Communication management unit server capability

An aircraft communication system, the system comprising:

• a communication unit configured to provide communications to and from the aircraft;
• at least one first avionic device located on the aircraft comprising a flight management computer (FMC), an Aircraft Condition Monitoring system (ACMS), a Cabin Terminal, or a printer and in communication with the communication unit via a wired ARINC 429 connection using a first communication format;
• at least one second avionic device located on the aircraft and in communication with the communication unit via a wired Ethernet connection using a second communication format;
• and
• wherein the communication unit is configured to interface communications between devices in at least one of the following manners:
• from the at least one first avionic device to the at least one second avionic device;
• and
• from the at least one second avionic device to the at least one first avionic device.

A method of operating a communication unit in an aircraft, the method comprising:

• performing communication functions to and from the aircraft;
• and
• interfacing communications between devices in at least one of the following manners:
• from a first avionic device comprising a flight management computer (FMC), an Aircraft Condition Monitoring system (ACMS), a Cabin Terminal, or a printer, the first avionic device located on the aircraft and coupled to the communication unit via a wired ARINC 429 connection using a first communication format, to a second avionic device located on the aircraft and coupled to the communication unit via a wired Ethernet connection using a second communication format;
• and
• from the second avionic device to the first avionic device.