Patent ID: 6788917
Filing Date: 2004-09-07
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
A method of transmitting downlink signal bursts from a plurality of visible satellites to a plurality of user terminals in a downlink region that is serviced by the plurality of visible satellites, the method comprising:sending a first downlink signal burst from a first one of the visible satellites to a first user terminal in the downlink region; sending a second downlink signal burst from a second one of the visible satellites to the first user terminal so that it will be received at a time that is a function of a separation distance of the first user terminal in the downlink region from a center of the downlink region; and repeating the steps of sending a first downlink signal burst and sending a second downlink signal burst for other user terminals in the downlink region; wherein the downlink signal bursts are sent in a plurality of repeating frames of downlink signal bursts having a predetermined frame repetition period; and wherein the step of sending a second downlink signal burst comprises the step of sending a second downlink signal burst from a second one of the visible satellites to the first user terminal so that it will be received relative to the first downlink signal burst at a time offset that is one half the predetermined frame repetition period plus a delay time &Dgr;T that is a function of a separation distance of the first user terminal in the downlink region from the center of the downlink region.