US Patent:
20020168936, Nov 14, 2002
Inventors:
Binyamin Zilberstein - Rockville MD, US
Tod Adamson - Boyce VA, US
Assignee:
Gilat Satellite Networks, Ltd. - Kiryat Arye
International Classification:
H04B007/185
Abstract:
VSAT networks may support one or more transaction terminals without modification to the transaction terminals. The VSAT indoor unit may include a reverse modem which emulates the local loop of a PSTN. Thus, the VSAT network may be connected directly to the transaction terminal without modification or recertification of the transaction terminal. Alternatively, the VSAT indoor unit may include a wireless LAN. This provides a cost effective interface to support credit, ATM, or other applications in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In this manner, the VSAT local retailer may retrofit existing terminals and/or ATM machines which may render obsolete the retailer's need to have any services from the local phone company. The VSAT indoor unit may also provide the local retailer with telephone access, Internet access, and broadband mass media services such as music and streaming video. This is particularly important in rural areas and in developing countries where a local telephone network is not always as reliable as desired by the retailer.