Abstract: A satellite communications system is provided for full mesh connectivity between a number of earth terminals via a satellite link. The earth terminals are connected to user access devices to receive and transmit voice, video and data and are operable to generate bursts to transmit user data via a satellite, and to process data received from the satellite and transmit it to the addressed user access devices. The terminals each comprise a programmable computing device which prioritizes data into bursts using a fragmentation protocol. The programmable computing device also organizes bursts in at least one of a plurality of slots constituting a time division multiple access frame in accordance with a burst plan. Each terminal has access to a guaranteed number of the slots. The allocation of the remaining slots among the terminals varies dynamically to increase or decrease the burst transmission rates of the terminals as needed.

Abstract: A satellite communications system is provided for full mesh connectivity between a number of earth terminals via a satellite link. The earth terminals are connected to user access devices to receive and transmit voice, video and data and are operable to generate bursts to transmit user data via a satellite, and to process data received from the satellite and transmit it to the addressed user access devices. The terminals each comprise a programmable computing device which organizes bursts in at least one of a plurality of slots constituting a time division multiple access frame in accordance with a burst plan. Billing is based on usage and committed information rates. Data and voice can be billed on one invoice.