A hybrid communication method and system

Abstract

With the present invention, a hybrid communication method and system is provided that allows the data collected by the IoT units (N) to be transmitted to the satellite (S) directly or indirectly. In the said method, the satellite access terminals (GW) and the satellite (S) periodically broadcast a Beacon signal; the satellite access terminals (GW) send their stored data to the satellite (S) in accordance with the resource planning process, when they receive a Beacon signal from a satellite (S); the IoT units (N) evaluate the Beacon signal they received and transmit their data to the satellite (S) or satellite access terminal (GW) in line with the signal source.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] A HYBRID COMMUNICATION METHOD AND SYSTEM

[0003] Relevant Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a hybrid loT-satellite communication method and system that allows both direct and indirect data transmission between loT units and the satellite.

[0005] Prior Art loT (internet of things) basically involves the communication of loT units; having data collection and / or activation functions; with each other and / or with a data center via a data transmission network. By this way, remote monitoring and control of various objects is provided. With the development of loT technology, its usage area is also rapidly expanding and becoming widespread. In this direction, while the number of objects requesting data transmission is increasing rapidly, the distribution of these objects on the earth's surface is also spreading over a much wider area. The specified objects can be in residential areas as well as in rural areas; they can be located in desert, ocean and similar areas where terrestrial network access is not possible; they can be stationary or moving.

[0006] There are various network architectures in the state of the art that are used for loT units to transmit their data to a center. These network architectures may include terrestrial communication, satellite communication or hybrid communication applications where these two solutions are used together. In regions where access to terrestrial networks is not possible, satellite communication applications are gaining importance.

[0007] In I oT-satellite communication applications, which enable the loT units in question to exchange data with a satellite or a set of satellites, objects can transmit data directly to the satellite or through a gateway. In applications where data is transmitted directly to the satellite, random access is provided and data may be transmitted by more than one object in the same frequency range at the same time. This situation causes significant losses in data transmission as the number of loT units increases. In applications where data is transmitted to the satellite through the gateway, loT units transmit their collected data to the gateway. The received data is stored for a while in the gateway and is transmitted to the satellite during its passage. However, this practice causes data transmission to be interrupted in regions where there is no gateway. For example, loT units collecting and transmitting the data of a moving object cannot transmit data while they are in regions without a gateway. The patent document numbered CN110870221A describes an loT communication method and system developed to serve a large number of user terminals. In the mentioned document, a hybrid communication method that allows switching between terrestrial communication and satellite communication networks and a user terminal in which the satellite communication mode and the cellular-terrestrial communication mode are integrated at the physical level are mentioned. However, the system and method in question aims to integrate the terrestrial network and the satellite network, and additional elements that enable switching between the two networks are used.

[0008] Object of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to develop a communication method and system that allows reliable data transfer between loT units and the satellite.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a communication method and system that allows both direct and indirect data transfer between loT units and the satellite.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a communication method and system in which indirect data transmission is provided in line with the resource planning carried out on the satellite.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a communication method and system that allows direct / indirect data transmission selection by loT units.

[0013] Definition of the Figures

[0014] Exemplary applications of the communication method and system developed with the present invention are shown in the attached figures:

[0015] Figure 1 ; is an illustration of the communication system.

[0016] Figure 2; is a flow chart showing the operations performed by loT units.

[0017] Figure 3; is a flow chart showing the operations performed by loT units.

[0018] Figure 4; is a flow chart showing the operations performed by satellite access terminals.

[0019] Figure 5; is a flow chart showing the operations performed by satellite.

