Abstract: By separating a function responsible for a control plane and a function responsible for a user plane into physically independent devices, a radio access network system, in which expandability and flexibility of a network is enhanced, is obtained. In the radio access network (RAN) system, the RAN is so designed that a server responsible for the control plane (CPS) and a server responsible for the user plane (UPS) are physically separated from each other. In response to an external request, a logical connection is set between the CPS and the UPS. For identification of the logical connection, mapping between a mobile unit or a radio bearer and the logical connection is managed using a logical connection ID. Thus, the CPS and UPS can independently be added or removed in a system configuration, thus enhancing the scalability of a mobile communication system.

Abstract: A transmitter (400) offsets the transmission time and frequency of a burst transmission such that uncertainties in reception time and reception frequency are reduced. The transmitter includes an ephemeris store (454) that includes ephemeris data for one or more possible intended receivers (130). Orbits of possible intended receivers are propagated, and an intended receiver is selected. Transmission time offsets are generated as a function of transmitter location and intended receiver location. Transmission frequency offsets are substantially equal to a Doppler frequency derived from the transmitter velocity and the intended receiver velocity. Guard times and guard bands are reduced in size, resulting in greater available communications bandwidth and simpler receiver designs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for operating a satellite communications system as well as a method for providing a larger effective gateway coverage area, and a system that operates in accordance with the methods. The methods include steps of (a) establishing a call connection between a terrestrial telecommunications network and a user terminal via a first gateway and at least one satellite; and (b) while the call connection is established, coupling the user terminal to the terrestrial telecommunications network via a second gateway and at least one further satellite. The step of coupling includes a step of conveying call speech or data information between the first gateway and the second gateway over an inter-gateway communications link. By so linking multiple gateways each gateway experiences an increase in its effective coverage area, as an on-going call can be continued even after a user terminal moves from a first gateway's coverage area into a second gateway's coverage area.

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: Information content is nonidentically mapped between service link carriers and feeder link carriers at a cellular satellite. A reduced number of satellite feeder link carriers compared to the number of satellite service link carriers and/or a reduced total bandwidth of the satellite feeder link carriers compared to the satellite service link carriers thereby may be obtained.

Abstract: A proxy switch, communication methods, and communication logic for use in a mobile network are described. A proxy switch is deployed between a base station subsystem and a mobile station center. It receives signaling messages and either retransmits them, blocks them, converts them, or siphons them to an alternative network. Besides providing an ability to offload offload mobile traffic it provides a platform for new communication services. A mobile communications network has at least one BS, at least one MS, at least one MSC, and at least one switch in communication with at least one of the BSs and the at least one of the MSCs. A BS is in trunk line communication with the switch and the trunk line communication is organized as bearer circuits, each bearer circuit identifiable with a circuit identification code (CIC). The switch receives signaling messages from the BS and determines if a call corresponding to the signaling message is to be handled by the alternative communication network.

Abstract: A method of routing to a mobile station in a packet switched network arrangement. The method includes forming an initial packet switching route to a mobile station, extending the initial route to form an extended packet switching route, and forming a new packet switching route to replace the extended route dependent on a fall in level of quality of service parameter achieved over the extended route. The initial route is to a first cellular communications gateway and the extended and replacement routes are to a second cellular communications gateway. Also described is corresponding apparatus for routing. Also described is a storage medium storing processor implementable instructions and a signal carrying processor-implementable instructions.

Abstract: A satellite system is provided that includes a receive antenna system to receive one of C-band and/or Ku-band signals and a transmit antenna system to transmit one of C-band and/or Ku-band signals. A payload section may be coupled between the receive antenna system and the transmit antenna system. The satellite system may provide broadband communications at C-band and/or Ku-band.

Abstract: A mobile satellite system includes a network engineering/systems engineering (NE/SE) system. The NE/SE performs the processes of comparing expected traffic loads with capability and availability of space and ground resources in the mobile satellite system, formulating tactical plans to maximize available resources of the satellite, and producing frequency plans for different geographical regions and defining circuit pools for different groups of users.

Abstract: The advantages of optimal routing are somewhat limited by the tariff requirements requiring that optimal routing must not cause the call to be more expensive to any of the subscribers participating in the call. If the bills of both the calling and the called subscriber are paid by the same company, for example, it is in the interest of the company to minimize the total cost of the call, i.e. the sum of the bills of subscribers A and B. In this invention a condition for bypassing the tariff requirement for direct routing is specified. The calls can be routed directly, for example, within a prespecified user group.

