Coordinated satellite-terrestrial frequency reuse
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies between one or more communication systems, comprising the steps of:
- configuring a first satellite spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam;
configuring a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a second substantially central portion and a second plurality of subareas, each of the second plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the second central portion to substantially near a circumference of the second satellite spot beam;
configuring at least one terrestrial cell that at least partially overlaps the first satellite spot beam having a third set of frequencies associated therewith; and
at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the terrestrial system, at least one of a portion of the second set of frequencies and a portion of the first set of frequencies used in the first central portion, responsive to predetermined criteria associated with the third set of frequencies, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the second set of frequencies are at least substantially geographically distant from the first satellite spot beam.
22 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method of operation for efficiently reusing and/or sharing at least a portion of the frequency spectrum between a first satellite spot beam and a second satellite spot beam, and/or an underlay terrestrial network associated with a second satellite spot beam. The spectrum is efficiently reused and/or shared between respective spot beams and/or associated underlay terrestrial systems in a manner minimizes interference between the respective satellite and terrestrial systems.
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Citations
149 Claims
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1. A method of at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies between one or more communication systems, comprising the steps of:
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configuring a first satellite spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam;
configuring a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a second substantially central portion and a second plurality of subareas, each of the second plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the second central portion to substantially near a circumference of the second satellite spot beam;
configuring at least one terrestrial cell that at least partially overlaps the first satellite spot beam having a third set of frequencies associated therewith; and
at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the terrestrial system, at least one of a portion of the second set of frequencies and a portion of the first set of frequencies used in the first central portion, responsive to predetermined criteria associated with the third set of frequencies, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the second set of frequencies are at least substantially geographically distant from the first satellite spot beam. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of making a telephone call using a satellite-terrestrial communications system that at least one of assigns and reuses frequencies between a first satellite spot beam and a second satellite spot beam, comprising the steps of:
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a first user using a subscriber terminal to dial a telephone number within an area of a first terrestrial cell associated with a first satellite spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith, the first satellite spot beam comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam;
determining because of at least one of unavailability of the first set of frequencies or weak signal strength that a connection cannot be established, using the first set of frequencies, with a communications device having the dialed telephone number associated therewith;
configuring a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith; and
establishing a connection between the subscriber terminal and the communications device by at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the first spot beam, at least one of the second set of frequencies, responsive to predetermined criteria including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the mobile terminal is substantially geographically distant from the second satellite spot beam.
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20. A method of at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies, comprising the steps of:
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configuring a first communications area having a first set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first communications area;
configuring a second communications area having a second set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a second substantially central portion and a second plurality of subareas, each of the second plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the central portion to substantially near a circumference of the second communications area;
configuring at least one third communications area that at least partially overlaps the first communications area, having a third set of frequencies associated therewith; and
at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the third communications area, at least one of a portion of the second set of frequencies and a portion of the first set of frequencies used in the first central portion, responsive to predetermined criteria associated with the third set of frequencies, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the second set of frequencies are at least substantially geographically distant from the first satellite spot beam. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A method of at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies between one or more communication systems, comprising the steps of:
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configuring a first satellite spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam;
configuring a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a second substantially central portion and a second plurality of subareas, each of the second plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the central portion to substantially near a circumference of the second satellite spot beam;
configuring at least one terrestrial cell that at least partially overlaps the first satellite spot beam having a third set of frequencies associated therewith; and
at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the second satellite spot beam, at least one of a portion of the third set of frequencies responsive to predetermined criteria, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the third set of frequencies associated with the at least one terrestrial cell when the terrestrial cell is at least substantially geographically distant from the second set of frequencies.