[0020] Figure 6; is an illustration of the communication links between the loT unit, satellite access terminal and satellite, indicating the signals and the data transmitted through these links. Elements in the figures are numbered one by one, the equivalents of these numbers are given below: loT unit (N)

[0021] Satellite access terminal (GW)

[0022] Satellite (S)

[0023] First communication link (L1)

[0024] Second communication link (L2)

[0025] Third communication link (L3)

[0026] First Beacon signal (BC1)

[0027] Second Beacon signal (BC2)

[0028] Data transmission request signal (RTS)

[0029] Resource planning data signal (CTS)

[0030] Satellite coverage area (AS)

[0031] Satellite access terminal coverage area (AGW)

[0032] Data collected by satellite access terminal (VGW)

[0033] Data collected by loT unit (VN)

[0034] Collect data and store collected data (S1)

[0035] Check whether a beacon signal received (S2)

[0036] Is the Beacon signal source a Satellite Access Terminal? (S3)

[0037] Transmit stored data via random access through the first communication link (S4)

[0038] Transmit stored data via random access through the second communication link (S5)

[0039] Delete transmitted data (S6)

[0040] Wait (S7)

[0041] Has a new Beacon signal arrived? (S8)

[0042] Is the new Beacon signal source a Satellite Access Terminal? (S9)

[0043] Broadcast first Beacon signal (S10)

[0044] Wait for a period (S11)

[0045] Store data from loT units (S12)

[0046] Has the second Beacon signal received? (S13)

[0047] Transmit data transmission request signal to satellite (S14)

[0048] Has the resource planning data signal received? (S15)

[0049] Transmit data to satellite according to planning (S16)

[0050] Broadcast second Beacon signal (S17)

[0051] Receive data transmission request signals from satellite access terminals (S18)

[0052] Make resource planning (S19) Transmit resource planning data signal (S20)

[0053] Receive and store data from satellite access terminals (S21)

[0054] Receive new incoming data transmission request signals and update resource planning (S22)

[0055] Has the period expired? (S23)

[0056] Receive and store data from loT units (S24)

[0057] Description of the Invention

[0058] An loT - satellite hybrid communication method and system is provided with the present invention, which is developed to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and whose exemplary applications are given in the attached figures.

[0059] The communication method according to the present invention, which is developed to enable at least one loT unit (N) to transmit data directly and / or indirectly via at least one satellite access terminal (GW) to at least one satellite (S); preferably to a satellite constellation having at least two satellites; comprises the following process steps: satellite access terminals (GW) periodically broadcast a first Beacon signal (BC1) to be received by loT units (N) located within the satellite access terminal coverage area (AGW); the satellite (S) periodically broadcasts a second Beacon signal (BC2) to be received by the loT units (N) and satellite access terminals (GW) located within the satellite coverage area (AS); the satellite access terminals (GW) located within the satellite coverage area (AS) transfer their stored data to the satellite (S) through a third communication link (L3) that provides data transmission between the satellite (S) and the satellite access terminals (GW), when they receive the said second Beacon signal (BC2), in line with a resource planning process carried out on the satellite (S), within the time and frequency range determined for the satellite access terminal (GW) in question. and the following process steps performed by loT units (N) meanwhile: storing the acquired / collected data until receiving a Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2);

[0060] - when a Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is received, evaluating the Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) in question; if the incoming Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is a first Beacon signal (BC1), transmitting the stored data from the loT unit (N) to the satellite access terminals (GW) within the coverage area through a first communication link (L1) by random access; if the incoming Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is a second Beacon signal (BC2), transmitting the stored data from the loT unit (N) to the satellites (S) within its coverage area by random access through a second communication link (L2), deleting the transmitted data; returning to the step of storing the acquired / collected data until receiving a Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) and repeating the process.

