EP0094253A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Satellite communications system for computer networks
Assignee: Tandem Computers Inc
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Filing: 1983-05-11
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2003-05-11
Abstract
Abstract A multi-node, satellite communications system employing a modified broadcast system is disclosed for use with distributed computer networks. The system involves a plurality of computer systems (network nodes) each capable of transmitting to any other node at a single unique frequency, but capable of receiving from all other nodes simultaneously. Each node in the n-node network comprises a single transmitter with up to n-1 receivers, with each node capable of arbitrating a plurality of requests for transmission access. The invention encompasses a method of communicating digital information in a network of geographically distributed computers.
Inventors
- 👤 Philip R. Menzies
- 👤 John G. Atwood, Jr.
- 👤 David L. Hinders
- 👤 David A. Greig
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 18:12
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04B; H04B7/00; H04B7/14; H04B7/15; H04B7/185; H04B7/18578; H04B1/00; H04B1/38; H04B1/40; H04B1/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
. 1. A multi-node satellite communications system for computer to computer communication in which each node is associated with a computer and is capable of communicating with at least one other node by satellite, each node being characterised by a single modulator means for transmitting digital information inresponse to a request to transmit from a computer associated with that node, a plurality of demodulator means for receiving transmitted signals from other nodes in the system, and addressing means for distinguishing received messages addressed to a given node from those addressed to other nodes, and rejecting received messages not addressed to that node.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
40 words
A multi-node satellite communications system as claimed in claim 1, further characterised by arbitration means responsive to requests to transmit for selecting one of a plurality of requesting data ports and allowing that data port access to the modulator means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
89 words
A multi-node satellite communications system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised by a left channel capable of handling a first data stream, a right channel capable of handling a second data stream, each channel having transmit and receive means, with the transmit and receive means of the left channel being operatively independent from the transmit and receive means of the right channel such that a failure of a component in one channel does not adversely affect the capability of the remaining channel to handle its data stream.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
A multi-note satellite communications system as claimed in claim 3, further characterised by monitor means located within each channel for monitoring operating conditions of that channel and adapted to communicate such information to the computer associated with that transponder for correlation with channel operation.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
64 words
A method of communicating digital!:information in a network of geographically distributed computers characterised by the steps of receiving at least one request for transmitter access, arbitrating requests for transmitter aceess, providing access to the transmitter on a time division basis in response to the arbitrating step, and receiving on a plurality of demodulators a plurality of transmissions originating at other computers in the network.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A multi-node satellite communications system for computer to computer communication substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
23 words
A method of communicating digital information in a network of geographically distributed computers substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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