Abstract: A communications system (20) includes a resource controller (22) and a terminal (24) in communication with the resource controller (22). Periodically, the resource controller (22) sends a service announcement (46) that identifies a set (50) of timeslots (52) within a communication resource (40) configured for random access within a future frame (42). The terminal (24) ascertains a burst characteristic (118) of a message (54) to be sent from the terminal (24) and generates a random access parameter (128). The terminal (24) selects one of the timeslots (52) from the set (50) in accordance with the random access parameter (128), the timeslot exhibiting a burst type (62) corresponding to the burst characteristic (118) of the message (54). The terminal (24) transmits the message (54) in the selected timeslot (52).

Abstract: A base station (26) provides service in a satellite communications (SATCOM) system (22) to a terminal (24). The SATCOM system (22) operates in accordance with a first standard (43), and the terminal (24) is unable to communicate in accordance with the first standard (43). Methodology entails receiving, at a SATCOM resource controller (32), a request (62) for a satellite resource (46) from the base station (26). The satellite resource (46) is allocated to the base station (26) and the controller (32) sends a message (58) with the allocated satellite resource (46). The base station (26) applies a second standard (48), defining a specific set of functional and performance characteristics, to the satellite resource (46). The terminal (24) is enabled to perform satellite communications in accordance with the second standard (48) using the satellite resource (46).

Abstract: A base station (26) provides service in a satellite communications (SATCOM) system (22) to a terminal (24). The SATCOM system (22) operates in accordance with a first standard (43), and the terminal (24) is unable to communicate in accordance with the first standard (43). Methodology entails receiving, at a SATCOM resource controller (32), a request (62) for a satellite resource (46) from the base station (26). The satellite resource (46) is allocated to the base station (26) and the controller (32) sends a message (58) with the allocated satellite resource (46). The base station (26) applies a second standard (48), defining a specific set of functional and performance characteristics, to the satellite resource (46). The terminal (24) is enabled to perform satellite communications in accordance with the second standard (48) using the satellite resource (46).

Abstract: A communications system (20) includes a resource controller (22) and a terminal (24) in communication with the resource controller (22). Periodically, the resource controller (22) sends a service announcement (46) that identifies a set (50) of timeslots (52) within a communication resource (40) configured for random access within a future frame (42). The terminal (24) ascertains a burst characteristic (118) of a message (54) to be sent from the terminal (24) and generates a random access parameter (128). The terminal (24) selects one of the timeslots (52) from the set (50) in accordance with the random access parameter (128), the timeslot exhibiting a burst type (62) corresponding to the burst characteristic (118) of the message (54). The terminal (24) transmits the message (54) in the selected timeslot (52).

Abstract: Utility consumption data is provided over power line carrier links to local nodes and routed through a network of local nodes over peer-to-peer line-of-sight RF links to a utility service provider. Backhauler nodes combine the utility consumption data from the local nodes within a coverage region for routing to the utility service provider. Consumer nodes include sensing elements for measuring the utility consumption data, and switching elements for connecting or disconnecting the utility from a consumer location. Messages are sent through the network requesting the utility consumption data and for activating the switching elements.

Abstract: A method for organizing a communication system with automatic handoff. The method includes steps of: (i) sending a message from a first remote unit to a monitoring site during a specific time slot within a frame of time slots, wherein the first remote unit has a unique identification code and the message includes the unique identification code from the first remote unit; (ii) relaying the message including the identification code from the monitoring site to a central authority during a reserved time slot within the frame, the reserved time slot reserved for the relaying step; (iii) transmitting an acknowledgment message from the central authority to the monitoring site, wherein the monitoring site is determined from an updated lookup table of communications links between monitoring sites and remote units, during a time slot reserved for the acknowledgment message; and (iv) retransmitting the acknowledgment message from the monitoring site to the remote unit.