Abstract: A system and method for improving network performance of DNS queries. The system includes a terminal which receives DNS queries from a customer premise equipment (CPE), and supplies matching DNS records in response to the queries. The terminal monitors all traffic from the CPE and generates a preload list containing domains and a time schedule at which name resolution should be requested for the domains. A DNS preload client in the CPE receives the preload list from the terminal, and submits preload DNS queries for name resolution of domains contained in the preload list at times specified in the time schedule. Preload records supplied in response to the preload DNS queries are stored by the CPE and used to resolve DNS queries from applications installed on the CPE.

Abstract: A terrestrial terminal enables communications, over a network connection, between a local host of one or more connected local hosts and a remote host. The terrestrial terminal is configured to perform operations comprising: receiving, from the remote host, a network packet for the local host; obtaining, from the network packet, an included TCP segment; determining, from the TCP segment, a receive window size advertised by the remote host; computing, using one or more characteristics of the network connection, a target receive window size; comparing the target receive window size with the advertised receive window size; and in response to determining that the target receive window size is different from the advertised receive window size: modifying the TCP segment by replacing the advertised receive window size with the target receive window size, and forwarding the network packet with the modified TCP segment to the local host.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for balancing traffic loads on beam outroutes that contain both multicast and unicast traffic. An outroute is designated for supplying at least multicast traffic within a beam of a satellite communication system. Terminals interested in receiving the multicast traffic are moved to the designated outroute. Traffic loads on all outroutes within the beam, including the designated outroute, are compared to determine if variations in the traffic loads exceed a predetermined threshold. A load balancing routine is performed to redistribute the traffic loads on all outroutes, while excluding any terminal that is actively receiving the multicast traffic from the load balancing routine.

Abstract: A satellite communication system and method for resizing an outroute carrier from a gateway to a terminal population including determining, at the gateway, an insufficiency based on an Uplink Power Control (ULPC) function in conjunction with an Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) function failing to maintain the outroute carrier in operation; and downsizing, at the gateway based on the insufficiency, the outroute carrier by decreasing a symbol rate of the outroute carrier from the gateway while maintaining the aggregate carrier output power level to increase an outroute carrier margin, where the insufficiency is based on a fade. The outroute carrier may be upsized when the insufficiency expires or is reduced.

Abstract: The present teachings include a method and computing apparatus for triggering synchronization of a satellite modem to a carrier frequency of a beam of a satellite, retrieving ephemeris information for the satellite and beam configuration information for the beam, calculating a velocity of the satellite per the ephemeris information, and adjusting the carrier frequency of the satellite modem when communicating via the beam to compensate for a doppler offset induced in the carrier frequency by the velocity. In the method, the satellite has a satellite type selected from a Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) or Low Earth Orbit (LEO) type of satellite, and the satellite type is different than a satellite type of an immediately preceding synchronization.

Abstract: Various arrangements for increasing a transfer rate of a data transfer via satellite are presented. A satellite gateway may set an accelerated set of communication parameters that control communication between the satellite gateway and the satellite terminal via the satellite and between the satellite gateway and the content source to an accelerated transfer rate between the content source and the satellite terminal. A first set of data may be transferred from the content source to the satellite terminal using the set of communication parameters. After transferring the first set of data, the satellite gateway may adjust the initial set of communication parameters to an adjusted set of communication parameters. The adjusted transfer rate can be lower than the accelerated transfer rate.

Abstract: A receiver determines whether an outbound carrier frequency among a plurality of outbound carrier frequencies, as received, includes interference. Based at least in part on a result of the determining, a new outbound carrier frequency is selected for the receiver. Optionally, the receiver sends an interference report to a system controller.

Abstract: A process for improving network performance in systems that utilize secure domain name system (DNS) schemes. Encrypted DNS requests from devices in a local area network (LAN), such as a home or office, are submitted to a local proxy which stores cached DNS records. The proxy decrypts or examines at least a portion of the DNS request in order search for a matching record in its storage. Matching records are retrieved, encrypted, and supplied to the requesting device to satisfy the DNS request. If the proxy does not contain a matching record, the DNS query is encrypted and submitted to an external DNS server for resolution. The matching record can optionally be saved by the proxy prior to being supplied to the requesting device.

Abstract: The present teachings include a method and computing apparatus for triggering synchronization of a satellite modem to a carrier frequency of a beam of a satellite, retrieving ephemeris information for the satellite and beam configuration information for the beam, calculating a velocity of the satellite per the ephemeris information, and adjusting the carrier frequency of the satellite modem when communicating via the beam to compensate for a doppler offset induced in the carrier frequency by the velocity. In the method, the satellite has a satellite type selected from a Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) or Low Earth Orbit (LEO) type of satellite, and the satellite type is different than a satellite type of an immediately preceding synchronization.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a multi-band satellite terminal are disclosed. One aspect disclosed features a method, comprising: controlling a multi-band satellite terminal capable of receiving signals on a plurality of frequency bands to receive a signal transmitted by a satellite on a first frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands; determining link conditions of the first frequency band based on the received signal; generating an estimate of link conditions of a second frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands, wherein the estimate is generated based on the link conditions of the first frequency band; selecting the second frequency band based on the estimate of the link conditions of the second frequency band; and controlling the multi-band satellite ground terminal to receive the signal transmitted by the satellite on the second frequency band.

