Packet reformatting for downstream links

A method of broadcasting in a satellite communications system, the method comprising:

• receiving log-in information from a plurality of user terminals of the satellite communications system, the user terminals each associated with a different data link layer address;
• associating each of the data link layer addresses with an identifier for use in lieu of the associated data link layer addresses, the identifier of shorter length than the associated data link layer addresses;
• receiving data to be transmitted to a first user terminal of the plurality of user terminals, the first user terminal associated with a first data link layer address;
• determining, for the received data, whether the identifier associated with the first data link layer address is to be used in lieu of the first data link layer address for addressing;
• identifying an addressing format for the received data based at least in part on the determination;
• and
• transmitting the received data according to the addressing format.

A satellite communications system comprising:

• a gateway device configured to:
• receive log-in information from a plurality of user terminals of the digital video broadcast satellite communications system, the user terminals each associated with a different data link layer address;
• associate each of the data link layer addresses with an identifier for use in lieu of the associated data link layer addresses, the identifier of shorter length than the associated data link layer addresses;
• receive data to be transmitted to a first user terminal of the plurality of user terminals, the first user terminal associated with a first data link layer address;
• determine, for the received data, whether the identifier associated with the first data link layer address is to be used in lieu of the first data link layer address for addressing;
• identify an addressing format for the received data based at least in part on the determination;
• and
• wirelessly transmit the received data according to the addressing format;
• a satellite, in wireless communication with the gateway device, the satellite configured to:
• receive the wirelessly transmitted data from the gateway device;
• and
• retransmit the data received from the gateway device;
• and
• a user terminal of the plurality of user terminals, in wireless communication with the satellite, the user terminal configured to receive the retransmitted data.

A gateway in a satellite communications system, the gateway comprising:

• means for receiving log-in information from a plurality of user terminals of the satellite communications system, the user terminals each associated with a different data link layer address;
• means for receiving data to be transmitted to a first user terminal of the plurality of user terminals, the first user terminal associated with a first data link layer address;
• means for associating each of the data link layer addresses with an identifier for use instead of the associated data link layer addresses, the identifier of shorter length than the associated data link layer address;
• means for making a determination, for the received data, whether the identifier associated with the first data link layer address is to be used instead of the first data link layer address for addressing;
• means for identifying, responsive to the determination, an addressing format for the received data;
• and
• means for transmitting the received data according to the identified addressing format.

A method of broadcasting in a satellite communications system, the method comprising:

• receiving log-in information from a plurality of user terminals of the satellite communications system, the user terminals each associated with a different data link layer address;
• associating each of the data link layer addresses with an identifier for use instead of the associated data link layer addresses, the identifier of shorter length than the associated data link layer address;
• receiving data to be transmitted to a first user terminal of the plurality of user terminals, the first user terminal associated with a first data link layer address;
• and
• transmitting the received data according to an addressing format comprising the identifier associated with the first data link layer address.