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37. A method of at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies between one or more communication systems, comprising the steps of:
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configuring a first satellite spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam;
configuring a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith;
configuring at least one terrestrial cell that at least partially overlaps the first satellite spot beam having a third set of frequencies associated therewith; and
at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the terrestrial cell, at least one of a portion of the second set of frequencies and a portion of the first set of frequencies used in the first central portion, responsive to predetermined criteria associated with the third set of frequencies, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the second set of frequencies are at least substantially geographically distant from the terrestrial cell. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51)
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52. A method of at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies between one or more communication systems, comprising the steps of:
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configuring a first satellite spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending from a substantially center area of the first satellite spot beam to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam in a fan-like manner thereby forming the first plurality of subareas;
configuring a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith;
configuring at least one terrestrial cell that at least partially overlaps the first satellite spot beam having a third set of frequencies associated therewith; and
at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the at least one terrestrial cell, at least one of a portion of the second set of frequencies and a portion of the first set of frequencies used in the first central portion, responsive to predetermined criteria associated with the third set of frequencies for communication therewith, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the second set of frequencies are at least substantially geographically distant from the first spot beam. - View Dependent Claims (53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67)
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68. A system for at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies between one or more communication systems, comprising:
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at least one satellite capable of configuring;
a) a first spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith, the first spot beam comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam, and b) a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith, the second spot beam comprising a second substantially central portion and a second plurality of subareas, each of the second plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the second central portion to substantially near a circumference of the second satellite spot beam;
a terrestrial base station positioned within the first satellite spot beam for configuring a terrestrial cell having at least partially overlapping coverage with the first spot beam, the terrestrial cell having a third set of frequencies associated therewith and an area coverage at least partially overlapping with an area of coverage associated with the first spot beam;
a first subscriber terminal positioned within the terrestrial base station area of coverage; and
a network operations center (NOC) for at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the terrestrial base station and for use by said first subscriber terminal in communicating with at least one of a second subscriber terminal and other communications device, at least one of a portion of the second set of frequencies and a portion of the first set of frequencies used in the first central portion, responsive to predetermined criteria associated with the third set of frequencies, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the second set of frequencies are at least substantially geographically distant from the second satellite spot beam. - View Dependent Claims (69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85)
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86. A system for making a telephone call using a satellite-terrestrial communications system that at least one of assigns and reuses frequencies between a first satellite spot beam and a second satellite spot beam, comprising:
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a subscriber terminal for dialing a telephone number to communicate with at least a second communications device;
a first terrestrial cell having said subscriber terminal positioned therein;
at least one satellite for configuring;
a) a first satellite spot beam associated with said first terrestrial cell and having a first set of frequencies associated therewith, the first satellite spot beam comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam, and b) a second satellite spot beam having the second communications device positioned therein and a second set of frequencies associated therewith; and
a network operations controller that establishes a connection between the subscriber terminal and at least the second communications device, by at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the first spot beam, at least one of the second set of frequencies, responsive to predetermined criteria including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the subscriber terminal is substantially geographically distant from the second satellite spot beam.
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87. A system for use in at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies, comprising:
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at least a first satellite for;
a) configuring a first communications area having a first set of frequencies associated therewith, the communications area comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first communications area, and for b) configuring a second communications area having a second set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a second substantially central portion and a second plurality of subareas, each of the second plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the central portion to substantially near a circumference of the second communications area;
a terrestrial base station positioned within the first communications area and having at least partially overlapping coverage with the first communications area, that configures at least a third communications area within the first communications area, the third communications area having a third set of frequencies associated therewith; and
a network operations controller that at least one of assigns, reuses and borrows, by said terrestrial base station, at least one of a portion of the second set of frequencies and a portion of the first set of frequencies used in the first central portion for facilitating communications between a subscriber terminal positioned within the first communications area and a second communications device, and responsive to predetermined criteria associated with the third set of frequencies, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the second set of frequencies are at least substantially geographically distant from the first satellite spot beam. - View Dependent Claims (88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102)
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103. A system for at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies between a plurality of communication systems, comprising:
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at least one satellite capable of;
a) configuring a first satellite spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam, and b) configuring a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a second substantially central portion and a second plurality of subareas, each of the second plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the central portion to substantially near a circumference of the second satellite spot beam;
a terrestrial base station positioned within the first satellite spot beam and having at least partially overlapping coverage with the first spot beam, for configuring at least one terrestrial cell within the first satellite spot beam having a third set of frequencies associated therewith and having an area of coverage at least partially overlapping with the first satellite spot beam; and
a network operations controller for at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the second satellite spot beam, at least one of a portion of the third set of frequencies responsive to predetermined criteria, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the third set of frequencies associated with the at least one terrestrial cell when the portion is at least substantially geographically distant from the second set of frequencies.
