U.S. patent application number 14/164502 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-25 for incremental gateway deployment in a hub-spoke satellite communication system using static spot beams.
The applicant listed for this patent is ViaSat, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mark J. Miller, Charles N. Pateros.
Application Number | 20140376450 14/164502 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46634559 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140376450 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Mark J. ; et
al. |
December 25, 2014 |
INCREMENTAL GATEWAY DEPLOYMENT IN A HUB-SPOKE SATELLITE
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM USING STATIC SPOT BEAMS
Abstract
A method for communicating includes providing a hub-spoke
satellite comprising receivers, transmitters, transmit switches,
and a gateway switch structure. Prior to a time T, each of at least
P receivers are used to receive one of at least P signals from P
gateway terminals. During one frame, the gateway switch structure
is used to switch the at least P signals to the plurality of
transmit switches. Each of the at least P signals are switched into
fixed location beams. After time T, each of at least Q receivers
are used to receive a different one of at least Q signals from Q
gateway terminals. During one frame, the gateway switch structure
is used to switch the at least Q signals to the plurality of
transmit switches. Each of the at least Q signals are switched into
fixed location beams. Q and P are non-zero positive integers and
Q>P.
Inventors: |
Miller; Mark J.; (San
Marcos, CA) ; Pateros; Charles N.; (Carlsbad,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ViaSat, Inc. |
Carlsbad |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46634559 |
Appl. No.: |
14/164502 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/US2012/048695 |
Jul 27, 2012 |
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14164502 |
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61513317 |
Jul 29, 2011 |
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61568569 |
Dec 8, 2011 |
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61568578 |
Dec 8, 2011 |
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61591810 |
Jan 27, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
370/316 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 7/18519 20130101;
H04L 49/252 20130101; H04L 49/10 20130101; H04B 7/18584 20130101;
H04B 7/18515 20130101; H04W 88/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/316 |
International
Class: |
H04L 12/933 20060101
H04L012/933; H04L 12/947 20060101 H04L012/947; H04B 7/185 20060101
H04B007/185 |
Claims
1-13. (canceled)
14. A method for communicating using a hub-spoke satellite having a
forward link and return link capability comprising: providing the
hub-spoke satellite, the hub-spoke satellite comprising a plurality
of receivers having inputs and outputs, a plurality of transmitters
having inputs and outputs, the inputs of the plurality of
transmitters coupled to the outputs of the plurality of receivers,
a plurality of transmit switches coupled to the outputs of the
plurality of transmitters, a plurality of receive switches coupled
to the inputs of the plurality of receivers, and a gateway switch
structure coupled to one of: a) the inputs of the plurality of
receivers and the outputs of the plurality of transmitters, and b)
the outputs of the plurality of receivers and the inputs of the
plurality of transmitters; using each transmit switch in the
plurality of transmit switches to sequentially switch a forward
link signal into multiple fixed location beams according to a beam
group transmit switching pattern; using each receive switch in the
plurality of receive switches to sequentially switch return link
signals from fixed location beams into a receiver according to a
beam group receive switching pattern; prior to a time T, using each
of the at least P receivers in the plurality of receivers to
receive a different one of at least P forward link signals from P
gateway terminals, and in the duration of one frame, using the
gateway switch structure to sequentially switch the at least P
forward link signals from the P gateway terminals, in order to
provide the at least P forward link signals to the plurality of
transmit switches, according to a first gateway switching pattern,
and sequentially switching each of the at least P forward link
signals into fixed location beams according to a first beam group
transmit switching pattern; prior to time T, sequentially switching
the return link signals from multiple fixed location beams into the
plurality of receivers according to a first beam group receive
switching pattern, and in the duration of one frame, using the
gateway switch structure to sequentially switch the return link
signals to at least P transmitters in the plurality of transmitters
according to the first gateway switching pattern, and using each of
the at least P transmitters to transmit a different one of the
return link signals to one of the P gateway terminals; after time
T, using each of at least Q receivers in the plurality of receivers
to receive a different one of at least Q forward link signals from
Q gateway terminals, and in the duration of one frame, using the
gateway switch structure to sequentially switch the at least Q
forward link signals from the Q gateway terminals, in order to
provide the at least Q forward link signals to the plurality of
transmit switches, according to a second gateway switching pattern,
and sequentially switching each of the at least Q forward link
signals into fixed location beams according to a second beam group
transmit switching pattern; after time T, sequentially switching
the return link signals from multiple fixed location beams into the
plurality of receivers according to a second beam group receive
switching pattern, and in the duration of one frame, using the
gateway switch structure to sequentially switch the return link
signals to at least Q transmitters in the plurality of transmitters
according to the second gateway switching pattern, and using each
of the at least Q transmitters to transmit a different one of the
return link signals to one of the Q gateway terminals; wherein P
and Q are both non-zero, positive integers, and Q>P; and wherein
the first and second gateway switching patterns are different.
15-27. (canceled)
28. A satellite communications system having a forward link and
return link capacity comprising: a plurality of gateway terminals;
a plurality of user terminals; a hub-spoke satellite for providing
communications between the gateway terminals and the user
terminals, the hub-spoke satellite comprising a plurality of
receivers having inputs and outputs, a plurality of transmitters
having inputs and outputs, the inputs of the plurality of
transmitters coupled to the outputs of the plurality of receivers,
a plurality of transmit switches coupled to the outputs of the
plurality of transmitters, a plurality of receive switches coupled
to the inputs of the plurality of receivers, and a gateway switch
structure coupled to one of: (a) the inputs of the plurality of
receivers and the outputs of the plurality of transmitters, and (b)
the outputs of the plurality receivers and the inputs of the
plurality of transmitters; wherein each transmit switch in the
plurality of transmit switches is configured to sequentially switch
a forward link signal into multiple fixed location beams according
to a beam group transmit switching pattern; wherein each receive
switch in the plurality of receive switches is configured to
sequentially switch return link signals from fixed location beams
into a receiver according to a beam group receive switching
pattern; wherein prior to a time T, at least P receivers in the
plurality of receivers are each configured to receive a different
one of at least P forward link signals from P gateway terminals,
and in the duration of one frame, the gateway switch structure is
configured to sequentially switch the at least P forward link
signals from the P gateway terminals, in order to provide the at
least P forward link signals to the plurality of transmit switches,
according to a first gateway switching pattern, and each of the at
least P forward link signals is sequentially switched into fixed
location beams according to a first beam group transmit switching
pattern; wherein prior to time T, the return link signals from
multiple fixed location beams are sequentially switched into the
plurality of receivers according to a first beam group receive
switching pattern, and in the duration of one frame, the gateway
switch structure is configured to sequentially switch the return
link signals to at least P transmitters in the plurality of
transmitters according to the first gateway switching pattern, and
the at least P transmitters are each configured to transmit a
different one of the return link signals to one of the P gateway
terminals; wherein after time T, at least Q receivers in the
plurality of receivers are each configured to receive a different
one of at least Q forward link signals from Q gateway terminals,
and in the duration of one frame, the gateway switch structure is
configured to sequentially switch the at least Q forward link
signals from the Q gateway terminals, in order to provide the at
least Q forward link signals to the plurality of transmit switches,
according to a second gateway switching pattern, and each of the at
least Q forward link signals is sequentially switched into fixed
location beams according to a second beam group transmit switching
pattern; wherein after time T, the return link signals from
multiple fixed location beams are sequentially switched into the
plurality of receivers according to a second beam group receive
switching pattern, and in the duration of one frame, the gateway
switch structure is configured to sequentially switch the return
link signals to at least Q transmitters in the plurality of
transmitters according to the second gateway switching pattern, and
the at least Q transmitters are each configured to transmit a
different one of the return link signals to one of the Q gateway
terminals; wherein P and Q are both non-zero, positive integers,
and Q>P; and wherein the first and second gateway switching
patterns are different.
29. (canceled)
30. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 42, wherein the at least P
receivers consist of exactly P receivers, and the P gateway
terminals each transmit one signal on a single polarization.
31. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 42, wherein the at least P
receivers consist of exactly 2*P receivers, and the P gateway
terminals each transmit two signals on two different
polarizations.
32. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 42, wherein the gateway switch
structure comprises a switch matrix positioned between the
plurality of receivers and the plurality of transmitters.
33. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 42, wherein the switch
structure comprises at least one receive-side outer switch
positioned before the plurality of receivers.
34. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 33, wherein the plurality of
receivers comprises R receivers, R being a non-zero, positive
integer, and R>=Q>P; wherein the at least one receive-side
outer switch comprises: one 1:R switch for receiving a first
forward link signal, the 1:R switch associated with a first
switching speed allowing switching within the duration of one
frame; and a plurality of 2:1 switches, each for receiving (a) an
output of the 1:R switch and (b) one of R-1 other forward link
signals, each of the plurality of 2:1 switches associated with a
second switching speed allowing switching at time T.
35. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 33, wherein the plurality of
receivers comprises R receivers, R being a non-zero, positive
integer, and R>=Q>P; wherein the at least one receive-side
outer switch comprises: a first bank of switches, including 1:R,
1:(R-1), . . . , 1:2 switches, each associated with a first
switching speed allowing switching within the duration of one
frame; a second bank of switches following the first bank of
switches, the second bank of switches including 2:1, 3:1, . . . ,
(R-1):1 switches, each associated with a second switching speed
allowing switching at time T, the second bank of switches further
including an R:1 switch associated with the first switching speed
allowing switching within the duration of one frame.
36. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 33, wherein the plurality of
receivers comprises R receivers, R being a non-zero, positive
integer, and R>=Q>P; wherein the at least one receive-side
outer switch comprises: a first bank of switches, including a 1:R
switch and a 1:(R/2) switch, each associated with a first switching
speed allowing switching within the duration of one frame; a second
bank of switches following the first bank of switches, each
associated with a second switching speed allowing switching at time
T.
37. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 42, wherein each of the
plurality of receivers comprises a low noise amplifier (LNA).
38. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 42, wherein each of plurality
of transmitters comprises a high power amplifier (HPA).
39. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 42, wherein the first and
second beam group transmit switching patterns are different.
40. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 42, wherein the first and
second beam group transmit switching patterns are the same.
41. (canceled)
42. A hub-spoke satellite having a forward link and return link
capacity comprising: a plurality of receivers having inputs and
outputs; a plurality of transmitters having inputs and outputs, the
inputs of the plurality of transmitters coupled to the outputs of
the plurality of receivers; a plurality of transmit switches
coupled to the outputs of the plurality of transmitters; a
plurality of receive switches coupled to the inputs of the
plurality of receivers; a gateway switch structure coupled to one
of: (a) the inputs of the plurality of receivers and the outputs of
the plurality of transmitters, and (b) the outputs of the plurality
receivers and the inputs of the plurality of transmitters; wherein
each transmit switch in the plurality of transmit switches is
configured to sequentially switch a forward link signal into
multiple fixed location beams according to a beam group transmit
switching pattern; wherein each receive switch in the plurality of
receive switches is configured to sequentially switch return link
signals from fixed location beams into a receiver according to a
beam group receive switching pattern; wherein prior to a time T, at
least P receivers in the plurality of receivers are each configured
to receive a different one of at least P forward link signals from
P gateway terminals, and in the duration of one frame, the gateway
switch structure is configured to sequentially switch the at least
P forward link signals from the P gateway terminals, in order to
provide the at least P forward link signals to the plurality of
transmit switches, according to a first gateway switching pattern,
and each of the at least P forward link signals is sequentially
switched into fixed location beams according to a first beam group
transmit switching pattern; wherein prior to time T, the return
link signals from multiple fixed location beams are sequentially
switched into the plurality of receivers according to a first beam
group receive switching pattern, and in the duration of one frame,
the gateway switch structure is configured to sequentially switch
the return link signals to at least P transmitters in the plurality
of transmitters according to the first gateway switching pattern,
and the at least P transmitters are each configured to transmit a
different one of the return link signals to one of the P gateway
terminals; wherein after time T, at least Q receivers in the
plurality of receivers are each configured to receive a different
one of at least Q forward link signals from Q gateway terminals,
and in the duration of one frame, the gateway switch structure is
configured to sequentially switch the at least Q forward link
signals from the Q gateway terminals, in order to provide the at
least Q forward link signals to the plurality of transmit switches,
according to a second gateway switching pattern, and each of the at
least Q forward link signals is sequentially switched into fixed
location beams according to a second beam group transmit switching
pattern; wherein after time T, the return link signals from
multiple fixed location beams are sequentially switched into the
plurality of receivers according to a second beam group receive
switching pattern, and in the duration of one frame, the gateway
switch structure is configured to sequentially switch the return
link signals to at least Q transmitters in the plurality of
transmitters according to the second gateway switching pattern, and
the at least Q transmitters are each configured to transmit a
different one of the return link signals to one of the Q gateway
terminals; wherein P and Q are both non-zero, positive integers,
and Q>P; and wherein the first and second gateway switching
patterns are different.
43. (canceled)
44. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 56, wherein the means for
receiving the at least P forward link signals consists of exactly P
receivers, and the P gateway terminals each transmit one signal on
a single polarization.
45. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 56, wherein the means for
receiving each of at least P forward link signals consists of
exactly 2*P receivers, and the P gateway terminals each transmit
two signals on two different polarizations.
46. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 56, wherein the means for
sequentially switching the at least P forward link signals
according to the first gateway switching pattern and sequentially
switching the at least Q forward link signals according to the
second gateway switching pattern comprises a switch matrix
positioned between the plurality of receivers and the plurality of
transmitters.
47. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 56, wherein the means for
sequentially switching the at least P forward link signals
according to the first gateway switching pattern and sequentially
switching the at least Q forward link signals according to the
second gateway switching pattern comprises at least one
receive-side outer switch positioned before the plurality of
receivers.
48. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 47, wherein the plurality of
receivers comprises R receivers, R being a non-zero, positive
integer, and R>=Q>P; wherein the at least one receive-side
outer switch comprises: one 1:R switch for receiving a first
forward link signal, the 1:R switch associated with a first
switching speed allowing switching within the duration of one
frame; and a plurality of 2:1 switches, each for receiving (a) an
output of the 1:R switch and (b) one of R-1 other forward link
signals, each of the plurality of 2:1 switches associated with a
second switching speed allowing switching at time T.
49. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 47, wherein the plurality of
receivers comprises R receivers, R being a non-zero, positive
integer, and R>=Q>P; wherein the at least one receive-side
outer switch comprises: a first bank of switches, including 1:R,
1:(R-1), . . . , 1:2 switches, each associated with a first
switching speed allowing switching within the duration of one
frame; a second bank of switches following the first bank of
switches, the second bank of switches including 2:1, 3:1, . . . ,
(R-1):1 switches, each associated with a second switching speed
allowing switching at time T, the second bank of switches further
including an R:1 switch associated with the first switching speed
allowing switching within the duration of one frame.
50. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 47, wherein the plurality of
receivers comprises R receivers, R being a non-zero, positive
integer, and R>=Q>P; wherein the at least one receive-side
outer switch comprises: a first bank of switches, including a 1:R
switch and a 1:(R/2) switch, each associated with a first switching
speed allowing switching within the duration of one frame; a second
bank of switches following the first bank of switches, each
associated with a second switching speed allowing switching at time
T.
51. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 56, wherein the means for
receiving the at least P forward link signals comprises at least
one low noise amplifier (LNA).
52. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 56, wherein the means for
receiving the at least Q forward link signals comprises at least
one low noise amplifier (LNA).
53. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 56, wherein the first and
second beam group transmit switching patterns are different.
54. The hub-spoke satellite of claim 56, wherein the first and
second beam group transmit switching patterns are the same.
55. (canceled)
56. A hub-spoke satellite having a forward link and return link
capability comprising: prior to a time T: means for receiving at
least P forward link signals from P gateway terminals; means for
sequentially switching the at least P forward link signals from the
P gateway terminals in the duration of one frame, in order to
provide the at least P forward link signals to a plurality of
transmit switches, according to a first gateway switching pattern;
means for sequentially switching each of the at least P forward
link signals into fixed location beams according to a first beam
group transmit switching pattern; means for sequentially switching
return link signals from multiple fixed location beams into a
plurality of receivers according to a first beam group receive
switching pattern; means for sequentially switching the return link
signals to at least P transmitters in the duration of one frame,
according to the first gateway switching pattern; means for
transmitting the return link signals to one of the P gateway
terminals; after time T: means for receiving at least Q forward
link signals from Q gateway terminals; means for sequentially
switching the at least Q forward link signals from the Q gateway
terminals in the duration of one frame, in order to provide the at
least Q forward link signals to the plurality of transmit switches,
according to a second gateway switching pattern; means for
sequentially switching each of the at least Q forward link signals
into fixed location beams according to a second beam group transmit
switching pattern; means for sequentially switching the return link
signals from multiple fixed location beams into the plurality of
receivers according to a second beam group receive switching
pattern; means for sequentially switching the return link signals
to at least Q transmitters in the duration of one frame, according
to a second gateway switching pattern; means for transmitting the
return link signals to one of the Q gateway terminals; wherein P
and Q are both non-zero, positive integers, and Q>P; and wherein
the first and second gateway switching patterns are different.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of International
Application No. PCT/US2012/048695, filed Jul. 27, 2012, which
claims benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Nos.
61/513,317, filed Jul. 29, 2011; 61/568,569, filed Dec. 8, 2011;
61/568,578, filed Dec. 8, 2011; and 61/591,810, filed Jan. 27,
2012; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to satellite
communication systems and, more particularly, to incremental
gateway deployment in a hub-spoke satellite communication system
using static (e.g., fixed location) spot beams.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A hub-spoke satellite communication system typically
includes a constellation of satellites that link gateway terminals
with users terminals. The gateway terminals provide an interface
with a network such as the Internet or a public switched telephone
network. Each gateway terminal typically services a number of user
terminals located in one or more spot beams.
