Multiple band load balancing satellite communication

摘要

The throughput between a satellite and a plurality of users is controlled by adjusting resources among the users depending on the signal degradation (such as rain fade) experienced by the users. A plurality of time division multiplex (TDM) channels (also called bands) each have a plurality of TDM subchannels corresponding to the users. The channels have different signal fade ranges and the users are assigned to channels based on their signal degradations. Users with signal degradations within a range of each other are assigned to different subchannels within a common channel. Those users with downlinks having substantial signal degradation are given a greater packet length or duration for the data packets of their corresponding subchannels. Additionally, the forward error correction (FEC) code rate is adjusted depending on signal degradation. If some downlinks are experiencing extreme signal degradation, their packet lengths can be reduced to zero and the length (i.e., time within the TDM frame) reallocated to other subchannels until conditions improve.