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104. A system of at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies between a plurality of communication systems, comprising:
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a first satellite capable of;
a) configuring a first satellite spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam, and b) configuring a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith;
a terrestrial base station positioned within the first satellite spot beam and having at least partially overlapping coverage with the first spot beam, for configuring at least one terrestrial cell within the first satellite spot beam, the terrestrial cell having a third set of frequencies associated therewith and having an area of coverage at least partially overlapping with an area of coverage of the first satellite spot beam; and
a network operations controller for at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the terrestrial base station for use in establishing communications between a first subscriber terminal positioned within an area of coverage of said terrestrial base station and at least one of a second subscriber terminal and communications device, at least one of a portion of the second set of frequencies and a portion of the first set of frequencies used in the first central portion, responsive to predetermined criteria associated with the third set of frequencies, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the second set of frequencies are at least substantially geographically distant from the first satellite spot beam. - View Dependent Claims (105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118)
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119. A system of at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies between a plurality of communication systems, comprising:
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a first satellite capable of;
a) configuring a first satellite spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending from a substantially center area of the first satellite spot beam to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam in a fan-like manner thereby forming the first plurality of subareas, and b) configuring a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith;
a terrestrial base station positioned within the first satellite spot beam and having at least partially overlapping coverage with the first spot beam, for configuring a terrestrial cell, the terrestrial cell having a third set of frequencies associated therewith and having an area of coverage at least partially overlapping with an area of coverage associated with the first spot beam; and
a network controller for at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by said terrestrial base station and for use by a first subscriber terminal in communicating with at least one of a second subscriber terminal or communications device, at least one of a portion of the second set of frequencies and a portion of the first set of frequencies used in the first central portion, responsive to predetermined criteria associated with the third set of frequencies, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the second set of frequencies are at least substantially geographically distant from the first satellite spot beam. - View Dependent Claims (120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129)
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130. A system for at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies between one or more communication systems, comprising:
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means for configuring;
a) a first spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith, the first spot beam comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam, and b) a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith, the second spot beam comprising a second substantially central portion and a second plurality of subareas, each of the second plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the second central portion to substantially near a circumference of the second satellite spot beam;
means positioned within the first satellite spot beam for configuring a terrestrial cell having at least partially overlapping coverage with the first spot beam, the terrestrial cell having a third set of frequencies associated therewith and an area coverage at least partially overlapping with an area of coverage associated with the first spot beam;
a first subscriber terminal positioned within the terrestrial base station area of coverage; and
means for at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the terrestrial base station and for use by said first subscriber terminal in communicating with at least one of a second subscriber terminal and other communications device, at least one of a portion of the second set of frequencies and a portion of the first set of frequencies used in the first central portion, responsive to predetermined criteria associated with the third set of frequencies, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the second set of frequencies are at least substantially geographically distant from the second satellite spot beam.
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131. A system for making a telephone call using a satellite-terrestrial communications system that at least one of assigns and reuses frequencies between a first satellite spot beam and a second satellite spot beam, comprising:
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a subscriber terminal for dialing a telephone number to communicate with at least a second communications device;
a first terrestrial cell having said subscriber terminal positioned therein;
means for configuring;
a) a first satellite spot beam associated with said first terrestrial cell, having a first set of frequencies associated therewith, and having at least partially overlapping coverage with the first terrestrial cell, the first satellite spot beam comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of said first satellite spot beam, and b) a second satellite spot beam having the second communications device positioned therein and a second set of frequencies associated therewith; and
means for establishing a connection between said subscriber terminal and at least the second communications device, by at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the first spot beam, at least one of the second set of frequencies, responsive to predetermined criteria including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the subscriber terminal is substantially geographically distant from the second satellite spot beam.
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132. A system for use in at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies, comprising:
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means for configuring;
a) a first communications area having a first set of frequencies associated therewith, the communications area comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first communications area, and b) a second communications area having a second set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a second substantially central portion and a second plurality of subareas, each of the second plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the central portion to substantially near a circumference of the second communications area;
means positioned within the first satellite spot beam for configuring at least a third communications area within the first communications area, the third communications area having a third set of frequencies associated therewith and having at least partially overlapping coverage with the first spot beam; and
means for at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by said terrestrial base station, at least one of a portion of the second set of frequencies and a portion of the first set of frequencies used in the first central portion for facilitating communications between a subscriber terminal positioned within the first spot beam and a second communications device, and responsive to predetermined criteria associated with the third set of frequencies, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the second set of frequencies are at least substantially geographically distant from the first satellite spot beam.
