML Schema • The ASDI XSD uses inheritance of common message and data types • XSD namespaces are used to access inherited schema definitions • Each ASDI XML document contains a preamble followed by multiple ASDI messages • The preamble is included at the beginning of each ASDI XML document and lists the namespaces used to describe and validate the ASDI data
Support Provided by the FAA • If you have questions about the MOA or the annual audits, contact Judy Morrill at judy.morrill@faa.gov • If you have questions about VPN, XML, or operational issues, send an email to ASDI_Support@volpe.dot.gov Contact information revised 11/1/2007
Summary • The XML version of the ASDI server is coming. Get ready for it. • Changing over to XML will be a significant programming task. • Once everyone is switched to XML, it will be easier to introduce enhancements into the feed.