Abstract: A cache system and caching methods that are used to improve data delivery service provided by a data distribution system. The present invention uses a master cache in which predictive harvesting of content is performed based upon probability distributions of individual caches satisfying requests from users. Content in the master cache is distributed to user sites by way of the data distribution system, and local caches at user sites are automatically loaded with incoming content.

Abstract: A broadcast and interactive data distribution system that distributes broadcast and interactive data transmitted by way of a geostationary satellite, and optionally by way of a cable system, to personal computers. The system comprises a modular digital data communication cyberstation that is a modular computer and server that is external to the personal computers to which data is to be distributed. The cyberstation receives, optionally stores, and distributes the broadcast and interactive data to the personal computers. The cyberstation has wireless and optional wired interfaces for communicating with the personal computers. An optional cable modem may be used to directly communicate with the cable system. A satellite receiver is employed to communicate with the geostationary satellite, and a low-earth-orbit satellite transceiver is employed to communicate with low-earth-orbit satellites used to support information requests, data billing and status/diagnostic reporting to a service provider.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring very large data files to a remote location. The systems and methods fragment the very large data file into smaller ordered blocks using file conversion software loaded onto a computer processor. The ordered fragmented files or blocks transmitted to the remote location using a data distribution system. For example, the data distribution system may include a transmitter, a satellite transmission link, and a receiver at each remote location. At each remote location, received ordered fragmented files or blocks are reassembled in accordance with the original ordering scheme using file conversion software loaded on a computer. This produces the original very large data file. Once the very large data file is reassembled, it may be processed or archived.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating a telephone internal access return link with an upstream data carrier using a fiber optic network and downstream data transfer using a cable TV system. The systems and methods provide for a cost effective implementation of a data over cable TV system using the cable system for downstream data transfer and a telephone modem for upstream data transfer. The telephone return path is terminated at a neighborhood node or optical network interface of the cable TV system. The optical network interface combines, modulates, and multiplexes the upstream data onto an upstream fiber carrier. At the cable headend, the carrier is demultiplexed, demodulated, and the data is forwarded to a remote access server of an Internet service provider.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating between information service provider systems (ISPS) and customer premise equipment (CPE) is provided.

Abstract: A broadband multimedia data distribution system that integrates satellite broadband data derived from a satellite feed that is distributed over a cable TV network with a legacy corporate local area network. The system provides a broadband network overlay with satellite data delivery that integrates with currently available cable television transmission media. The system thus integrates broadband multimedia data distribution, cable TV network distribution, and the legacy network to expand corporate information services. The system thus expands existing network capabilities and avoids replacement or upgrade costs.

Abstract: An efficient multi-beam antenna system for use with a high capacity communications satellite or spacecraft that maximizes frequency re-use of the allocated frequency spectrum. The antenna system has first and second offset reflectors disposed adjacent first and second sides of the spacecraft. A first plurality of the feed horns feed the first reflector, and a second plurality of the feed horns feed the second reflector. The feed horns and offset reflectors cooperate to produce a predetermined number of beams. Even numbered beams use a set of frequencies and polarizations that are orthogonal to a set of frequencies and polarizations used by odd numbered beams. The antenna beams are contiguous in one dimension.