Modular digital data communication cyberstation and cyberserver

Abstract

A broadcast and interactive data distribution system that distributes broadcast and interactive data transmitted by way of a geostationary satellite, and optionally by way of a cable system, to personal computers. The system comprises a modular digital data communication cyberstation that is a modular computer and server that is external to the personal computers to which data is to be distributed. The cyberstation receives, optionally stores, and distributes the broadcast and interactive data to the personal computers. The cyberstation has wireless and optional wired interfaces for communicating with the personal computers. An optional cable modem may be used to directly communicate with the cable system. A satellite receiver is employed to communicate with the geostationary satellite, and a low-earth-orbit satellite transceiver is employed to communicate with low-earth-orbit satellites used to support information requests, data billing and status/diagnostic reporting to a service provider. An optional cable modem may be used to receive data by way of the cable system. An optional pass-through television interface may be used to display the broadcast data on a television receiver. The data distribution system and cyberstation thus provide for high-speed Internet access and web content and large file download delivery to personal computers of consumers and businesses by way of satellite and other systems.