Abstract: The present teachings include a method and computing apparatus for triggering synchronization of a satellite modem to a carrier frequency of a beam of a satellite, retrieving ephemeris information for the satellite and beam configuration information for the beam, calculating a velocity of the satellite per the ephemeris information, and adjusting the carrier frequency of the satellite modem when communicating via the beam to compensate for a doppler offset induced in the carrier frequency by the velocity. In the method, the satellite has a satellite type selected from a Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) or Low Earth Orbit (LEO) type of satellite, and the satellite type is different than a satellite type of an immediately preceding synchronization.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a multi-band satellite terminal are disclosed. One aspect disclosed features a method, comprising: controlling a multi-band satellite terminal capable of receiving signals on a plurality of frequency bands to receive a signal transmitted by a satellite on a first frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands; determining link conditions of the first frequency band based on the received signal; generating an estimate of link conditions of a second frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands, wherein the estimate is generated based on the link conditions of the first frequency band; selecting the second frequency band based on the estimate of the link conditions of the second frequency band; and controlling the multi-band satellite ground terminal to receive the signal transmitted by the satellite on the second frequency band.

Abstract: A satellite telecommunication system includes a satellite and multiple computing devices. One computing device is in communication with the satellite and programmed to generate a virtual local area network (VLAN) packet with a VLAN tag and transmit the VLAN packet to the satellite. Another computing device is in communication with the satellite and programmed to receive the VLAN packet, determine VLAN tag information from the VLAN tag, and forward at least the original packet while preserving VLAN tag information associated with the VLAN tag.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for balancing traffic loads on beam outroutes that contain both multicast and unicast traffic. An outroute is designated for supplying at least multicast traffic within a beam of a satellite communication system. Terminals interested in receiving the multicast traffic are moved to the designated outroute. Traffic loads on all outroutes within the beam, including the designated outroute, are compared to determine if variations in the traffic loads exceed a predetermined threshold. A load balancing routine is performed to redistribute the traffic loads on all outroutes, while excluding any terminal that is actively receiving the multicast traffic from the load balancing routine.

Abstract: A terrestrial terminal enables communications, over a network connection, between a local host of one or more connected local hosts and a remote host. The terrestrial terminal is configured to perform operations comprising: receiving, from the remote host, a network packet for the local host; obtaining, from the network packet, an included TCP segment; determining, from the TCP segment, a receive window size advertised by the remote host; computing, using one or more characteristics of the network connection, a target receive window size; comparing the target receive window size with the advertised receive window size; and in response to determining that the target receive window size is different from the advertised receive window size: modifying the TCP segment by replacing the advertised receive window size with the target receive window size, and forwarding the network packet with the modified TCP segment to the local host.

Abstract: Disclosed methods include a resource manager in a multiple node network receiving a demand for additional bandwidth, from a terminal, and the resource manager having updated information on the state of the mobile node network and, using that the state information, performing test allocation of the requested bandwidth to the requesting terminal. Disclosed methods include determining whether previous commitments of service can be met with the test allocation in place. Associated with a positive result, an allocation is sent to the terminal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a multi-band satellite terminal are disclosed. One aspect disclosed features a method, comprising: controlling a multi-band satellite terminal capable of receiving signals on a plurality of frequency bands to receive a signal transmitted by a satellite on a first frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands; determining link conditions of the first frequency band based on the received signal; generating an estimate of link conditions of a second frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands, wherein the estimate is generated based on the link conditions of the first frequency band; selecting the second frequency band based on the estimate of the link conditions of the second frequency band; and controlling the multi-band satellite ground terminal to receive the signal transmitted by the satellite on the second frequency band.

Abstract: Various arrangements for increasing a transfer rate of a data transfer via satellite are presented. A satellite gateway may set an accelerated set of communication parameters that control communication between the satellite gateway and the satellite terminal via the satellite and between the satellite gateway and the content source to an accelerated transfer rate between the content source and the satellite terminal. A first set of data may be transferred from the content source to the satellite terminal using the set of communication parameters. After transferring the first set of data, the satellite gateway may adjust the initial set of communication parameters to an adjusted set of communication parameters. The adjusted transfer rate can be lower than the accelerated transfer rate.

Abstract: A method for using multiple communication paths in a satellite network is disclosed. The method including: initiating a connection request from a first peer to a second peer; providing communication paths between the first peer and the second peer; retrieving a policy corresponding to the communication paths, the first peer and the second peer; receiving a transport metric for at least one of the communication paths; selecting a path from the communication paths based on a connection metric, the transport metric and the policy; and establishing a connection between the first peer and the second peer with the path, wherein at least one of the communication paths is relayed by a satellite.

Abstract: A satellite communication system and method for resizing an outroute carrier from a gateway to a terminal population including determining, at the gateway, an insufficiency based on an Uplink Power Control (ULPC) function in conjunction with an Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) function failing to maintain the outroute carrier in operation; and downsizing, at the gateway based on the insufficiency, the outroute carrier by decreasing a symbol rate of the outroute carrier from the gateway while maintaining the aggregate carrier output power level to increase an outroute carrier margin, where the insufficiency is based on a fade. The outroute carrier may be upsized when the insufficiency expires or is reduced.