Communication method and system that uses low latency/low data bandwidth and high latency/high data bandwidth pathways

摘要

A communication system uses multiple communications links, preferably links that use different communications media. The multiple communications links may include a high latency/high bandwidth link using a fiber-optic cable configured to carry large volumes of data but having a high latency. The communications links may also include a low latency/low bandwidth link implemented using skywave propagation of radio waves and configured to carry smaller volumes of data with a lower latency across a substantial portion of the earth's surface. The two communications links may be used together to coordinate various activities such as the buying and selling of financial instruments.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
transmitting command data from a transmission station to a receiving station via a first communication link, wherein the command data defines one or more commands; transmitting triggering data from the transmission station to the receiving station via a second communication link, wherein the triggering data includes an identifier identifying at least one of the one or more commands; wherein the second communication link transmits the triggering data using electromagnetic waves transmitted via skywave propagation; wherein the first communication link has greater latency than the second communication link; wherein the first communication link has larger data bandwidth than the second communication link; wherein the command data is defined by a first collection of data, wherein the first collection of data has a first overall size, wherein the triggering data is defined by a second collection of data, wherein the second collection of data has a second overall size, and the first overall size is greater than or equal to the second overall size; wherein the one or more commands include trading instructions for one or more financial instruments; wherein the first communication link includes an optical fiber; and wherein there is at least one skip zone between the transmission and receiving stations.