Abstract: A method of the present invention includes an MSC (101) receiving (201) a request for a call. A call routing request indicating that no peripheral device interaction has taken place on the call is forwarded (203) to an HLR or home location register (107). The MSC receives (205) call routing instructions that direct the call to a peripheral device (109). The call is routed (211) to the peripheral device (109). The peripheral device (109) performs (213) a function for the call and routes (215) the call to the MSC. A message requesting call routing instructions and identifying the peripheral device is forwarded (203) to the HLR.

Abstract: A communication system formed by a private network that includes a private wireless network. The communication system includes a public wireless network using a public wireless protocol, such as GSM, and includes public networks, such as PSTN, ISDN and the Internet, using a wired protocol, such as IP. The private network also includes a local area network (LAN) and the private network connects to the public networks using a wired packet protocol, such as IP. The public and private wireless networks operate with the same public wireless protocol, such as GSM, and the private wireless network additionally operates with a wired packet protocol, such as IP. The communication system permits users to operate freely in both public and private wireless networks using standard mobile stations while achieving high private network data rates. The communication system uses normal wireless handsets or other mobile or fixed stations without need for any modifications.

Abstract: A communications system includes two satellites located at the same node along the geostationary arc each capable of receiving RF signals through an uplink channel and transmitting RF signals through a downlink channel distinct from the uplink channels. At least two user terminals are in the system, with each user terminal able to transmit RF signals to only one of the satellites, but at least one of the user terminals is able to receive RF signals from both of the satellites.

Abstract: A telecommunications satellite channeliser (170) is provided for mapping RF signals between feeder links (160-162) and mobile link beams (210-212) based on a predefined frequency plan (FIGS. 7 and 8). The mobile link beams (240) define a coverage area (242) of a satellite (10). Each feeder link and mobile link beam comprises a plurality of feeder subbands and mobile subbands grouped to form feeder link channels (216-238) and mobile link channels (244-255). The channeliser (170) includes at least one feeder lead carrying a feeder link signal (160-162) associated with a ground station (14 and 16). A feeder link distribution network (175) is connected to the feeder leads and maps RF signals in the feeder links (160-162) onto a plurality of distribution leads as divided feeder signals. Channel multiplexers (182-184) are connected to the distribution leads.

Abstract: A satellite communication system which performs multicast switching on data cells. A switch 80 receives the data cells at a set of input ports IP1 and directs those including a multicast routing code to a first set of output ports OP2 or OP128. The switch 80 also directs data cells effectively omitting the multicast routing code to a second set of output ports OP1. One or more multicast replication modules 110, 130 are coupled to the first set of output ports and replicate data cells requiring multicast processing. During the processing, the multicast routing code is effectively omitted and the replicated cells are coupled to input ports IP2 or IP 128 so that the replicated data cells are transmitted to the second set of output ports OP1. An outbound processing module 100 is coupled to output ports OP1 for processing the data cells for transmission over a satellite downlink transmitter 104.

Abstract: A proxy switch, communication methods, and communication logic for use in a mobile network are described. A proxy switch is deployed between a base station subsystem and a mobile station center. It receives signaling messages and either retransmits them, blocks them, converts them, or siphons them to an alternative network. Besides providing an ability to offload mobile traffic it provides a platform for new communication services. A proxy switch includes signaling message handling logic for sending and receiving signaling messages to and from the MSC on a first signaling link and sending and receiving messages to and from the BS on a second signaling link; wherein the second link has a mapped correspondence to the first link. Message interception logic detects whether a signaling message from an MSC is a COO, indicating that the MSC will not receive signaling messages on the first signaling link.

Abstract: A communications system has a high altitude communication device generates a plurality of user link beams having a first communication characteristic and a feeder link having a first communication characteristic. A gateway terminal receives the user link beam for receiving a first received signal and a second received signal thereafter. The receiver circuit has a recursive filter for generating differential amplitude of symbol timing estimate from said first received signal.

Abstract: A method for address resolution in a wireless system, with an originating Satellite Interface Terminal (SIT) and a destination Satellite Interface Terminal (SIT2). An Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) packet of a source is modified when transmitted to a destination and when returned from the destination to the source. The modification involves substituting the SIT1 address for that of the source in the ARP request packet and substituting the SIT2 address for that of the destination in the ARP reply packet, respectively.