[0061] The loT units (N) in question may be positioned on any object on the ground and arranged to receive any data related to the specified object, or they may also contain a sensor that enables data to be received regarding the environment in which it is located. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the loT unit (N) in question can receive / obtain data about any electronic I electromechanical device, as well as collect data about a living creature (animal, human, plant) or collect data about the soil, ground, air, etc. in its environment. Satellite access terminals (GW) periodically broadcast a first Beacon signal (BC1) and thus ensure that loT units (N) located within the satellite access terminal coverage area (AGW) are aware of the presence of the satellite access terminal (GW). The satellite (S), or each of the satellites (S) in the relevant satellite constellation, periodically broadcast a second Beacon signal (BC2) during their movement around their orbit thereby ensuring that the loT units (N) within the coverage area of the satellite (AS) are aware of the presence of the satellite (S). As shown in the flow chart in Figure 2, loT units (N) continuously collect data, store the collected data (S1) and check whether a Beacon signal is received (S2). When the Beacon signal is received, it checks whether the Beacon signal source is a satellite access terminal (GW) or not (S3). The first Beacon signal (BC1) sent by the satellite access terminal (GW) and the second Beacon signal (BC2) sent by the satellite (S) are different from each other, and the loT unit (N) can distinguish these two signals. If the loT unit detects that the incoming Beacon signal in step (S3) is a first Beacon signal (BC1), it transmits the stored data via random access through the first communication link (L1) (S4); If it detects that the incoming Beacon signal is a second Beacon signal (BC2), it transmits the stored data via random access from the second communication link (L2) (S5). Then, the transmitted data is deleted (S6) and the specified operations are repeated by returning to step (S1). Thus, it is ensured that the loT unit (N) can transmit data to the satellite (S) or the satellite access terminal (GW), whichever is within its coverage area. Satellite access terminals (GW) store the data transmitted by loT units (N) over the first communication link (L1) until they transmit it to a satellite (S). When the satellite access terminals (GW) receive a second Beacon signal (BC2), they transmit the stored data to the satellite through the third communication link (L3) within the time and frequency period determined for the satellite access terminal (GW), in line with a resource planning process performed on the satellite. Thus, data from loT units (N) is indirectly transmitted to the satellite (S) via the satellite access terminal (GW).

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method in question comprises the following process steps regarding the data transmission process carried out in line with resource planning through the third communication link (L3) between the satellite access terminals (GW) and the satellite (S); satellite access terminals (GW) receive and save the data from loT units (N) that are connected such that they can exchange data through the first communication link (L1); the satellite (S) periodically transmits the second Beacon signal (BC2), to be received by the loT units (N) and satellite access terminals (GW) located on the ground surface and within the satellite coverage area (AS); the satellite access terminals (GW) receiving the second Beacon signal (BC2) transmit to the satellite (S) a data transmission request signal (RTS) containing information regarding the data transmission request; the satellite (S) evaluates the data transmission request signals (RTS) coming from the satellite access terminals (GW) and makes a resource planning in which only one satellite access terminal (GW) will transmit data in any time and frequency range within the relevant period and repeats this process for new requests during the relevant period; the satellite (S) transmits a collective resource planning data signal (CTS) to satellite access terminals (GW) for each new resource planning carried out within the said period, containing information about which satellite access terminal (GW) will transmit data in which time and frequency range in line with the resource planning; each of the satellite access terminals (GW) determines the time and frequency range allocated to it by evaluating the received resource planning data signal (CTS) and transmits data to the satellite (S) through the said third communication link (L3) within the relevant time and frequency range; the satellite (S) sends a new second Beacon signal (BC2) when the said period ends and repeats the same process for a new satellite coverage area (AS).

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, following the process step of

[0064] - when a Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) received, evaluating the Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2); performed by loT units (N), the said method comprises the following process steps: if the incoming Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is a second Beacon signal (BC2), waiting for a predetermined period; checking whether a new Beacon signal has been received during said predetermined period; if a new Beacon signal is not received within the said period, the stored data is transmitted by the loT units (N) through the second communication link (L2); if a new Beacon signal was received during that period, evaluating the new Beacon signal; if the newly received Beacon signal is a first Beacon signal (BC1), the stored data is transmitted by the loT units (N) through the first communication link (L1); if the newly received Beacon signal is a second Beacon signal (BC2), the stored data is transmitted by the loT units (N) through the second communication link (L2); deleting the transmitted data.

