Abstract: A management agent ME1 of a target T1 receives a request of log-in from an initiator of interest and determines whether or not a number of initiators that currently log in the target T1 reaches a predetermined allowable number of simultaneous log-in (steps S210 and S212). In the case of an affirmative answer, the management agent ME1 reads an ordinal number of precedence ‘n’ allocated to a GUID of the initiator of interest from a queue (step S213) and reads a time constant mapped to the input ordinal number of precedence ‘n’ from a time constant table (step S214). The management agent ME1 subsequently sends a status packet, which includes a log-in error status and the time constant, to the initiator of interest (step S216). The initiator of interest receives the status packet, reads the time constant included in the input status packet, and outputs another request of log-in to the target T1 at a timing specified by the time constant.

Abstract: A wireless communication device and a controlling method thereof. The wireless communication device performing wireless communication includes a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data externally, and a controller for processing the data received from the transceiver, the wireless communication device operating as a slave that is connected to a master, the controller receiving a polling data addressed to the device from a master through the transceiver, and temporarily stopping the operation of the transceiver during a sleep period which is determined according to the number of other slaves connected to the master. Since the wireless communication device operated as an active slave can stop its data transmission/reception during a communication standby period, i.e., until the beginning of the next polling slot, the power consumption can be considerably reduced without affecting the communication itself.

Abstract: Techniques for use in designing, adjusting or operating a wireless network so as to provide a desired level of performance for the network. An optimization process is applied to a set of information characterizing the network. The optimization process is implemented as a multi-stage process which includes at least a frequency assignment stage and a post-frequency-assignment optimization stage, wherein the frequency assignment stage and the post-frequency-assignment stage are subject to iteration. For example, after an initial assignment of the frequencies in the frequency assignment stage, the post-frequency-assignment optimization stage may be performed, and based on the result of the optimization, at least one of the frequency assignment stage and the post-frequency-assignment optimization stage may be repeated. An output of the optimization process is utilized to determine one or more operating parameters of the wireless network, such as a base station transmit power or antenna orientation.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing antenna verification in a closed loop transmit diversity system. The method includes the step of processing a received signal using a finger processors to generate a plurality of finger outputs. The mobile station is communicatively coupled to a base station. The method also includes the step of combining each of the finger outputs using a combiner to produce a plurality of intermediate results. The intermediate results are obtained prior to a final summation performed by the combiner.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed relating to telecommunications which include transmitting a plurality of data groups to a receiver at a first power level, retransmitting a first one of the data groups to the receiver at a second power level lower than the first power level, providing feedback from the receiver relating to the retransmission of the first one of the data groups, and retransmitting a second one of the data groups to the receiver at a third power level different from the second power level, the third power level being a function of the feedback. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for estimating channels in a radio communication system using transmit diversity. Channel coefficients ?11,?12,?21,?22 associated with a transmit diversity channel may be estimated in a radio communication system having a Base Station (BS) and at least one Mobile Station (MS) includes a transmit diversity channel transmitted over at least two propagation paths from at least two antennas associated with a BS. A sequence of pilot symbols is provided for each of at least two antennas for transmission from the BS to a MS over the transmit diversity channel. A series of symbols r1, r2, r3, r4 are received at the MS from the transmit diversity channel and a matrix P of values of the sequence of pilot symbols is established according to a relation which satisfies a full rank condition for the matrix P which may be stored together with P?1 in a memory. Channels estimates are determined using the matrix and the received sequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wireless communication for non-latency-dependent data comprises receiving data to be transmitted over a digital control channel. If the data is appropriate for transmission over the digital control channel, then the data is so transmitted if the network conditions are favorable for such a transmission. If network conditions are not favorable for transmission over the digital control channel, then the data is queued for future transmission.

