Layer 3 diversity reception technology for Ku-Band mobile satellite communication systems

We describe a layer 3 diversity reception scheme that enhances the transmission characteristics of Ku-band mobile satellite communication systems. This scheme can realize high-speed communication for vehicles that experience shadowing caused by terrestrial obstacles such as tunnels, buildings and bridges, especially for trains that frequently experience shadowing from the trolley wire structures. Layer 3 diversity was chosen for long distance diversity to prevent signal shadowing caused by terrestrial obstacles while minimizing the alterations of existing receivers. The technology enables high-speed communication under shadowing conditions in a running train environment.