[0004] Hub-spoke satellite communication systems have a high
initial cost. Before user terminals can be serviced, hub-spoke spot
beam satellites must be built and launched and the gateway
terminals must be deployed. After service is initiated, it takes
time to build up a subscriber base. During this initial startup
period, the system is utilized at less than full capacity.
SUMMARY
[0005] Some embodiments of the present invention provide
incremental gateway deployment in a hub-spoke satellite
communication system using fixed location beams.
[0006] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a method
for communicating using a hub-spoke satellite having a forward link
capability includes providing the hub-spoke satellite. The
hub-spoke satellite may include a plurality of receivers having
inputs and outputs and a plurality of transmitters having inputs
and outputs. The inputs of the plurality of transmitters may be
coupled to the outputs of the plurality of receivers. A plurality
of transmit switches may be coupled to the outputs of the plurality
of transmitters. The hub-spoke satellite may also include a gateway
switch structure coupled to one of: (a) the inputs of the plurality
of receivers, and (b) the outputs of the plurality receivers and
the inputs of the plurality of transmitters. Each transmit switch
in the plurality of transmit switches may be used to sequentially
switch a forward link signal into multiple fixed location beams
according to a beam group transmit switching pattern. Prior to a
time T, the method may include using each of at least P receivers
in the plurality of receivers to receive a different one of at
least P forward link signals from P gateway terminals. In the
duration of one frame, the gateway switch structure may be used to
sequentially switch the at least P forward link signals from the P
gateway terminals, in order to provide the at least P forward link
signals to the plurality of transmit switches, according to a first
gateway switching pattern. The gateway switch structure may also be
used to sequentially switch each of the at least P forward link
signals into fixed location beams according to a first beam group
transmit switching pattern. After time T, the method may include
using each of at least Q receivers in the plurality of receivers to
receive a different one of at least Q forward link signals from Q
gateway terminals. In the duration of one frame, the gateway switch
structure may be used to sequentially switch the at least Q forward
link signals from the Q gateway terminals, in order to provide the
at least Q forward link signals to the plurality of transmit
switches, according to a second gateway switching pattern. The
gateway switch structure may also be used to sequentially switch
each of the at least Q forward link signals into fixed location
beams according to a second beam group transmit switching pattern.
P and Q may both be non-zero, positive integers, and Q>P. The
first and second gateway switching patterns may be different.
[0007] In an embodiment, the at least P receivers may consist of
exactly P receivers, and the P gateway terminals may each transmit
one signal on a single polarization.
[0008] In another embodiment, the at least P receivers may consist
of exactly 2*P receivers, and the P gateway terminals may each
transmit two signals on two different polarizations.
[0009] In another embodiment, the gateway switch structure may
include a switch matrix positioned between the plurality of
receivers and the plurality of transmitters.
[0010] In another embodiment, the gateway switch structure may
include at least one receive-side outer switch positioned before
the plurality of receivers. In some embodiments, the plurality of
receivers may include R receivers, where R is a non-zero, positive
integer, and R>=Q>P. The at least one receive-side outer
switch may include one 1:R switch for receiving a first forward
link signal, the 1:R switch associated with a first switching speed
allowing switching within the duration of one frame. The at least
one receive-side outer switch may also include a plurality of 2:1
switches, each for receiving (a) an output of the 1:R switch and
(b) one of R-1 other forward link signals. Each of the plurality of
2:1 switches may be associated with a second switching speed
allowing switching at time T. In other embodiments, the plurality
of receivers may include R receivers, where R is a non-zero,
positive integer, and R>=Q>P. The at least one receive-side
outer switch may include a first bank of switches, including 1:R,
1:(R-1), . . . , 1:2 switches, each associated with a first
switching speed allowing switching within the duration of one
frame. The at least one receive-side outer switch may also comprise
a second bank of switches following the first bank of switches, the
second bank of switches including 2:1, 3:1, . . . , (R-1):1
switches, each associated with a second switching speed allowing
switching at time T. The second bank of switches may further
include an R:1 switch associated with the first switching speed
allowing switching within the duration of one frame. In yet other
embodiments, the plurality of receivers may comprise R receivers,
where R is a non-zero, positive integer, and R>=Q>P. The at
least one receive-side outer switch may comprise a first bank of
switches, including a 1:R switch and a 1:(R/2) switch, each
associated with a first switching speed allowing switching within
the duration of one frame. The at least one receive-side outer
switch may also comprise a second bank of switches following the
first bank of switches, each associated with a second switching
speed allowing switching at time T.
[0011] In another embodiment, each of the plurality of receivers
may comprise a low noise amplifier (LNA).
[0012] In another embodiment, each of plurality of transmitters may
comprise a high power amplifier (HPA).
[0013] In another embodiment, the first and second beam group
transmit switching patterns may be different.
[0014] In another embodiment, the first and second beam group
transmit switching patterns may be the same.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the hub-spoke satellite may have
return link capability in addition to forward link capability and
further comprise a plurality of receive switches coupled to the
inputs of the plurality of receivers. The gateway switch structure
may be coupled to one of: (a) the inputs of the plurality of
receivers and the outputs of the plurality of transmitters, and (b)
the outputs of the plurality receivers and the inputs of the
plurality of transmitters. Each receive switch in the plurality of
receive switches may be used to sequentially switch return link
signals from fixed location beams into a receiver according to a
beam group receive switching pattern. Prior to time T, the method
may include sequentially switching the return link signals from
multiple fixed location beams into the plurality of receivers
according to a first beam group receive switching pattern. In the
duration of one frame, the gateway switch structure may be used to
sequentially switch the return link signals to at least P
transmitters in the plurality of transmitters according to the
first gateway switching pattern. Each of the at least P
transmitters may be used to transmit a different one of the return
link signals to one of the P gateway terminals. After time T, the
method may include sequentially switching the return link signals
from multiple fixed location beams into the plurality of receivers
according to a second beam group receive switching pattern. In the
duration of one frame, the gateway switch structure may be used to
sequentially switch the return link signals to at least Q
transmitters in the plurality of transmitters according to the
second gateway switching pattern. Each of the at least Q
transmitters may be used to transmit a different one of the return
link signals to one of the Q gateway terminals.
[0016] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a
satellite communication system having a forward link capability may
include a plurality of gateway terminals, a plurality of user
terminals, and a hub-spoke satellite for providing communications
between the gateway terminals and the user terminals. The hub-spoke
satellite may comprise a plurality of receivers having inputs and
outputs and a plurality of transmitters having inputs and outputs.
The inputs of the plurality of transmitters may be coupled to the
outputs of the plurality of receivers. A plurality of transmit
switches may be coupled to the outputs of the plurality of
transmitters. A gateway switch structure may be coupled to one of:
(a) the inputs of the plurality of receivers, and (b) the outputs
of the plurality receivers and the inputs of the plurality of
transmitters. Each transmit switch in the plurality of transmit
switches may be configured to sequentially switch a forward link
signal into multiple fixed location beams according to a beam group
transmit switching pattern. Prior to a time T, at least P receivers
in the plurality of receivers may each be configured to receive a
different one of at least P forward link signals from P gateway
terminals. In the duration of one frame, the gateway switch
structure may be configured to sequentially switch the at least P
forward link signals from the P gateway terminals, in order to
provide the at least P forward link signals to the plurality of
transmit switches, according to a first gateway switching pattern.
Each of the at least P forward link signals may be sequentially
switched into fixed location beams according to a first beam group
transmit switching pattern. After time T, at least Q receivers in
the plurality of receivers may each be configured to receive a
different one of at least Q forward link signals from Q gateway
terminals. In the duration of one frame, the gateway switch
structure may be configured to sequentially switch the at least Q
forward link signals from the Q gateway terminals, in order to
provide the at least Q forward link signals to the plurality of
transmit switches, according to a second gateway switching pattern.
Each of the at least Q forward link signals may be sequentially
switched into fixed location beams according to a second beam group
transmit switching pattern. P and Q may both be non-zero, positive
integers, and Q>P. The first and second gateway switching
patterns may be different.
[0017] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a
hub-spoke satellite having a forward link capability may include a
plurality of receivers having inputs and outputs and a plurality of
transmitters having inputs and outputs. The inputs of the plurality
of transmitters may be coupled to the outputs of the plurality of
receivers. A plurality of transmit switches may be coupled to the
outputs of the plurality of transmitters. Each transmit switch in
the plurality of transmit switches may be configured to
sequentially switch a forward link signal into multiple fixed
location beams according to a beam group transmit switching
pattern. A gateway switch structure may be coupled to one of: (a)
the inputs of the plurality of receivers, and (b) the outputs of
the plurality receivers and the inputs of the plurality of
transmitters. Prior to a time T, at least P receivers in the
plurality of receivers may each be configured to receive a
different one of at least P forward link signals from P gateway
terminals. In the duration of one frame, the gateway switch
structure may be configured to sequentially switch the at least P
forward link signals from the P gateway terminals, in order to
provide the at least P forward link signals to the plurality of
transmit switches, according to a first gateway switching pattern.
