HTS Fault Detection Using Opportunistic Customer VSAT Testing

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling customer VSATs to perform both their primary communication function and health monitoring functions. The health monitor terminal executes test cycles that include communication tests, and customer VSATs participate as either test initiators or subjects, allowing a single device to serve multiple purposes without requiring dedicated monitoring infrastructure in each spot beam.

The system implements self-service by having customer VSATs autonomously participate in health monitoring tests without requiring dedicated monitoring personnel or systems. The health monitor terminal automatically selects customer VSATs based on pre-established criteria, and the customer terminals execute test cycles independently, reducing the need for specialized monitoring infrastructure.

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where customer VSATs receive test results and status information from the health monitor terminal, and the system automatically adjusts monitoring based on detected faults. The health monitor terminal selects customer VSATs for testing based on feedback from previous test cycles and operational status, creating a closed-loop system that maintains fault detection capability while simplifying operation through automated decision-making.

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing selection criteria for customer VSATs and pre-configuring test cycles before actual monitoring occurs. The health monitor terminal maintains pre-established criteria for selecting customer terminals, and test cycles are pre-defined with specific communication tests, allowing fault detection to be performed systematically without increasing operational complexity during execution.

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the health monitoring function into discrete, manageable components: the health monitor terminal handles central coordination, customer VSATs handle local execution, and test cycles handle specific monitoring tasks. This segmented approach allows the system to manage increased spot beam numbers by distributing monitoring responsibilities rather than requiring centralized control of all beams.

The system implements partial action by having the health monitor terminal select only specific customer VSATs for testing based on pre-established criteria rather than monitoring all terminals continuously. This selective approach reduces the management burden while maintaining effective monitoring coverage, allowing the system to scale with increased spot beams without proportionally increasing management complexity.