Abstract: A method for establishing routing for communications using a satellite in a Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) Wide Area Network (WAN) is disclosed. In one step, Routing Information Messages (RIMs) are received from a plurality of subscriber terminal (ST) nodes at a Network Control Station (NCS). A network map of Internet protocol (IP) network prefixes reachable via the DAMA WAN is constructed using the RIMs. A bandwidth constricted control channel is allocated using the satellite. At least one control channel message is sent over the bandwidth constricted control channel to at least one ST node coupled to the WAN.

Abstract: A satellite routing protocol is provided in a packet switched mesh network environment (i.e., where user traffic is not routed through a single or central node) wherein all IP planning and routing in the global WAN network is provided through a central database management element and routing information is disseminated separately from the communication traffic via a bandwidth constricted control channel in communication with each node but typically set aside for other purposes (such as conventional DAMA control). Two specific approaches include a link state approach and a distance vector approach. The specific embodiments disclosed for the Satellite Routing Protocol (SRP) system according to the invention allows both fixed and mobile networks to connect directly to each other or to a gateway network via either a terrestrial LAN or a Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) WAN where there are links that are dynamically assignable.

Abstract: A satellite routing protocol is provided in a packet switched mesh network environment (i.e., where user traffic is not routed through a single or central node) wherein all IP planning and routing in the global WAN network is provided through a central database management element and routing information is disseminated separately from the communication traffic via a bandwidth constricted control channel in communication with each node but typically set aside for other purposes (such as conventional DAMA control). Two specific approaches include a link state approach and a distance vector approach. The specific embodiments disclosed for the Satellite Routing Protocol (SRP) system according to the invention allows both fixed and mobile networks to connect directly to each other or to a gateway network via either a terrestrial LAN or a Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) WAN where there are links that are dynamically assignable.