Abstract: Methods efficiently assign user channels in a LEO (low-earth orbit) telecommunication system. These methods adapt the channel reuses based on system load or demand. These methods achieve high capacity and minimize interference for the particular situation. Since these methods are adaptive, they adjust to maintain efficient operation as the load conditions change.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling communication channel access in a communication system (10) determines channel allocations (106) which represent limits on communication channel access and conforms operations of the system (10) to the channel allocations. The channel allocations are determined by dividing a surface which emanates signals from communication units (26) into elemental areas, collecting past traffic data (102) describing past communication channel usage by the communication units (26) located in the elemental areas, generating a traffic model (104) for a future time interval based on the past traffic data, and determining the channel allocations (106) based on the traffic model.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing communication links between communication units that travel in different, determinable directions. The method includes the steps of calculating communication link boundary corridors, generating operational plans that inform the communication units how to establish and maintain a communication link, transmitting the operational plans to the communication units, and establishing links according to the operational plans. The apparatus includes a control segment that generates the operational plans and transmits them to the communication units.

Abstract: A radio telecommunication system includes a number of satellites in low earth orbits. Any number of subscriber units communicates with the satellites. A single subscriber unit communicates with a single satellite using electromagnetic signals so that a measurement processor can obtain Doppler component, propagation duration, and real time measurements of the signals. A location processor converts these measurements into a geographic location with respect to the earth. A service processor determines which qualifications to apply to communication services offered by the system. These qualifications are based on the subscriber unit's location. A call processor carries out the qualifications when requests to setup calls involving the subscriber unit are received by the system and during calls involving the subscriber unit.

Abstract: Information packets are routed among a constellation of satellite nodes in a communication system in a distributed, yet systematic fashion. Routing tables for each node are generated in advance by a recursive process that considers link usage and anticipated link loading for different times and states of the constellation. Routing tables are generated centrally, distributed to, and maintained in each satellite node. The routing tables are updated regularly to reflect anticipated traffic loading and physical changes in node connectivity within the constellation which occur as a result of satellite motion. The tables are also updated responsively to reflect changes in network connectivity which occur because of failures that may occur in the cross-links or satellite nodes.