Techniques for in-flight connectivity
US9490891B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 6, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W84/06
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A hybrid in-flight communications system integrates aircraft communications systems and traffic management of the aircraft air-to-ground communications and satellite communications to provide gate-to-gate connectivity to users on an aircraft. A technique for providing users with in-flight connectivity includes a first modem configured to process signals communicated with a non-terrestrial relay point. The apparatus includes a second modem configured to process signals communicated with a terrestrial relay point. The apparatus includes a wireless local area access node configured to communicate with user equipment on the aircraft and a small cell access node configured to communicate with user equipment on the aircraft. The apparatus includes a controller configured to manage first data streams between the small cell access node and the first modem and the second modem. The controller is configured to manage second data streams between the wireless local area access node and the first modem and the second modem. The apparatus may include avionics equipment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.