Abstract: A satellite communications system may include a satellite, a first ground based satellite transceiver, at least one second ground based satellite transceiver, and at least one ground based terminal coupled to the at least one second ground based satellite transceiver and classifying uplink data into different uplink data classifications, determining an uplink data rate, and determining a satellite signal path degradation. The satellite communications system may also include a gateway coupled to the first ground based satellite transceiver and communicating with the at least one ground based terminal via the satellite. The gateway may use cross layer protocol interfacing with the at least one ground based terminal for adaptively changing at least one transmission characteristic based upon the satellite signal path degradation. The satellite may allocate bandwidth based upon the uplink data classification and the uplink data rate.

Abstract: A satellite communications system may include a satellite, a first ground based satellite transceiver, at least one second ground based satellite transceiver, and at least one ground based terminal coupled to the at least one second ground based satellite transceiver and classifying uplink data into different uplink data classifications, determining an uplink data rate, and determining a satellite signal path degradation. The satellite communications system may also include a gateway coupled to the first ground based satellite transceiver and communicating with the at least one ground based terminal via the satellite. The gateway may use cross layer protocol interfacing with the at least one ground based terminal for adaptively changing at least one transmission characteristic based upon the satellite signal path degradation. The satellite may allocate bandwidth based upon the uplink data classification and the uplink data rate.

Abstract: A low power miniature repeater station is located on a vehicle such as a train, cargo ship, cruise ship or other vehicle which is expected to carry multiple paging receivers. The repeater station receives paging messages that originate as satellite signals and rebroadcasts them in the immediate vicinity of the vessel. The rebroadcast may typically be over a single FM carrier frequency or in the form of a subcarrier signal. The repeater includes an FM scanning receiver that samples the radio band and enables the rebroadcast of signals only if FM subcarrier signals are not detected within the vicinity of the vehicle. As the vehicle re-approaches a populated area, continued scanning of the radio band eventually detects the presence of subcarrier signals and shuts down the repeater to ensure that it will not interfere with licensed terrestrial broadcasters.