Abstract:
A satellite modem, a GPS device, and a method are provided. The satellite modem requests current location information from a GPS device and waits no more than a preconfigured amount of time to receive the current location information. When the satellite modem receives the current location information, the satellite modem determines whether the current location information indicates a location in which the satellite modem is authorized to operate. When the satellite modem determines that the current location information indicates a location in which the satellite modem is not authorized to operate, the satellite modem performs at least one action from a group of actions including preventing the satellite modem from operating normally, permitting the satellite modem to operate with a reduced functionality, and transmitting a message to a network management center indicating that the satellite modem is not located at an authorized location.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a satellite modem installation tool which includes a global positioning system (GPS) that communicates with a satellite modem. In particular, the invention relates to a GPS device that is logically connected to a satellite modem during installation of the satellite modem and remains connected during normal operation of the satellite modem such that a service provider may track a location of the satellite modem. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    During installation and use of a customer&#39;s portion of a satellite communication system, including a satellite modem and an associated outdoor unit, the customer&#39;s portion communicates via a beam of the satellite communication system. A service provider may use a network operation console in a network management center to determine on which beam the customer&#39;s portion is communicating. A beam may provide satellite coverage over an area that includes multiple territories or jurisdictions. 
         [0003]    Customers of the service provider have an agreement with the service provider, in which the customers agreed to use their respective customer portions only in one or more authorized territories or jurisdictions. Although existing systems report a beam on which a customer&#39;s portion is communicating, if the beam covers an area including both authorized and unauthorized territories or jurisdictions, it is not possible to know whether the customer&#39;s portion is operating in an unauthorized territory or jurisdiction. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that is further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0005]    In a first aspect, a satellite modem of an indoor unit is provided. The satellite modem may include a transceiver and a microcontroller. The transceiver transmits signals via an inter-facility link that connects the satellite modem with an outdoor unit of a very small aperture terminal. The microcontroller has instructions recorded in a memory such that when the microcontroller executes the instructions, the satellite modem requests location information from a GPS device and waits up to a pre-configured amount of time to receive the location information from the GPS device. When the satellite modem receives the location information, the satellite modem may determine whether the location information indicates a location in which the satellite modem is authorized to operate. When the satellite modem determines that the location information indicates a location in which the satellite modem is not authorized to operate, the satellite modem may perform one or more actions from a group of actions consisting of: preventing the satellite modem from operating, permitting the satellite modem to operate with a reduced functionality, and transmitting a message to a network management center indicating that the satellite modem is located at an unauthorized location. 
         [0006]    In a second aspect, a GPS device for use with a satellite modem is provided. The GPS device may include a first receiver, a transceiver, and a microcontroller. The first receiver may receive signals from multiple sources. The GPS device uses the signals to determine a current location. The transceiver may be used to communicate with the satellite modem. The microcontroller may communicate with the first receiver and the transceiver. The microcontroller has a memory which includes multiple instructions. When the microcontroller executes the multiple instructions, the microcontroller causes the GPS device to perform a method that includes determining the current location of the GPS device and transmitting information indicating the current location to the satellite modem. 
         [0007]    In a third aspect, a method implemented by a satellite modem is provided. The satellite modem requests current location information from a GPS device and waits no more than a preconfigured amount of time to receive the current location information from the GPS device. When the satellite modem receives the current location information, the satellite modem determines whether the current location information indicates a location in which the satellite modem is authorized to operate. When the satellite modem determines that the current location information indicates a location in which the satellite modem is not authorized to operate, the satellite modem performs one or more actions selected from a group of actions consisting of: preventing the satellite modem from operating normally, permitting the satellite modem to operate with a reduced functionality, and transmitting a message to a network management center indicating that the satellite modem is not located at an authorized location. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more particular description is provided below and will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, implementations will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary prior art operational environment. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 2-4  shows portions of operating environments for various embodiments. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  illustrates a portion of a satellite modem which may be used in various embodiments. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  illustrates, in more detail, a microcontroller of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  illustrates a portion of a satellite modem which may be used in various embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 8-9  illustrate exemplary embodiments of a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) GPS device. 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  shows exemplary operation of various embodiments. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 11-13  are flowcharts that explain exemplary processing in various embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    Embodiments are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the subject matter of this disclosure. 
