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Real-time satellite communication system using separate control and data transmission paths

  • US 6,208,626 B1
  • Filed: 12/24/1998
  • Issued: 03/27/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/24/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A control communication method for a satellite communication system having a central earth station and a plurality of remote earth stations linked to the central earth station through at least one satellite in orbit above the earth, the method comprising:

  • synchronizing a timing in the central earth station and the plurality of remote earth stations such that a predetermined control time period having a plurality of distinct sequential time slots is synchronized among the central earth station and the remote earth stations;

    initiating from a respective remote earth station, and completing, a transmission of control information through the satellite to the central earth station only during a respective one or more of the time slots assigned to the respective remote earth station;

    receiving the transmission at the central earth station; and

    sending from the central earth station, in response to the received transmission, a separate transmission of data through the satellite to the remote earth station;

    determining a substantially real-time response time period for the respective central earth station and remote earth stations, wherein the control time period is not longer than the substantially real-time response time period; and

    determining the number of time slots that can be assigned to remote earth stations for the control time period that is not longer than the determined substantially real-time response time period.

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