摘要:
A narrowband communication system provides wideband data services in a secondary service band. This limits the impact on primary services in peak traffic regions in that the primary service band is not required to download wideband data from a communication node (e.g., a satellite) to a mobile terminal. The narrowband communication system implements a handoff protocol (400) that rate negotiates a channel bandwidth of an active connection (404) to the amount of channels that are available in a new cell. The narrowband communication system preempts (414) lower priority subscribers when a higher priority (408) high-speed data terminal requires access to the system and a requested channel assignment is not available (412). The complexity of a high-speed data terminal communication chipset is reduced by a receiver design that minimizes the range of frequencies that are required to be demodulated.
摘要:
In a satellite communication system (10), a subscriber unit (26) is assigned a communication channel (17). The channel is used in the present cell (54) as well as subsequent cells (54) as the cells move relative to the earth. The channel is assigned using a cost function which includes a distance factor and an isolation factor. The distance factor which is based on a geographic distance between the nearest use of an interfering channel and the subscriber unit's cell. The isolation factor includes an interference potential between two channels. As a result of this channel assignment process, channels become associated with the geographic location of the subscriber unit. Accordingly, subscriber unit communications on the same satellite are handed-off between cells using the same channel making hand-offs invisible to the subscriber unit (26). When a hand-off is needed to another satellite, the same channel may also be used, or a new channel assigned using the cost function.
摘要:
A subscriber unit (26) contains location data that expires after predetermined time periods that are based on the subscriber's mobility. When the location data has not expired, the subscriber unit requests access (108) to a satellite communication system (10) by providing location data within an access request message. The communication system performs a quick check (214) to validate the location data. Accordingly, time-consuming geo-location procedures are avoided when a call is initiated or being received. When the location data has expired, the subscriber unit requests access (110) without providing location data within the access request message. The communication system performs a complete geolocation procedure (210) to determine valid location data for the subscriber unit. The location data is sent (211) to the subscriber unit and time stamped (113).
摘要:
A plurality of orbiting satellites (102-112), each comprised of an onboard computer (142). Each of the orbiting satellites and a plurality of ground-based computers (114-124) are utilized to perform delay-insensitive functions associated with the orbiting satellites. An ubiquitous data link (128-138) is maintained between each satellite and one or more of the ground-based computers. The integrated system is configured to allow a satellite to generate a remote procedure call (RPC), transmit the RPC to a ground-based computer, whereupon the ground-based computer processes the RPC and transmits a response back to the satellite. Delay-sensitive tasks and functions are performed by the computer onboard the satellite; delay-insensitive tasks are advantageously performed by the ground-based computer assets.
摘要:
A communication system is established for providing dual-coverage areas using communication satellites, one or more terrestrial stations and one or more dual-coverage subscriber units (DCSU). The communication system determines when and where to establish dual-coverage areas. Dual-coverage areas are provided using separate beams from two or more satellites. The satellites can be located in a variety of orbits around the earth. DCSUs receive signals and process data from at least two satellites at one time. DCSUs can also transmit signals to at least two satellites at one time. Data packets which are missing from one channel are replaced by data packets on another channel. Path delays are compensated for on the transmit side to minimize processing requirements on the receive side.