diff --git a/Cargo.lock b/Cargo.lock
index 1ccfc1f..940aff6 100644
--- a/Cargo.lock
+++ b/Cargo.lock
@@ -1700,6 +1700,14 @@ version = "2.9.0"
 source = "registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index"
 checksum = "2a2330da5de22e8a3cb63252ce2abb30116bf5265e89c0e01bc17015ce30a476"
 
+[[package]]
+name = "datalink"
+version = "0.1.0"
+dependencies = [
+ "serde",
+ "thiserror 1.0.69",
+]
+
 [[package]]
 name = "derive_more"
 version = "1.0.0"
@@ -3934,6 +3942,7 @@ version = "0.1.0"
 dependencies = [
  "bevy",
  "components",
+ "datalink",
  "rand 0.8.5",
 ]
 
diff --git a/Cargo.toml b/Cargo.toml
index 25adc3c..832e33e 100644
--- a/Cargo.toml
+++ b/Cargo.toml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 [workspace]
-members = ["crates/yachtpit", "crates/yachtpit/mobile", "crates/systems", "crates/components"]
+members = ["crates/yachtpit", "crates/yachtpit/mobile", "crates/systems", "crates/components", "crates/datalink"]
 resolver = "2"
 
 default-members = [
diff --git a/crates/datalink/Cargo.toml b/crates/datalink/Cargo.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..89a745b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/datalink/Cargo.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+[package]
+name = "datalink"
+version = "0.1.0"
+edition = "2021"
+
+[dependencies]
+serde = { version = "1.0", features = ["derive"] }
+thiserror = "1.0"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/crates/datalink/src/lib.rs b/crates/datalink/src/lib.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b500252
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/datalink/src/lib.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,376 @@
+//! Virtual Data-Link Abstraction
+//! 
+//! This crate provides a common abstraction for data communication links
+//! that can be used by various vessel systems like AIS, GPS, Radar, etc.
+//! 
+//! The abstraction allows systems to receive and transmit data through
+//! different transport mechanisms (serial, network, simulation, etc.)
+//! without being tightly coupled to the specific implementation.
+
+use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
+use std::collections::HashMap;
+use std::time::{Duration, SystemTime};
+use thiserror::Error;
+
+/// Errors that can occur in the data-link layer
+#[derive(Error, Debug)]
+pub enum DataLinkError {
+    #[error("Connection failed: {0}")]
+    ConnectionFailed(String),
+    #[error("Data parsing error: {0}")]
+    ParseError(String),
+    #[error("Timeout occurred")]
+    Timeout,
+    #[error("Invalid configuration: {0}")]
+    InvalidConfig(String),
+    #[error("Transport error: {0}")]
+    TransportError(String),
+}
+
+/// Result type for data-link operations
+pub type DataLinkResult<T> = Result<T, DataLinkError>;
+
+/// Represents a generic data message that can be transmitted over the data-link
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+pub struct DataMessage {
+    /// Unique identifier for the message type
+    pub message_type: String,
+    /// Source identifier (e.g., MMSI for AIS, device ID for GPS)
+    pub source_id: String,
+    /// Timestamp when the message was created/received
+    pub timestamp: SystemTime,
+    /// Raw message payload
+    pub payload: Vec<u8>,
+    /// Parsed message data as key-value pairs
+    pub data: HashMap<String, String>,
+    /// Signal strength or quality indicator (0-100)
+    pub signal_quality: Option<u8>,
+}
+
+impl DataMessage {
+    /// Create a new data message
+    pub fn new(message_type: String, source_id: String, payload: Vec<u8>) -> Self {
+        Self {
+            message_type,
+            source_id,
+            timestamp: SystemTime::now(),
+            payload,
+            data: HashMap::new(),
+            signal_quality: None,
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Add parsed data to the message
+    pub fn with_data(mut self, key: String, value: String) -> Self {
+        self.data.insert(key, value);
+        self
+    }
+
+    /// Set signal quality
+    pub fn with_signal_quality(mut self, quality: u8) -> Self {
+        self.signal_quality = Some(quality.min(100));
+        self
+    }
+
+    /// Get a data value by key
+    pub fn get_data(&self, key: &str) -> Option<&String> {
+        self.data.get(key)
+    }
+}
+
+/// Configuration for a data-link connection
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+pub struct DataLinkConfig {
+    /// Connection type (e.g., "serial", "tcp", "udp", "simulation")
+    pub connection_type: String,
+    /// Connection parameters (port, baud rate, IP address, etc.)