[0065] The processing steps performed by the loT units (N) regarding the application in question are shown in the flow chart in Figure 3. Accordingly, loT units constantly collect data, store the collected data (S1) and check whether a Beacon signal is received (S2). When a Beacon signal is received, it checks whether the Beacon signal source is a satellite access terminal (GW) or not (S3). In the step (S3), if the loT unit detects that the incoming Beacon signal is a first Beacon signal (BC1), it transmits the stored data via random access through the first communication link (L1) (S4); it deletes the transmitted data (S6) and returns to step (S1). In the step (S3), if the loT unit detects that the incoming Beacon signal is a second Beacon signal (BC2), it waits for a predetermined period (S7); it checks whether a new Beacon signal arrives during the waiting period (S8). If a new Beacon signal does not arrive, it transmits the stored data via random access (S5) through the second communication link (L2). Then, the transmitted data is deleted (S6) and the specified operations are repeated by returning to step (S1). If a new Beacon signal has arrived, it is checked whether the new incoming Beacon signal source is the satellite access terminal (GW) and therefore whether the new incoming Beacon signal is a first Beacon signal (BC1) or not (S9). If the new incoming Beacon signal is a first Beacon signal (BC1), the loT unit (N) transmits the stored data through the first communication link (L1) with random access (S4); it deletes the transmitted data (S6) and returns to step (S1). If the new incoming Beacon signal is a second Beacon signal (BC2), the loT unit (N) transmits the stored data through the second communication link (L2) with random access (S5); it deletes the transmitted data (S6) and returns to step (S1). In this application, if the loT unit is within both the satellite coverage area (AS) and the satellite access terminal coverage area (AGW), it is enabled to transmit data through the satellite access terminal (GW). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in addition to the first Beacon signal (BC1) they transmit periodically, the satellite access terminals (GW) also transmit a first Beacon signal (BC1) at the moment they receive a second Beacon signal (BC2). In this embodiment, it is guaranteed that the data of the loT units (N) within the coverage area of a satellite access terminal (AGW), will send their data to the satellite (S) through the satellite access terminal (GW) during the satellite visit time. By this way, lossless data transmission can be achieved in line with the resource planning carried out and updated by the satellite (S) during its passage.

[0066] An exemplary application of the communication method that is the subject matter of the invention is shown in Figure 1. In the application in question, there are two satellite access terminals (GW) and many loT units (N) within the coverage area (AS) of a satellite (S). The loT units (N) located within both a satellite access terminal coverage area (AGW) and the satellite coverage area (AS) transmit their data to the satellite access terminal (GW) via the first communication link (L1). loT units (N) that are within the satellite coverage area (AS) but not within the satellite access terminal coverage area (AGW) transmit their data directly to the satellite (S) via the second communication link (L2). Satellite access terminals (GW) located within the satellite coverage area (AS) transmit data to the satellite (S) via the third communication link (L3). In this application, if the loT units (N) have access to both the satellite (S) and the satellite access terminal (GW), they prioritize data transmission over the satellite access terminal (GW). In this way, lossless data transmission is ensured in line with the resource planning carried out on the satellite (S); at the same time, it is provided that the loT units (N) that are not within the satellite access terminal coverage area (AGW) can transmit data via random access to the satellite (S).

[0067] Figure 4 shows a flow chart of the processing steps performed by satellite access terminals (GW). Accordingly, satellite access terminals (GW) cyclically broadcast the first Beacon signal (S10), wait for a period of time (S11) and broadcast the first Beacon signal again (S10). In addition, it stores the data coming from the loT units (S12) and checks whether the second Beacon signal (BC2) is received (S13); If it is not received, it returns to the store incoming data (S12) step; If received, it transmits the data transmission request signal (RTS) to the satellite (S14) and checks whether the resource planning data signal (CTS) is received (S15). If the resource planning data signal (CTS) has received, it transmits its stored data to the satellite (S) in the allotted time and frequency range (S16). Here, all signal / data exchange from the satellite (S) to the satellite access terminal (GW) and from the satellite access terminal (GW) to the satellite (S) is carried out through the said third communication link (L3). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the data transmission request signal (RTS) transmitted by satellite access terminals (GW) contains information regarding the amount of data to be transmitted (e.g. the number of data packets to be transmitted and / or the size of the data packets). The satellite (S) evaluates the data transmission request signal (RTS) coming from each satellite access terminal (GW) and performs resource planning in line with the amount of data.