Abstract: An elliptical satellite system which carries out communication. The satellite orbits a height above the earth less than that necessary for geosynchronous orbits. When the satellite is near the apogee portion of its orbit, its velocity approximates the rotational velocity of the earth, and during that period it appears to hover over the earth. Each ground station on the earth always communicates a satellite within a predetermined position of its apogee, and hence that satellite appears to the ground station to hover over the earth. The satellite hence does not communicate with any earth station when it is outside of that apogee portion. During the times when the satellite is outside the apogee portion, its communication is therefore shut off to prevent.any possibility of interfering with geosynchronous satellites. During this time, the power supply on the satellite is also used to charge a battery on the satellite.

Abstract: A predictive routing scheme for broad band Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations is presented. The predictive routing scheme may be used to provide Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees for both Constant Bit-Rate (CBR) and Variable Bit-Rate (VBR) traffic types. The predictive routing scheme takes advantage of the predictable qualities of a LEO constellation, such as constant satellite footprint, constant satellite velocity, and predictable satellite trajectory. By using this information, combined with satellite-fixed cells which are divided into a set of equal-sized slots, along with user information such as the location of each particular user as well as the geographic concentrations of user traffic, each satellite may cooperate with surrounding satellites which have recently passed through the area into which they are entering, in order to receive predictive information regarding their future load.

Abstract: A reflective panel for deflecting electromagnetic waves comprised of a resistive material varying in resistivity across the panel; a center portion on the panel, having a predetermined resistivity; a periphery portion on the panel having a higher resistivity than the center portion; and wherein the center portion of the panel is adapted to reflect the electromagnetic waves and wherein the periphery portion is adapted to minimize diffractions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a radio system and method for routing a subscriber's call via a moving base station. The radio system includes at least one moving base station. A moving location area is formed using the service areas of the moving base station. A control unit of at least one operator is dedicated to controlling the operation of the moving base stations belonging to the moving location area. Calls made by a subscriber in a service area of the moving base station are routed from the subscriber terminal via a moving base station, a relay satellite and a ground earth station to one dedicated control unit. Calls to a subscriber located in the moving location area are routed from one dedicated control unit via a ground earth station, a relay satellite and the moving base station to the subscriber terminal.

Abstract: A dual-band multiple beam antenna system for a communications satellite sharing a set of reflector antennas for the transmit and receive frequencies. One set of reflectors is common to both the downlink and uplink frequencies. The feed horns are diplexed and exhibit frequency-dependent radiation patterns that separate the phase centers over the downlink and uplink frequency bands to obtain dual-band performance. The focal point of the reflector is in close proximity to the phase center corresponding to the downlink frequency band. The phase center for the uplink frequency band is spaced a predetermined distance from the phase center of the downlink frequency band. According to the present invention, the uplink frequencies are defocused and the downlink frequencies are focused thereby creating identical radiation patterns at both frequency bands and over the coverage region of the communications satellite.

Abstract: A dynamic channel management method (100) determines which base station (14, 24, 26) is a least utilized base station for servicing a channel request made by a subscriber unit (40). The least utilized base station is based on what base station (14, 24, 26) is more available to handle the channel request. If the least utilized base station can handle the channel request, it assigns and grants a channel to the subscriber unit (40). Otherwise, the channel request is blocked or denied. The dynamic channel management method (100) provides a systematic way for dynamically matching the available channel resources with the actual demand as a function of time. This enables the system (10) to handle significantly more traffic than with pure static channel management schemes.

Abstract: A multi-beam satellite has an input section to receive uplink spot beams in a first range of frequencies and an output section to transmit downlink spot beams in a second range of frequencies. An IF section is coupled between the first antenna and second antenna. It down-converts the uplink spot beams in the first range of frequencies to intermediate signals in an intermediate range of frequencies, flexibly and selectively switches and filters the intermediate signals in the intermediate range of frequencies, and up-converts the intermediate signals in the intermediate range of frequencies to the downlink spot beams in the second range of frequencies.

