Method for maintaining datalink network throughput by delaying lower priority messages

A non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon for a method of maintaining datalink network throughput in a communications channel, the method comprising:

• generating one or more messages having a first priority;
• generating one or more messages having a second priority that is lower than the first priority;
• generating one or more messages having a third priority that is lower than the second priority;
• receiving periodic channel occupancy data from a radio on the ground or in the air;
• updating a channel occupancy status from the channel occupancy data;
• determining whether the channel occupancy has reached a first predetermined occupancy threshold;
• when the first predetermined occupancy threshold has been reached, transmitting the one or more messages having the first priority, and storing the one or more messages having the second priority and the third priority;
• when the first predetermined occupancy threshold has not been reached, determining whether the channel occupancy has reached a second predetermined occupancy threshold that is less than the first predetermined occupancy threshold;
• when the second predetermined occupancy threshold has been reached, transmitting one or more messages having the first priority and the second priority, and storing the one or more messages having the third priority;
• and
• when the second predetermined occupancy threshold has not been reached, transmitting the one or more messages having the first priority, the second priority, and the third priority.

An avionics and ground network system, comprising:

• at least one aircraft computer configured to perform a method comprising a readable medium having instructions stored thereon for maintaining datalink network throughput in a communications channel the method comprising:
• receiving periodic channel occupancy data from a radio;
• updating channel occupancy status from the channel occupancy data;
• determining whether the channel occupancy has reached a first predetermined occupancy threshold;
• when the first predetermined occupancy threshold has been reached, transmitting high priority messages, and storing medium and low priority messages;
• when the first predetermined occupancy threshold has not been reached, determining whether the channel occupancy has reached a second predetermined occupancy threshold that is less than the first predetermined occupancy threshold;
• when the second predetermined occupancy threshold has been reached, transmitting high and medium priority messages, and storing low priority messages;
• and
• when the second predetermined occupancy threshold has not been reached, transmitting messages of all priorities;
• and
• at least one ground station computer in operative communication with the at least one aircraft computer.