NETWORK-ACCESS SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
First Claim
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1. A satellite communications system, comprising:
- a first microwave radiator configured to direct microwave signals to a first earth-based gateway antenna system, the microwave signals carrying communications data from a first user terminal located in a spot beam coverage region;
a first signal splitter configured to collect at least a portion of communications data from the first user terminal;
a second microwave radiator configured to direct microwave signals to a second earth-based gateway antenna system, the microwave signals carrying communications data from a second user terminal;
a second splitter configured to collect at least a portion of communications data from the second user terminal;
a third microwave radiator configured to direct microwave signals to a third earth-based gateway antenna system; and
a first selector configured to selectively couple the third microwave radiator to a selected one of the first and second splitters, such that the microwave signals directed by the third microwave radiator carry communications data collected from the selected one of the first and second splitters.
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Abstract
According to one embodiment, a method for use in managing satellite communications includes: receiving, at a first earth-based gateway antenna system, one or more microwave communication signals from a substantially geostationary satellite; monitoring for a performance change in at least one signal from the satellite; and, in response to detecting a performance change in the at least one signal, transmitting instructions to the satellite to transmit at least a portion of the one or more microwave communication signals to a second earth-based gateway antenna system.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A satellite communications system, comprising:
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a first microwave radiator configured to direct microwave signals to a first earth-based gateway antenna system, the microwave signals carrying communications data from a first user terminal located in a spot beam coverage region; a first signal splitter configured to collect at least a portion of communications data from the first user terminal; a second microwave radiator configured to direct microwave signals to a second earth-based gateway antenna system, the microwave signals carrying communications data from a second user terminal; a second splitter configured to collect at least a portion of communications data from the second user terminal; a third microwave radiator configured to direct microwave signals to a third earth-based gateway antenna system; and a first selector configured to selectively couple the third microwave radiator to a selected one of the first and second splitters, such that the microwave signals directed by the third microwave radiator carry communications data collected from the selected one of the first and second splitters. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A satellite communications system, comprising:
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a first feed horn configured to direct microwave signals to a first earth-based gateway antenna system, the microwave signals carrying communications data from a first user terminal located in a spot beam coverage region; a first directional coupler configured to collect at least a portion of communications data from the first user terminal; a second feed horn configured to direct microwave signals to a second earth-based gateway antenna system, the microwave signals carrying communications data from a second user terminal; a second directional coupler configured to collect at least a portion of communications data from the second user terminal; a third feed horn configured to direct microwave signals to a third earth-based gateway antenna system; and a first switch configured to selectively couple the third feed horn to a selected one of the first and second directional couplers, such that the microwave signals directed by the third feed horn carry communications data collected from the selected one of the first and second directional couplers.
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8. A method of mitigating microwave signal propagation loss for satellite communications, comprising:
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transmitting a first microwave signal from a satellite to a first earth-based gateway antenna system, using a first microwave radiator, the microwave signals carrying communications data from an earth-based user terminal; detecting propagation loss in at least one signal between the satellite and the first earth-based gateway antenna system; and transmitting a second microwave signal from the satellite to a second earth-based gateway antenna, using a second microwave radiator, the second microwave signal carrying communications data from the earth-based user terminal. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for use in managing satellite communications, comprising:
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receiving, at a first earth-based gateway antenna system, one or more microwave communication signals from a substantially geostationary satellite; monitoring for a performance change in at least one signal from the satellite; and in response to detecting a performance change in the at least one signal, transmitting instructions to the satellite to transmit at least a portion of the one or more microwave communication signals to a second earth-based gateway antenna system. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for use in managing satellite communication signal traffic, comprising:
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monitoring, at a satellite, a signal from a first earth-based gateway antenna system; and in response to detecting a performance change in the monitored signal, transmitting one or more microwave communication signals from the satellite to a second earth-based gateway antenna system. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification