Method for performing rapid handoffs in a wireless communication system using virtual connections
US6662011B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W84/06
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for efficiently and rapidly handing off a subscriber link from a first satellite (14) to a second satellite (12) in a satellite communications system (10) uses a virtual connection (44) between the first satellite (14) and a subscriber (18) through the second satellite (12). The virtual connection (44) is established soon after a handoff decision has been made. All signals subsequently received by the first satellite (14) for direct transmission to the subscriber (18) are then automatically transferred to the subscriber (18) through the virtual connection (44). The virtual connection (44) is terminated after a “call rerouted” signal has been received from a remote gateway (20).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.