Abstract: A method for efficiently and rapidly handing off a subscriber link from a first satellite (14) to a second satellite (12) in a satellite communications system (10) uses a virtual connection (44) between the first satellite (14) and a subscriber (18) through the second satellite (12). The virtual connection (44) is established soon after a handoff decision has been made. All signals subsequently received by the first satellite (14) for direct transmission to the subscriber (18) are then automatically transferred to the subscriber (18) through the virtual connection (44). The virtual connection (44) is terminated after a “call rerouted” signal has been received from a remote gateway (20).

Abstract: A user key validation during a handoff verifies the subscriber using the wireless communication system and prevents fraudulent use of the system. A wireless communication system (10) has a number of satellites (20, 22, 24) with which a subscriber unit (12) establishes a communication link. However, as the quality of the transmitted signal between an active satellite (22) and the subscriber unit (12) degrades, a handoff of the communication link with the subscriber unit (12) will occur if the subscriber (12) meets the authentication requirements of the system (10). The active satellite (22) generates user keys and transmits the user keys to the active subscriber units (12). A request of a handoff is made from the individual subscriber unit (ISU) (12) to the losing SV (22). The losing SV (22) communicates with the gaining SV (20) to establish a handoff. The losing SV (22) sends the user key of the ISU (12) to the gaining SV (20).