A DISTRIBUTED ASYNCHRONOUS TRANSFER MODE (ATM) SWITCH ARCHITECTURE FOR SATELLITES

摘要

The invention provides a communications network utilizing a multi-beam input/multi-beam output fixed-sized data packet switch with configurable output packet buffering located in a satellite. The satellite communication network system according to the invention handles fixed size data packets and includes ground based stations (terminals) for transmitting an up-link communication signal representing the fixed sized data packets and of receiving a control signal, a satellite for receiving the up link communication signals from the ground based stations and for transmitting down-link communication signals, and a ground control station for transmitting and receiving control signals to the satellite, whereby the satellite receives and transmits the control signals to the ground based stations.