Gateways are an integral part of the Globalstar ground segment which
also includes Ground
Operations Control Centers (GOCCs), Satellite Operations Control Centers
(SOCCs), and
the Globalstar Data Network (GDN) (see below).
Each Gateway, which is owned and managed by the service provider for
the country in
which the gateway is located, receives transmissions from orbiting satellites,
processes
calls, and switches them to the appropriate ground network.
A gateway may service more than one country. Gateways consist of three
or four dish
antennas, a switching station and remote operating controls. Because all
the switches and
complex hardware are located on the ground, it is easier for Globalstar
to maintain and
upgrade its system, as opposed to systems which handle switching in orbit.
Gateways offer seamless integration with local and regional telephone
and wireless
networks. They utilize standard T1/E1 interfaces to existing PSTN/PLMN
systems.
Encryption ensures voice and signaling security for individual transmissions.
The Gateway is a sophisticated piece of engineering, designed to make
the Globalstar
system simple to operate, and capable of offering seamless services for
all Globalstar
customers.
Ground Operations Control Centers (GOCC)
The Ground Operations Control Centers (GOCC) are responsible for planning
and controlling
the use of satellites by Gateway terminals and for coordinating this utilization
with the
Satellite Operation Control Center (SOCC). GOCCs plan the communications
schedules for
the gateways and control the allocation of satellite resources to each
Gateway.
Satellite Operations Control Centers (SOCCs)
The Satellite Operations Control Centers (SOCCs) manage the Globalstar
satellite
constellation. The SOCC tracks satellites, controls their orbits, and
provides Telemetry and
Command (T&C) services for the constellation. Globalstar satellites
continuously transmit
spacecraft telemetry data that provides on-board health and status reports
for the
satellite. The SOCC also oversees satellite launch and deployment activities.
The SOCC
and GOCC facilities remain in constant contact through the Globalstar
Data Network (GDN).
Global Data Network (GDN)
The GDN is the connective network which provides wide-area intercommunications
facilities
for the Gateways, the Ground Operations Control Centers, and the Satellite
Operations
Control Centers.
Click here to find out about more Globalstar
Advantages.

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