       Overview 
       [0018]    In various embodiments, a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) global positioning system (GPS) device may be co-located with a satellite modem. The VSAT GPS device may be connected in line to an inter-facility link (IFL) connecting the satellite modem to an outdoor unit. In some embodiments, the VSAT GPS device may be integrated with the outdoor unit, powered by the satellite modem located indoors, and may communicate with the satellite modem via the IFL. In other embodiments, the VSAT GPS device may be powered by a battery, may communicate with the satellite modem wirelessly, and may be located within a wireless communication range of the satellite modem. In additional embodiments, the VSAT GPS device may be integral to the satellite modem and connected to an antenna capable of sending and receiving signals to GPS satellites. 
         [0019]    The satellite modem may request and receive location information from the VSAT GPS device. The satellite modem may determine, based on the received location information, whether the satellite modem is located at a location in which the satellite modem is authorized to operate. If the satellite modem is located at the location in which the satellite modem is authorized to operate, then the satellite modem may operate normally. Otherwise, if the satellite modem is located at a location in which the satellite modem is not authorized to operate, then the satellite modem may perform at least one action selected from a group of actions. The group of actions may consist of: sending a message to a network management center indicating that the satellite modem is located at the location in which the satellite modem is not authorized to operate; cease operation; and operate with reduced functionality. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, if the satellite modem is unable to obtain the location information, then the satellite modem may perform at least one second action from a group of second actions consisting of: sending a message to the network management center indicating that the satellite modem is unable to obtain location information; operate with reduced functionality; and cease operation. 
       Operational Environment 
       [0021]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary prior art operational environment  100 . Operational environment  100  may include a satellite  102 , a satellite modem  104 , an outdoor unit  106  which includes a VSAT antenna, a network management center  108 , and an outdoor unit  110 , including a second VSAT antenna. In operational environment  100 , because satellite modem  104  does not receive information regarding a current location of satellite modem  104 , it is possible to place satellite modem  104  in a location at which it is not authorized to operate. For example, if satellite modem  104  is authorized for operation only within the United States, it is possible to move satellite modem  104  to Canada and have it operate normally. However, network management center  108  may receive information from satellite modem  104  regarding a satellite beam in which satellite modem  104  is operating. If the satellite beam in which satellite modem  104  is operating includes only an unauthorized area, then an operator at network management center  108  may determine that the satellite modem  104  is located in the unauthorized area. If satellite modem  104  is operating in a beam that covers an unauthorized area and an authorized area, then it is not possible to determine in which of the areas satellite modem  104  is located. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  shows a portion of operating environment  200  in which embodiments of the invention may operate. Operating environment  200  may be identical to operating environment  100  with the exception of a satellite modem  204  replacing satellite modem  104  of operating environment  100  and VSAT GPS device  202  connected in line with respect to an IFL connecting satellite modem  204  with outdoor unit  106 . VSAT GPS device  202  may provide location information to satellite modem  204 . In some embodiments, VSAT GPS device  202  and satellite modem  204  may communicate with each other using the DiSEqC protocol. In one implementation, satellite modem  204  may send the data to VSAT GPS device  202  at a frequency of 2.5 MHz and VSAT GPS device  202  may respond to satellite modem  204  at a frequency of 1 MHz. 
