METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMAL ANTENNA ALIGNMENT

摘要

An approach for determining remote terminal antenna alignment in a satellite communications system is provided. A point in time for an expected conjunction of an a remote terminal antenna, a satellite in communication with the remote terminal and the Sun is determined based on predetermined positional data. An interference level imposed by the Sun on communication signals between the antenna and the satellite is measured at a number of respective points in time. A one of the points in time is determined when the interference is at a peak level. Then information regarding alignment of the antenna with respect to the satellite is determined, wherein the determination of the antenna alignment information is based on a comparison between the one point in time of the peak interference level and the expected point in time of the conjunction of the antenna, the satellite and the Sun.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a memory configured to store positional data for an antenna of a remote terminal; a processor configured to determine a point in time for an expected conjunction of the antenna, a satellite in communication with the remote terminal and the Sun, based at least in part on the positional data; and a detector configured to measure, at each of a plurality of points in time, a respective interference level imposed by the Sun on communication signals between the antenna and the satellite; wherein the processor is further configured to determine a one of the points in time when the interference level is at a peak level, and to determine information regarding alignment of the antenna with respect to the satellite, wherein the determination of the antenna alignment information is based at least in part on a comparison between the one point in time of the peak interference level and the expected point in time of the conjunction of the antenna, the satellite and the Sun.