[0068] Figure 5 shows two flow charts regarding the processing steps performed by the satellite (S). The flow chart on the right contains the operations performed between the satellite (S) and the satellite access terminal (GW) over the third communication link (L3). Accordingly, the satellite (S) broadcasts the second Beacon signal (BC2) (S17); receives data transmission request signals (RTS) from satellite access terminals (GW) (S18); evaluates received data transmission request signals (RTS) and performs resource planning (S19); transmits the resource planning data signal (CTS) containing information regarding the resource planning performed (S20); receives and stores data from satellite access terminals (GW) in accordance with resource planning (S21); at the same time, it receives newly arrived data transmission request signals (RTS) and updates the resource planning (S22); It checks whether the period has expired (S23); If the period has expired, it returns to the step of broadcast second Beacon signal (BC2) (S17) and a new period begins. If the period duration has not expired, it returns to step (S20) and transmits the resource planning data signal (CTS) based on the updated resource planning. The flow chart on the left includes the operations carried out between the satellite (S) and the loT units (N) over the second communication link (L2). Accordingly, the satellite (S) broadcasts the second Beacon signal (BC2) (S17), then receives and stores the data from the loT units (N) and stores it (S24), checks whether the period has expired (S23), and if the period has not expired, it returns to the step of receiving and storing the incoming data (S24) from the loT units (N); if the period has expired, it returns to the step of broadcast the second Beacon signal (BC2) (S17) and a new period begins. These processes are carried out simultaneously and in parallel with each other. Thus, while the satellite (S) receives the data coming from the satellite access terminals (GW) over the third communication link (L3) in line with a data planning, in parallel, it continuously receives and stores the data coming from the loT units (N) over the second communication link (L2).

[0069] In Figure 6, the data and signals exchanged over the third communication link (L3) that provides communication between satellites (S) and satellite access terminals (GW), the second communication link (L2) that provides communication between loT units (N) and satellites (S), and the first communication link (L1) that provides communication between loT units (N) and the satellite access terminals (GW) are shown. Accordingly, over the third communication link (L3), the data transmission request signal (RTS) and the data collected by the satellite access terminal (VGW) are transmitted from the satellite access terminal (GW) to the satellite (S); the second Beacon signal and the resource planning data signal (CTS) are transmitted from the satellite (S) to the satellite access terminal (GW). Via the second communication link (L2), the second Beacon signal (BC2) is transmitted from the satellite (S) to the loT units (N); the data collected by the loT unit (VN) is transmitted from the loT units (N) to the satellite (S). Via the first communication link (L1), the first Beacon signal (BC1) is transmitted from the satellite access terminal (GW) to the loT unit (N); the data collected by the loT unit (VN) is transmitted from the loT unit (N) to the satellite access terminal (GW).

[0070] With the present invention, an loT unit (N) for realizing the communication method described above is also provided. The loT unit (N) in question comprises at least one first memory in which it stores the data it collects / obtains; at least one first communication link (L1) enabling it to exchange data with at least one satellite access terminal (GW) which periodically transmits a first Beacon (BC1) signal; at least one second communication link (L2) that enables data exchange with at least one satellite (S) that periodically transmits a second Beacon signal (BC2) and at least one first processing unit arranged to carry out the following operations: storing the acquired / collected data in said first memory until receiving a Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2);

