Broadband communication system for mobile users in a satellite-based network
First Claim
1. 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 coupled to the receiver;
a controller coupled to said receiver, said controller analyzing the beam and directing the signal to said beam router;
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 router to direct the signal to a second beam;
said controller controlling the operation of the beam router to route the signal to either the bent pipe repeater or the digital packet switch in response to analyzing the signal.
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Accused Products
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.
111 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A switch for use in a satellite system comprising:
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a receiver for receiving a signal from a beam of a signal source;
a beam router coupled to the receiver;
a controller coupled to said receiver, said controller analyzing the beam and directing the signal to said beam router;
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 router to direct the signal to a second beam;
said controller controlling the operation of the beam router to route the signal to either the bent pipe repeater or the digital packet switch in response to analyzing the signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of operating a switch for use in a satellite system comprising:
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receiving a signal from a first beam of a signal source;
directing the signal to a beam router; and
if the signal is destined for the first beam, then directing the signal from the beam router to the first beam through a bent-pipe repeater; and
if the signal is destined for a second beam, then directing the signal from the beam router to the second beam through a digital packet switch. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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Specification