Scalable satellite data communication system that provides incremental global broadband service using earth-fixed cells
US6850732B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B7/18578
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A scalable satellite data communication system that provides incremental global broadband services using Earth-fixed cells may begin with a limited satellite deployment that initially serves a limited number of Earth-fixed cells. The system has the flexibility to incrementally increase the number of Earth-fixed cells that are served, with minimal constraints on the relative locations of the cells on the Earth, by adding satellites of potentially greater complexity to the system. Backward compatibility with existing user terminals is achieved by maintaining the same satellite communication interface as with the already-deployed satellite constellation. Continuous and/or non-continuous service may be provided to selected Earth-fixed cells. Scheduled non-continuous service is particularly advantageous for bulk data transport services. Satellites may use simple mechanically-steered antennas. Communication links may be handed from one satellite to another when one satellite moves out of range and is no longer able to cover a selected Earth-fixed cell.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.