Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving and processing burst-mode code-division multiple access (CDMA) direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) signals is provided. In this apparatus and method, a number of demodulators are provided in a set enumerated order. Each demodulator is either “ready,” meaning that it is free to process signals, or busy meaning that it is currently processing a signal. The ready demodulators each receive an input IF signal and try to detect a preamble in the IF signal. Once they detect the preamble, each ready demodulator then sends a request signal to an arbitrator. In response to a received request signal, the arbitrator sends a grant signal to the first ready demodulator in the enumerated order. This grant signal passes through each busy demodulator that is higher in the enumerated order than the first ready demodulator. The first ready demodulator then begins processing the signal, and is moved from the set of ready demodulators to the set of busy demodulators.

Abstract: A method is shown for providing stable communication between a hub earth-station and a VSAT earth-station by regulating the power of signals transmitted via a satellite. In this method, the hub receives a beacon signal from the satellite and a previous outbound signal. The hub then regulates the power of an outbound signal transmitted by the hub to VSAT via the satellite, based on either the beacon signal or the previous outbound signal. The hub then sends a current outbound signal, including signal data and parameter data to the VSAT via the satellite. The VSAT receives the current outbound signal and determines a number of signal properties pertaining to the current outbound signal. The VSAT then regulates the power of an inbound signal transmitted by the VSAT to the hub via the satellite, based on the signal properties, the parameter data, and a set of reference data.