[0071] - when the Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is received, evaluating the Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) in question; if the received Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is a first Beacon signal (BC1), transmitting the data stored in the first memory via random access through / via the first communication link (L1); if the received Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is a second Beacon signal (BC2), transmitting the data stored in the first memory via random access from the second communication link (L2); deleting the transmitted data from the first memory; returning to the step of storing the acquired / collected data until receiving a Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) and repeating the process.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first processing unit in question is also arranged to carry out the following processing steps, which are carried out following the step of evaluating the received Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2); if the incoming Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is a second Beacon signal (BC2), waiting for a predetermined time; checking whether a new Beacon signal has been received during said predetermined period of time; if a new Beacon signal is not received within the said predetermined period of time, the data stored in the first memory is transmitted by the loT units (N) through the second communication link (L2); if a new Beacon signal is received during the said predetermined period of time, evaluating the new Beacon signal received; if the newly received Beacon signal is a first Beacon signal (BC1), the data stored in the first memory is transmitted by the loT units (N) through the first communication link (L1); if the newly received Beacon signal is a second Beacon signal (BC2), the data stored in the first memory is transmitted by the loT units (N) through the second communication link (L2); deleting the transmitted data from the first memory.

[0073] The present invention also provides a satellite access terminal (GW) suitable for performing the communication method described above. The satellite access terminal (GW) in question comprises a first communication link (L1) that enables it to exchange data with at least one loT unit (N); at least one second memory in which it stores the data it receives from the loT units (N) through the first communication link (L1); at least one third communication link (L3) that enables the data in the second memory to be transmitted to at least one satellite (S); and at least one second processing unit arranged to carry out the following operations: periodically transmitting a first Beacon signal (BC1) from the first communication link (L1) to the loT units (N) located within the satellite access terminal coverage area (AGW); storing received data from loT units (N) in the second memory; checking whether a second Beacon signal (BC2) is received through the said third communication link (L3) from a satellite (S) within the coverage area; if a second Beacon signal (BC2) is received, generating a data transmission request signal (RTS) regarding the stored data and transmitting it to the satellite (S) via said third communication link (L3); checking whether a resource planning data signal (CTS) is received from the satellite (S); if the resource planning data signal (CTS) is received, transmitting the data stored in the second memory to the satellite (S) over the third communication link (L3) in the time and frequency range allocated to the satellite access terminal (GW). With the present invention, a satellite (S) suitable for performing the said communication method is also provided; wherein the said satellite (S) comprises a second communication link (L2) that enables the satellite (S) to communicate with the loT units (N) within the satellite coverage area (AS); a third communication link (L3) that enables communication with satellite access terminals (GW) located within the satellite coverage area (AS); at least one third memory and at least one third processing unit arranged to perform relevant processing steps. The processing unit of the satellite is preferably arranged to perform the following operations: periodically transmitting the second Beacon signal (BC2) so that it can be detected by loT units (N) and satellite access terminals (GW) located within the satellite coverage area (AS); continuously receiving data from loT units (N) through the second communication link (L2) and storing it in the third memory; receiving data transmission request signals (RTS) from satellite access terminals (GW) evaluating received data transmission request signals (RTS) and performing resource planning; transmitting the resource planning data signal (CTS) containing the resource planning information to the satellite access terminals (GW); receiving data from satellite access terminals (GW) in line with resource planning and storing it in the third memory; at the same time, receiving new incoming data transmission request signals (RTS) and updating the resource planning in line with the new incoming requests; checking whether the period has expired; if the period has not yet expired, transmitting the resource planning data signal (CTS) of the updated resource planning to the satellite access terminals (GW); if the period has expired, terminating the process and executing the same process steps for a new period

[0074] Also with the present invention, a communication system is provided which comprises at least one loT unit (N), at least one satellite access terminal (GW) and at least one satellite (S) or preferably a satellite constellation comprising at least two satellites (S).

