Viasat, Inc.

Philip A Lampe

Kenneth V Buer

David H Irvine

Clifford K Burdick

Ramanamurthy V Darapu

Ian A Cleary

Kurt A Zimmerman

John R Zlogar

Brian T Sleight

Timothy J Martin

The described features generally relate to determining dynamic signal quality criteria for an installation of satellite terminals for communications in a satellite communications system. In particular, the signal quality criteria for an installation may be based on an identified position of the satellite terminal to be installed, and in some examples based on the positions and signal characteristics of neighboring satellite terminals that have already been installed. In some examples, a signal quality map may be generated for a service beam coverage area, based on predetermined transmission characteristics and/or measured transmissions from a number of satellite terminals served by a communications satellite. The generated signal quality map may then be used to determine a signal quality threshold for the installation of a satellite terminal being installed for communications in a satellite communications system.

Dynamic signal quality criteria for satellite terminal installations

Determining alignment and clear line-of-sight (LOS) of a satellite antenna using sensor data from an LOS sensor of the satellite antenna. Described techniques include storing first sensor data captured by the LOS sensor at a first time, the first sensor data indicating a first LOS condition of the satellite antenna corresponding to the satellite antenna having a beam LOS with a satellite of the satellite communication system that is aligned and unobstructed. The techniques may include receiving second sensor data captured by the LOS sensor at a second time after the first time, the second sensor data indicating a second LOS condition of the satellite antenna. The techniques may include determining an LOS condition change for the satellite antenna between the first time and the second time based on a comparison of the second sensor data with the first sensor data.

Satellite antenna with sensor for line-of-sight detection

The described features generally relate to receiving one or more positioning signals at a satellite terminal during installation of the satellite terminal at a customer premises, and providing position-based access to a satellite communications system based on a satellite terminal installation position determined from the received positioning signals. The determined installation position of the satellite terminal may then be employed for various network access techniques, such as providing access to the satellite communications system, providing position-based content, or restricting content via the satellite communications system based on the determined installation position. In some examples the determined installation position of the satellite terminal may be used to approximate a propagation delay between the satellite terminal and various devices of the satellite communications system, such as a serving satellite and/or a serving gateway, to improve device synchronization and radio frequency spectrum resource utilization.

Position-based access to satellite networks for satellite terminals

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Encinitas, CA, United States of America

Philip A Lampe