Abstract: A method includes: defining a first range determination window within a first frame in response to expected propagation delays associated with a transmission of signals over a satellite link from a devices located within a first area, and defining a second range determination window within a second frame in response to propagation delays associated with a transmission of signals over the satellite link from devices located within a second area that differs from the first area; and transmitting, towards devices within the first and second area, a request to transmit range information at a certain time.

Abstract: A system includes a satellite antenna adapted to receive right hand circularly polarized radiation and left hand circularly polarized radiation over a satellite link, and a terrestrial multiple sector antenna adapted to receive terrestrial communication; wherein the satellite antenna is oriented in relation to an imaginary vertical axis that is substantially parallel to multiple elements of the terrestrial multiple sector antenna. A method includes determining an operational mode of a system that comprises a satellite antenna adapted to receive right hand circularly polarized radiation and left hand circularly polarized radiation over a satellite link, and a terrestrial multiple sector antenna adapted to receive terrestrial communication; and selecting, in response to the operational mode, which radiation to output out of the radiation received by at least one receiving element out of the satellite antenna and an antenna element of the terrestrial multiple sector antenna.

Abstract: A method includes: defining groups of devices within an area covered by a satellite beam to multiple groups, in response to a propagation delay associated with transmissions between a base station and different devices; and defining a transmission frame that includes an uplink frame that is followed by a downlink frame; the downlink frame is allocated for transmission towards at least one device that belongs to a first group of devices while the uplink frame is allocated for transmission towards at least one device that belongs to a second group of devices.

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.