Abstract: An approach is provided for managing bandwidth in a data network. Capacity is allocated on a communication channel, which can be utilized for transporting data traffic or support network administrative functions (e.g., ranging), for a terminal to transmit data over the communication channel. In anticipation of the terminal having to transmit additional data, additional capacity is allocated on the communication channel for the terminal prior to receiving a request for bandwidth by the terminal. The anticipatory allocation is determined according to loading of the data network. This approach as particular applicability to shared capacity systems, such as a satellite communication system.

Abstract: A communications system includes a plurality of communications channels for transporting packets. The system also includes a gateway that is coupled to the communications channels. The gateway is configured to buffer a packet that is received over one of the communications channel from a first host in a queue and to determine a window value for maximizing transmission rate based upon occupancy of the queue. The gateway is configured to a second host according to a prescribed protocol to force use of the determined window value in the second host over another one of the communications channels. The present invention has particular applicability to an asymmetric bandwidth network, such as a two-way satellite system.

Abstract: An approach for allocating bandwidth is disclosed. A request is detected from a terminal for capacity on a communication channel based on type of traffic transmitted from the terminal. A bandwidth allocation pattern designated for the terminal is retrieved, wherein the bandwidth allocation pattern is set based on a predetermined service plan associated with the terminal. Bandwidth over the communication channel is reserved for the terminal according to the bandwidth allocation pattern without feedback to the terminal. This arrangement has particular applicability to a satellite network that provides data communication services.

Abstract: An approach is provided for supporting monitoring of network load. An allocation state is determined based on a bandwidth allocation value, a group load, and a guaranteed portion of capacity of a communication channel. The bandwidth allocation value specifies an actual amount of capacity of the communication channel allocated to one of a plurality of groups of terminals. The group load indicates loads of the terminals belonging to the one group. Capacity of the communication channel is assigned according to the determined allocation state. This arrangement has particular applicability to a satellite network that provides data communication services.

Abstract: An approach for providing secure access to inroutes or return channels in a radio communication system including a hub communicating with terminals is disclosed. A quality of service level (QoS) corresponding to one of the terminals is determined. An identifier is assigned to the one terminal for communicating over a set of return channels that are in the direction of the one terminal to the hub. The identifier associates a subset of the terminals with the QoS level; the subset includes the one terminal. This arrangement has particular applicability to a satellite network that provides data communication services.

Abstract: An approach is provided for obtaining load of a terminal operating in a communication system. A query is transmitted for a cumulative load of the terminal, wherein the terminal belongs to a group of terminals having a common service level. The cumulative load for the terminal is determined based on load information supplied by the terminal and bandwidth allocation information, wherein the cumulative load represents a total amount of data sent over a communication channel of the communication system. The determined cumulative load is provided in response to the query. This arrangement has particular applicability to a satellite network that provides data communication services.

Abstract: An approach for load balancing is disclosed. A user load is determined based upon data queued for transmission at each of the terminals. In addition, an inroute load corresponding to loading of inroutes serving the terminals is determined. A user-to-inroute distribution that minimizes variation of the inroute load is generated. The user-to-inroute distribution maps the user load to the inroutes. The user load is reassigned to the inroutes based on the determined user-to-inroute distribution. This arrangement has particular applicability to a satellite network that provides data communication services.

Abstract: An approach is provided for managing bandwidth in a data network. Capacity is allocated on a communication channel, which can be utilized for transporting data traffic or support network administrative functions (e.g., ranging), for a terminal to transmit data over the communication channel. In anticipation of the terminal having to transmit additional data, additional capacity is allocated on the communication channel for the terminal prior to receiving a request for bandwidth by the terminal. The anticipatory allocation is determined according to loading of the data network. This approach as particular applicability to shared capacity systems, such as a satellite communication system.

Abstract: A communications system includes a plurality of communications channels for transporting packets. The system also includes a gateway that is coupled to the communications channels. The gateway is configured to buffer a packet that is received over one of the communications channel from a first host in a queue and to determine a window value for maximizing transmission rate based upon occupancy of the queue. The gateway is configured to a second host according to a prescribed protocol to force use of the determined window value in the second host over another one of the communications channels. The present invention has particular applicability to an asymmetric bandwidth network, such as a two-way satellite system.

Abstract: An approach for providing signal measurements over a radio network is disclosed. A signal measurement means analyzes a signal that has a predetermined waveform from a terminal within the radio network and to output a measurement value. A server, which is coupled to the signal measurement means, is configured to prepare a message containing the measurement value for transmission to the terminal. The measurement value is used to selectively adjust antenna position of the terminal. The present invention has particular applicability to performing signal testing (e.g., cross-polarization testing) in a two-satellite system to achieve accurate antenna pointing, as well as efficient validation of correct installation and revalidation of previously installed antennas.