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 for managing access to a satellite-based transponder by a plurality of aircraft each having a mobile radio frequency (RF) system. The system employs a ground-based, central control system for managing access to the satellite-based transponder so that the aggregate power spectral density (PSD) of the RF signals of all the mobile systems does not exceed, at any time, limits established by regulatory agencies to prevent interference between satellite systems. This is accomplished by a dual control loop arrangement for monitoring the signal-to-noise ratio (Eb/No) of the RF signal transmitted by the satellite-based transponder. A ground-based control loop is used whereby a ground-based central controller monitors the Eb/No and transmits commands to the aircraft (via the satellite transponder) to maintain the Eb/No of the transmitted signal within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying which one of a plurality of mobile terminals in communication with a ground-based base station, via a transponded satellite, is causing interference with a non-target satellite orbiting in a vicinity of the transponded satellite. The method involves using the base station to sequentially check each of the mobile terminals to identify which one is causing the interference. The check is made by the base station commanding each mobile terminal to modulate the power level of its transmitted signals and then checking with an operator of the interfered with non-target satellite to see if the interference condition has changed. Once the mobile terminal causing the interference condition is identified, the base station can command the mobile terminal to reduce its transmit power accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing use of cellular/PDA devices on-board a mobile platform, such as an aircraft. The system involves using the shielding of the fuselage of the aircraft to provide a first degree of signal-to-noise ratio attenuation of signals from terrestrial wireless access points entering into the interior cabin area of the aircraft. A noise floor lifter subsystem raises the noise floor level within the aircraft to provide a second degree of attenuation of the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal entering the aircraft. By using the shielding of the fuselage, communication of the cellular/PDA devices can be prevented with a lesser degree of noise floor lifting within the aircraft, thus reducing the chance of interference with terrestrial wireless access points and/or interference with important navigation or avionics subsystems within the aircraft.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively enabling and disabling wireless connectivity between cellular or PDA users on-board commercial aircraft having a shielded fuselage, and remotely located wireless access points, while the aircraft is at an airport or airfield. The system and method does not require access to an on-board LAN system of the aircraft. The system includes one or more antennae disposed in the cabin area of the aircraft that are coupled via an RF switch with an exterior antenna mounted on an exterior of the fuselage. The RF switch is controlled by a switch control subsystem, and enables or disables communication between the interior antennae and the exterior antenna. The exterior antenna is connected to the switch via a conductor that extends through the shielding of the aircraft. When the RF switch is in the closed position, cellular or PDA users can connect through the interior antennae and the exterior antenna directly to remotely located wireless access points.

Abstract: A system and method for managing access to a satellite-based transponder by a plurality of aircraft each having a mobile radio frequency (RF) system. The system employs a ground-based, central control system for managing access to the satellite-based transponder so that the aggregate power spectral density (PSD) of the RF signals of all the mobile systems does not exceed, at any time, limits established by regulatory agencies to prevent interference between satellite systems. This is accomplished by a dual control loop arrangement for monitoring the signal-to-noise ratio (Eb/No) of the RF signal transmitted by the satellite-based transponder. A ground-based control loop is used whereby a ground-based central controller monitors the Eb/No and transmits commands to the aircraft (via the satellite transponder) to maintain the Eb/No of the transmitted signal within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing soft handoffs in a cellular communications system on a mobile platform. The system employs an antenna controller in communication with a beam forming network that generates two independently aimable lobes from a single beam. The single beam is radiated by a phased array antenna on the mobile platform. In an Air-to-Ground implementation involving an aircraft, a base transceiver station (BTS) look-up position table is utilized to provide the locations of a plurality of BTS sites within a given region that the aircraft is traversing. The antenna controller controls the beam forming network to generate dual lobes from the single beam that facilitate making a soft handoff from one BTS site to another.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing soft handoffs in a cellular communications system on a mobile platform. The system employs an antenna controller in communication with a beam forming network that generates two independently aimable lobes from a single beam. The single beam is radiated by a phased array antenna on the mobile platform. In an Air-to-Ground implementation involving an aircraft, a base transceiver station (BTS) look-up position table is utilized to provide the locations of a plurality of BTS sites within a given region that the aircraft is traversing. The antenna controller controls the beam forming network to generate dual lobes from the single beam that facilitate making a soft handoff from one BTS site to another.

Abstract: A communication system and method for transmitting data to mobile platforms using multiple simultaneous channels operating at multiple data rates. Each mobile receiver has the capability to receive multiple transmit channels at multiple data rates. Mobile platforms report their position to a ground based controller which determines which communication channel can be operated without substantial loss of data. Data packets destined for each aircraft are preferably routed to the highest data rate channel that can be received by that mobile platform without substantial loss of data. This maximizes the overall system efficiency and throughput. High priority and mission critical data may be transmitted to the aircraft using low data rate channels to increase link availability.

