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Satellite system utilizing a plurality of air interface standards and method employing same

  • US 6,052,560 A
  • Filed: 10/15/1997
  • Issued: 04/18/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/15/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. In a satellite communications system having at least one satellite, at least one earth station, and a multiplicity of mobile terminals, said mobile terminals being at least dual mode, a first of said modes being a terrestrially-based mode and the second of said modes being a satellite-based mode, circuitry within said satellite communication system for supporting communication between said satellite, said earth station and said mobile terminals, said circuitry comprising:

  • a first air interface between a first plurality of said mobile terminals and at least one first cellular base station, said first air interface operable within said first plurality of mobile terminals when said first plurality of mobile terminals operate in said terrestrially-based mode;

    a second air interface between said first plurality of mobile terminals and said at least one satellite, said second air interface operable within said first plurality of mobile terminals when said first plurality of mobile terminals operate in said satellite-based mode, said second air interface having a correspondence with said first air interface, said first and second air interfaces constituting a first communication class for said first plurality of said mobile terminals;

    a third air interface between a second plurality of said mobile terminals and at least one second cellular base station, said third air interface operable within said second plurality of mobile terminals when said second plurality of mobile terminals operate in said terrestrially-based mode; and

    a fourth air interface between said second plurality of mobile terminals and said at least one satellite, said fourth interface operable within said second plurality of mobile terminals when said second plurality of mobile terminals operate in said satellite-based mode, said fourth air interface having a correspondence with said third air interface, said third and fourth air interfaces constituting a second class for said second plurality of mobile terminals.

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