Abstract: An LNB (low noise block down converter) that can have a plurality of receivers connected includes a conversion unit receiving a plurality of types of polarized wave signals transmitted from each of a plurality of satellites to convert the plurality of polarized wave signals into a plurality of intermediate frequency signals, an amplify switch connected to the conversion unit to receive the plurality of intermediate frequency signals as inputs, and having a plurality of outputs connected to a plurality of output ports, respectively, determining a status according to a select signal and providing an amplified intermediate frequency signal, and a first control unit receiving digital serial data to select a satellite from an external source via an output port and providing a select signal according to the digital serial data.

Abstract: A multi-modulation mode air interface frame format, and related methods for carrying traffic on the multi-modulation mode air frame format, including an overhead portion including a first plurality of time slots and a plurality of overhead bursts located within respective ones of the first plurality of time slots. The frame format also includes a traffic portion including a second plurality of time slots following the first plurality of time slots and a plurality of traffic bursts, wherein respective ones of the plurality of traffic bursts are located within one or more of the second plurality of time slots. And each of the plurality of traffic bursts are modulated using a respective one of a plurality of modulation modes.

Abstract: A modem, communications system and method are provided with a transmitter and a receiver connected to a modem termination system (CMTS) by a medium. The modem has a memory forming a transmit queue including voice and video. The modem has a controller for sending data units from the receive queue to CMTS. The modem requests unsolicited grant service (UGS) from CMTS when the frame controller detects periodic stream to transmit. Upon detecting a data accumulation in the receive queue, the controller asserts a queue indicator. The Modem receives an occasional extra grant per interval and uses these grants until the queue indicator is not asserted. According to another feature, during transmission, the modem requests subsequent grants in a subsequent interval using an extended header having multiple bits for requesting the multiple grants. The CMTS allocates at least an extra grant to form a grant burst in response to the request.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radio communication system in which secondary stations (110) can request services from a primary station (100) using a random access channel employing a time division multiple access protocol, An access request comprises an access packet (200) having a predetermined maximum data capacity. If a secondary station requires to transmit an access request including more payload data (202,206) than can be accommodated in a single access packet the data is subdivided into a plurality of parts each of which is transmitted in a separate access packet. The primary station combines the data from the plurality of access packets (200) forming the access request, and issues an acknowledgement to the secondary station.

Abstract: A wireless communication network includes a plurality of mobile nodes each including a transceiver, a phased array antenna connected to the transceiver, and a controller connected to the transceiver. The controller initiates at least one semi-permanent time slot request for respective time frames to establish a communication link with each neighboring mobile node and leaving at least one available time slot in each time frame, while processing multiple received semi-permanent time slot requests from neighboring mobile nodes. The controller also initiates at least one available time slot request to also serve the communication link with a neighboring mobile node based upon link communications demand, while processing multiple received available time slot requests from neighboring mobile nodes. The phased array antenna is aimed by the controller towards each neighboring mobile node during communication therewith.

Abstract: A system and method reduces cross-beam interference in multi-beam wireless data-transmission system through temporal separation of the multiple beams. A sector of a cell is geographically divided such that a number of beam patterns correspond to a number of user-group areas. For example, the sector can be divided such that four user-group areas are created. The number of groups and beam patterns can be increased or decreased. Forward link transmissions from a base station to a plurality of user terminals are patterned such that transmissions to adjacent user-group areas do not occur during the same time intervals. According to one operation, pilot signal transmissions are suppressed within a beam if no data is transmitted during a corresponding temporal period. According to another operation, temporal guard slots are introduced to avoid inter-cell interference. Further, in some operations, user terminals report to the base station to indicate one or more preferred user-group areas for their inclusion.