Abstract: A system and method for managing access to a satellite-based transponder by a plurality of aircraft each having a mobile radio frequency (RF) system. The system employs a ground-based, central control system for managing access to the satellite-based transponder so that the aggregate power spectral density (PSD) of the RF signals of all the mobile systems does not exceed, at any time, limits established by regulatory agencies to prevent interference between satellite systems. This is accomplished by a dual control loop arrangement for monitoring the signal-to-noise ratio (Eb/No) of the RF signal transmitted by the satellite-based transponder. A ground-based control loop is used whereby a ground-based central controller monitors the Eb/No and transmits commands to the aircraft (via the satellite transponder) to maintain the Eb/No of the transmitted signal within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A system for providing wireless communication within a local area network (LAN) onboard a mobile platform. The system includes at least one seat transceiver located in a passenger seating area, and at least one passenger service unit (PSU) located above the passenger seating area. The PSU includes at least one PSU transceiver. Additionally, the system includes a direct path infrared (IR) signal transmission link between the seat transceiver and the PSU transceiver. The direct path IR transmission link transmits data between the seat transceiver and the PSU transceiver.

Abstract: A method of coordinating communications between ground stations and fixed beam satellites is provided, wherein each beam of a satellite antenna is assigned a color to create a color pattern that matches a frequency reuse pattern for the antenna, thereby using the same frequencies in a different beam with the same color. In operation, a ground station requests a virtual channel number from a resource manager, which sends a virtual channel number that is not used by another ground station within a beam diameter of the requesting ground station. The ground station then determines the position of the satellite, the beam and beam color, and further computes the frequency, polarization, and time slot, among other information, to communicate with the satellite. A method is also provided for managing virtual channels that comprises a network manager that groups ground stations and limits the number of virtual channels per group.

Abstract: A polling system and method for establishing forward and return communication links with a plurality of mobile platforms operating within a given coverage region, and further which provides preliminary return channel assignments with each polling message. Each polling message further has an associated ID code designating a particular mobile platform which is registered with a network operations center (NOC) of the system. If the mobile platform does not respond on its designated preliminary return channel within a given time period (e.g., 5 seconds) than the preliminary return channel is returned to a database of available return channels. Polling is carried out more expeditiously because groups of mobile platforms are polled simultaneously and provided with preliminary return channels which accompany the polling messages, and which direct each mobile platform to a designated return channel to use in establishing a return communications link.

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 communication system and method for transmitting data to mobile platforms using multiple simultaneous channels operating at multiple data rates. Each mobile receiver has the capability to receive multiple transmit channels at multiple data rates. Aircraft report their position to a ground based controller which determines which communication channel can be operated without substantial loss of data. Data packets destined for each aircraft are preferably routed to the highest data rate channel that can be received by that aircraft without substantial loss of data. This maximizes the overall system efficiency and throughput. High priority and mission critical data may be transmitted to the aircraft using low data rate channels to increase link availability.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly detecting and remedying an interference incident caused by one of a plurality of mobile terminals in communication with a transponded satellite. The method makes use of a time line constructed from communications of each of the mobile terminals. The time line forms a real time, sequential record of events wherein various mobile terminals have made contact with the transponded satellite. The method extrapolates from the time line which one of the mobile terminals has caused an interfering event by determining which mobile terminal accessed the communication system just prior to the interference event arising.

Abstract: A bi-directional radio frequency transponder apparatus and method of operation therefor. The single, bi-directional transponder has its bandwidth segmented into two distinct, non-overlapping frequency portions, one for handling forward link signals from a base station to a mobile platform and the other for handling return link signals from the mobile platform to the base station. The output of the transponder is reduced by at least about 1 dB below saturation, and more preferably by about 1 dB-3 dB below saturation. This prevents suppression of the relative small return link signals in the presence of the much larger forward link signals. The overall cost of the transponder system is reduced by half over that of a conventional dual transponder system without significantly degrading forward link or return link capacity.

Abstract: A method for rapidly monitoring and detecting a mobile terminal causing RF interference with one or more satellites orbiting in the vicinity of a target satellite, from a plurality of mobile terminals accessing the target satellite. Each mobile terminal performs a transmit lobing signal sequence and a ground-based component in the form of a Network Operation Center (NOC) analyzes the signals transmitted by each mobile platform. The NOC determines a ratio of energy-per-bit to noise spectral density (Eb/No) value for the signals transmitted by each mobile platform and compares these values to a predetermined Eb/No value. If the Eb/No values for a given mobile platform deviate by more than a predetermined magnitude from the predetermined Eb/No value, then the NOC identifies that given mobile platform as causing the unintended RF interference with the adjacent satellite(s).

Abstract: A method of coordinating communications between ground stations and fixed beam satellites is provided, wherein each beam of a satellite antenna is assigned a color to create a color pattern that matches a frequency reuse pattern for the antenna, thereby using the same frequencies in a different beam with the same color. In operation, a ground station requests a virtual channel number from a resource manager, which sends a virtual channel number that is not used by another ground station within a beam diameter of the requesting ground station. The ground station then determines the position of the satellite, the beam and beam color, and further computes the frequency, polarization, and time slot, among other information, to communicate with the satellite. A method is also provided for managing virtual channels that comprises a network manager that groups ground stations and limits the number of virtual channels per group.