Internet communications systems and methods using different wireless links for inbound and outbound data

Abstract

A hybrid satellite communications system provides communications, particularly Internet access, to computer users. The hybrid satellite communications system includes a satellite system and a terrestrial communications system. The satellite system includes two transceivers. The first transceiver receives and transmits a first set of signals received from the terrestrial communications system to a plurality of user units. In reverse fashion, the satellite systems second transceiver receives a second set of signals in a second frequency band from the user units and transmits those signals back to the terrestrial communications system. The first set of signals (downlink signals) are of much higher frequency than the second set of signals (uplink signals). Preferably, the first set of signals are relayed by a Direct Broadcast System (DBS) satellite in a frequency band between 12.2 GHz and 12.9 GHz, while the second set of signals are relayed by a Mobile Satellite System (MSS) satellite operating between 1.0 GHz and 3.0 Ghz, or relayed by a terrestrial node operating between 0.8 and 2.0 Ghz. The differences in frequency between the first set of signals and second set of signals is considered optimal for the transmission and receipt of communications between a computer user with the Internet. Moreover, the present invention is capable of using the present communications infrastructures dedicated to the satellite transmission of television via DBS satellites, satellite cellular communications via MSS satellites, and radio communications via terrestrial cellular systems.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 246,868, filed Sep. 17, 2002, entitled Data Communications Systems and Methods Using Different Wireless Links for Inbound and Outbound Data, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which itself is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09 / 371,316, filed Aug. 10, 1999, entitled Hybrid Satellite Communication System, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,522,865, both of which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if set forth fully herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to satellite communications systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to satellite communications systems providing Internet service to computer users. [0003] Computer networking is rapidly becoming ubiquitous in present day society. Computer networks have grown from isolat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for providing communications to a computer user or the like. The invention involves a hybrid satellite communications system that includes one or more satellites, terrestrial communication stations, and user units. The system uses a first transceiver for receiving and transmitting signals in a first frequency band and a second transceiver for receiving and transmitting signals in a second frequency band. The user units transmit signals in the second frequency band to the satellite system, which then relays the signals to a terrestrial ground station connected to an Internet provider. The transmission rate from the user's computer through the satellite system to the Internet provider is slower than the transmission rate of information provided from the Internet provider to the computer user. The invention also includes a mobile satellite system for receiving and transmitting uplink signals, and a plurality of terrestrial nodes for relaying uplink signals. The technical effects of the invention include faster internet access, improved reliability, and better cost-effectiveness.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, the fastest transmission rate commonly available over the PSTN is 56K bits per second (bps).

Because such transmission rates are prohibitively slow for some practices, such as the transmission of video information, additional systems have been devised including Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and T1 systems which require special cabling to be constructed to the computer user.

Unfortunately, ISDN and T1 communications systems are too expensive for the average computer user.

In undeveloped countries, communities separated by vast distances have limited telephone service, if any.

Even where there is telephone service, the quality of the telephone connection is often poorly suited to support the transmission of digital data at a useable rate.

The lack of access to the Internet is rapidly becoming more of a problem as users have expanded beyond academics, researchers and computer enthusiasts, and it has become virtually mandatory for members of the general public to participate in the global community via the Internet.

Unfortunately, the Direct TV system does not provide a communication link for the user to send information back to the Internet via the satellite.

However, the Direct TV system suffers from several disadvantages as a user must have both a satellite receiver and a connection to telephone service.

In many portions of the globe, access to both a satellite dish and telephone line are unavailable.

Unfortunately, these rates for transmission and receipt of data to the Internet are far too slow to be practical for many computer users.

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