Satellite-based communications system with terrestrial repeater and method therefor

In a communications system having a communication satellite, a subscriber unit, and a terrestrial repeater, a method of routing communications through said terrestrial repeater comprising:

• a) forming a first link between said communication satellite and said terrestrial repeater, said first link including a first frequency band and a second frequency band;
• b) forming a second link between said terrestrial repeater and said subscriber unit, said second link including said first frequency band and said second frequency band;
• c) receiving first data over said first frequency band of said first link during a first half frame of a time division multiple access (TDMA) frame at said terrestrial repeater;
• d) delaying said first data by a duration substantially equal to one half of said TDMA frame;
• e) transmitting said first data over said first frequency band of said second link;
• f) receiving second data over said second frequency band of said second link at said terrestrial repeater;
• g) delaying said second data by said duration;
• and
• h) transmitting said second data over said second frequency band of said first link for arrival at said communication satellite during a second half frame of said TDMA frame.

A communications system comprising:

• a communication satellite transmitting first data during a first sub-frame of a time division multiple access (TDMA) frame and receiving second data during a second sub-frame of said TDMA frame, said second sub-frame following said first sub-frame;
• a subscriber unit configured to receive said first data and transmit said second data;
• and
• a terrestrial repeater forming a first link with said communication satellite and a second link with said subscriber unit, said first link having a first frequency band and a second frequency band, and said second link having said first frequency band and said second frequency band, said terrestrial repeater receiving said first data from said communication satellite over said first frequency band of said first link during said first sub-frame, delaying said first data by substantially a sub-frame duration, and transmitting said first data to said subscriber unit over said first frequency band of said second link, and said terrestrial repeater receiving said second data from said subscriber unit over said second frequency band of said second link, delaying said second data by substantially said sub-frame duration, and transmitting said second data to said communication satellite over said second frequency band of said first link during said second sub-frame.