The Boeing Company

Gary V Stephenson

David S Parkman

Michael De La Chapelle

David Carman

Christopher John McLain

Terry Lee Davis

Paulus J Martens

Vincent D Skahan, Jr

Richard A Hellman

Richard A Heilman

A communication system for a mobile platform satellite service (MPSS) system includes a receiver subsystem (RS) and a transmitter subsystem (TS). A satellite transponder is in communication with the RS and the TS of the mobile platform. A satellite service ground station includes a transmitter subsystem (TS) and a receiver subsystem (RS). A communication link is established between the MPSS system and the ground station, via the satellite transponder. The communications link includes fixed satellite service (FSS) data superimposed on MPSS data in the same frequency band to thereby maximize both satellite transponder utilization and interference budget usage.

Combined fixed satellite service and mobile platform satellite service communication system

A method for synchronizing a time architecture of a mobile network that includes a plurality of network components, each having a time subsystem clock that is updated using a network time protocol (NTP) program. The method includes operating the components in a hierarchical fashion and booting up all the network components such that execution of a NTP sub-program for making small incremental changes to the each component time subsystem clock is delayed. Additionally, the method includes iteratively executing a NTP sub-program for making large changes to each component time system clock until each component time sub-system clock establishes an initial synchronization with a parent component time sub-system clock. Furthermore, the method includes iteratively executing the NTP sub-program for making small incremental changes once initial synchronization is established such that each component time sub-system clock maintains synchronization with the parent component time sub-system clock.

Mobile network time distribution

A method is provided for asymmetrically encrypting data communicated between a ground platform and multiple airborne platforms. The method includes packet encrypting ground-based data so as to preserve routing information while encrypting the remaining data. The packet-encrypted data is then transmitted to the airborne platforms. The method also includes bulk encrypting airborne-based data so as to maximize security. The bulk-encrypted data is then transmitted to the ground platform.

Encryption for asymmetric data links

A polling system and method for establishing forward and return communication links with a plurality of mobile platforms operating within a given coverage region, and further which provides preliminary return channel assignments with each polling message. Each polling message further has an associated ID code designating a particular mobile platform which is registered with a network operations center (NOC) of the system. If the mobile platform does not respond on its designated preliminary return channel within a given time period (e.g., 5 seconds) than the preliminary return channel is returned to a database of available return channels. Polling is carried out more expeditiously because groups of mobile platforms are polled simultaneously and provided with preliminary return channels which accompany the polling messages, and which direct each mobile platform to a designated return channel to use in establishing a return communications link. Polling groups are further sized according to available communication resources.

Batch round robin polling method for return link communications between a mobile platform and a base station

A system and method for carrying out a hand-off of a satellite-based communications link with a mobile platform, such as an aircraft, leaving a first coverage region and entering a second coverage region. A land-based communications link connects ground stations in each of the coverage regions for communications with one another and also with a network operations center (NOC). As the aircraft enters an area of overlap between the two coverage regions, a sequence of communications is initiated between the ground stations and also between each of the ground stations and the aircraft to ensure that new forward link and return link assignments are received by the aircraft before the aircraft relinquishes its communications link with the first ground station to begin communicating with the second ground station. The hand-off in communications is accomplished in less than approximately 30 seconds of time after one of the ground stations detects that the aircraft has entered a pre-defined overlap area between the two coverage regions.

Precoordination of return link for hand-off between coverage areas being traversed by a mobile transceiver platform

A system and method for quickly detecting and remedying an interference incident caused by one of a plurality of mobile terminals in communication with a transponded satellite. The method makes use of a time line constructed from communications of each of the mobile terminals. The time line forms a real time, sequential record of events wherein various mobile terminals have made contact with the transponded satellite. The method extrapolates from the time line which one of the mobile terminals has caused an interfering event by determining which mobile terminal accessed the communication system just prior to the interference event arising.

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Bellevue, WA, United States of America

Gary V Stephenson