+    pub parameters: HashMap<String, String>,
+    /// Timeout for operations
+    pub timeout: Duration,
+    /// Whether to auto-reconnect on failure
+    pub auto_reconnect: bool,
+}
+
+impl DataLinkConfig {
+    /// Create a new configuration
+    pub fn new(connection_type: String) -> Self {
+        Self {
+            connection_type,
+            parameters: HashMap::new(),
+            timeout: Duration::from_secs(5),
+            auto_reconnect: true,
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Add a parameter to the configuration
+    pub fn with_parameter(mut self, key: String, value: String) -> Self {
+        self.parameters.insert(key, value);
+        self
+    }
+
+    /// Set timeout
+    pub fn with_timeout(mut self, timeout: Duration) -> Self {
+        self.timeout = timeout;
+        self
+    }
+}
+
+/// Status of a data-link connection
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq)]
+pub enum DataLinkStatus {
+    /// Connection is active and receiving data
+    Connected,
+    /// Connection is being established
+    Connecting,
+    /// Connection is disconnected
+    Disconnected,
+    /// Connection has an error
+    Error(String),
+}
+
+/// Trait for data-link receivers that can receive messages
+pub trait DataLinkReceiver: Send + Sync {
+    /// Get the current status of the data-link
+    fn status(&self) -> DataLinkStatus;
+
+    /// Receive the next available message, if any
+    fn receive_message(&mut self) -> DataLinkResult<Option<DataMessage>>;
+
+    /// Receive all available messages
+    fn receive_all_messages(&mut self) -> DataLinkResult<Vec<DataMessage>> {
+        let mut messages = Vec::new();
+        while let Some(message) = self.receive_message()? {
+            messages.push(message);
+        }
+        Ok(messages)
+    }
+
+    /// Connect to the data source
+    fn connect(&mut self, config: &DataLinkConfig) -> DataLinkResult<()>;
+
+    /// Disconnect from the data source
+    fn disconnect(&mut self) -> DataLinkResult<()>;
+
+    /// Check if the connection is active
+    fn is_connected(&self) -> bool {
+        matches!(self.status(), DataLinkStatus::Connected)
+    }
+}
+
+/// Trait for data-link transmitters that can send messages
+pub trait DataLinkTransmitter: Send + Sync {
+    /// Get the current status of the data-link
+    fn status(&self) -> DataLinkStatus;
+
+    /// Send a message through the data-link
+    fn send_message(&mut self, message: &DataMessage) -> DataLinkResult<()>;
+
+    /// Connect to the data destination
+    fn connect(&mut self, config: &DataLinkConfig) -> DataLinkResult<()>;
+
+    /// Disconnect from the data destination
+    fn disconnect(&mut self) -> DataLinkResult<()>;
+
+    /// Check if the connection is active
+    fn is_connected(&self) -> bool {
+        matches!(self.status(), DataLinkStatus::Connected)
+    }
+}
+
+/// Combined trait for bidirectional data-links
+pub trait DataLink: DataLinkReceiver + DataLinkTransmitter {}
+
+/// Automatic implementation for types that implement both receiver and transmitter
+impl<T> DataLink for T where T: DataLinkReceiver + DataLinkTransmitter {}
+
+/// A simulation data-link for testing and demonstration purposes
+pub struct SimulationDataLink {
+    status: DataLinkStatus,
+    config: Option<DataLinkConfig>,
+    message_queue: Vec<DataMessage>,
+}
+
+impl SimulationDataLink {
+    /// Create a new simulation data-link
+    pub fn new() -> Self {
+        Self {
+            status: DataLinkStatus::Disconnected,
+            config: None,
+            message_queue: Vec::new(),
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Add a simulated message to the queue
+    pub fn add_simulated_message(&mut self, message: DataMessage) {
+        self.message_queue.push(message);
+    }
+
+    /// Generate sample AIS messages for testing
+    pub fn generate_sample_ais_messages(&mut self) {
+        let messages = vec![
+            DataMessage::new(
+                "AIS_POSITION".to_string(),
+                "987654321".to_string(),
