Abstract: Techniques for providing hybrid communications to devices on vehicles include using a forward link to deliver data, that is intended to be received by an on-board device, onto a vehicle, and using a reverse link in a different frequency band to send reverse data from the vehicle. A subsequent forward link is selected, based on the reverse data, from a plurality of forward links, each of which is supported by a different frequency band. Forward data may be multiplexed and/or multicast, and in some cases, multiple forward links may be used for distributed forward data delivery. These techniques allow for efficient data delivery to the vehicle, and in particular while the vehicle is in transit and link conditions are dynamic.

Abstract: Techniques for optimizing modem use for data delivery to vehicles that are near to or parked at ports include using a high-capacity forward communications link, in a first frequency band, to support a logical forward link of a data tunnel via which data is delivered between a data provider and the vehicle. Instead of using the reverse communications link of the first frequency band, though, a reverse communications link in a different frequency band is used to support the reverse logical link of the data tunnel, as reverse data typically requires less bandwidth. Thus, the forward communications link is used in a high-throughput, unidirectional manner. Forward data may be multiplexed and/or multicast, and in some cases, multiple forward communications links may be used in parallel to support the logical forward link of the data tunnel.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for registering an electronic device of a subscriber for cellular-based communications. According to certain aspects, the cellular-based communications may be facilitated by a data center while the electronic device is not easily within range of a cellular network, such as when the electronic device is traveling on an aircraft. A first, ground-based part of the registration includes creating an account for the electronic device that indicates an identification of the electronic device retrieved from a home network of the subscriber. A second, air-based part of the registration includes connecting to the electronic device via an on-board communications system and communicating with the home network to indicate that the location of the electronic device is known.

Abstract: Techniques for providing hybrid communications to devices on vehicles include using a selected modulation scheme on a forward link to deliver data (that is intended to be received by an on-board device) onto a vehicle, and using a reverse link in a different frequency band to send reverse data from the vehicle. Based on the reverse data, a subsequent pre-defined modulation scheme for a subsequent forward transmission is selected from a plurality of modulation schemes corresponding to a plurality of performance levels of data delivery. The selections may be based on a current geo-spatial location of the vehicle, a type of data, and/or on one or more other dynamic conditions. The forward data may be multiplexed and/or multicast. Thus, adaptive modulation is achieved in a hybrid communications system in which the forward link and the reverse link to the vehicle are supported by different wireless communication bands.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating data communications among electronic devices via various communication networks are provided. A first electronic device may be connected to a terrestrial network and a second electronic device may be connected to an on-board communications network of a vehicle. A first voice- or message-based content may be received from the first electronic device, for delivery to the second electronic device. A data center may transmit a corresponding forward communication to the second electronic device via a satellite communication link. The data center may also receive a return communication from the second electronic device via either the satellite communication link or a terrestrial communication link, and transmit corresponding content to the first electronic device.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for registering an electronic device of a subscriber for cellular-based communications. According to certain aspects, the cellular-based communications may be facilitated by a data center while the electronic device is not easily within range of a cellular network, such as when the electronic device is traveling on an aircraft. The registration includes associating a subscription identification of a cellular services plan with an identification of the electronic device, from which a registration server may create an account associated with the cellular-based communications. Further, the registration server may generate a digital certificate using the electronic device identification and issue the digital certificate to the electronic device.