Abstract: In a communication satellite constellation which uses CDMA and multiple spot beams for point-to-point communication, a system is provided for broadcasting regionally related information within a spot beam by establishing a Frequency/Walsh Code Tiling over the Earth's surface, and enabling a user terminal at a given position to tune to an appropriate frequency and Walsh Code to receive the information broadcast from a satellite over a forward beam downlink. The information, e.g. regional messages such as local weather or traffic, is transmitted to the satellite from a ground station or gateway that receives the information from a Broadcast Processing Center. In a preferred embodiment a dedicated Frequency Division Multiplex (FDM) channel within each spot beam transmits the regional broadcast messages at the Tiles in accordance with the Walsh Code designations of the Tiles.

Abstract: A method for testing continuity of an ISUP relay call in an ISUP network consisting of a proceeding switching system and a following switching system, in which, in setting up a call, a preceding switching system transmits a call set-up message, that is, an initial address message (IAM), for continuity testing to a following switching system and at the same time forms a communication path loop, and upon receipt of the IAM, the following switching system transmits a testing sound to the communication loop to test continuity of the communication path.

Abstract: A communications satellite method and are provided for controlling a configuration of spot beams produced by a communications satellite. A plurality of spot beams are generated by a communications satellite while maintained at a first orbital position with respect to a first portion of the earth. The plurality of spot beams are configured in a first cell pattern to substantially encompass a first portion of the Earth. The satellite is moved to a second orbital position with respect to a second portion of the earth. Once moved, the satellite is reconfigured such that a second plurality of spot beams form a second pattern 85 to substantially cover the new portion of the earth of interest. A network of switches allows the satellite 10 to be reconfigured for operation from multiple orbital positions. The switching network directs individual feeds to different signal paths having different bandwidth and power capabilities.

Abstract: The teaching of this invention pertains particularly to satellite communications systems using GSO or NGSO satellites. This invention employs data derived from signals of various types to derive a mathematical model of propagation related attenuation-inducing events so as to plan system resource allocation to minimize an amount of power required to close communication links between user terminals and the satellites. Disclosed are methods for modelling gateway to satellite links, as well as methods for modeling the user terminal to satellite links. This invention overcomes the problems inherent in the prior art by providing a direct measurement of severe path attenuation potential.

Abstract: The present invention relates to distributed ATM switches for use within an ATM network including processing satellite links. The functionality of the distributed ATM switch is preferably performed at three distinct locations. The first location is at a user earth terminal configured to perform at least one user plane function. The second location is at a network operations center configured to perform at least one control plane function. Finally, the remaining ATM switch functionality is performed within the payload of a processing satellite.

Abstract: Telecommunication system for bidirectional transmission of data and voice signals with a data network (2), which is connected via a satellite data transmission link (6, 5, 8) for bidirectional data signal transmission to at least one satellite device (7), which is connected to a 10 Base S switching device (14); a telephone network (25), which is connected via a number of subscriber telephone lines (23) for bidirectional voice signal transmission to the 10 Base S switching device (14); and with a number of 10 Base S subscriber modems (18), which are connected for bidirectional voice and data signal transmission to the 10 Base S switching device (14).

Abstract: A service control point comprising a processing system coupled to an interface. The processing system is configured to process a first message to generate a second message containing instructions to a communication device to collect digits from a caller, and process a third message with the collected digits to generate a fourth message with call handling information for a call. The interface is configured to receive the first message from the communication device, transmit the second message for the communication device, receive the third message from the communication device and transmit the fourth message for the communication device.

Abstract: A method for operating a mobile satellite telecommunications system has steps of (a) providing a user terminal that is operable to simultaneously receive a communication signal from a gateway via a plurality of satellites; and, (b) at the gateway, selectively transmitting the communication to one satellite or a plurality of satellites each having a coverage area that includes a current location of the user terminal. The step of selectively transmitting includes a step of considering a plurality of factors, including a current reception state of the user terminal, a current state of satellite power of at least one of the plurality of satellites, and a predicted required state of satellite power of the at least one satellite. The current reception state of the user terminal is indicated by a received signal quality indicator, which in the preferred embodiment is expressed as the Frame Error Rate (FER).

Abstract: A satellite packet communications system comprises a number of ground-based sectors serviced via satellite communications nodes in polar orbits. Each sector is provided with an address incorporating a binary Gray code. Routing of a packet arriving at a satellite node and addressed to a particular sector is determined from the Grey code in the packet header. A comparison is performed between the packet address and an address stored in the node, the number and bit position of the difference between the nodes being used to determine the direction in which that packet should be routed.

