Abstract: A network node communicates with a radio access node that communicates application traffic on behalf of machine-to-machine (M2M) devices via a satellite link. The network node comprises a database and a control unit. The database stores a plurality of recovery modes. Each recovery mode indicates one or more types of application traffic that M2M devices are or are not allowed to transmit when operating according to that recovery mode. The control unit detects a loss of communication across, or congestion on, the satellite link, selects one of the recovery modes, and requests the radio access node to broadcast the selected recovery mode over a 3GPP-based broadcast channel in order to instruct the M2M devices to transmit only application traffic allowed in accordance with the selected recovery mode.

Abstract: A master monitor/control (“M/C”) unit selects a base station controller (“BSC”) to serve a mobile radio base station (“RBS”). In one embodiment, the master M/C unit is configured to monitor and assess performance parameters of a communications link between the mobile RBS and a serving BSC and alternative communications links between the mobile RBS and a plurality of other BSCs. The master M/C unit is also configured to determine if the performance parameter of an alternative communications link between the mobile RBS and one of the plurality of other BSCs is better than the performance parameter of the communications link between the mobile RBS and the serving BSC, and select the one of the plurality of other BSCs as an alternative BSC accordingly. The master M/C unit is also configured to provide a new configuration for the mobile RBS and the alternative BSC to enable the alternative communications link therebetween.

Abstract: A network node communicates with a radio access node that communicates application traffic on behalf of machine-to-machine (M2M) devices via a satellite link. The network node comprises a database and a control unit. The database stores a plurality of recovery modes. Each recovery mode indicates one or more types of application traffic that M2M devices are or are not allowed to transmit when operating according to that recovery mode. The control unit detects a loss of communication across, or congestion on, the satellite link, selects one of the recovery modes, and requests the radio access node to broadcast the selected recovery mode over a 3GPP-based broadcast channel in order to instruct the M2M devices to transmit only application traffic allowed in accordance with the selected recovery mode.

Abstract: A method is performed in a system integration unit located on the vessel and coupled with a radio device and a plurality of satellite transceivers that each provide a transport route for communication. A method for routing data packets from vessel to a fixed communication center through to one of the transport routes. The method determines which transport route should be used to communicate the data packet based on the availability of all transport routes and the desirability of using each transport route for the transmission of the data packet. The method then routes the data packet to the most desirable transport route that is available for communication data packets.

Abstract: A master monitor/control (“M/C”) unit selects a base station controller (“BSC”) to serve a mobile radio base station (“RBS”). In one embodiment, the master M/C unit is configured to monitor and assess performance parameters of a communications link between the mobile RBS and a serving BSC and alternative communications links between the mobile RBS and a plurality of other BSCs. The master M/C unit is also configured to determine if the performance parameter of an alternative communications link between the mobile RBS and one of the plurality of other BSCs is better than the performance parameter of the communications link between the mobile RBS and the serving BSC, and select the one of the plurality of other BSCs as an alternative BSC accordingly. The master M/C unit is also configured to provide a new configuration for the mobile RBS and the alternative BSC to enable the alternative communications link therebetween.

Abstract: A monitor and control unit is described herein which is associated with a land-based controller (e.g. base station controller) and one or more satellites, where the monitor and control unit is arranged to dynamically configure mobile-based controllers (e.g., radio base stations) located on mobile vessels (e.g., transport vessels, cruise liners) to provide bandwidth (voice and data capabilities) based at least on the number of mobile vessels being served by each of the satellites.

Abstract: A monitor and control unit is described herein which is associated with a land-based controller (e.g. base station controller) and one or more satellites, where the monitor and control unit is arranged to dynamically configure mobile-based controllers (e.g., radio base stations) located on mobile vessels (e.g., transport vessels, cruise liners) to provide bandwidth (voice and data capabilities) based at least on the number of mobile vessels being served by each of the satellites.

Abstract: A method is performed in a system integration unit located on the vessel and coupled with a radio device and a plurality of satellite transceivers that each provide a transport route for communication. A method for routing data packets from vessel to a fixed communication center through to one of the transport routes. The method determines which transport route should be used to communicate the data packet based on the availability of all transport routes and the desirability of using each transport route for the transmission of the data packet. The method then routes the data packet to the most desirable transport route that is available for communication data packets.