A communication protocol for mobile satellite systems affected by rain attenuation

A protocol that supports real-time data rate selection and change during rain events is presented. The protocol is developed with emphasis on being efficient yet robust to the primary channel impairment in such mobile satellite systems. The system architecture is briefly presented and the analytical framework from which the protocol originates is pointed out. Link, connection, and packet types are introduced, and the protocol procedures and design rationale are discussed. The detailed presentation focuses on link setup with the appropriate data rate(s) and the real-time switching of data rates during a voice conversation to either preserve the link or enhance its quality during rain attenuation events