Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling operation of wireless personal electronic devices (PEDs) present on a mobile platform (MP). The method may involve defining at least one phase of operation of the MP where the use of wireless PEDs is prohibited. A wireless communications system on the MP may monitor and detect signals being transmitted by wireless PEDs present on the MP. The system may detect a transmission from a wireless PED located on the MP that occurs during the one phase of operation. An identification code associated with a specific one of the wireless PEDs that is detected as operating during the one phase of operation may be recorded in a file. The file may thereafter be checked during a second phase of operation where use of the wireless PEDs is permitted, and access may be denied to any wireless PED whose identification code is stored in the database.

Abstract: A communications system and method for providing a cellular communications link between a user traveling on a mobile platform (or at a remote location) and a terrestrial based segment. The system and method uses a radio access segment located on board the mobile platform (or at the remote location) to interface with the user's personal communications device. The bearer terminal facilitates the transmission of information to and from the radio access segment, via an off-platform system, to the terrestrial segment. The terrestrial segment manages the communications link between one or more cellular service providers who are accessing the terrestrial segment and the mobile platform (or a remote site). The system does not limit access to the terrestrial segment to only one cellular service provider but instead allows virtually any number of cellular service providers to access the terrestrial segment and to participate in providing a cellular link to the mobile platform (or a remote site).

Abstract: A system and method limit transmission of wireless electromagnetic device radiation through the windows of a mobile platform outer envelope. The mobile platform includes at least one window on an outer envelope. A shielding layer is applied to the window and electrically grounded to the outer envelope. At least one transceiver hub is located within the mobile platform receiving and/or transmitting the electromagnetic device radiation. An off-board communication device wirelessly communicates with the transceiver hub. The shielding layer attenuates a portion of the radiation contacting the window. Only a communication path between the transceiver hub and the off-board communication device is therefore operable. Wireless device transmission and/or reception via a window path is effectively blocked by the shielding layer, decreasing the potential for disruption to mobile platform electrical systems and interfering with ground-based communication systems.