Abstract: A device (100) for receiving, storing and playing back digital audio radio signals comprises a receiver (203), a decoder (502 and/or 504), a user input (516), a storage medium (510) coupled to the decoder, and a system controller (508) coupled to the user input. The receiver receives a digitally encoded bit stream (300) on a plurality of communication resources (104), wherein each communication resource contains content and associated index information. The decoder selectively decodes a selected plurality of communication resources and the user input selects the selected plurality based on the associated index information and selects a portion of the content contained in selected plurality to be retrieved. The storage medium stores the content and associated index information contained in the selected plurality of communication resources and the system controller stores and retrieves content to and from the storage medium based on input received at the user input.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for dynamic radio station tuning in a data processing system. A play list is identified. The play list is a user-defined list and includes an identification of a number of songs. Music information is obtained from a plurality of radio stations. This music information is compared to the play list to generate a schedule. Dynamic tuning to a radio station within the plurality of radio stations is performed using the schedule to present songs from the number of songs to a listener.

Abstract: A base station of a code division, multiple access (CDMA) telecommunications system employs scheduling of data transmission signals to corresponding user transceivers in down-link channels of a data network. One or more user transceivers may be in communication with a base station within a cell, and each user may have a minimum data rate requirement. In accordance with the present invention, the scheduling of user data transmission follows the constraints that 1) each base station transmits to user transceivers one at a time, and 2) the base station uses full available power for the down-link channel when transmitting (for data networks only). Given a data network of users, the method of scheduling and data rates may be modeled in accordance with a linear programming problem optimized according to a predefined criterion. In addition, the present method may be employed in a hybrid CDMA/time-share system to reduce power of data channels in communication with user transceivers near the base station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiplexing method and a transceiver used in a TDMA radio system. The transceiver sets up a connection to another transceiver by transmitting modulated signals in time slots. The transceiver comprises coding means for channel-coding a signal that consists of bits and that is formed into a communication signal, and interleaving means for interleaving the bits of the channel-coded Signal into blocks of a predetermined size. The transceiver also comprises multiplexing means that receive blocks from the interleaving means and that multiplex the interleaved blocks of at least two channel-coded signals together. The transceiver further comprises modulation means for modulating the blocks multiplexed by the multiplexing means with at least four-level modulation before the modulated signal blocks are transmitted as a communication signal in a time slot, so that the transmission speed of the communication signal and the number of the connections to be established can be increased.

Abstract: A scheduling system and method operable with a burst switching element wherein control information is provided to the switching element via a separate Burst Header that precedes data bursts on ingress data channels. In one embodiment, a series of scheduling determinations are made in a select order such that packet treatment (i.e., processing for transmission, buffering, or packet dropping) is optimized with respect to packet loss and available buffer space. In another embodiment, control information received in the Burst Headers is utilized to reserve output data channel bandwidth to future incoming data packets in a forward-looking scheduling mechanism.

Abstract: An outbound message (200) identifies a slot type associated with each timeslot in a scheduling period. In one embodiment, the outbound message further identifies at least an address of a first subscriber group assigned to transmit in a first timeslot (206) if the slot type of the first timeslot is of a first type and an address of a second subscriber group assigned to transmit in a second timeslot (208) if the slot type of the second timeslot is of a second type, wherein the first type and the second type could be the same or different. In a second embodiment, the outbound message further identifies at least a group address associated with a plurality of subscriber units assigned to transmit in a first timeslot if the slot type of the first timeslot is of a first type.

Abstract: An approach for performing congestion avoidance in a switching communication system is disclosed. An input port of the switching communication system receives a bandwidth request from a source. The switching communication system includes a bandwidth control processor that examines the bandwidth request, and multiple output ports. The output ports communicate with various destination sites. A congestion avoidance logic within the switching communication system generates multiple clusters based upon a transmission constraint associated with the output ports; each of the clusters corresponds to a portion of the destination sites. The congestion avoidance logic determines a cluster threshold that corresponds to traffic load distribution among the critical clusters. Additionally, the congestion avoidance logic selectively grants the bandwidth request based upon the determined cluster threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of broadcasting is provided that has a geographic identifier memory, an overlay memory storing an overlay, a receiver circuit for receiving a broadcast signal and a control circuit. The control circuit displays the overlay on the broadcast signal in response to the geographic identifier.

