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Dynamic beam fill-in system and method therefor

  • US 6,269,242 B1
  • Filed: 08/18/1999
  • Issued: 07/31/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/18/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A system for dynamic beam fill-in in a cellular communications network having a constellation of satellites in orbit above a surface of the Earth, said beam fill-in system comprising:

  • a first satellite in said constellation having a first antenna configured to form a first cell upon said surface of the Earth, wherein said first antenna is an active antenna;

    a second satellite in said constellation having a second antenna configured to form a second cell upon said surface of the Earth, wherein said second cell is at least partially coincident with said first cell, and wherein said second antenna is an inactive antenna; and

    a beam-replacement table associated with said first satellite and configured to identify said second satellite, wherein, in the event of a failure of said first antenna, said first satellite deactivates said first antenna and said second satellite activates said second antenna in response to said table.

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