Each of the at least P forward link signals may be sequentially
switched into fixed location beams according to a first beam group
transmit switching pattern. After time T, at least Q receivers in
the plurality of receivers may each be configured to receive a
different one of at least Q forward link signals from Q gateway
terminals. In the duration of one frame, the gateway switch
structure may be configured to sequentially switch the at least Q
forward link signals from the Q gateway terminals, in order to
provide the at least Q forward link signals to the plurality of
transmit switches, according to a second gateway switching pattern.
Each of the at least Q forward link signals is sequentially
switched into fixed location beams according to a second beam group
transmit switching pattern. P and Q may both be non-zero, positive
integers, and Q>P. The first and second gateway switching
patterns may be different.
[0018] In accordance with yet another embodiment, a hub-spoke
satellite having a forward link capability may include, prior to a
time T, means for receiving at least P forward link signals from P
gateway terminals, means for sequentially switching the at least P
forward link signals from the P gateway terminals in the duration
of one frame, in order to provide the at least P forward link
signals to a plurality of transmit switches, according to a first
gateway switching pattern, and means for sequentially switching
each of the at least P forward link signals into fixed location
beams according to a first beam group transmit switching pattern.
The hub-spoke satellite having the forward link capability may also
include, after time T, means for receiving at least Q forward link
signals from Q gateway terminals, means for sequentially switching
the at least Q forward link signals from the Q gateway terminals in
the duration of one frame, in order to provide the at least Q
forward link signals to the plurality of transmit switches,
according to a second gateway switching pattern, and means for
sequentially switching each of the at least Q forward link signals
into fixed location beams according to a second beam group transmit
switching pattern. P and Q may both be non-zero, positive integers,
and Q>P. The first and second gateway switching patterns may be
different.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In some of the drawings a sub-label is associated with a
reference numeral and follows a hyphen to denote one of multiple
similar components. When reference is made to a reference numeral
without specifying an existing sub-label, it is intended to refer
to all such similar components.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a hub-spoke satellite
communication system in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIGS. 2A-2C are simplified block diagrams of pathways in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of example hardware
that services a GW switch group in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a GW switch group
embodiment, employing a switch matrix to provide incremental
gateway deployment for forward and return link capability at a
hub-spoke satellite in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of a GW switch group
embodiment using an outer switch structure that may be used to
provide incremental gateway deployment for forward and return link
capability at a hub-spoke satellite in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0025] FIGS. 6-8 are simplified block diagrams of various outer
switch networks embodiments that may be used to enable incremental
gateway deployment for forward and return link capability at a
hub-spoke satellite in accordance with some embodiments of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] To provide high capacity over large coverage areas, a
hub-spoke satellite system may employ a large number of focused
user spot beams that illuminate user terminals. These user
terminals may be serviced by gateway terminals that provide an
interface to data services such as voice, video, web browsing,
email, etc. Gateway terminals are typically associated with a
specific spot beam (or beams) and the deployment of an associated
gateway is required before providing service to its user spot beam
coverage area. Embodiments of the present invention provide
incremental gateway deployment such that service may be provided to
coverage areas associated with other gateways up to and including
the full coverage area of the satellite system. The capacity is
still limited to the capability of the deployed gateways, but
additional gateway terminals may be added over time to increase
capacity up to the maximum capacity.
[0027] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments
illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used
herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive
features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the
principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would
occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of
this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the
invention.
[0028] In describing the present invention, the following
terminology will be used: The singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to an item includes
reference to one or more items. The term "ones" refers to one, two,
or more, and generally applies to the selection of some or all of a
quantity. The term "plurality" refers to two or more of an item.
The term "about" means quantities, dimensions, sizes, formulations,
parameters, shapes and other characteristics need not be exact, but
may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired,
reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off,
measurement error and the like and other factors known to those of
skill in the art. The term "substantially" means that the recited
characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly,
but that deviations or variations including, for example,
tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and
other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in
amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was
intended to provide. Numerical data may be expressed or presented
herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range
format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should
be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values
explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also interpreted
to include all of the individual numerical values or sub-ranges
encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and
sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical
range of "about 1 to 5" should be interpreted to include not only
the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also
include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated
range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values
such as 2, 3 and 4 and sub-ranges such as 1-3, 2-4 and 3-5, etc.
This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical
value (e.g., "greater than about 1") and should apply regardless of
the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described. A
plurality of items may be presented in a common list for
convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though
each member of the list is individually identified as a separate
and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should
be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the
same list solely based on their presentation in a common group
without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, where the terms
"and" and "or" are used in conjunction with a list of items, they
are to be interpreted broadly, in that any one or more of the
listed items may be used alone or in combination with other listed
items. The term "alternatively" refers to selection of one of two
or more alternatives, and is not intended to limit the selection to
only those listed alternatives or to only one of the listed
alternatives at a time, unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise.
[0029] The term "coupled" as used herein does not require that the
components be directly connected to each other. Instead, the term
is intended to also include configurations with indirect
connections where one or more other components may be included
between coupled components. For example, such other components may
include amplifiers, attenuators, isolators, directional couplers,
redundancy switches, and the like.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a hub-spoke satellite
communication system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. The satellite communication system 100 includes
a satellite 105 linking a gateway terminal 115 with one or more
user terminals 130. The satellite communication system 100 may use
a number of network architectures consisting of space and ground
segments. The space segment may include more than one satellite
while the ground segment may include a large number of user
terminals, gateway terminals, network operations centers (NOCs),
satellite and gateway terminal command centers, and the like. These
elements are not shown in the figure for clarity.
[0031] The gateway terminal 115 is sometimes referred to as a hub
or ground station. The gateway terminal 115 may service
communication links 135, 140 between the gateway terminal 115 and
the satellite 105. The gateway terminal 115 may also schedule
traffic to the user terminals 130. Alternatively, the scheduling
may be performed in other parts of the satellite communication
system 100 (e.g., at one or more NOCs and/or gateway command
centers--neither of which are shown in this embodiment).
[0032] The gateway terminal 115 may also provide an interface
between a network 120 and the satellite 105. The gateway terminal
115 may receive data and information from the network 120 that is
directed the user terminals 130. The gateway terminal 115 may
format the data and information for delivery to the user terminals
130 via the satellite 105. The gateway terminal 115 may also
receive signals carrying data and information from the satellite
105. This data and information may be from the user terminals 130
and directed to destinations accessible via the network 120. The
gateway terminal 115 may format this data and information for
delivery via the network 120.
[0033] The network 120 may be any type of network and may include,
for example, the Internet, an IP network, an intranet, a wide-area
network (WAN), a local-area network (LAN), a virtual private
network (VPN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a public
land mobile network, and the like. The network 120 may include both
wired and wireless connections as well as optical links. The
network 120 may connect the gateway terminal 115 with other gateway
terminals that may be in communication with the satellite 105 or
with other satellites.
[0034] The gateway terminal 115 may use one or more antennas 110 to
transmit forward uplink signals 135 to the satellite 105 and to
receive return downlink signals 140 from the satellite 105. The
antenna 110 shown in FIG. 1 includes a reflector with high
directivity in the direction of the satellite 105 and low
directivity in other directions. The antenna 110 may be implemented
in a variety of alternative configurations and include operating
features such as high isolation between orthogonal polarizations,
high efficiency in the operational frequency bands, low noise, and
the like.
[0035] In some satellite communication systems there may be a
limited frequency spectrum available for transmission.
Communication links 135, 140 between the gateway terminal 115 and
the satellite 105 may use the same, overlapping, or different
frequencies compared to the communication links 145, 150 between
the satellite 105 and the user terminals 130. In some embodiments,
the gateway terminal 115 may be located away from the user
terminals 130, which enables frequency re-use. In other
embodiments, the user terminals 130 may be located near the gateway
terminal 115.
[0036] The satellite 105 may be a geostationary satellite that is
configured to receive and transmit signals. The satellite 105 may
receive the forward uplink signals 135 from the gateway terminal
115 and transmits corresponding forward downlink signals 150 to the
user terminals 130. The satellite 105 may also receive return
uplink signals 145 from the user terminals 130 and transmits
corresponding return downlink signals 140 to the gateway terminal
115.
[0037] The satellite 105 may include one or more fixed directional
antennas for reception and transmission of the signals 135, 140,
145, 150. A directional antenna may include a fixed reflector with
one or more feed horns for each spot beam. The feed horns may be
employed for receiving uplink signals 135, 145 and transmitting
downlink signals 140, 150. The fixed feed of a directional antenna
is in contrast to a more complex phased-array antenna that includes
a number of phase combiners connected to a number of antenna
elements.