+                b"!AIVDM,1,1,,A,15M8J7001G?UJH@E=4R0S>0@0<0M,0*7B".to_vec(),
+            )
+            .with_data("vessel_name".to_string(), "M/Y SERENITY".to_string())
+            .with_data("mmsi".to_string(), "987654321".to_string())
+            .with_data("latitude".to_string(), "37.7749".to_string())
+            .with_data("longitude".to_string(), "-122.4194".to_string())
+            .with_data("speed".to_string(), "12.5".to_string())
+            .with_data("course".to_string(), "180".to_string())
+            .with_signal_quality(85),
+
+            DataMessage::new(
+                "AIS_POSITION".to_string(),
+                "456789123".to_string(),
+                b"!AIVDM,1,1,,A,15M8J7001G?UJH@E=4R0S>0@0<0M,0*7B".to_vec(),
+            )
+            .with_data("vessel_name".to_string(), "CARGO VESSEL ATLANTIS".to_string())
+            .with_data("mmsi".to_string(), "456789123".to_string())
+            .with_data("latitude".to_string(), "37.7849".to_string())
+            .with_data("longitude".to_string(), "-122.4094".to_string())
+            .with_data("speed".to_string(), "18.2".to_string())
+            .with_data("course".to_string(), "090".to_string())
+            .with_signal_quality(92),
+
+            DataMessage::new(
+                "AIS_POSITION".to_string(),
+                "789123456".to_string(),
+                b"!AIVDM,1,1,,A,15M8J7001G?UJH@E=4R0S>0@0M,0*7B".to_vec(),
+            )
+            .with_data("vessel_name".to_string(), "S/Y WIND DANCER".to_string())
+            .with_data("mmsi".to_string(), "789123456".to_string())
+            .with_data("latitude".to_string(), "37.7649".to_string())
+            .with_data("longitude".to_string(), "-122.4294".to_string())
+            .with_data("speed".to_string(), "6.8".to_string())
+            .with_data("course".to_string(), "225".to_string())
+            .with_signal_quality(78),
+        ];
+
+        for message in messages {
+            self.message_queue.push(message);
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+impl Default for SimulationDataLink {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Self::new()
+    }
+}
+
+impl DataLinkReceiver for SimulationDataLink {
+    fn status(&self) -> DataLinkStatus {
+        self.status.clone()
+    }
+
+    fn receive_message(&mut self) -> DataLinkResult<Option<DataMessage>> {
+        if matches!(self.status, DataLinkStatus::Connected) && !self.message_queue.is_empty() {
+            Ok(Some(self.message_queue.remove(0)))
+        } else {
+            Ok(None)
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn connect(&mut self, config: &DataLinkConfig) -> DataLinkResult<()> {
+        if config.connection_type == "simulation" {
+            self.config = Some(config.clone());
+            self.status = DataLinkStatus::Connected;
+            // Generate some sample messages when connecting
+            self.generate_sample_ais_messages();
+            Ok(())
+        } else {
+            Err(DataLinkError::InvalidConfig(
+                "SimulationDataLink only supports 'simulation' connection type".to_string(),
+            ))
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn disconnect(&mut self) -> DataLinkResult<()> {
+        self.status = DataLinkStatus::Disconnected;
+        self.config = None;
+        self.message_queue.clear();
+        Ok(())
+    }
+}
+
+impl DataLinkTransmitter for SimulationDataLink {
+    fn status(&self) -> DataLinkStatus {
+        // Delegate to the receiver implementation
+        <Self as DataLinkReceiver>::status(self)
+    }
+
+    fn send_message(&mut self, _message: &DataMessage) -> DataLinkResult<()> {
+        if <Self as DataLinkReceiver>::is_connected(self) {
+            // In simulation mode, we just acknowledge the send
+            Ok(())
+        } else {
+            Err(DataLinkError::ConnectionFailed(
+                "Not connected".to_string(),
+            ))
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn connect(&mut self, config: &DataLinkConfig) -> DataLinkResult<()> {