         [0023]    VSAT GPS device  202  may be powered by satellite modem  204 . In some embodiments, VSAT GPS device  202  may be integrated into an indoor unit which includes satellite modem  204 , or may be installed inside customer premises at a location for receiving a GPS signal. 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  shows a portion of an operating environment  300  in which embodiments of the invention may operate. Operating environment  300  may be identical to operating environment  100  with the exception of a satellite modem  304  replacing satellite modem  104  of operating environment  100  and a VSAT GPS device  302  connected wirelessly to satellite modem  304 . VSAT GPS device  302  may provide the location information to satellite modem  204 . In some embodiments, VSAT GPS device  302  and satellite modem  304  may have a Wi-Fi connection. VSAT GPS device  302  may be powered by a battery. Some embodiments of VSAT GPS device  302  may be physically connected to a solar panel (not shown) which may provide power to the battery to be stored for later use. 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  shows a portion of an operating environment  400  in which embodiments of the invention may operate. Operating environment  400  may be identical to operating environment  100  with the exception of a satellite modem  404  replacing satellite modem  104  of operating environment  100  and a VSAT GPS device  402  integrated into outdoor unit  106  and either connected to satellite modem  404  via the IFL or wirelessly connected to satellite modem  404  via Wi-Fi or other wireless technology. When VSAT GPS device  402  is connected to satellite modem  404  via the IFL, VSAT GPS device  402  is powered by satellite modem  404 . Otherwise, VSAT GPS device  402  may be battery-powered, as described previously. VSAT GPS device  402  may provide the location information to satellite modem  404 . 
       Satellite Modem 
       [0026]      FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram illustrating at least a portion of a satellite modem  502 , which may be implemented as satellite modem  204  or satellite modem  404  (when satellite modem  404  and VSAT GPS device  402  are connected via the IFL). Satellite modem  502  may include a transceiver  504  and a microcontroller  506 . Transceiver  504  may send and receive information via the IFL. Microcontroller  506  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0027]    Microcontroller  506  is a small computer on a single integrated circuit. The single integrated circuit may include a processor core  602 , a memory  604 , and programmable input/output peripherals  606 . Microcontroller  506  may communicate with transceiver  504  via one or more programmable input/output peripherals  606 . Memory  604  may include instructions for execution by processor core  602 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram illustrating at least a portion of a satellite modem  702 , which may be implemented as satellite modem  304  or satellite modem  404  (when satellite modem  404  and VSAT GPS device  402  are connected via a wireless connection). Satellite modem  702  may include a transceiver  504 , a wireless transceiver  704 , and microcontroller  506 . Transceiver  504  may send to and receive information from an outdoor unit via an IFL. Wireless transceiver  704  may communicate wirelessly with VSAT GPS device  302 , or VSAT GPS device  402  (when satellite modem  404  and VSAT GPS device  402  are connected via a wireless connection). One or more may programmable input/output peripherals  606  ( FIG. 6 ) may communicate with transceiver  504  and wireless transceiver  704 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 8  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary VSAT GPS device  802  which may implement VSAT GPS device  202  ( FIG. 2 ) and VSAT GPS device  402  (when connected to an IFL) ( FIG. 4 ). VSAT GPS device  802  may include a GPS receiver  804 , an IFL transceiver  806 , and microcontroller  506 . In some embodiments, GPS receiver  804  may receive data from multiple GPS satellites. IFL transceiver  806  sends data to and receives data from an outdoor unit, which may further communicate with remote devices via a satellite. A functional block diagram of microcontroller  506  was previously discussed with respect to  FIG. 6 . When microcontroller  506  is used in an implementation of VSAT GPS device  802 , memory  604  may include instructions, which when executed by processor core  602  cause VSAT GPS device  802  to communicate with GPS receiver  804  and IFL transceiver  806  and perform operations consistent with VSAT GPS device  802 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 9  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary VSAT GPS device  902  which may implement VSAT GPS device  302  ( FIG. 3 ) and VSAT GPS device  402  (when wirelessly connected to a satellite modem) ( FIG. 4 ). VSAT GPS device  902  may include a GPS receiver  804 , a wireless transceiver  906 , and microcontroller  506 . In some embodiments, GPS receiver  804  may receive data from multiple GPS satellites. Wireless transceiver  906  sends data to and receives data from the satellite modem, which may further communicate with remote devices via an outdoor unit and a satellite. Microcontroller  506  was previously discussed with respect to  FIG. 6 . When microcontroller  506  is used in an implementation of VSAT GPS device  902 , memory  604  may include instructions, which when executed by processor core  602  cause VSAT GPS device  902  to communicate with GPS receiver  804  and wireless transceiver  906  and perform operations consistent with VSAT GPS device  902 . 
