Patent ID: 6662011
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: H04B,H04W

Abstract:
A method for performing a handoff of a subscriber link in a satellite communication system having a constellation of communication satellites, said method comprising the steps of:establishing a subscriber link between a subscriber and the constellation of communication satellites, said subscriber link including a direct wireless link between said subscriber and a first satellite in the constellation of communication satellites; determining that said subscriber link needs to be handed off from said first satellite to a second satellite in the constellation of communication satellites; setting up, after said step of determining, a virtual connection between said first satellite and said subscriber through said second satellite; receiving a data packet at said first satellite that includes routing information indicating that said data packet is to be transferred from said first satellite to said subscriber via said direct wireless link; and transferring said data packet, after said step of receiving, from said first satellite to said subscriber via said virtual connection.