+        <Self as DataLinkReceiver>::connect(self, config)
+    }
+
+    fn disconnect(&mut self) -> DataLinkResult<()> {
+        <Self as DataLinkReceiver>::disconnect(self)
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_data_message_creation() {
+        let message = DataMessage::new(
+            "TEST".to_string(),
+            "123".to_string(),
+            b"test payload".to_vec(),
+        )
+        .with_data("key1".to_string(), "value1".to_string())
+        .with_signal_quality(75);
+
+        assert_eq!(message.message_type, "TEST");
+        assert_eq!(message.source_id, "123");
+        assert_eq!(message.get_data("key1"), Some(&"value1".to_string()));
+        assert_eq!(message.signal_quality, Some(75));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_simulation_datalink() {
+        let mut datalink = SimulationDataLink::new();
+        let config = DataLinkConfig::new("simulation".to_string());
+
+        assert_eq!(<SimulationDataLink as DataLinkReceiver>::status(&datalink), DataLinkStatus::Disconnected);
+        assert!(!<SimulationDataLink as DataLinkReceiver>::is_connected(&datalink));
+
+        <SimulationDataLink as DataLinkReceiver>::connect(&mut datalink, &config).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(<SimulationDataLink as DataLinkReceiver>::status(&datalink), DataLinkStatus::Connected);
+        assert!(<SimulationDataLink as DataLinkReceiver>::is_connected(&datalink));
+
+        // Should have sample messages after connecting
+        let messages = <SimulationDataLink as DataLinkReceiver>::receive_all_messages(&mut datalink).unwrap();
+        assert!(!messages.is_empty());
+        assert!(messages.iter().any(|m| m.message_type == "AIS_POSITION"));
+
+        <SimulationDataLink as DataLinkReceiver>::disconnect(&mut datalink).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(<SimulationDataLink as DataLinkReceiver>::status(&datalink), DataLinkStatus::Disconnected);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_datalink_config() {
+        let config = DataLinkConfig::new("tcp".to_string())
+            .with_parameter("host".to_string(), "localhost".to_string())
+            .with_parameter("port".to_string(), "4001".to_string())
+            .with_timeout(Duration::from_secs(10));
+
+        assert_eq!(config.connection_type, "tcp");
+        assert_eq!(config.parameters.get("host"), Some(&"localhost".to_string()));
+        assert_eq!(config.timeout, Duration::from_secs(10));
+    }
+}
diff --git a/crates/systems/Cargo.toml b/crates/systems/Cargo.toml
index fff363c..556f5de 100644
--- a/crates/systems/Cargo.toml
+++ b/crates/systems/Cargo.toml
@@ -17,3 +17,4 @@ bevy = { workspace = true, features = [
 ] }
 rand = { version = "0.8.3" }
 components = { path = "../components" }
+datalink = { path = "../datalink" }
diff --git a/crates/systems/src/ais/ais_system.rs b/crates/systems/src/ais/ais_system.rs
index 382933c..0512469 100644
--- a/crates/systems/src/ais/ais_system.rs
+++ b/crates/systems/src/ais/ais_system.rs
@@ -1,20 +1,34 @@
 use bevy::prelude::Time;
 use components::VesselData;
 use crate::{SystemInteraction, SystemStatus, VesselSystem};
+use datalink::{DataLink, DataLinkConfig, DataLinkReceiver, DataMessage, SimulationDataLink};
+use std::collections::HashMap;
 
 /// AIS (Automatic Identification System) implementation
 pub struct AisSystem {
     status: SystemStatus,
     own_mmsi: u32,
     receiving: bool,
+    datalink: SimulationDataLink,
+    vessel_data: HashMap<String, DataMessage>,
 }
 
 impl AisSystem {
     pub fn new() -> Self {
+        let mut datalink = SimulationDataLink::new();
+        let config = DataLinkConfig::new("simulation".to_string());
+
+        // Connect to the simulation datalink
+        if let Err(e) = datalink.connect(&config) {
+            eprintln!("Failed to connect AIS datalink: {}", e);
+        }
+
         Self {
             status: SystemStatus::Active,
             own_mmsi: 123456789,