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133. A system for at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies between a plurality of communication systems, comprising:
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means for;
a) configuring a first satellite spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam, and b) configuring a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a second substantially central portion and a second plurality of subareas, each of the second plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the central portion to substantially near a circumference of the second satellite spot beam;
means positioned within the first satellite spot beam for configuring at least one terrestrial cell within the first satellite spot beam having a third set of frequencies associated therewith and having an area of coverage at least partially overlapping with the first satellite spot beam; and
means for at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the second satellite spot beam, at least one of a portion of the third set of frequencies responsive to predetermined criteria, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the third set of frequencies associated with the at least one terrestrial cell when the portion is at least substantially geographically distant from the second set of frequencies.
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134. A system of at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies between a plurality of communication systems, comprising:
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means for;
a) configuring a first satellite spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a first substantially central portion and a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending substantially from a periphery of the first substantially central portion to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam, and b) configuring a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith;
means positioned within the first satellite spot beam for configuring at least one terrestrial cell within the first satellite spot beam, the terrestrial cell having a third set of frequencies associated therewith and having an area of coverage at least partially overlapping with an area of coverage of the first satellite spot beam; and
means for at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the terrestrial base station for use in establishing communications between a first subscriber terminal positioned within an area of coverage of said terrestrial base station and at least one of a second subscriber terminal and communications device, at least one of a portion of the second set of frequencies and a portion of the first set of frequencies used in the first central portion, responsive to predetermined criteria associated with the third set of frequencies, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the second set of frequencies are at least substantially geographically distant from the first satellite spot beam.
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135. A system of at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies between a plurality of communication systems, comprising:
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means for;
a) configuring a first satellite spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a first plurality of subareas, each of the first plurality of subareas extending from a substantially center area of the first satellite spot beam to substantially near a circumference of the first satellite spot beam in a fan-like manner thereby forming the first plurality of subareas, and b) configuring a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith;
means positioned within the first satellite spot beam for configuring a terrestrial cell, the terrestrial cell having a third set of frequencies associated therewith and having an area of coverage at least partially overlapping with an area of coverage associated with the first spot beam; and
means for at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by said terrestrial base station and for use by a first subscriber terminal in communicating with at least one of a second subscriber terminal or communications device, at least one of a portion of the second set of frequencies and a portion of the first set of frequencies used in the first central portion, responsive to predetermined criteria associated with the third set of frequencies, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the second set of frequencies are at least substantially geographically distant from the first satellite spot beam.
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136. A method of at least one of assigning and reusing frequencies between one or more communication systems, comprising the steps of:
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configuring a first satellite spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a first substantially central portion;
configuring a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith and comprising a second substantially central portion configuring at least one terrestrial cell within the first satellite spot beam having a third set of frequencies associated therewith and having at least partially overlapping coverage with the first spot beam; and
at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the terrestrial system, at least one of a portion of the second set of frequencies and a portion of the first set of frequencies used in the first central portion, responsive to predetermined criteria associated with the third set of frequencies, including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the second set of frequencies are at least substantially geographically distant from the first satellite spot beam. - View Dependent Claims (137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148)
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149. A method of making a telephone call using a satellite-terrestrial communications system that at least one of assigns and reuses frequencies between a first satellite spot beam and a second satellite spot beam, comprising the steps of:
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a first user using a subscriber terminal to dial a telephone number within an area of a first terrestrial cell associated with a first satellite spot beam having a first set of frequencies associated therewith, the first satellite spot beam comprising a first substantially central portion;
determining because of at least one of unavailability of the first set of frequencies or weak signal strength that a connection cannot be established, using the first set of frequencies, with a communications device having the dialed telephone number associated therewith;
configuring a second satellite spot beam having a second set of frequencies associated therewith and having at least partially overlapping coverage with the second spot beam; and
establishing a connection between the subscriber terminal and the communications device by at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing, by the first spot beam, at least one of the second set of frequencies, responsive to predetermined criteria including at least one of assigning, reusing and borrowing at least one of the second set of frequencies when the mobile terminal is substantially geographically distant from the second satellite spot beam.
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Specification