[0038] A spot beam may be a path along which a signal travels to or
from the satellite 105. Contours of a spot beam may be determined
in part by the particular antenna design and depend on factors such
as location of feed horn relative to a reflector, size of the
reflector, type of feed horn, etc. Each spot beam may generally
have a conical shape (typically circular or elliptical) that
extends between the antenna and earth, illuminating a spot beam
coverage area for both transmit and receive operations. A spot beam
coverage area generally corresponds to an intersection between a
spot beam and the earth's surface and may illuminate terminals that
are not on the earth surface such as airborne user terminals, etc.
In some embodiments, directional antennas may be used to form fixed
location spot beams (or spot beams that are associated with
substantially the same spot beam coverage area over time). This is
in contrast to dynamic phased-array antennas that may be used to
almost instantly change spot beam locations and their associated
spot beam coverage areas. The directional antenna may be repointed,
typically by mechanical means, but not fast enough to allow
capacity flexibility as discussed herein.
[0039] The satellite 105 may operate in a multiple spot-beam mode,
receiving and transmitting a number of signals in different spot
beams. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the gateway 115 and the
user terminals 130 may be within the same or different spot beams.
Each spot beam may use a single carrier (i.e., one carrier
frequency), a contiguous frequency range, or a number of frequency
ranges.
[0040] The satellite 105 may include a number of non-regenerative
pathways (represented as K pathways in this embodiment). Each of
the K pathways may be allocated as a forward pathway or a return
pathway at any given instant in time. The uplink signals 135, 145
received by the satellite 105 may be directed along one or more of
the pathways before being transmitted as downlink signals 140,
150.
[0041] The signals are not demodulated and re-modulated as in a
regenerative or processing satellite architecture. Instead, signal
manipulation by a non-regenerative satellite is generally limited
to functions such as frequency translation, polarization
conversion, filtering, amplification, and the like.
[0042] The forward downlink signals 150 may be transmitted from the
satellite 105 to one or more of the user terminals 130. The user
terminals 130 may receive the forward downlink signals 150 using
antennas 127. In one embodiment, an antenna and a user terminal
together comprise a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) with the
antenna measuring approximately 0.75 meters in diameter and having
approximately 2 watts of power. In other embodiments, a variety of
other types of antennas 127 may be used to receive the forward
downlink signals 150 from the satellite 105. Each of the user
terminals 130 may comprise a single user terminal or a hub or
router coupled to other user terminals. Each of the user terminals
130 may be connected to various consumer premises equipment (CPE)
such as computers, local area networks, internet appliances,
wireless networks, and the like.
[0043] The user terminals 130 may transmit data and information to
a destination accessible via the network 120. The user terminals
130 may transmit the return uplink signals 145 to the satellite 105
using the antennas 127. The user terminals 130 may transmit the
signals according to a variety of physical layer transmission,
modulation and coding techniques including, for example physical
layer signaling defined by standards such as, DVB (e.g. DVB-S2,
DVB-RCS), WiMAX, LTE, DOCSIS, and similar standards in their native
or adapted (modified) forms. In various embodiments, the physical
layer techniques may be the same or different for each of the links
135, 140, 145, 150.
[0044] FIGS. 2A-2C are simplified block diagrams of pathways in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. These
pathways may correspond to some of the K pathways shown in FIG. 1.
In general, the pathways may provide for conversion of uplink
signals received by the satellite into downlink signals. Each of
the pathways may include a receiver (Rx) and by a transmitter (Tx).
The receiver may include an LNA, and the transmitter may include an
HPA. The receiver and transmitter are not limited to these
components, however, and may include other components as well. For
example, in some embodiments the receiver and/or the transmitter
may also include components that provide frequency conversion
(e.g., a down converter), filtering, and the like. The specific
components included in each pathway and the configuration of those
components may vary depending on the particular application.
[0045] The satellite communication system may use a framed
hub-spoke beam switched pathway access protocol, with time slots
like a Satellite Switched Time-Division Multiple Access (SSITDMA)
scheme. However, each time slot of the frame may correspond to
either forward link (gateway to user terminals) or return link
(user terminals to gateway) traffic from a transmitting beam to a
receiving beam--not just a single transmission from one terminal to
another. During normal operation, continuous streams of frames are
typically used to facilitate communications. Multiple terminals may
be serviced during each time slot using well known multiplexing and
multiple access techniques (e.g., Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM),
Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency-Division Multiple
Access (FDMA), Multi-Frequency Time-Division Multiple Access
(MF-TDMA), Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and the like).
[0046] Forward Pathways
[0047] FIG. 2A provides an example of a forward pathway in
accordance with an embodiment. In this embodiment, a receiver may
be configured to receive forward uplink signals from a gateway via
a gateway beam feed (GW/U Feed). In forward operation, the gateway
beam feed may receive signals from one or more gateway terminals
(e.g., gateway terminal 115 of FIG. 1). The output of the receiver
may be coupled to the input of a transmitter.
[0048] The transmitter is coupled to a transmit switch (Tx SW). The
transmit switch may be used to control an output from the pathway.
The transmit switch may be positioned after the transmitter of the
pathway along a signal path. The transmit switch may dynamically
switch the transmission signal between any one of N user beam feeds
(User Feeds) or a gateway beam feed (GW/U Feed). Each of the N user
beam feeds may provide signals to one or more user terminals (e.g.,
user terminals 130 of FIG. 1). The gateway beam feed may provide
signals to user terminals that are located within the same spot
beam coverage area as the gateway terminal (hence the designation
"GW/U"). The set of beams that share a common transmit switch may
be referred to as a transmit beam group. Although only a single
gateway is shown in a hub-spoke spot beam group, in some
embodiments, more than one gateway may be used.
[0049] The transmit switch may cycle between different switch
positions according to a beam group transmit switching pattern to
provide forward link capacity to output beams associated with each
of the output beams feeds. The beam group transmit switching
pattern may be a set of switch positions versus time during a
frame.
[0050] The beam group transmit switching pattern may be stored in
memory at a beam switch controller. The beam group transmit
switching pattern may be uploaded to the beam switch controller
using an uplink signal that may be in-band or out-of-band with
other uplink signals. The fraction of time the transmit switch
spends in each position may determine the forward link capacity
provided to each beam. Flexible allocation of forward link capacity
is accomplished by altering the amount of time the transmit switch
spends at each position. The time allocation may be dynamic (e.g.,
varying with the hour of the day) to accommodate temporal
variations of a load in each beam.
[0051] As indicated in FIG. 2A, the transmit switch may be a fast
switch (capable of switching rapidly, e.g., relative to a frame
described further below). The switch may operate at radio frequency
(RF) such as Ka band frequencies. In some embodiments, a ferrite
switch may be used for the transmit switch. Ferrite switches may
provide fast switching, low insertion loss (e.g., do not adversely
impact equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) or
gain-to-noise-temperature (G/T)), and high power handling
capabilities.
[0052] Return Pathways
[0053] FIG. 2B provides an example of a return pathway in
accordance with an embodiment. In this embodiment, a receive switch
may select between any one of N user beam feeds (User Feeds) or a
gateway beam feed (GW/U Feed). Each of the N user beam feeds may
include return signals from one or more user terminals (e.g., user
terminals 130 of FIG. 1). The gateway beam feed may include return
signals from user terminals that are located within the same spot
beam coverage area as the gateway terminal (hence the designation
"GW/U").). The receive switch (Rx SW) output may be coupled to the
pathway receiver. The receive switch may be before the receiver of
the pathway along a signal path. The set of beams that share a
common receive switch may be referred to as a receive beam
group.
[0054] Some embodiments may include one or more LNAs before the
receive switch. For example, each input beam feed may have an
associated LNA with the receive switch positioned after the LNA.
Alternatively, a summer may be used to combine outputs from the
LNAs, and the LNAs may be switched on and off to implement the
switching function of the receive switch.
[0055] The embodiment shown in FIG. 2B may also include a
transmitter configured to provide return downlink signals to a
gateway beam feed (GW/U Feed). In the return operation, the gateway
beam feed may include signals to one or more gateway terminals
(e.g., gateway terminal 115 of FIG. 1).
[0056] The receive switch may cycle between different switch
positions according to a beam group receive switching pattern to
provide return link capacity to input beams associated with each of
the input beams feeds. The operation and control (using a beam
switch controller) of the receive switch may be similar to that of
the transmit switch discussed above.
[0057] Forward/Return Pathways
[0058] FIG. 2C provides an example of a forward/return pathway in
accordance with an embodiment. In this embodiment, a receiver may
be coupled to a receive switch (Rx SW), and a transmitter may be
coupled to a transmit switch (Tx SW). The receive switch may be
used to control the input to the pathway, and the transmit switch
may be used to control the output from the pathway. The set of
beams that share transmit and receive switches may be referred to
as a beam group.
[0059] As discussed previously, forward link operation may be
obtained by connecting the receive switch to the gateway beam feed
and cycling the transmit switch through the output switch
positions. Return link operation may be obtained by connecting the
transmit switch to the gateway beam feed and cycling the receive
switch through the input switch positions. According to an
embodiment of the invention, the beam group switching patterns of
the pathway shown in FIG. 2C may be arranged such that a portion of
a frame is dedicated to forward link operation, while another
portion of the same frame is dedicated to return link
operation.
