Integrated information communication system

摘要

An integrated information communications (ICS) system provides data from a Data Providing Corporation (DPC) 16200-1 to users 16500-1 to 16520-1 via a Satellite Transmission Corporation (STC) 16300-1 by means of a satellite 16400-1 channel. Access control apparatus 16100-1, 16120-1 etc of the ICS 16000-1, convert between ICS user frames external to the ICS and ICS network frames within the ICS. Data to be provided by the DPC is sent from the DPC to the STC. A link is established through the ICS between the DPC and the users, by means of TCP protocol operating between IP terminals 16210-1, 16310-1, 16501-1 etc. The link is used to initiate download of the data from the STC over the satellite channel, 16600-1, 16400-1 16610-1 etc. It is stated that this provides full duplex communication. Instead of TCP protocol, the system may use UDP protocol consisting of TCP without the connection establishment or connection ending phases. Download can be initiated by an inquiry from a user, or by a notification from the DPC. In an alternative arrangement, the satellite forms part of the ICS network.