Abstract: A software-based technology framework for supervising and supporting a combined wireless and satellite communications network requires a two-way communication capability that is operated by a network manager in a supervising system. In particular, this requires the monitoring of a communication network by the network manager, which receives operational information from operative components in the communications network that is pertinent to state/status, performance, and fault reporting aspects of the components. The operational information is then correlated and analyzed at the network manager to generate support information, which pertains to administration, configuration, provisioning and troubleshooting instructions for operative components of the communication network. The support information is then disseminated by the network manager to the appropriate operative component.

Abstract: A system is provided to establish and maintain a data path between a Local Area Network (LAN) that is mounted on a moving vehicle and a satellite. In combination, an antenna assembly, an Antenna Control Unit (ACU), an Inertial reference Unit (IRU), and a modem are mounted together on the moving vehicle, under the overall control of a services platform. Operationally, the IRU generates parametric values indicative of the spatial attitude and location of the moving vehicle. The ACU then uses the parametric values to aim the antenna in a direction toward the satellite. In this combination, the modem is connected with the antenna to transmit and receive data between the system and the satellite. Individually or collectively, operationally compatible components of the system (IRU, ACU, antenna and modem) can be appropriately substituted to thereby customize the system.

Abstract: A communication system comprising three communication resources: a contention-type access block, a non-contention access block and a second non-contention access block called a reserved block. Each time that a remote unit has a block of data to transfer to a hub station, it sends the block of data over the contention-type access block. It also sends a corresponding notification message over the reserved block. If the hub station receives the notification message but not the block of data, it sends a response message to the remote unit which designates a resource within the non-contention access block. The remote unit then sends the block of data to the hub station over the designated resource.

Abstract: In a system in which multiple remote units compete for limited communication resources, a remote unit accesses the system by randomly selecting a first sequence from a set of predetermined sequences. The remote unit transmits a data bit stream modulated with the first sequence beginning at one of a set of recurring admission boundaries. If the remote unit determines that the data bit stream has not been successfully received at a hub station, it randomly selects a second sequence from the set of predetermined sequences. The remote unit transmits the data bit stream modulated with the second sequence beginning at one of the set of recurring admission boundaries.