[0060] In some embodiments, the beam group switching patterns may
be the same from frame-to-frame (repeated in each of a plurality of
consecutive frames), while in other embodiments, the beam group
switching patterns may be changed from frame-to-frame. In yet other
embodiments, a particular beam group switching pattern may be used
for a particular time duration while another beam group switching
pattern may be used for a different time duration (e.g., different
times of the day, different days of the week, or the like). Many
variations, modifications, and alternatives of switching patterns
may be used within the embodiments disclosed herein. Whether the
beam group switching patterns remain the same or changes may depend
on a desired capacity allocation amongst beams and/or a desired
ratio between forward and return capacity.
[0061] Gateway Switch Group
[0062] Recall that the set of beams that share transmit and receive
switches may be referred to as a beam group. Beam groups may be
further aggregated into what may be referred to as a gateway (GW)
switch group. FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of example
hardware that services a GW switch group in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The hardware may correspond to
at least some of the K pathways shown in FIG. 1. In accordance with
an embodiment, a hub-spoke satellite may service a number of GW
switch groups, each with a number of receivers, transmitters,
receiver switches, transmitter switches and a GW switch structure.
The switches may be controlled by a beam switch controller as
discussed previously.
[0063] The GW switch structure generally provides switching
capability between inputs and outputs within the GW switch group.
Possible inputs and outputs of the GW switch structure include one
or more of the following: (a) the inputs may be uplink signals and
the outputs may be input signals to receive switches; (b) the
inputs may be output signals from receivers and the outputs may be
input signals to transmitters; and (c) the inputs may be output
signals from transmit switches and the outputs may be downlink
signals.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 3, an embodiment includes receive switches
(Rx SW) and transmit switches (Tx SW) that are associated with the
GW switch group. Each receive and transmit switch in a beam group
may service the same or a different number of user beams (hence the
designations "N.sub.1" through "N.sub.M"). Both receive and
transmit switches may be used in this embodiment to provide forward
and return capability similar to the forward/return pathway of FIG.
2C. Some embodiments may include only transmit switches to provide
forward link capability as in FIG. 2A. Some embodiments may include
only receive switches to provide return link capability as in FIG.
2B.
[0065] Each receive and transmit switch is associated with a beam
group and may provide switching between a gateway beam feed (GW/U)
and a number of user beam feeds (U) as described previously. The GW
switch structure, on the other hand, may provide switching between
input signals associated with one beam group and output signals
associated with another beam group. For example, a forward uplink
signal from the gateway beam feed (GW/U).sub.1 may be received at
the receive switch Rx SW.sub.1 and passed through the associated
circuitry to the transmit switch Tx SW.sub.1. From the transmit
switch Tx SW.sub.1 the signal may be output to any of the user beam
feeds associated with that beam group. Using the receive and
transmit switches in concert with the GW switch structure, however,
a forward uplink signal from one gateway beam feed (GW/U).sub.1 may
be switched to the transmit switch associated with another beam
depending on the GW switch structure position. Depending on the GW
switch structure capability, the signal may be able to be output to
any user beam feed associated with any of the beam groups in the GW
switch group.
[0066] As the positions of the receive and transmit switches may be
described by beam group switching patterns, the positions of the GW
switch structure may be described by gateway switching patterns.
The receive and transmit beam group switching patterns may be
synchronized with the gateway switching pattern to provide
sequential beam switching during a frame. The beam switch
controller that implements the beam group switching patterns on the
receive and transmit switches may also implement the gateway
switching patterns on the GW switch structure.
[0067] The components shown in FIG. 3 may be used to implement
incremental gateway deployment in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention. Incremental gateway deployment may span at least two
time periods. A first time period during which there are fewer
gateway terminals than beam groups (prior to a time T) is followed
by a second time period during which at least one additional
gateway terminal has been added (after time T).
[0068] During the first time period, at least P of the receivers
may receive a different one of at least P forward link signals from
P gateway terminals GW/U (where P is a non-zero positive integer).
During a frame, the GW switch structure may sequentially switch the
at least P forward link signals from the P gateway terminals to
provide the at least P forward link signals to the transmit
switches. The at least P forward link signals are provided to the
transmit switches according to a first gateway switching pattern,
and each of the at least P forward link signals is sequentially
switched into fixed location beams according to a first beam group
transmit switching pattern.
[0069] During the second time period, at least Q of the receivers
may receive a different one of at least Q forward link signals from
Q gateway terminals GW/U (where Q is a non-zero positive integer
and is greater than P). During a frame, the GW switch structure may
sequentially switch the at least Q forward link signals from the Q
gateway terminals to provide the at least Q forward link signals to
the transmit switches. The at least Q forward link signals are
provided to the transmit switches according to a second gateway
switching pattern, and each of the at least Q forward link signals
is sequentially switched into fixed location beams according to a
second beam group transmit switching pattern.
[0070] Gateway terminals may transmit forward link signals to the
satellite using a single polarization or more than one polarization
(e.g., right hand circular polarized (RHCP) and left hand circular
polarized (LHCP)). Using more than one polarity may increase
capacity and decrease interference. Referring to the example, in
some embodiments the at least P receivers may consist of exactly P
receivers and the P gateway terminals may each transmit one signal
on a single polarization. In other embodiments, the at least P
receivers may consist of exactly 2*P receivers and the P gateway
terminals may each transmit two signals on two different
polarizations.
[0071] This embodiment has discussed a forward traffic embodiment.
Similar techniques may be used for return traffic, and for combined
forward/return traffic.
[0072] Switch Matrix Groups
[0073] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a GW switch group
embodiment, employing a switch matrix to provide incremental
gateway deployment for forward and return link capability at a
hub-spoke satellite in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. This embodiment shows a GW switch group that includes M
pathways with M receivers (Rx) and M transmitters (Tx). The
hardware may correspond to M of the K pathways shown in FIG. 1
(M<K). Receive antenna feeds, beam switch controller, etc. shown
in previous figures and described previously are not shown in this
embodiment to avoid unnecessarily cluttering the figure. An
M.times.M switch matrix may provide the GW switch structure in this
embodiment. The M.times.M switch matrix may be configured to direct
an output signal from any one of the M receivers to an input of any
one of the M transmitters. A switch matrix may be implemented by an
array of low mass solid state switches with hybrids.
[0074] In an example of the capability provided by a switch matrix,
an input signal received at the receive switch (Rx SW) on the upper
left of FIG. 4 may be output from the transmit switch (Tx SW) on
the upper right of FIG. 4 or from the transmit switch on the lower
right of FIG. 4 depending on the setting of the M.times.M switch
matrix.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 4, fixed location beams associated with
each receive switch and each transmit switch may include N user
beams (U) and a gateway beam (GW/U). Feeds (such as the N User
Feeds and the GW/U feeds shown in FIG. 2B) may be coupled to inputs
of each receive switch shown in FIG. 4. Signals from the fixed
location beams are passed from these feeds to the receive switches.
Feeds (such as the N User Feeds and the GW/U feeds shown in FIG.
2A) may be coupled to outputs of each transmit switch shown in FIG.
4. Signals to the fixed location beams are passed from the transmit
switches to these feeds. Note that each receive switch (or each
transmit switch) may service the same number of user beams or a
different number of user beams (hence the designations "N.sub.1"
and "N.sub.M"). The receive switches and the transmit switches may
be configured for fast switching as described above.
[0076] In a first mode of operation, the M.times.M switch matrix
may be fixed to pass signals directly through from left to right,
such that the signals to and from each gateway terminal will take a
similar path to that shown in FIG. 2C. In this mode of operation,
each gateway terminal may provide capacity only to users in its
beam group. In other modes of operation, the M.times.M switch
matrix may synchronize its switching pattern to the receive and
transmit beam group switching patterns. Thus, the service slots
from one gateway may be allocated to any beam within the GW switch
group, regardless of beam group association.
[0077] To understand use of the switch matrix in a gateway
deployment, an example of an incremental gateway deployment will be
described. Initially, a first gateway terminal GW1 is the only
gateway terminal deployed. It is associated with N.sub.1 user beams
U and one combined gateway and user beam (GW/U).sub.1. Here, P=1.
Since the gateway terminal GW1 is the only gateway terminal that is
initially deployed, it cannot provide service to users associated
with other gateways if the first mode of switch matrix operation
described above is employed. The switch matrix may be controlled,
however, to sequentially switch an output from the single receiver
associated with the gateway terminal GW1 to inputs of transmitters
associated with all the other gateway terminals in the GW switch
group. This is for forward traffic slots. For return traffic slots,
the M.times.M switch matrix may be controlled to sequentially
switch outputs from each of the M receivers to the input of the
single transmitter associated with gateway terminal GW 1. Thus, the
capacity provided by the gateway terminal GW1 may be allocated
across all beams in the GW switch group as desired.