Abstract: A method for effecting transactions through a telecommunication network by smart cards and telecommunication terminals provided with at least two smart card reading interfaces, one for receiving a subscriber identification smart card dedicated to telephony, the other for receiving a smart card dedicated to one or more applications other than telephony. Communication facilities are added to the subscriber identification card to enable it to control any application card through the telecommunication terminal.

Abstract: A plurality of orbiting satellites (102-112), each comprised of an onboard computer (142). Each of the orbiting satellites and a plurality of ground-based computers (114-124) are utilized to perform delay-insensitive functions associated with the orbiting satellites. An ubiquitous data link (128-138) is maintained between each satellite and one or more of the ground-based computers. The integrated system is configured to allow a satellite to generate a remote procedure call (RPC), transmit the RPC to a ground-based computer, whereupon the ground-based computer processes the RPC and transmits a response back to the satellite. Delay-sensitive tasks and functions are performed by the computer onboard the satellite; delay-insensitive tasks are advantageously performed by the ground-based computer assets.

Abstract: A method of managing inter-satellite links (ISLs) in a LEOS system. Intra-plane ISLs are established between a subject satellite and adjacent satellites in the same orbital plane. These intra-plane ISLs are generally fixed during all operations and will not be severed or reestablished once they have been initially established. Neighbor ISLs are established to minimize offset between a subject satellite and the neighboring satellites with which it has neighbor ISLs. However, satellites in the neighbor plane may be selected for neighbor ISLs which do no currently provide the minimal offset position but soon will based upon the continuing relative motion between the planes. Altering neighbor ISLs for an orbital plane is coordinated within a plane to eliminate loops and inefficient routing paths. Seam ISLs are also managed. When a satellite operates in a teardrop area (area in which the satellite provides some coverage), the satellite establishes seam ISLs to up to two seam satellites in a seam orbital plane.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling interference affecting user terminals in a communications network, such as satellite terminals in a satellite communications network, by establishing and using virtual cells which are independent of the cells formed by the spot beams generated by the satellite. The system and method employs an interference detector which is adapted to detect interference in the network which interferes with an ability of at least one user terminal to communicate in the network, and an interference source identifier which is adapted to identify a source of the interference by deactivating at least one select group of the user terminals based on criteria independent of the respective cell or cells in which the user terminals reside, to locate those terminals whose ability to communicate in the network is being interfered with by the detected interference.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for providing data originating from an aircraft to a ground-based device using a satellite communications link. The system includes an aircraft-based transceiver to transmit the data to a satellite. The data is associated with the operation of a particular aircraft. Also included is a ground-based receiver to receive the data transmitted from the aircraft-based transceiver through a communications link established by the satellite.

Abstract: A data communication system and data communication operating method capable of providing a asynchronous data communication service to a public switching telephone network, X.25 network, and Internet by extensively applying a packet assembler deassembler (PAD) function to an interworking function device provided in a code division multiple access (CDMA) type data communication system. If a certain mobile station requests the asynchronous data service, the data communication system analyzes the condition of terminating information inputted by a user of the mobile station, and selectively connects the mobile station to a public switching telephone network, X.25 network, and Internet according to the result of analysis.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing the processing capabilities of a satellite communication system including an uplink receiver 40 deployable with a first satellite 20. A first processor 50 deployable on satellite 20 is capable of processing signals from uplink receiver 40. A link terminal 60 deployable with satellite 20 is capable of receiving signals processed by a second processor from a second intersatellite communication link terminal deployable with a second satellite. A first switch 100 deployable with satellite 20 enables signals from uplink receiver 40 to be utilized by communication link terminal 60 or processor 50. A downlink transmitter 80 deployable with satellite 20 is capable of transmitting signals to a ground based communication station 90. A second switch 110 deployable with satellite 20 enables signals from communication link terminal 60 or first processor 50 to be utilized by downlink transmitter 80.

