Cellular satellite communication system and method for controlling antenna gain pattern therein

摘要

A satellite-based telecommunication system is provided which communicates with earth-based users located within a predetermined communications area. The communications areas have an associated interference pattern. A satellite antenna is controlled to form an antenna gain pattern distributed across the communications area. The antenna gain pattern represents the gain at any given point within the communications area. The interference pattern corresponds to the amount of interference associated with each point within the communications area. A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the gain defined by a transmitter and/or receiver of a satellite. The transmitter/receiver produces a desired antenna gain pattern. The preferred embodiment includes determining an interference pattern associated with a communications area of interest. Once the interference pattern is identified, a desired antenna gain pattern is then identified. It is preferable that the antenna gain pattern conform to the interference pattern for the communications area.