Patent ID: 6836658
Filing Date: 2004-12-28
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
A broadband multicasting system for distributing information to a plurality of user terminals located within a downlink beam, themulticasting system comprising: a hub adapted to: convert a serial data stream from a single source containing information into a plurality of parallel related data streams; with separate modulators, modulate each of a plurality of uplink transponder signals with a respective one of the parallel, related data streams to form related uplink transponder signals; and direct the related modulated uplink transponder signals through free space; and an earth-orbiting communications satellite adapted to: receive the related uplink transponder signals and convert them into respective related downlink transponder signals; and direct the related downlink transponder signals to a desired coverage area on the earth in which the related downlink transponder signals can be combined and converted back into the serial data stream.