[0075] With the present invention, the communication method described above; loT unit (N), satellite access terminal (GW) and satellite (S) developed in accordance with the realization of the communication method in question; and a communication system that comprises the loT unit (N), the satellite access terminal (GW) and the satellite (S) is provided.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A communication method for providing data transmission from at least one loT unit (N) to at least one satellite (S) directly or through at least one satellite access terminal (GW), comprising the following process steps: satellite access terminals (GW) periodically broadcast a first Beacon signal (BC1) such that it can be received by loT units (N) located within the satellite access terminal coverage area (AGW); the satellite (S) periodically broadcasts a second Beacon signal (BC2) such that it can be received by the loT units (N) and satellite access terminals (GW) located within the satellite coverage area (AS);- when the satellite access terminals (GW) located within the satellite coverage area (AS) receive the said second Beacon signal (BC2), they transmit their stored data to the satellite (S) through a third communication link (L3) which provides the communication between the satellite (S) and the satellite access terminals (GW), in line with a resource planning process carried out on the satellite (S), within the time and frequency period determined for the satellite access terminal (GW) in question; and the following process steps meanwhile performed by the loT units (N): storing the acquired / collected data until receiving a Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2)- when a Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is received, evaluating the Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) in question; if the incoming Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is a first Beacon signal (BC1), transmitting the stored data to the satellite access terminals (GW) within the coverage area by random access through a first communication link (L1); if the incoming Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is a second Beacon signal (BC2), transmitting the stored data from the loT unit (N) to the satellites (S) within its coverage area by random access through a second communication link (L2), deleting transmitted data; returning to the step of storing the acquired / collected data until receiving a Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) and repeating the process.

2. A communication method in accordance with Claim 1 ; comprising the following process steps regarding the data transmission process between the satellite access terminals (GW) and the satellite (S) over the third communication link (L3) carried out in line with resource planning;satellite access terminals (GW) receive and store data from the loT units (N) that are connected such that they can exchange data through the first communication link (L1); the satellite (S) periodically transmits the second Beacon signal (BC2) to be received by the loT units (N) and satellite access terminals (GW) located on the ground surface and within the satellite coverage area (AS); satellite access terminals (GW) receiving the second Beacon signal (BC2) transmits a data transmission request signal (RTS) containing information regarding the data transmission request to the satellite (S); the satellite (S) evaluates the data transmission request signals (RTS) coming from the satellite access terminals (GW) and makes a resource planning in which only one satellite access terminal (GW) will transmit data in any time and frequency range within the relevant period and repeats this process for new requests during the period; the satellite (S) transmits a collective resource planning data signal (CTS) to satellite access terminals (GW) for each new resource planning carried out within the said period; containing information about which satellite access terminal (GW) will transmit data in which time and frequency range in line with the resource planning; each of the satellite access terminals (GW) determines the time and frequency range allocated to it by evaluating the received resource planning data signal (CTS) and transmits data to the satellite (S) within the relevant time and frequency range over the said third communication link (L3); the satellite (S) sends a new second Beacon signal (BC2) when the said period ends and repeating the same process for a new satellite coverage area (AS).

3. A communication method in accordance with any of Claims 1 or 2, comprising the process steps of: if the incoming Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is a second Beacon signal (BC2), waiting for a predetermined period; checking whether a new Beacon signal has been received during said predetermined period; if a new Beacon signal is not received within the said period, transmitting the stored data through the second communication link (L2); if a new Beacon signal was received during that period, evaluating the new Beacon signal;if the newly received Beacon signal is a first Beacon signal (BC1), transmitting the stored data through the first communication link (L1); if the newly received Beacon signal is a second Beacon signal (BC2), transmitting the stored data through the second communication link (L2); and deleting the transmitted data performed by loT units (N), following the process step of- when a Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) received, evaluating the Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2).

4. A communication method in accordance with any of the previous claims; wherein, the satellite access terminals (GW) also transmit a first Beacon signal (BC1) at the moment they receive a second Beacon signal (BC2), in addition to the first Beacon signal (BC1) they transmit periodically.

5. A communication method in accordance with any of Claims 2 to 4 wherein, the data transmission request signal (RTS) transmitted by the satellite access terminals (GW) contains information about the amount of data to be transmitted, and the satellite (S) evaluates the data transmission request signal (RTS) coming from each satellite access terminal (GW) and carries out resource planning, in line with the data amount information.

