Abstract: A system in which a personal computer sends messages into a TCP/IP network using a conventional dial-up link and downloads data from the TCP/IP network using a high-speed one-way satellite link. A preferred embodiment uses a conventional SLIP provider to connect to the TCP/IP network and uses a commercial software TCP/IP package that has a standard driver interface. A spoofing protocol compensates for the long propagation delays inherent to satellite communication.

Abstract: A method and system which may achieve significantly higher power efficiency for multiple calls from multiple channels in satellite telephony systems. The method and system manipulate the transmission of all channels in a link, (i.e., those channels that are silent as well as those channels that are active) in order to achieve the desired result. The method and system analyze the relationship between power savings for the satellite and system delay to achieve a desired power efficiency without degrading channel quality due to additional delay.

Abstract: An approach is provided for distributing multi-media information from a satellite broadcast system. A hub receives a signal from the satellite broadcast system, wherein the signal represents video information and audio information associated with multiple broadcast channels. The hub centrally demodulates and decodes the received signal for distribution to one of a number of access point devices. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the decoded signal represents uncompressed video and audio information corresponding to one of the broadcast channels. The access point devices convert the received decoded signal for output respective displays (e.g., television sets). The hub can also be equipped with an interface to provide access to a public data network, such as the global Internet. Further, the hub can be supplied with a digital video recording capability.

Abstract: A radio, and related methods of radio communication, consisting of a multi-modulation modem, wherein the multi-modulation modem that modulates and demodulates signals using a plurality of modulations. The radio also comprises a frequency converter coupled to the multi-modulation modem for converting the signals to a radio frequency and a transceiver unit including an antenna coupled to the frequency converter for transmitting the signals over a radio communications link. The multi-modulation modem includes a modulator that includes a modulation selector unit that selects respective ones of the plurality of modulations to modulate the signals. The multi-modulation modem also includes a demodulator for demodulating the signals having been modulated using the plurality of modulations.

Abstract: A communication system balances message traffic between return channel groups and within the groups, so that the user does not control the specific transmission frequency used. Uplink frequencies and bandwidths for the return channels are set by the system in a return channel control message in the broadcast signal so as to account for system and return channel group loading, and to account for user message backlogs. An initial transmission from a remote user may be made using an ALOHA-type burst signal that provides a message backlog to the control station, and is made on a frequency determined from a randomly weighted, load-based frequency selection process. The system, and not the individual users determine the frequency and channel allocations. For large backlogs or priority users, periodic bandwidth is provided.

Abstract: A multi-modulation mode air interface frame format, and related methods for carrying traffic on the multi-modulation mode air frame format, including an overhead portion including a first plurality of time slots and a plurality of overhead bursts located within respective ones of the first plurality of time slots. The frame format also includes a traffic portion including a second plurality of time slots following the first plurality of time slots and a plurality of traffic bursts, wherein respective ones of the plurality of traffic bursts are located within one or more of the second plurality of time slots. And each of the plurality of traffic bursts are modulated using a respective one of a plurality of modulation modes.

Abstract: An approach for reliably communicating over a satellite in support of a communication service including, for example, as direct broadcast satellite and data service, is disclosed. An input message is encoded, yielding a structured Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) coded message. The coded message is modulated according to a high order modulation scheme that has a signal constellation representing more than two symbols per signaling point—e.g., 8-PSK (Phase Shift Keying) and 16-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation). The system includes a transmitter configured to propagate the modulated signal over the satellite. The above approach is particularly applicable to bandwidth constrained communication systems requiring high data rates.

Abstract: A combination of new hardware at the subscriber site, hardware and services at the satellite broadcasting center and new installation procedures provide a cost-effective approach for verifying “callback” functionality. The required test and monitoring hardware may be provided as an external test CAM and call progress monitor (CPM) or integrated into the IRD. The satellite broadcast center is provided with a call responder & data test system (CRDTS) that is set up to automatically receive and evaluate test calls over a back channel and a call recording system (CRS) that records the test results and notifies the billing center of a successful installation. The installer installs the dish and IRD, verifies “callback” functionality by placing a test call that is evaluated by the CRDTS, and then calls a customer service representative (CSR) to complete the service authorization process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for an intrusion detection system for secure fiber optic communication systems. A guard signal is transmitted over the optical fiber communication link and both the modal power and modal phase delay of this signal are monitored. Intrusions into the link for the purpose of intercepting information being transmitted, cause changes in the modal phase delay and power of the guard signal. These changes, when detected by the monitoring system, indicate the presence of an intruder. A fiber profile which is optimal for both transmission and intrusion detection purposes is described.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for digitally generating a function, including a phase accumulator configured to receive a phase value and integrate the phase value to generate an accumulation result; an address generator configured to generate consecutive addresses based on the accumulation result; a storage device configured to initiative initial digital function values based on the consecutive addresses; a coefficient calculator configured to generate coefficients for a polynomial interpolation based on the initial digital function values; and an interpolator configured to generate a final digital function value corresponding to the phase value based on the accumulation result and the coeffcients.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the efficiency of satellite constellation operations are disclosed. The steps of the present invention comprise calculating the maximum number of communications signals that each satellite in the satellite constellation can generate, determining an operational constraint on each satellite, the operational constraint limiting the number of communications signals that each satellite can radiate substantially simultaneously, determining an operational space for each satellite wherein the operational space is defined using the operational constraint and the calculated number of signals, and using the operational space for each satellite in the constellation to determine the operational point for the constellation.

