Satellite-based narrowband communications

Abstract

The present disclosure describes methods and apparatus for satellite-based narrowband communications. In some aspects, the system includes a user equipment (102) that establishes a narrowband Internet of Things (NB‑IoT) wireless connection (106) with one or more orbiting satellites (104) to Data is sent (108) and received (110). The data may be relayed by orbiting satellites (104) to and from base stations (202) on Earth.

Description

[0001] priority statement [0002] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 599,522, filed December 15, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Background technique [0003] Wireless communication has become the primary source of communication for many people, especially when traveling outside the home or office. In these situations, people rely on the availability of wireless networks as the only means of communicating with family, friends, emergency responders, doctors, or roadside assistance. One disadvantage of wireless networks is that they have limited communication range. For example, when traveling outside of a city, the user of the mobile device may be out of range of the wireless network and may not be able to communicate. This can be especially dangerous when a user is stranded on a back road due to a car breakdown, gets lost or injured while hiking, or becomes stranded at s...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] In another example, an otherwise available wireless network may become unavailable due to a disaster that has disabled the wireless network's base stations (e.g., cell towers)

Due to limited communication range, user equipment may not be able to reach unaffected base stations of the network and therefore be unable to communicate

[0005] Especially in emergency situations (trapped or lost people, disasters, rescue operations, etc.), lack of communication leads to more injuries, suffering and loss of life

For example, after a natural disaster, a network's base stations may be damaged, or power may be cut, resulting in a loss of network availability

In the absence of means of communication, emergency responders must often rely on manual searches for survivors in need

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