Abstract: A method of increasing satellite communication quality by using a MEO satellite constellation (12) and a LEO satellite constellation (14) in combination with a decision algorithm which selects the appropriate constellation to route a communication signal through. The decision algorithm can be embodied in three ways: gateway based (18), individual subscriber unit based (22) and satellite based (12, 14). The MEO constellation (12) and LEO (14) constellation may be cross-linked, allowing for switching of service between satellites, as needed, during a communication session.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 10, 2000
Date of Patent:
January 27, 2004
Assignee:
Motorola, Inc.
Inventors:
Thomas Peter Emmons, Jr., Shawn W. Hogberg, Cynthia C. Matthews, Michael D. Ince, Susan L. Harris, Robert A. Peters, James W. Startup, Jonathan H. Gross, John R. Erlick, Allen H. ‘Skip’ Nelson, Craig L. Fullerton, Jim E. Helm, John G. Lambrou, David L. Krueger