Abstract: A system in which a personal computer sends messages into a TCP/IP network using a conventional dial-up link and downloads data from the TCP/IP network using a high-speed one-way satellite link. A preferred embodiment uses a conventional SLIP provider to connect to the TCP/IP network and uses a commercial software TCP/IP package that has a standard driver interface. A spoofing protocol compensates for the long propagation delays inherent to satellite communication.

Abstract: In a communication system with a bandwidth-on-demand processor, which may be power limited and connected to a myriad of terminals via relatively long delay paths, and another processor, which is connected to a few terminals via relatively short delay paths, an approach for effectively coordinating the processors is disclosed. A bandwidth controller receives a message requesting bandwidth from a remote processor and selectively grants the bandwidth request. The bandwidth controller transmits an assignment message that specifies a bandwidth allocation to the remote processor, and concurrently transmits a control message. A switch is configured to forward the assignment message to the remote processor. A controller is coupled to the switch and is configured to receive the control message, wherein the control message provides bandwidth allocation. The above arrangement has particular applicability to a satellite communications system.

Abstract: A communication system for retrieving web content is disclosed. A downstream proxy server receives a URL request message from a web browser, in which the URL request message specifies a URL content that has an embedded object. An upstream proxy server receives the URL request message from the downstream proxy server. The upstream proxy server selectively forwards the URL request message to a web server and receives the URL content from the web server, wherein the upstream proxy server forwards the URL content to the downstream proxy server and parses the URL content to obtain the embedded object prior to receiving a corresponding embedded object request message initiated by the web browser.

Abstract: A system and method for effectively and efficiently retransmitting data frames, which were inadequately received by a receiver, back to the receiver for combination with the inadequately received data frames to increase gain at the receiver. The system and method preferably uses an R-Rake retransmission technique while eliminating the need to transmit a signaling message to a receiver for identifying the data frames to be combined as in the conventional R-Rake technique, and employs a data transmitter and a controller. The data transmitter transmits data in data frame format to be received by a receiver. Upon receiving a retransmission request from the receiver, the controller controls the data transmitter to retransmit a particular data frame to the receiver without transmitting a signaling message. The receiver receives the retransmitted data frame and compares it to other data frames stored in a buffer to determine the likelihood of a match between the transmitted data frame and a buffered data frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an integrated presentation of existing media program services and secondary media program services is described. The method comprises the steps of accepting a election of a secondary media program transmitted on a secondary media program channel; accessing a mapping to determine a primary media program channel associated with the selected secondary media program channel; commanding a first tuner module to receive conditional access information associated with the primary media program channel from the primary service provider; evaluating the conditional access information to determine if a second tuner is authorized to receive the secondary media program channel; and commanding a second tuner module to receive the secondary media program if the second tuner is authorized to receive the secondary media program channel.

Abstract: A traveling wave tube assembly has a traveling wave tube and a predistortion network RF coupled and physically coupled to the traveling wave tube. The traveling wave tube and the predistortion network may be located in a high temperature zone. An amplifier located in a low temperature zone, is coupled to the predistortion network by an RF connecting cable.

Abstract: An approach for minimizing response times in transporting traffic over a packet radio communication system is disclosed. A terminal transmits a packet resource request message that specifies user terminal information using a contention channel according to a prescribed protocol. A gateway station receives the packet resource request message and transmits an assignment message that specifies a channel assignment based upon the user terminal information, wherein the terminal is configured to transmit the packets over a channel is based on the channel assignment. This approach has particular applicability to a satellite communication system.

Abstract: The present invention is described by an electronic program guide with a calendar tool, and a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving the electronic program guide. The apparatus includes a transmission station and a plurality of receiver stations. The transmission station creates program guide data that is in an “object” format. The transmission station combines the program guide objects with digital audio and video television signals, and transmits an output stream to the plurality of receiver stations. Each of the plurality of receiver stations stores electronic program guide objects. Using data from the electronic program guide objects, the plurality of receiver stations generate a listing of television program representations, and a calendar image separate from and adjacent to the plurality of television program representations.

Abstract: A satellite-based communications system operating at high data rates includes a plurality of satellites each having uplink and downlink antennas for transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals utilizing a plurality of spot beams to and from a plurality of coverage areas at a predetermined range of frequencies. The system can include, or be combined with, other systems to enable increased capacity over high population areas and ubiquitous coverage over lower population areas. A portable antenna assembly can be coupled to a user's portable or mobile electronic device for coupling the electronic device directly to a satellite. A routing switch provides routing and switching on-board the satellite and routes signals according to their desired destination.