The high-traffic regions of the global mini-VSAT Broadband coverage area are covered by more than one satellite. The ICM’s built-in modem maintains a list of all satellites in the network and, with input from the Hub, selects the highest priority satellite that provides coverage at the vessel’s current GPS location. If the antenna is unable to track the chosen satellite for any reason (due to a blockage condition, for example), the modem selects the next available satellite on the list and the antenna automatically switches to that satellite. All Ku-band satellites are prioritized over C-band satellites.
In addition, whenever the vessel travels outside the boundary of the current satellite’s coverage area, with input from the Hub, the modem selects the highest priority satellite in the adjoining region and the antenna automatically switches to that satellite to maintain the service connection.
Example of Automatic Satellite Switching