       Exemplary Operation 
       [0031]      FIG. 10  illustrates exemplary operation of various embodiments. When a satellite modem is installed, the satellite modem may send a message to a VSAT GPS device requesting a code (act  1002 ). In some embodiments, the requested code may be a serial number of the VSAT GPS device. During installation, the satellite modem may be configured to have the serial number, or code, of the VSAT GPS device. In response to receiving the request for the code, the VSAT GPS device may respond to the satellite modem with the serial number or the code (act  1004 ). If the received code matches the code or the serial number of the VSAT GPS device, configured during the installation, then the satellite modem may request location information from the VSAT GPS device (act  1006 ). The VSAT GPS device may receive the request for location information and may respond to the satellite modem with the location information (act  1008 ). The satellite modem may receive the location information and may determine whether the location information indicates that the satellite modem is at a location in which it is authorized to operate. In this example, the satellite modem determines that the location information indicates that the satellite modem is at the location in which it is authorized to operate (act  1010 ). The satellite modem may then operate normally (act  1012 ). The satellite modem may request the code following a power cycle or reset and may periodically request the code. Alternatively, instead of the satellite modem requesting the code, the VSAT GPS device may send the code to the satellite modem upon detecting a new connection with the satellite modem and may resend the code at periodic intervals such as, for example, every 3 hours, every 6 hours, or another suitable time period. 
         [0032]    At a later time, satellite modem may again request the code from the VSAT GPS device (act  1014 ). In response to receiving the request for the code, the VSAT GPS device may respond with the code serial number (act  1016 ). In this example, the satellite modem receives the code from the VSAT GPS device and determines that the received code or serial number does not match the expected code (act  1018 ). As a result, the satellite modem may perform at least one action selected from a group of actions consisting of: sending a message to a network management center indicating that the expected code is not received from the VSAT GPS device; seizing operation; and operating with reduced functionality (act  1019 ). Examples of operating with reduced functionality may include, but not be limited to: permitting the satellite modem to communicate with the management center, but not permitting the satellite modem to otherwise receive and send data; permitting the satellite modem to receive data from remote sources while not permitting the satellite modem to send data to remote destinations other than a network management center; or permitting the satellite modem to send data to remote destinations while not permitting the satellite modem to receive data from remote destinations. 
         [0033]    At a later point in time, the satellite modem may send a request for the code to the VSAT GPS device (act  1020 ). The VSAT GPS device may receive the request for the code and may respond with the code (act  1022 ). The satellite modem may receive the code and may determine that the received code matches the expected code (act  1024 ). The satellite modem may then send a request for location information to the VSAT GPS device (act  1026 ). The VSAT GPS device may respond to the request for location information with the location information indicating a current location (act  1028 ). In this example, the satellite modem determines that the location information indicates a location at which the satellite modem is not authorized to operate. The satellite modem may then send a message to the network management center indicating that the satellite modem is in a location at which it is not authorized to operate (act  1032 ). The satellite modem may then either cease operation or operate with reduced functionality (act  1034 ). Operating with reduced functionality when the satellite modem is at an unauthorized location may include, but not be limited to, permit communications with the network management center while not permitting any other communications. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 11-13  are flowcharts that illustrate exemplary processing in various embodiments. With reference to  FIG. 11 , after installing a satellite modem, the satellite modem may send a request to a VSAT GPS device for a code (act  1102 ). In some embodiments, the code is a serial number of a VSAT GPS device that is matched with the satellite modem. That is, the satellite modem is configured to expect the matched VSAT GPS device to provide a particular code. The satellite modem may then start a timer to wait for the VSAT GPS device to provide the code to the satellite modem (act  1103 ). In some embodiments, the timer may be set to 30 seconds or another suitable time period. 
