Scalable On-Board Open Data Network Architecture

An embodiment of an open data network system facilitates communication between applications related to operation of a vehicle, such as an aircraft, and re-use of components in different systems and implementations. A switch/router communicates data between on-board systems. A server communicates with the switch/router and provides at least one of processing services and storage services to the on-board systems via the switch/router. A network manager communicates with the switch/router to direct the switch/router in selectively allowing access between the on-board systems. In other embodiments, an avionics interface unit communicates with the switch/router and enable communications between at least one avionics system and at least one of the on-board systems. Other embodiments selectively enable on-board systems to communicate with a ground-based network to provide communications between the aircraft and a stakeholder in the operation of the aircraft while isolating flight-critical avionics and flight communications systems from the open data network.