PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an open, local area network (LAN) that incorporates in-flight entertainment, cabin services, and satellite Internet subsystems onboard a mobile platform. SOLUTION: The local area network (LAN) includes at least one area distribution box (ADB) that performs open systems interconnections (OSI) layer-3 routing to provide access to the LAN. The ADB is further configured as at least one switching providing open OSI layer-2 connectivity to the LAN by a plurality of different subsystems of the platform using a common frequency band. The LAN also includes a plurality of seat electronics boxes (SEB) in communication with the ADB. Each SEB is configured to provide a virtual local area network (VLAN) mapped to a group of seats on the mobile platform corresponding to the SEB and to provide each seat with at least one protected OSI layer-2 port. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT