The Boeing 787 is a fantastic aircraft with versions capable of seating up to 300 passengers with a range of up to 8,200 nautical miles. This aircraft is full of technology including a composite material skin, a fiber optic data bus for networking, and a high tech in-flight entertainment system (IFE). During the certification process the FAA issued a special condition that required Boeing to prove the aircraft's common network was secure against hacker intrusion.
Some industry analysts have pointed out that the only reason for this special condition is because the technology used on the aircraft are beyond definitions and concepts contained within current certification rules.
Article:FAA Responds to Boeing Security Story
Question: What benefits are derived from the using a common network for all onboard systems? Comment on the security concern. Why was an FAA Special Condition issued? How did Boeing address the situation?