FIELD: satellite communication.
SUBSTANCE: invention relates to geostationary satellite communication systems and, in particular, to the dynamic assignment of ground terminals to satellite fixed narrowly directed beams. A ground processing unit in a geostationary satellite network can monitor the location of a coverage area of a narrowly directed beam and can detect a triggering factor of the beam displacement indicating the current displacement of one or more coverage areas. Ground terminals can be identified as being served by narrowly directed beams related to the displacement area(s), and as being affected by the displacement effect on the signal quality. A ground terminal unit can calculate an update of a beam assignment map containing the reassignment of identified user terminals from narrowly directed beams serving them at the current time to other narrowly directed beams to try to eliminate at least some effect on the signal quality identified as related to the displacement. In some embodiments, load balancing and/or other factors are additionally taken into account and/or a state-preserving connection between reassigned user terminals and the geostationary satellite can be maintained.
EFFECT: maintaining the quality of service of ground terminals in the context of coverage area displacement by detecting signal quality deterioration resulting from such displacement and dynamically reassigning ground terminals to narrowly directed beams in a way that counteracts this deterioration.
27 cl, 8 dwg