Abstract: A method for transmission of compressed data for a digital audio broadcasting system comprises the steps of producing digital information representative of an audio signal; estimating the number of bits to be allocated to the digital information in a modem frame; encoding the digital information within the estimated number of bits to produce encoded data; removing selected bits from the encoded data; adding bits corresponding to digital messages to the encoded information to form a composite modem frame; formatting the composite modem frame bits to produce formatted composite modem frame bits; and transmitting the formatted composite modem frame bits. The invention also encompasses transmitters that perform the method.

Abstract: Biasing and scheduling transmission of data for access point transceivers. A transmission period of the transceivers is biased in adjacent cells into a plurality of time slots such that the biasing reduces interference among adjacent cells. The transceivers are then scheduled to transmit data packets during a selected time slot of the plurality of time slots that is distinct from each other.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed relating to telecommunications which include transmitting a plurality of data groups to a receiver at a first power level, retransmitting a first one of the data groups to the receiver at a second power level lower than the first power level, providing feedback from the receiver relating to the retransmission of the first one of the data groups, and retransmitting a second one of the data groups to the receiver at a third power level different from the second power level, the third power level being a function of the feedback. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A wireless communication network includes a plurality of mobile nodes each including a transceiver, a phased array antenna connected to the transceiver, and a controller connected to the transceiver. The controller initiates at least one semi-permanent time slot request for respective time frames to establish a communication link with each neighboring mobile node and leaving at least one available time slot in each time frame, while processing multiple received semi-permanent time slot requests from neighboring mobile nodes. The controller also initiates at least one available time slot request to also serve the communication link with a neighboring mobile node based upon link communications demand, while processing multiple received available time slot requests from neighboring mobile nodes. The phased array antenna is aimed by the controller towards each neighboring mobile node during communication therewith.

Abstract: A base station of a code division, multiple access (CDMA) telecommunications system employs scheduling of data transmission signals to corresponding user transceivers in down-link channels of a data network. One or more user transceivers may be in communication with a base station within a cell, and each user may have a minimum data rate requirement. In accordance with the present invention, the scheduling of user data transmission follows the constraints that 1) each base station transmits to user transceivers one at a time, and 2) the base station uses full available power for the down-link channel when transmitting (for data networks only). Given a data network of users, the method of scheduling and data rates may be modeled in accordance with a linear programming problem optimized according to a predefined criterion. In addition, the present method may be employed in a hybrid CDMA/time-share system to reduce power of data channels in communication with user transceivers near the base station.

Abstract: Calls are routed in a hybrid telecommunications system including a switched communications network and a packet transmission network. A gateway server provides file transfer services in response to a user initiating a call. Calls and data are routed over a hybrid network including a satellite facility. The satellite facility receives data streams at a stream gateway, receives data files and stores and forwards the data files to file gateways as directed by a scheduling service according to the subscriber and the data. All data is multiplexed with authentication and session information and transmitted through orbiting satellite links or the Internet to a receiving facility. Transmission status is returned to the transmitting facility and the data is retransmitted accordingly. The receiving facility decodes the satellite transmission data and transmits the data to client device(s) as directed by a scheduling service according to the subscriber and the data.

Abstract: In a data communication system such as a high capacity DBS system, dynamic mapping of broadcast resources is provided to exploit occasional redundancy in the program content of two or more input data streams, freeing at least one broadcast resource to carry alternate bitstreams, such as additional programs or existing programs at higher quality. Transmission maps defining the correspondence between input data streams and broadcast resources, and reception maps defining the correspondence between broadcast resources and output data streams, are updated as needed to dynamically modify broadcast resource mapping to increase effective utilization of available bandwidth. Beneficial n:n-y:m mapping in a high capacity consumer DBS entertainment system is provided. Apparatus and methods for efficiently generating, maintaining and updating allocation maps with reduced overhead requirements, are disclosed.

