Patent ID: 10944471

Abstract:
A satellite communications system includes both LEO and MEO satellites, a gateway node (GN) which includes a MEO-GN modem and a LEO-GN modem, and a user terminal (UT) which includes a MEO-UT modem and a LEO-UT modem. The MEO-GN modem transmits data communications to the UT via the MEO satellites. The MEO-UT modem receives the data communications from the MEO-GN modem. The MEO UT modem forwards control messages regarding the data communications received from the MEO-GN modem, via a control message tunnel, to the MEO-GN modem. Via the control message tunnel, (i) the MEO-UT modem provides the control messages to the UT-LEO modem, (ii) the LEO-UT modem transmits the control messages to the LEO-GN modem via the LEO satellites, and (iii) the LEO-GN modem provides the control messages to the MEO-GN modem.