Patent ID: 6064883
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
In a satellite based telecommunications system for transmitting communications information to and from a first user terminal, a method for controlling switching between communications channels comprising the steps of: (a) transmitting a request for access from a user terminal to a control center via at least one satellite;(b) selecting at said control center assignment information for a first communications channel, said assignment information identifying predictable events requiring said first user terminal to change between first and second communications channels;(c) transmitting said assignment information to said first user terminal;(d) after transmitting said assignment information to said first user terminal, establishing a communications link over said first communications channel with said first user terminal; and(e) after establishing said communications link, said first user terminal autonomously switching said first communications channel to said second communications channel based on said assignment information indicating that a predictable event is about to occur preventing said first user terminal from continuing to use said first communications channel.