Abstract: A reception synchronization circuit for receiving a unique word transmitted in a predetermined digital pattern. A detection circuit detects the reception electric field intensity as received power. A UW correlation judgment circuit detects the unique word (hereinafter referred to as “UW”) and takes a correlation between the unique word thus detected and a predetermined digital pattern. A memory stores two or more threshold values for the movement average. After the two or more threshold values and the movement average are compared with each other, the correlation is taken by the UW correlation judgment circuit when the movement average is larger than the minimum values of the two or more threshold values.

Abstract: A method for implementing an activity based resource assignment medium access control (MAC) protocol to allocate resources to subscribers in an interactive, multimedia, broadband satellite communications system. A plurality of channels is provided with at least one of said plurality of channels being assigned to each of a plurality of terminals. Utilization of the channel resources by the plurality of terminals is monitored and an evaluation is conducted of system needs based on the levels of activity and utilization of channel resources by the terminals. Requests for system resources by the terminals are communicated to a resource controller which calculates the system needs. The resource controller is utilized to adjust the channel resources based on the levels of activity and utilization of resources by the terminals. The adjustment provides active terminals as much resources as required during duration of their activity, subject to resource availability.

Abstract: A base station and a mobile station for a CDMA communication system intermittently exchange data on a power control group unit or time slot unit in a control hold state to minimize interference. To this end, during channel transmission, the system intermittently transmits a reverse pilot channel signal in the control hold state; upon activation of a reverse dedicated control channel, transmits a normal pilot channel signal which is first generated after activation of the reverse dedicated control channel; and then transmits the reverse dedicated control channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing satellite selection in a broadcast communication system is provided. In some embodiments, a controlling data stream broadcast on a first satellite over a broadcast channel is utilized to indicate that information signals such as a television program are being carried on the same channel on a different satellite. Remote receiving apparatus utilize the controlling data stream to locate the information signals by switching to the satellite identified in the controlling data stream.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and systems for use in a wireless communications system, such as a CDMA mobile communications system. A communications device transmits a wireless signal. A repeater system receives a first version of the wireless signal using a first receiver system and receives a second version of the wireless signal using a second receiver system. The repeater system switches between the first version of the wireless signal and the second version of the wireless signal to generate a third version of the wireless signal. The repeater system transmits the third version of the wireless signal and a base station system receives the third version of the wireless signal. In some embodiments of the invention, the wireless signals are Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) signals. In some embodiments of the invention, the switching occurs at a rate of 4 MHz.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interface and method for data transmission between digital and radio frequency (RF) components of a base station. The interface and method involves transmitting transmit or receive data over a first set of time slots and transmitting various uplink or downlink low rate static/control signals over a second set of time slots. The transmit data includes in-phase transmit data bits and quadrature phase transmit bits, and the receive data includes in-phase transmit data bits and quadrature phase transmit bits received over a diversity antenna system.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling uplink power in a satellite communication system using error leveling is provided. The uplink power control system for a satellite communication system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a communication satellite (101) and at least one UET (105). The communication satellite (101) includes an error detector (211) and a comparator (215). The UET (105) includes a receiver (206) for receiving an error indicator signal from the comparator (215), and a power profile processor (216) for controlling the transmit power level of the particular chanslot being used by the UET in response to the error indicator.

Abstract: A slot format and acknowledgment method for use in a communication network that contains one or more wireless links. The slot format provides for the segmenting and reassembly of packets for transport over a wireless link. It also provides support for multiple types of service for the data being carried over the wireless link as well as allocating of access to the wireless link among a plurality of communication units. The acknowledgment method provides for detection of errors over the wireless link, the selective acknowledgment of error-free transmissions and the selective resending of transmissions received in error.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transceiver for use in a base station (BS) of a fixed wireless network that communicates with a plurality of subscriber transceivers via time division duplex (TDD) channels.