[0078] Continuing with this example, at a later time (after a time
T) another M-2 gateway terminals are deployed such that only
GW.sub.M is not operational. Now, P=M-1. In this scenario, the
M.times.M switch matrix may be controlled to sequentially switch
outputs from the first M-1 receivers to inputs of all the
transmitters (for forward traffic slots). For return traffic slots,
the switch matrix may be controlled to sequentially switch outputs
from each of the M receivers to inputs of the first M-1
transmitters. Thus, the capacity provided by the first M-1 gateway
terminals may be allocated across all user beams in the GW switch
group as desired.
[0079] Outer Switch Groups
[0080] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of a GW switch group
embodiment using an outer switch structure that may be used to
provide incremental gateway deployment for forward and return link
capability at a hub-spoke satellite in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment uses a
hardware pathway that includes a receiver (Rx) and a transmitter
(Tx). As explained above, the receiver may include an LNA, and the
transmitter may include a HPA. The pathway may correspond to one of
the K pathways shown in FIG. 1. Receive antenna feeds, beam switch
controller, etc. shown in previous figures and described above are
not shown in this embodiment to avoid unnecessarily cluttering the
figure.
[0081] In this embodiment, the receiver is coupled to a receive
switch (Rx Switch), and the receive switch is coupled to a
receive-side outer switch (Rx Outer Switch). The receive switch may
sequentially switch signals from fixed location beams into a
receiver according to a beam group receive switching pattern. The
fixed location beams in this embodiment include three user beams
(Beam A, Beam B, Beam C) and a gateway beam (GW/U).sub.1. The
receive-side outer switch may sequentially switch signals from
fixed location gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1 to (GW/U).sub.M into an
input (GW/U)'.sub.1 of the receive switch for the pathway according
to a gateway switching pattern. Each of the gateway beams may also
service user terminals that are located within the gateway beams.
The receive-side outer switch may be coupled to other pathways
through other receive switches as indicated by arrows extending
from the right-side of the receive-side outer switch.
[0082] The transmitter is coupled to a transmit switch (Tx Switch),
and the transmit switch is coupled to a transmit-side outer switch
(Tx Outer Switch). The transmit switch may sequentially switch
signals into fixed location beams according to a beam group
transmit switching pattern. The fixed location beams in this
embodiment include three user beams (Beam A, Beam B, Beam C) and a
gateway beam (GW/U).sub.1. The transmit-side outer switch may
sequentially switch signals from an output (GW/U)'.sub.1 of the
transmit switch for the gateway beam into fixed location gateway
beams (GW/U).sub.1 to (GW/U).sub.M according to a gateway switching
pattern. Each of the gateway beams may also service user terminals
that are located within the gateway beams. The transmit-side outer
switch may be coupled to other pathways through transmit switches
as indicated by arrows pointing into the left side of the
transmit-side outer switch.
[0083] The GW switch structure in this embodiment may comprise the
receive-side outer switch (forward traffic), the transmit-side
outer switch (return traffic), or both (forward and return
traffic). The receive-side outer switch and the transmit-side outer
switch may be used in tandem to enable forward and return
incremental gateway deployment in a manner similar to that
described previously.
[0084] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a first outer switch
networks embodiment that may be used to enable incremental gateway
deployment for forward and return link capability at a hub-spoke
satellite in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The outer switch networks (GW switch structure) in this
embodiment may include receive-side outer switches (forward
traffic), transmit-side outer switches (return traffic), or both
(forward and return traffic). Signals from a first input gateway
beam (GW/U).sub.1 may be switched between pathways associated with
any of the output gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2,
(GW/U).sub.3, and (GW/U).sub.4. This allows capacity from a gateway
terminal GW1 located within the first gateway beam (GW/U).sub.1 to
be shared amongst user beams associated with output gateway beams
(GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, (GW/U).sub.3, and (GW/U).sub.4.
[0085] This embodiment shows a first layer 1:4 receive-side outer
switch configured to switch signals associated with the first input
gateway beam (GW/U).sub.1. One output of the 1:4 receive-side outer
switch is labeled (GW/U)'.sub.1 and goes to the (GW/U)'.sub.1 input
of the receive switch of FIG. 5, while the other three outputs
become inputs to second layer 2:1 receive-side outer switches, each
of which is configured to switch between the (GW/U).sub.1 signal
and a signal from one of the other input gateway beams
(GW/U).sub.2, (GW/U).sub.3, and (GW/U).sub.4. Outputs of each of
the 2:1 receive-side outer switches labeled (GW/U)'.sub.2,
(GW/U)'.sub.3, and (GW/U)'.sub.4 are coupled to the pathways
associated with the respective gateways.
[0086] The 2:1 receive-side outer switches and 1:2 transmit-side
outer switches shown in FIG. 6 may be configured for fast switching
or "slow" switching if, for example, they only switch when an
associated gateway is deployed, which is infrequent compared to the
time duration of a frame. The Rx network may be low power and low
loss. The Tx network may be high power and low loss.
[0087] As an example, if the gateway terminal GW1 located in the
first gateway beam (GW/U).sub.1 is the only gateway terminal
deployed, the 1:4 and 4:1 outer switches shown in FIG. 6 may
sequentially switch between each pathway (each associated with a
beam group) during a frame. Since there are four pathways in this
embodiment (one associated with each of the gateway beams
(GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, (GW/U).sub.3, and (GW/U).sub.4), each
pathway may receive an average of 25% of the capacity from the
gateway terminal GW1 located in the first gateway beam
(GW/U).sub.1. The actual capacity for each pathway may vary since
the switches allow flexible allocation of capacity as needed.
[0088] If gateway terminals GW1 and GW2 located in the first and
second gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1 and (GW/U).sub.2 are the only
gateway terminals deployed, the pathway associated with the second
gateway beam (GW/U).sub.2 may receive 100% of the capacity from the
gateway terminal GW2 located in the second gateway beam
(GWU).sub.2. The pathways associated with the gateway beams
(GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.3, and (GW/U).sub.4 may each receive an
average of 33% of the capacity from the gateway terminal GW1
located in the first gateway beam (GW/U).sub.1, by using the 1:4
and 4:1 outer switches to sequentially switch between the three
corresponding pathways during a frame.
[0089] If gateway terminals GW1, GW2, and GW3 located in the first,
second, and third gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, and
(GW/U).sub.3 are the only gateway terminals deployed, the pathways
associated with the second and third gateway beams (GW/U).sub.2 and
(GW/U).sub.3 may each receive 100% of the capacity from their
respective gateway terminals GW2 and GW3 located in the second and
third gateway beams (GW/U).sub.2 and (GW/U).sub.3. The pathways
associated with the gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1 and (GW/U).sub.4 may
each receive an average of 50% of the capacity from the gateway
terminal GW1 located in the first gateway beam (GW/U).sub.1, by
using the 1:4 and 4:1 outer switches to sequentially switch between
the two corresponding pathways during a frame.
[0090] Once gateway terminals GW1, GW2, GW3, and GW4 located in
each of the gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, (GW/U).sub.3,
and (GW/U).sub.4 are deployed, the pathway associated with each of
the gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, (GW/U).sub.3, and
(GW/U).sub.4 may receive 100% of the capacity from their respective
gateway terminals.
[0091] The 1:4 receive-side outer switch and the 4:1 transmit-side
outer switch are used in this embodiment to provide switching for
the four pathways. In general, a 1:R receive-side outer switch and
a R:1 transmit-side outer switch may be used in accordance with
this embodiment to provide switching for R pathways.
[0092] FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of a second outer
switch networks embodiment that may be used to enable incremental
gateway deployment for forward and return link capability at a
hub-spoke satellite in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. This embodiment features more switches than the first
outer switch networks embodiment, but it allows for a uniform
distribution of capacity as the gateways are deployed. The outer
switch networks (GW switch structure) in this embodiment may
include receive-side outer switches (forward traffic),
transmit-side outer switches (return traffic), or both (forward and
return traffic). In some embodiments, this allows capacity to be
shared between any of the gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1-(GW/U).sub.4
and amongst user beams associated with output gateway beams
(GW/U).sub.1-(GW/U).sub.4.
[0093] This embodiment shows a first layer (or bank) of
receive-side outer switches that include 1:4, 1:3, 1:2 switches and
a second layer (or bank) of receive-side outer switches that
include 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 switches. In general, 1:R, 1:(R-1), . . . 1:2
switches may be used for the first layer of receive-side outer
switches, and R: 1, (R-1): 1, . . . 2:1 switches may be used for
the second layer of receive-side outer switches, for R pathways.
The Rx network may be low power and low loss. The Tx network may be
high power and low loss.
[0094] This embodiment also shows a first layer of transmit-side
outer switches that include 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 switches and second layer
of transmit-side outer switches that include 4:1, 3:1, 2:1
switches. In general, 1:R, 1:(R-1), . . . 1:2 switches may be used
for the first layer of transmit-side outer switches, and R: 1,
(R-1): 1, . . . 2:1 switches may be used for the second layer of
transmit-side outer switches, for R pathways.
