Abstract: A method of allocating resources in a mesh-connected communication network comprising a plurality of terminals, and a limited quantity of communication resources for allocation between said terminals, comprises: a request phase in which a plurality of terminals calculate their requirements for resources and issue the same as requests; a distribution phase in which the requests are distributed to all other requesting terminals over the mesh; and a calculation phase in which each requesting terminal uses all available requests and calculates resource allocation over the mesh. Thus each requesting terminal determines the resource allocation.

Abstract: A method of allocating resources in a mesh-connected communication network comprising a plurality of terminals, and a limited quantity of communication resources for allocation between said terminals, comprises: a request phase in which a plurality of terminals calculate their requirements for resources and issue the same as requests; a distribution phase in which the requests are distributed to all other requesting terminals over the mesh; and a calculation phase in which each requesting terminal uses all available requests and calculates resource allocation over the mesh. Thus each requesting terminal determines the resource allocation.

Abstract: Two-way data communication via satellite, using data communication in a first direction via satellites in geostationary orbit, and a data communication in a second direction via satellites in a below geostationary orbit, either MEO or LEO. The transceiver is particularly useful for providing Internet connections Preferably, a LEO forward link may be used for control signaling, urgent data traffic and the like.

Abstract: A monitor and control system for satellite communication networks includes a hub computer terminal arranged in a network with a plurality of remote computer terminals to form a mesh communications network. The hub terminal provides frequency and time division multiplexing functions for transmitting and receiving monitor and control data packets to and from each remote terminal, and for utilizing frequencies already in use by the remote terminals without interfering with the communication of data between the remote terminals.

Abstract: Two-way data communication via satellite, using data communication in a first direction via satellites in geostationary orbit, and a data communication in a second direction via satellites in a below geostationary orbit, either MEO or LEO. The transceiver is particularly useful for providing Internet connections Preferably, a LEO forward link may be used for control signaling, urgent data traffic and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a return link for a satellite communication system. The return link described herein is suitable for use in any type of communications network such as networks used for Internet access purposes. The return link in combination with a forward link forms a complete two way communication system via satellite. The return link comprises two separate communication schemes used in combination to implement the return link of the satellite system. The first communication scheme uses a random access method based on a non synchronous frequency hopping code division multiple access technique (NS/FH/CDMA). The second communication scheme uses a channel assignment method based on a frequency division multiple access (FDMA) technique. Data generated by a user is transmitted utilizing one of the two communication schemes in accordance with the content and amount of data generated.

Abstract: An electronic toll system for monitoring a plurality of lanes including a plurality of lane monitoring devices operative to monitor passage of vehicles through the corresponding plurality of lanes, and a lane monitoring device coordinating system for coordinating operation of the lane monitoring devices such that not all of the lane monitoring devices operate simultaneously.