Abstract: A method and system for autonomous two-way RF communication between a launch vehicle and at least one receiving or tracking station. Detection circuitry continuously determines the identity of the optimum receiving or tracking station (ground, sea, airborne, or satellite) and selects the best launch vehicle transmission antenna to close the RF telemetry link. The method and system is designed to simultaneously transmit and receive RF signals. The antenna system includes a telemetry transmission link and an antenna selection link. Antenna selection link signals received by each antenna element on the launch vehicle are provided via RF couplers to a receiver for signal strength and modulation signal detection. The telemetry transmission link communicates with a receiving or tracking station by using a transmitter to drive one of two or more switched antennas mounted on the surface of the launch vehicle having the current higher signal strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, device and method for two-way satellite communication using a dual channel communication configuration to make better use of limited bandwidth. The two channels include a dedicated Unicast channel for each remote VSAT terminal and a dedicated Multicast channel that is a shared resource for all the VSAT terminals in the network. Each VSAT terminal is provided with two separate tuners, one for Unicast information and one for Multicast information. The system thus provides Unicast information through the Unicast channel to the Unicast receiver in the VSAT terminal to individual destination VSAT terminals, and sends Multicast information to all VSAT terminals via the Unicast channel and the Unicast receivers in each VSAT terminal.

Abstract: A scalable switch matrix and demodulator bank architecture for a satellite payload processor wherein the demodulators are connected to the output ports of the switches as the data load on the uplink beams varies. The switch matrix includes a first switch layer for receiving the uplink transmission beams and a plurality of demodulators connected to the output parts of the first switch layer. The number of demodulators is limited by the number of active uplink sub-bands which is generally less than the number of sub-bands per beam times the number of transmission beams. Thus, only a relatively few number of demodulators are distributed among the uplink transmission beams as required. This results in a readily scalable architecture having higher demodulation utilization rates than dedicated demodulation architectures.

Abstract: A remote communications terminal accesses a terrestrial network or information source via a SATCOM link with an earth station hub linked to the network or information source. Information throughput adaptation (ITA) is employed on the SATCOM link to maximize information throughput over the SATCOM link while ensuring acceptable signal quality under varying rain fading conditions. Sufficient power margin is built into the SATCOM link such that, under severe rain fading conditions, the lowest system throughput rate still provides acceptable signal quality. Under lesser rain fading conditions, the data throughput rate is increased via more bandwidth efficient modulation and coding schemes permitted by the higher signal quality which results from greater power margin. The earth station hub and remote terminals monitor the signal quality and communicate to adaptively adjust the modulation and coding used on the forward and return links to maximize information throughput under varying rain fading conditions.

Abstract: A priority controlled network wherein a plurality of sensor terminals, at least one display terminal, and control circuit are interconnected by a network, and within each sensor terminal is a priority determining unit to which are supplied data from one or more sensors in the sensor terminal, and parameters controlling the priority determining from the control circuit, whereby priority determining by said priority determining unit is obtained by using said data and said parameters so that a particular priority value is determined for each of the plurality of sensor terminals and selected priority value data are displayed in the at least one display terminal and capacity of said network is optimally used where more than one display terminal is provided.

Abstract: If, during the initialization of an MTC service for a subscriber (TNB) to a telecommunications network which is in the form of a an overlay network, the performance required to carry out the service exceeds the performance level supported by the access SSP node (SS1), the service control point (SCP) uses the call address to produce a routing address which contains information relating to further routes of the call to a second SSP node (SS2) which supports the required performance level, and transmits (5) this to the first SSP node (SS1) for passing it on.

Abstract: A communications device wherein software modules performing functions related to communications are linked together using local satellite processors. When one module generates a request for a second module, the local satellite processor intercepts this signal and either send the signal on to the indicated active module, or reacts to the communication if it is directed towards an inactive module. The local satellite processors may also manage communications between modules by using a queue. The incoming signals are placed in a queue for transmission to the designated module based on some priority system. Furthermore, the queue may be used to allow modules to suspend work on a job while waiting for more information by holding all other signal traffic in the queue.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting data packets into unoccupied segments of a data stream to thereby reduce the amount of unused bandwidth when communicating data to mobile platforms using a satellite system. Non-priority data packets that are not time sensitive are inserted into data paths, wherein other data packets, including priority data packets, are already provided. Specific non-priority data packets are selected for insertion based upon specified characteristics. One or more transponded satellites are used for transmitting the data packets according to data traffic requirements to thereby maximize the use of available bandwidth.

Abstract: In a wireless telecommunications network, a method of sending control information from a first terminal (2,UE) to a second terminal (UE,2) is provided. The method includes at a time both sending control information over a first dedicated channel and sending further control information over at least one further dedicated channel.