Method and apparatus for segmentation, reassembly and inverse multiplexing of packets and ATM cells over satellite/wireless networks

The method of transmitting information arranged in packets from one location to a second location via a wireless/satellite network, comprising:

• (a) examining each packet to determine whether its size is equal to a minimum;
• (b) if a minimum size, generating a first SAR header and applying said header to said packet to form a SAR segment;
• (c) if greater than a minimum size, dividing said packet into a plurality of segments having a uniform size, generating a second SAR header that is unique for each segment and applying said header to a respective one of said segments to form SAR segments:
• (d) forwarding said SAR segments to one or more modems for transmission to at least one terminal at said second location,
• (e) sorting said SAR segments by at least one of carrier id, burst position in frame and channel in burst;
• (f) sending said SAR segments to a predetermined modem;
• (g) determining whether a source and destination ID for segments and bursts are identical:
• and
• (h) on the basis of the identity of a unit, site and control group, generating burst and identity information for transmission to said second site.