Abstract: Time division multiplexed input signals (i.e., separated into time slots) are spread in each time slot with a destination code. This spreading is applied for destination identification as opposed to signal information modulation. Each spreading signal is associated with a particular destination for a particular time slot. These spread signals are then combined on a code division bus. Output signals for retransmission to the destinations are recovered from the bus by application of despreading codes. Each despread signal has a destination code which appears in its individual time slot. In a variant code division multiplexed signals are directed to a destination by use of time slot interchanger to achieve time division switching to route the CDMA multiplexed channels.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data between radio stations in a radio communication system includes superimposing first signaling information items with second information items at a transmitting end to form an aggregate signal. The aggregate signal is transmitted in a frequency channel, for distinguishing the first signaling information items and the second information items with the aid of individual fine structures. A received signal is evaluated at a receiving end. Initially an influence of the first signaling information items on the second information items is reduced by a compensation calculation carried out with reference to the received signal. Subsequently, the second information items are detected in the received signal already subjected to the compensation calculation. The method can be used in particular with a TD/CDMA transmission process. A receiver and a mobile station are also provided.

Abstract: In a data communication system such as a high capacity DBS system, dynamic mapping of broadcast resources is provided to exploit occasional redundancy in the program content of two or more input data streams, freeing at least one broadcast resource to carry alternate bitstreams, such as additional programs or existing programs at higher quality. Transmission maps defining the correspondence between input data streams and broadcast resources, and reception maps defining the correspondence between broadcast resources and output data streams, are updated as needed to dynamically modify broadcast resource mapping to increase effective utilization of available bandwidth. Beneficial n:n−y:m mapping in a high capacity consumer DBS entertainment system is provided. Apparatus and methods for efficiently generating, maintaining and updating allocation maps with reduced overhead requirements, are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved mobile digital radio system is disclosed. A plurality of satellites and terrestrial repeaters transmit substantially identical information that is contained in an original time division multiplexed data stream. Each satellite transmits on a separate frequency band, and all terrestrial repeaters transmit on one shared frequency band. A mobile receiver simultaneously processes the frequency bands. The receiver selectively parses and concatenates a plurality of time division multiplexed data streams to substantially recompose the original data stream. The output may be a high fidelity audio signal, data for display, or a combination of audio and displayed data.

Abstract: A satellite direct radio broadcast system is provided which assembles bits of broadcast programs into prime rate increments, several of which are assembled into a frame. Frames are divided into symbols which are demultiplexed into alternating ones of a plurality of prime rate channels. The prime rate channels are demultiplexed onto a corresponding number of broadcast frequencies for transmission to a satellite. The satellite payload switches the symbols into time division multiplexed (TDM) data streams. The receivers process the TDM streams using service control headers (SCHs) provided therein by broadcast stations. The SCHs facilitate transmission of different service components within broadcast channel frames, association of a primary broadcast channel with one or more secondary broadcast channels on a frame-to-frame basis, and the transmission of multiframe bit streams, or auxiliary data throughout a broadcast channel that are independent of a service, in contiguous or non-contiguous frames.

Abstract: An audio codec having an encoder and a decoder is disclosed. The encoder enables the compression of an audio signal for transmission or storage while the decoder receives a compressed audio signal for playback. A time scaling module within the decoder allows variation of the playback rate of the compressed audio signal. Further, no significant depreciation in the quality of pitch occurs as a result of varying the playback rate. The codec features a control for independently varying the playback rate and a module for delivering pitch compensation. The encoder utilizes a sub-band coding scheme (e.g., MPEG-1 and MPEG-2) wherein an audio signal is split into at least two frequency sub-bands for compression. Using a filter bank having two filters, for example, the audio signal is split into the frequency sub-bands. An decoder having a time scaling module is further disclosed. The time scaling module time stretches or compresses an audio signal as desired using a synchronized overlap and add (SOLA) algorithm.

