Abstract: Approaches are provided for a congestion detection algorithm for detection of congestion in outroute port queues (associated with respective satellite downlink beams), of a Layer 2 switch on-board a processing satellite, before the congestion reaches the point of dropping packets. Such approaches employ congestion notification protocols to inform all inroute sources of the congested ports. The on-board Layer 2 switch sends congestion notifications to the on-board system controller. The system controller broadcasts a notification reflecting the report of contested ports/beams to source terminals. The source terminals then segregate bandwidth requests regarding traffic destined for congested beams from traffic destined to all uncongested beams, and categorize such requests based on respective traffic priority levels.

Abstract: A transmission and reception spot beam antenna is provided. A first transponder is configured to receive communications signals within a first receive spot beam and to transmit the communications signals within a first transmit spot beam. A second transponder is configured to receive reach-back signals within a second receive spot beam and to process the reach-back signals. A link between the second transponder and the first transponder passes the reach-back signals to the first transponder for transmission within the first transmit spot beam. A third transponder is configured to receive communications signals within a third receive spot beam and to transmit the communications signals within a third transmit spot beam. A link between the first transponder and the third transponder passes the communications signals to the third transponder, wherein the third transponder is configured to process the communications signals for transmission within the third transmit spot beam.

Abstract: A system is provided for reducing latency data collection from space-based sensor satellites. A mobile vehicle platform includes a sensor module configured to monitor certain conditions, circumstances, environments and situations occurring on or around, or associated with, the Earth, and to generate sensor data resulting from the monitoring. A relay satellite terminal is configured to execute data communications via a communications channel of a first satellite beam, wherein the data communications are configured to relay the sensor data, via satellites, to respective gateways for forwarding to a central processing facility for one or more of aggregation, processing, analysis and dissemination of the data. The relay satellite terminal is further configured to switch the data communications from the communications channel of the first satellite beam to a communications channel of a second satellite beam based on a position of the relay satellite terminal relative to the first and second satellite beams.

Abstract: A transmission and reception spot beam antenna is provided. A first transponder is configured to receive communications signals within a first receive spot beam and to transmit the communications signals within a first transmit spot beam. A second transponder is configured to receive reach-back signals within a second receive spot beam and to process the reach-back signals. A link between the second transponder and the first transponder passes the reach-back signals to the first transponder for transmission within the first transmit spot beam. A third transponder is configured to receive communications signals within a third receive spot beam and to transmit the communications signals within a third transmit spot beam. A link between the first transponder and the third transponder passes the communications signals to the third transponder, wherein the third transponder is configured to process the communications signals for transmission within the third transmit spot beam.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for allocating satellite resources in a satellite communication system. A network interface is provided for making requests for satellite resources. A request processor determines whether the requests can be fulfilled based on a plurality of system constraints. The constraints can include, for example, the number of antennas on board the satellite, the number of active demodulators available on board the satellite, the configuration of a switch matrix which connects antennas to demodulators, and interference between signals transmitted to and from neighboring geographic cells. The network interface is preferably implemented in a web browser connected to a network which includes the Internet.

Abstract: A system with automatic control of local generation, consumption, storage, buying, and selling of electrical energy is provided. This automation can be governed by optimization criteria and policies established by the administrative entity responsible for the domain benefiting from this invention. The control method, using a data processing computer, implements the optimization criteria and provides near real time directives for the system. The control program estimates energy generation and consumption, monitors voltage and power levels, configures the power circuit and adjusts device specific controls over a network. Depending on a specific situation, the control program can continue to store extra energy, sell energy for a financial gain, maximize sustainable generation to meet social obligations, or increase consumption for extra comfort.

Abstract: An approach for managing system capacity of a satellite communications system is disclosed. A satellite communications system provides communication services to a region. A terminal (101, 103) is located within the region and is configured to transmit and receive signals over a satellite (105) having a payload that processes the signals. The terminal (101, 103) has a predetermined profile that includes service class information and rate information. A hub (107) is configured to receive system capacity resource configuration data that reflect capacity requirements of a service provider and to determine partitioning of system capacity over the region based upon the system capacity resource configuration data. The hub (107) transmits configuration information to the payload of the satellite (105) according to the determined partitions. The terminal (101, 103) is configured to transmit a bandwidth request message to the payload.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for allocating satellite resources in a satellite communication system. A network interface is provided for making requests for satellite resources. A request processor determines whether the requests can be fulfilled based on a plurality of system constraints. The constraints can include, for example, the number of antennas on board the satellite, the number of active demodulators available on board the satellite, the configuration of a switch matrix which connects antennas to demodulators, and interference between signals transmitted to and from neighboring geographic cells. The network interface is preferably implemented in a web browser connected to a network which includes the Internet.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the availability of a satellite communications system is provided. A spare satellite is brought online by loading updated software in the satellite while the satellite is moving toward a new orbital position. The time required to bring the spare satellite into operation, and therefore restore service in the communication system, is thereby reduced.

Abstract: A resource management and billing system in a satellite communications network, which is capable of monitoring and verifying resource usage by terminals in the network. The system employs features of the satellite terminals, payload control computer and satellite demodulators, and a network operations control center. The satellite terminal maintains a record of the number of packets requested from the payload control computer. These packets represent the usage history data of each satellite terminal. In addition, using the payload control computer and a satellite demodulator, the satellite maintains records of the number of packets requested by the satellite terminal. The satellite terminal and the payload control computer send the data to the network operations center which audits the data to determine the accuracy regarding the requested amount of resources, and to verify the accuracy of usage data reported by the satellite terminal.