Multiple-user communication unit and method for operating in a satellite communication system

摘要

A multiple-user subscriber unit (MCU) (110) is used by subscribers (240) in a group of subscribers to obtain communications services from the communication system. MCU (110) is co-located with a mobile vehicle and a group of subscribers. The MCU (110) and procedure (300) enable the MCU to reduce impulsive loading of the communication system caused by simultaneously requests for service. MCU (110) determines a set of tasks which includes a number of call-processing tasks, a number of hand-off tasks, and a number of re-registration tasks. Priorities are established for the tasks which must be performed. A schedule is established based on the priorities and the amount of time required to perform the tasks and the total amount of time available to perform the tasks. Tasks are performed according to the schedule and this reduces impulsive loading of the communication system (100).