System for providing optimal satellite communication via a MEO/LEO satellite constellation

US6684056B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Motorola, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Thomas Peter Emmons, Jr. · Mesa, US
• Shawn W. Hogberg · Chandler, US
• Cynthia C. Matthews · Phoenix, US
• Michael D. Ince · Chandler, US
• Susan L. Harris · Mesa, US
• Robert Anthony Peters · Silver Spring, US
• James William Startup · Tempe, US
• Jonathan Gross · Gilbert, US
• John Richard Erlick · Scottsdale, US
• Allen H. ‘Skip’ Nelson · Phoenix, US
• Craig L. Fullerton · Chandler, US
• Jim E. Helm · Gilbert, US
• John G. Lambrou · Scottsdale, US
• David L. Krueger · Mesa, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 10, 2000
• Grant date: Jan 27, 2004
• Expiry date: Apr 10, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04B7/19
• WIPO field: Telecommunications
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method of increasing satellite communication quality by using a MEO satellite constellation (12) and a LEO satellite constellation (14) in combination with a decision algorithm which selects the appropriate constellation to route a communication signal through. The decision algorithm can be embodied in three ways: gateway based (18), individual subscriber unit based (22) and satellite based (12, 14). The MEO constellation (12) and LEO (14) constellation may be cross-linked, allowing for switching of service between satellites, as needed, during a communication session.