Broadband communication system for mobile users in a satellite-based network

• US 20040157554A1
• Filed: 02/03/2004
• Published: 08/12/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Wesel, Ellen K.
• Granted Patent: US 7,324,056 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/12.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18521 Systems of inter linked satellites, i.e. inter satellite service for optical links between satellites H04B10/118
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18578 Satellite systems for providing broadband data service to individual earth stations for selecting H04W; provisions for broadband connection, H04Q11/0478
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/195 Non-synchronous stations

Abstract

A satellite-based communications system operating at high data rates includes a plurality of satellites each having uplink and downlink antennas for transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals utilizing a plurality of spot beams to and from a plurality of coverage areas at a predetermined range of frequencies. The system can include, or be combined with, other systems to enable increased capacity over high population areas and ubiquitous coverage over lower population areas. A portable antenna assembly can be coupled to a user'"'"'s portable or mobile electronic device for coupling the electronic device directly to a satellite. A routing switch provides routing and switching on-board the satellite and routes signals according to their desired destination.

Claims

1. A satellite system operating over a land mass comprising:

a first satellite generating a first plurality of spot beams directed at said land mass, said first set of spot beams partially covering said land mass;

a second satellite generating a second plurality of spot beams;

said first plurality of spot beams and said second plurality of spot beams in combination provide substantially ubiquitous coverage over the land mass.

2. A satellite system as recited in claim 1 wherein said first satellite and said second satellite are selected from the group consisting of a MEO, a GEO, and an IGSO.

3. A satellite system as recited in claim 1 wherein said spot beams are V band.

4. A satellite system as recited in claim 1 wherein said spot beams are K band.

5. A satellite system as recited in claim 1 wherein said first plurality of spot beams comprise a plurality of reconfigurable spot beams.

6. A satellite system as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of reconfigurable spot beams comprises a first spot beam directed at a first area and a second spot beam directed substantially to said first area.

7. A satellite system as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of spot beams having a plurality of beam portions.

8. A satellite system as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one of said plurality of beam portions being independently adjustable in response to a condition.

9. A satellite system as recited in claim 8 wherein said condition is rain.

10. A satellite system as recited in claim 8 wherein said condition is heavy traffic routed through said satellite.

11. A portable antenna assembly for communicating with a satellite comprising:

a connector;

a transmission wire coupled to said connector; and

an antenna element coupled to said transmission wire, said antenna element sending and receiving signals from said satellite.

12. A portable antenna assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said antenna element comprises a parabolic dish.

13. A portable antenna assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said antenna element comprises a phased array.

14. A portable antenna assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said antenna element generates a mechanically steered electronically shaped beam.

15. A portable antenna assembly as recited in claim 11 further comprising a motor coupled to said antenna element.

16. A portable antenna assembly as recited in claim 15 further comprising an antenna controller coupled to said motor for controlling a position of said antenna element through said motor.

17. A system for communicating with a satellite comprising:

an electronic device having a communications port; and

a portable satellite antenna coupled to said communications port for coupling said electronic device directly to a satellite.

18. A system as recited in claim 17 wherein said electronic device has an antenna controller coupled to said electronic device.

19. A system as recited in claim 17 wherein said electronic device comprises a laptop computer.

20. A system as recited in claim 17 wherein said electronic device comprises a computer in an automotive vehicle.

21. A system as recited in claim 19 wherein said automotive vehicle is one from the group consisting of an airplane, a car, a boat, and a train.

22. A switch for use in a satellite system comprising:

a receiver for receiving a signal from a beam of a signal source;

a beam router;

a controller coupled to said receiver, said controller directing the signal to said beam router, said controller controlling the operation of the beam router; and

a bent pipe repeater coupled to said router, said bent pipe repeater directing the signal back to the beam; and

a digital packet switch coupled to said controller to direct the signal to a second beam.

23. A switch as recited in claim 22 wherein said signal source is a terrestrial system.

24. A switch as recited in claim 22 wherein said signal source is another satellite.

25. A switch as recited in claim 22 wherein said digital packet switch comprises a demodulator.

26. A switch as recited in claim 22 wherein said digital packet switch comprises an instruction reader for reading an instruction.

27. A switch as recited in claim 22 further comprising a look up table, said look-up table providing a routing instruction to said controller.

28. A switch as recited in claim 22 wherein said digital packet switch comprises a beam router for routing the beam.

29. A switch as recited in claim 22 wherein said digital packet switch comprises a remodulator.

30. A switch as recited in claim 22 wherein said bent pipe comprises a carrier frequency shifter.