Abstract: A masked signal transceiver of the present invention comprises a transmitter for transmitting a combined signal of a primary communications signal and an attenuated secondary communications signal occupying substantially the same frequency band concurrently. A receiver receives the combined signal and demodulates the primary communications signal to extract the primary communications signal information. An adaptive locally optimum processor separates the secondary communications signal from the combined signal. The secondary communications signal is then demodulated to extract the secondary communications signal information.

Abstract: A secure communication hub (10) relays local communications between low probability of intercept (LPI) user radio equipment (68) and provides a secure interface with a command center (58) through a non-geostationary commercial satellite communication system. The secure communication hub (10) includes different radio interface units (12) for communicating different data formats with the (LPI) user radio equipment (68). Encryption and decryption circuitry (18) provides for different security levels and different keys for the (LPI) user radio equipment. Links with the satellite system are secured using encryption.

Abstract: A satellite direct radio broadcast system is provided which assembles bits of broadcast programs into prime rate increments, several of which are assembled into a frame. Frames are divided into symbols which are demultiplexed into alternating ones of a plurality of prime rate channels. The prime rate channels are demultiplexed onto a corresponding number of broadcast frequencies for transmission to a satellite. The satellite payload switches the symbols into time division multiplexed (TDM) data streams. The receivers process the TDM streams using service control headers (SCHs) provided therein by broadcast stations. The SCHs facilitate transmission of different service components within broadcast channel frames, association of a primary broadcast channel with one or more secondary broadcast channels on a frame-to-frame basis, and the transmission of multiframe bit streams, or auxiliary data throughout a broadcast channel that are independent of a service, in contiguous or non-contiguous frames.

Abstract: The device comprises at least one set of links that send packet formatted digital information to the satellite on at least two different frequencies, at least one second set of links on board the satellite receives the digital information packets, at least one packet time multiplexing module connected both to output of the second set of links and to input of a digital information formatting module comprising a scrambler connected to input of a part of a broadcasting DVB-S chain beginning by a convolutive interleaving block and terminating by a QPSK modulator, at least one clock on board the satellite, this clock, working in asynchronism with all earth clocks and driving the satellite-borne assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for transmitting, receiving and communicating program data signals which are combined with digital data signals. Preferably, the present invention compresses 30 digital audio signals, multiplexes them with title, track, artist, record label, year, etc., program information, and transmits the combined signals via satellite to a receiving station. The receiving station demultiplexes the signals and sends them via a cable distribution system to a subscriber's digital music tuner. This tuner further demultiplexes and decodes the signals so that the digital audio signals may be converted to analog and output for listening, while the corresponding data signals are communicated to the subscriber. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the program data signals are transmitted to a remote control receiver where they are displayed. The system described in the present invention may be used for transmitting video, software or games with program data to subscribers.

Abstract: A method and system for providing global variable data rate connectivity in a satellite-based communications network includes a plurality of communications satellites for transmitting and receiving signals in a plurality of coverage areas. User terminals transmit and receive signals to and from the satellites. A set of the user terminals located in one of the coverage areas and associated with one of the communications satellites has a variable bandwidth associated therewith. The variable bandwidth is determined based on the collective bandwidth requirements of each of the user terminals in the set. Each of the user terminals may request a change in their bandwidth requirement independent of the variable bandwidth associated with the collective set of the user terminals.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the time occupation of signalling frequencies is disclosed, in a frequency hopping system including a plurality of remote stations communicating under control of transceivers with a transceiver of a base station, such communication being performed over a shared medium through a sequence of frequency hopping periods in a plurality of operating frequencies. The method consists in selecting a set of signalling frequencies among the operating frequencies, and interleaving signalling messages transmitted on each signalling frequency within each frequency hopping period to allow a remote station to enter the network for the first time or by re-acquiring synchronization, by scanning each signalling frequency for receiving a signalling message.