6. An loT unit (N) to perform the communication method in accordance with any of the previous claims; comprising at least one first memory arranged for storing the obtained / collected data; at least one first communication link (L1) arranged for exchanging data with at least one satellite access terminal (GW) which periodically transmits a first Beacon signal (BC1); at least one second communication link (L2) arranged for exchanging data with at least one satellite (S) that periodically transmits a second Beacon signal (BC2); and at least one first processing unit arranged to carry out the following operations: storing the acquired / collected data in said first memory, until receiving a Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2);- when a Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is received, evaluating the Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) in question; if the received Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is a first Beacon signal (BC1), transmitting the data stored in the first memory via random access, through the first communication link (L1); if the received Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is a second Beacon signal (BC2), transmitting the data stored in the first memory via random access through the second communication link (L2);deleting the transmitted data from the first memory; returning to the step of storing the acquired / collected data until receiving a Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) and repeating the process.

7. An loT unit (N) in accordance with Claim 6 comprising the said first processing unit which is also arranged to carry out the following processing steps, following the step of evaluating the received Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2); if the incoming Beacon signal (BC1 , BC2) is a second Beacon signal (BC2), waiting for a predetermined time; checking whether a new Beacon signal has been received during said predetermined period of time; if a new Beacon signal is not received within the said predetermined period of time, the data stored in the first memory is transmitted by the loT units (N) through the second communication link (L2); if a new Beacon signal is received during the said predetermined period of time, evaluating the new Beacon signal received; if the newly received Beacon signal is a first Beacon signal (BC1), the data stored in the first memory is transmitted by the loT units (N) through the first communication link (L1); if the newly received Beacon signal is a second Beacon signal (BC2), the data stored in the first memory is transmitted by the loT units (N) through the second communication link (L2); deleting the transmitted data from the first memory.

8. A satellite access terminal (GW) to perform the communication method in accordance with any of Claims 1 to 5; comprising a first communication link (L1) arranged for exchanging data with at least one loT unit (N); at least one second memory arranged for storing the data received from the loT units (N) through the first communication link (L1); at least one third communication link (L3) arranged for transmitting the data in the second memory to at least one satellite (S); and at least one second processing unit arranged to carry out the following operations: periodically transmitting a first Beacon signal (BC1) from the first communication link (L1) to the loT units (N) located within the satellite access terminal coverage area (AGW); storing received data from loT units (N) in the second memory; checking whether a second Beacon signal (BC2) is received through the said third communication link (L3) from a satellite (S) within the coverage area;if a second Beacon signal (BC2) is received, generating a data transmission request signal (RTS) regarding the stored data and transmitting it to the satellite (S) via said third communication link (L3); checking whether a resource planning data signal (CTS) is received from the satellite (S); if the resource planning data signal (CTS) is received, transmitting the data stored in the second memory to the satellite (S) over the third communication link (L3) in the time and frequency range allocated to the satellite access terminal (GW).

9. A satellite (S) to perform the communication method in accordance with any of Claims 1 to 5; comprising a second communication link (L2) arranged for enabling the satellite (S) to communicate with the loT units (N) within the satellite coverage area (AS); a third communication link (L3) arranged for enabling communication with satellite access terminals (GW) located within the satellite coverage area (AS); at least one third memory and at least one third processing unit arranged to carry out the following operations: periodically transmitting the second Beacon signal (BC2) so that it can be detected by loT units (N) and satellite access terminals (GW) located within the satellite coverage area (AS); continuously receiving data from loT units (N) through the second communication link (L2) and storing it in the third memory; receiving data transmission request signals (RTS) from satellite access terminals (GW) evaluating received data transmission request signals (RTS) and performing resource planning; transmitting the resource planning data signal (CTS) containing the resource planning information to the satellite access terminals (GW); receiving data from satellite access terminals (GW) in line with resource planning and storing it in the third memory; at the same time, receiving new incoming data transmission request signals (RTS) and updating the resource planning in line with the new incoming requests; checking whether the period has expired; if the period has not yet expired, transmitting the resource planning data signal (CTS) of the updated resource planning to the satellite access terminals (GW);if the period has expired, terminating the process and executing the same process steps for a new period10. A communication system comprising at least one loT unit (N) in accordance with any of Claims 6 or 7, at least one satellite access terminal in accordance with Claim 8 and at least one satellite (S) in accordance with Claim 9.

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