[0095] The first layer of receive-side outer switches may be
configured for fast switching as described above. The second layer
of receive-side outer switches may be configured for fast switching
or some of them may be configured for slow switching if, for
example, they only switch when an associated gateway is deployed,
which is infrequent compared to the time duration of a frame.
[0096] As an example, if a gateway terminal GW1 located in a first
gateway beam (GW/U).sub.1 is the only gateway terminal deployed,
the outer switches shown in FIG. 7 may sequentially switch between
beam groups associated with each pathway. Since there are four
pathways in this embodiment (one associated with each of the
gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, (GW/U).sub.3, and
(GW/U).sub.4), each pathway may receive an average of 25% of the
capacity from the gateway terminal GW1 located in the first gateway
beam (GW/U).sub.1. The actual capacity for each pathway may vary
since the switches allow flexible allocation of capacity as needed.
For example, with only the first gateway terminal GW1 deployed,
user beams associated with the first gateway terminal GW1 and user
beams associated with just one other gateway terminal may need
service. In that case, the capacity from the first gateway terminal
GW1 would be allocated amongst only those beams and not the
remaining beams associated with other gateway terminals.
[0097] If gateway terminals GW1 and GW2 located in the first and
second gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1 and (GW/U).sub.2 are the only
gateway terminals deployed, the pathways associated with the second
and third gateway beams (GW/U).sub.2 and (GW/U).sub.3 may each
receive an average of 50% of the capacity from the gateway terminal
GW2 located in the second gateway beam (GW/U).sub.2 by setting the
slow 2:1, 3:1 and 1:2, 1:3 switches to the signals corresponding to
the second gateway beam (GW/U).sub.2 and having the first layer 1:3
receive-side outer switch sequentially switch between the pathways
corresponding to (GW/U).sub.2 and (GW/U).sub.3. The pathways
associated with the gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1 and (GW/U).sub.4 may
each receive an average of 50% of the capacity from the gateway
terminal GW1 located in the first gateway beam (GW/U).sub.1 using
similar techniques. Note that the gateway terminal GW2 located in
the second gateway beam (GW/U).sub.2 may alternatively service the
user terminals from the beam group of the fourth gateway beam
(GW/U).sub.4.
[0098] If gateway terminals GW1, GW2, and GW3 located in the first,
second, and third gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, and
(GW/U).sub.3 are the only gateway terminals deployed, the pathways
associated with the gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2,
(GW/U).sub.3, and (GW/U).sub.4 may each receive an average of 75%
of pathway capacity. By sequential switching as discussed above,
gateway terminals GW1, GW2, and GW3 located in the first, second,
and third gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, and
(GW/U).sub.3 may each provide 75% of their capacity to the pathways
associated with their respective gateway beams and 25% of their
capacity to the pathway associated with the fourth gateway beam
(GW/U).sub.4. The 4:1 switch in the second layer of receive-side
outer switches and the 1:4 switch in the second layer of
transmit-side outer switches may be configured for fast switching
to receive signals from each of the first, second, or third gateway
beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, and (GW/U).sub.3 during a
frame.
[0099] If gateway terminals GW1, GW2, GW3, and GW4 located in each
of the gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, (GW/U).sub.3, and
(GW/U).sub.4 are deployed, the pathway associated with each of the
gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, (GW/U).sub.3, and
(GW/U).sub.4 may receive 100% of the capacity from their respective
gateway terminals. If fast switches are employed for all the
switches in the second outer switch networks, however, any gateway
may provide any fraction of its capacity to any other beam by
proper scheduling of the switches.
[0100] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a third outer switch
networks embodiment that may be used to enable incremental gateway
deployment for forward and return link capability at a hub-spoke
satellite in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. This embodiment features more switches than the first
outer switch networks embodiment, and it provides a more uniform
distribution of capacity as the gateways are deployed. This
embodiment features less switches than the second outer switch
networks embodiment, and it provides a less uniform distribution of
capacity as the gateways are deployed. It may be considered a
compromise between implementation complexity and flexibility. The
outer switch networks (GW switch structure) in this embodiment may
include receive-side outer switches (forward traffic),
transmit-side outer switches (return traffic), or both (forward and
return traffic). In some embodiments, this allows capacity to be
shared between any of the gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1-(GW/U).sub.4
and amongst user beams associated with output gateway beams
(GW/U).sub.1-(GW/U).sub.4.
[0101] This embodiment shows a first layer of receive-side outer
switches that include 1:4 and 1:2 switches and a corresponding
first layer of transmit-side outer switches that include 4:1 and
2:1 switches. This embodiment also shows a second layer of
receive-side outer switches that include 2:1, 3:1, and 2:1 switches
and a corresponding second layer of transmit-side outer switches
that include 1:2, 1:3, and 1:2 switches.
[0102] The first layer of switches may be configured for fast
switching as described above. The second layer of switches may be
configured for fast switching or slow switching if, for example,
they only switch when an associated gateway is deployed, which is
infrequent compared to the time duration of a frame. The Rx network
may be low power and low loss. The Tx network may be high power and
low loss.
[0103] As an example, if a gateway terminal GW1 located in the
first gateway beam (GW/U).sub.1 is the only gateway terminal
deployed, the outer switches shown in FIG. 8 may switch between
beam groups associated with each pathway. Since there are four
pathways in this embodiment (one associated with each of the
gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, (GW/U).sub.3, and
(GW/U).sub.4), each pathway will receive an average of 25% of the
capacity from the gateway terminal GW1 located in the first gateway
beam (GW/U).sub.1. The actual capacity for each pathway may vary
since the switches allow flexible allocation of capacity as
needed.
[0104] If gateway terminals GW1 and GW2 located in the first and
second gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1 and (GW/U).sub.2 are the only
gateway terminals deployed, the pathway associated with the second
and third gateway beams (GW/U).sub.2 and (GW/U).sub.3 may each
receive an average of 50% of the capacity from the gateway terminal
GW2 located in the second gateway beam (GW/U).sub.2 by setting the
slow 2:1, 3:1 and 1:2, 1:3 switches to the signals corresponding to
the second gateway beam (GW/U).sub.2 and having the first layer 1:2
receive-side outer switch sequentially switch between the pathways
corresponding to (GW/U).sub.2 and (GW/U).sub.3. The pathways
associated with the gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1 and (GW/U).sub.4 may
each receive an average of 50% of the capacity from the gateway
terminal GW1 located in the first gateway beam (GW/U).sub.1 using
similar techniques. Note that the gateway terminal GW2 located in
the second gateway beam (GW/U).sub.2 may alternatively service the
user terminals from the beam group of the fourth gateway beam
(GW/U).sub.4.
[0105] If gateway terminals GW1, GW2, and GW3 located in the first,
second, and third gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, and
(GW/U).sub.3 are the only gateway terminals deployed, the pathways
associated with the gateway beams (GW/U).sub.2 and (GW/U).sub.3 may
each receive 100% of the capacity from their respective gateway
terminals located in the second and third gateway beams GW2 and GW3
by setting their slow switches to their corresponding gateway beams
(GW/U).sub.2 and (GW/U).sub.3 in a similar manner to the
corresponding case in the first outer switch networks
implementation. The pathways associated with the gateway beams
(GW/U).sub.1 and (GW/U).sub.4 may each receive an average of 50% of
the capacity from the gateway terminal GW1 located in the first
gateway beam (GW/U).sub.1 by setting the slow switches for the
(GW/U).sub.4 beam group to the signal from gateway beams
(GW/U).sub.1 and having the first layer 1:4 receive-side outer
switch sequentially switch between the two pathways corresponding
to (GW/U).sub.1 and (GW/U).sub.4.
[0106] If gateway terminals GW1, GW2, GW3, and GW4 located in each
of the gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, (GW/U).sub.3, and
(GW/U).sub.4 are deployed, the pathway associated with each of the
gateway beams (GW/U).sub.1, (GW/U).sub.2, (GW/U).sub.3, and
(GW/U).sub.4 may receive 100% of the capacity from their respective
gateway terminals.
[0107] An example of a means for receiving the forward link signals
from the gateway terminals is the receivers. An example of a means
for sequentially switching the forward link signals from the
gateway terminals in the duration of one frame to provide the
forward link signals to the transmit switches is the GW switch
structure. An example of a means for sequentially switching the
forward link signals into fixed location beams according to a beam
group transmit switching pattern is the transmit switches.
[0108] Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the
examples shown or described herein. For example, embodiments of the
present invention may involve any number of receive-side outer
switches, receive switches, pathways, transmit switches, and
transmit-side outer switches. Also, while the above embodiments
have been explained with regard to an incremental gateway
deployment, the same steps may be followed in opposite order when
decommissioning gateway terminals. Furthermore, features of one or
more embodiments may be combined with features of other embodiments
without departing from the scope of the invention. The
specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an
illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Thus, the scope of
the present invention should be determined not with reference to
the above description, but should be determined with reference to
the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
* * * * *