Satellite system architecture for coverage areas of disparate demand

摘要

Disclosed is a satellite communication system that allocates bandwidth to maximize the capacity of the communication system while providing service to geographical areas having different demands. A smaller portion of the frequency spectrum can be allocated for subscriber beams that supply service to low demand areas. A larger portion of the frequency spectrum can be provided to subscriber beams that provide access to high demand areas. Allocation of bandwidth can be determined by the amount of demand in low demand areas versus the amount of demand in high demand areas. High demand gateways are physically located in low demand subscriber beams, while low demand gateways are physically located in high demand subscriber beams, which prevents interference.

主权项

1. A method of providing satellite communication services using an allocated frequency spectrum having a predetermined bandwidth in a satellite communication system that has multiple beams covering high demand areas and low demand areas, comprising:
allocating a first percentage of said predetermined bandwidth as a low demand frequency spectrum for use in low demand subscriber beams and low demand gateway beams so that said low demand areas are provided with a low demand subscriber capacity that corresponds to said first percentage of said predetermined bandwidth allocated as said low demand frequency spectrum; allocating a second percentage of said predetermined bandwidth as a high demand frequency spectrum for use in high demand subscriber beams and high demand gateway beams so that said high demand areas are provided with a high demand subscriber capacity that corresponds to said second percentage of said predetermined bandwidth allocated as said high demand frequency spectrum, said high demand frequency spectrum being different from said low demand frequency spectrum, wherein said first percentage and said second percentage of said predetermined bandwidth are determined based on a demand for service in said low demand areas compared to a demand for service in said high demand areas; directing said low demand subscriber beams to said low demand areas; directing said high demand subscriber beams to said high demand areas; directing said low demand gateway beams to low demand gateways located in said high demand areas such that said low demand gateway beams are not in the same geographical area as said low demand subscriber beams, said low demand gateway beams utilizing a same portion of said low demand frequency spectrum as said low demand subscriber beams; and directing said high demand gateway beams to high demand gateways located in said low demand areas such that said high demand gateway beams are not in the same geographical area as said high demand subscriber beams, said high demand gateway beams utilizing a same portion of said high demand frequency spectrum as said high demand subscriber beams.