Modular controlled networking system for aircraft inflight entertainment, communication and cabin management

A modular networking system for supplying data and aircraft power to an inflight entertainment, communication or cabin management device within an aircraft of the type having a passenger cabin, a cockpit, an aircraft power source, and an avionics system supplying control data, comprising:

• at least one universal module package for placement within the passenger cabin;
• an Ethernet switch disposed within the universal module package, the Ethernet switch having a processor programmed to support deterministic networking and further having at least one port adapted to attach to an inflight entertainment, communication or cabin management device;
• a power converter circuit disposed within the universal module package, the power converter circuit being adapted for coupling to receive aircraft power from the aircraft power source, the power converter circuit supplying output power at a current flow type and voltage corresponding to the power requirements of an attached inflight entertainment, communication or cabin management device;
• a power injector circuit disposed within the universal module package, the power injector circuit being coupled to the power converter circuit and to the Ethernet switch to supply power to an inflight entertainment, communication or cabin management device;
• a circuit switch disposed within the universal module package, operable to selectively admit or inhibit supply of power through the port to the attached inflight entertainment, communication or cabin management device;
• and
• a microcontroller disposed within the universal module package, the microcontroller being adapted to receive control data from the avionics system, and being further coupled to the circuit switch and programmed to operate the circuit switch to selectively admit or inhibit supply of power through the port to the attached inflight entertainment, communication or cabin management device in response to the received control data.