             receiving: true,
+            datalink,
+            vessel_data: HashMap::new(),
         }
     }
 }
@@ -29,38 +43,72 @@ impl VesselSystem for AisSystem {
     }
 
     fn update(&mut self, _yacht_data: &VesselData, _time: &Time) {
-        // AIS system is relatively static, but we could simulate
-        // vessel movements or signal strength variations here
+        // Receive new AIS messages from the datalink
+        if self.receiving && self.datalink.is_connected() {
+            if let Ok(messages) = self.datalink.receive_all_messages() {
+                for message in messages {
+                    if message.message_type == "AIS_POSITION" {
+                        // Store vessel data by MMSI
+                        if let Some(mmsi) = message.get_data("mmsi") {
+                            self.vessel_data.insert(mmsi.clone(), message);
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
     }
 
     fn render_display(&self, _yacht_data: &VesselData) -> String {
-        format!(
+        let mut display = format!(
             "AIS - AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM\n\n\
             Status: {}\n\
             Own Ship MMSI: {}\n\
+            Datalink: {}\n\
             \n\
-            NEARBY VESSELS:\n\
-            \n\
-            🛥️ M/Y SERENITY\n\
-            MMSI: 987654321\n\
-            Distance: 2.1 NM @ 045°\n\
-            Speed: 12.5 kts\n\
-            Course: 180°\n\
-            \n\
-            🚢 CARGO VESSEL ATLANTIS\n\
-            MMSI: 456789123\n\
-            Distance: 5.8 NM @ 270°\n\
-            Speed: 18.2 kts\n\
-            Course: 090°\n\
-            \n\
-            ⛵ S/Y WIND DANCER\n\
-            MMSI: 789123456\n\
-            Distance: 1.3 NM @ 135°\n\
-            Speed: 6.8 kts\n\
-            Course: 225°",
+            NEARBY VESSELS:\n",
             if self.receiving { "RECEIVING" } else { "STANDBY" },
-            self.own_mmsi
-        )
+            self.own_mmsi,
+            if self.datalink.is_connected() { "CONNECTED" } else { "DISCONNECTED" }
+        );
+
+        if self.vessel_data.is_empty() {
+            display.push_str("\nNo vessels detected");
+        } else {
+            for (mmsi, message) in &self.vessel_data {
+                let vessel_name = message.get_data("vessel_name").unwrap_or(mmsi);
+                let speed = message.get_data("speed").map(|s| s.as_str()).unwrap_or("N/A");
+                let course = message.get_data("course").map(|s| s.as_str()).unwrap_or("N/A");
+                let lat = message.get_data("latitude").map(|s| s.as_str()).unwrap_or("N/A");
+                let lon = message.get_data("longitude").map(|s| s.as_str()).unwrap_or("N/A");
+
+                // Determine vessel icon based on name
+                let icon = if vessel_name.contains("M/Y") || vessel_name.contains("YACHT") {
+                    "🛥️"
+                } else if vessel_name.contains("CARGO") || vessel_name.contains("SHIP") {
+                    "🚢"
+                } else if vessel_name.contains("S/Y") || vessel_name.contains("SAIL") {
+                    "⛵"
+                } else {
+                    "🚤"
+                };
+
+                display.push_str(&format!(
+                    "\n{} {}\n\
+                    MMSI: {}\n\
+                    Position: {}°N, {}°W\n\
+                    Speed: {} kts\n\
+                    Course: {}°\n",
+                    icon, vessel_name, mmsi, lat, lon, speed, course
+                ));
+
+                if let Some(quality) = message.signal_quality {
+                    display.push_str(&format!("Signal: {}%\n", quality));
+                }
+                display.push('\n');
+            }
+        }
+
+        display
     }
 
     fn handle_interaction(&mut self, interaction: SystemInteraction) -> bool {
@@ -104,4 +152,4 @@ impl VesselSystem for AisSystem {
     fn status(&self) -> SystemStatus {
         self.status.clone()
     }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}