         [0035]    At a later point in time, the satellite modem either may receive the code from the VSAT GPS device or the previously started timer may timeout waiting to receive the code (act  1104 ). If the previously started timer times out, then the satellite modem may transmit a message to a network management center, via an outdoor unit and a satellite, indicating that the satellite modem is unable to communicate with the VSAT GPS device (act  1106 ). The satellite modem may then cease normal operation or may operate with reduced functionality (act  1108 ). Processing may then be completed. 
         [0036]    If during act  1104 , the satellite modem determines that the code was received from the VSAT GPS device, then the satellite modem may stop the timer (act  1110 ) and may determine whether the received code is an expected code from the VSAT GPS device, which is matched with the satellite modem (act  1112 ). If the received code is the expected code, then the satellite modem may send a request to the VSAT GPS device for location information (act  1114 ) and may start a timer (act  1116 ). The timer may be 30 seconds or another suitable value. In response to receiving the request for location information, the VSAT GPS device may provide the location information, which the satellite modem receives (act  1116 ). Next, either the timer from act  1116  expired or location information is received. The satellite modem may then determine whether the timer expired or the location information was received by the satellite modem (act  1202 ). If the location information was received, the satellite modem may stop the timer, which was started during act  1116  (act  1204 ) and may determine, based on the received location information, whether it is at a location in which it is authorized to operate (act  1206 ). If the satellite modem determines that it is at the location in which it is authorized to operate, then the satellite modem may continue to operate normally (act  1208 ). The process may then be completed. 
         [0037]    If, during act  1206 , the satellite modem determines, based on the location information, that it is at a location in which it is not authorized to operate, then the satellite modem may transmit a message to a network management center, via an outdoor unit and a satellite, indicating that the satellite modem is at a location in which it is not authorized to operate (act  1210 ). The satellite modem may then cease normal operation or may operate with reduced functionality (act  1212 ). The process may then be completed. 
         [0038]    If, during act  1202 , the satellite modem determines that the timer started during act  1116  expired, then the satellite modem may transmit a message to a network management center indicating that the VSAT GPS device associated with the satellite modem is not responding (act  1214 ) and may cease operation or operate with reduced functionality (act  1216 ). 
         [0039]    If, during act  1112  ( FIG. 11 ), the satellite modem determines that the received code does not match the expected code, then the satellite modem may send a message to the network management center, via the outdoor unit and the satellite, indicating that the satellite modem is not matched with a correct VSAT GPS device (act  1302 ;  FIG. 13 ). The satellite modem then may either cease normal operation or operate with reduced functionality (act  1304 ). The process may then be completed. 
         [0040]    Although  FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate the satellite modem sending a request for a code, in an alternate embodiment, the VSAT GPS device may send the code to the satellite modem upon detecting a connection with the satellite modem. Further, in some alternate embodiments, the VSAT GPS device may periodically send the code to the satellite modem. For example, the VSAT GPS device may send the code to the satellite modem every 3 hours, every 12 hours, once every 24 hours, or another suitable period of time. In the above-mentioned alternate embodiments, acts  1102 - 1110  may be eliminated because the code may be received from the VSAT GPS device unsolicited. 
       CONCLUSION 
       [0041]    Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms for implementing the claims. 
         [0042]    Although the above descriptions may contain specific details, they should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way. Other configurations of the described embodiments are part of the scope of this disclosure. Further, implementations consistent with the subject matter of this disclosure may have more or fewer acts than as described, or may implement acts in a different order than as shown. Accordingly, the appended claims and their legal equivalents should only define the invention, rather than any specific examples given.