Communication method and system that uses low latency/low data bandwidth and high latency/high data bandwidth pathways

Abstract

A communication system uses multiple communications links, preferably links that use different communications media. The multiple communications links may include a high latency/high bandwidth link using a fiber-optic cable configured to carry large volumes of data but having a high latency. The communications links may also include a low latency/low bandwidth link implemented using skywave propagation of radio waves and configured to carry smaller volumes of data with a lower latency across a substantial portion of the earth's surface. The two communications links may be used together to coordinate various activities such as the buying and selling of financial instruments.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method, comprising:
 receiving information at a transmitter with a processor that an event has occurred;   preparing a skywave propagation signal with the processor at the transmitter upon the receiving the information;   transmitting from the transmitter to a receiver the skywave propagation signal that is within a minimum and maximum useable frequency range for skywave propagation;   wherein the distance between the transmitter and the receiver is greater than a radio horizon for the transmitter;   receiving the skywave propagation signal at the receiver; and   performing at least one financial transaction from a collection of potential financial transactions in response to the receiving the skywave propagation signal.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transmitting the skywave propagation signal includes transmitting at an angle of transmission where the skywave propagation signal reflects from the ionosphere between the transmitter and the receiver. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 storing in memory a plurality of rules or preconditions for transacting on a financial exchange;   selecting at least one of the rules or preconditions in response to the receiving the skywave propagation signal; and   executing one or more trades on the financial exchange based on the selected rule or precondition from the selecting.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the rules or preconditions were provided over a fiber optic cable. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the rules or preconditions were provided over an oceanic cable. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transmitter and the receiver are separated by an ocean. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the receiver includes a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 performing an update of the FPGA in response to the receiving the skywave propagation signal.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 reflecting the skywave propagation signal from the F-layer of the ionosphere.   
     
     
         10 . A method, comprising:
 receiving information at a transmitter with a processor that an event has occurred;   preparing a skywave propagation signal with the processor at the transmitter upon the receiving the information;   transmitting the skywave propagation signal via skywave propagation from the transmitter to a receiver;   wherein the transmitting the skywave propagation signal includes transmitting at an angle of transmission where the skywave propagation signal reflects from the ionosphere between the transmitter and the receiver;   receiving the skywave propagation signal at the receiver; and   performing at least one financial transaction from a collection of potential financial transactions in response to the receiving the skywave propagation signal.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the transmitter and the receiver are separated by an ocean. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 storing in memory a plurality of rules or preconditions for transacting on a financial exchange;   selecting at least one of the rules or preconditions in response to the receiving the skywave propagation signal; and   executing one or more trades on the financial exchange based on the selected rule or precondition from the selecting.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 reflecting the skywave propagation signal from the F-layer of the ionosphere.   
     
     
         14 . A method, comprising:
 receiving information at a transmitter with a processor that an event has occurred;   preparing a skywave propagation signal with the processor at the transmitter upon the receiving the information;   transmitting from the transmitter to a receiver the skywave propagation signal that is within a minimum and maximum useable frequency range for skywave propagation;   wherein the distance between the transmitter and the receiver is greater than a radio horizon for the transmitter;   receiving the skywave propagation signal at the receiver;   storing in memory a plurality of rules or preconditions for transacting on a financial exchange;   wherein at least some of the rules or preconditions were provided over a fiber optic cable;   selecting at least one of the rules or preconditions in response to the receiving the skywave propagation signal; and   executing one or more trades on the financial exchange based on the selected rule or precondition from the selecting.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the transmitting the skywave propagation signal includes transmitting at an angle of transmission where the skywave propagation signal reflects from the ionosphere between the transmitter and the receiver. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the rules or preconditions were provided over an oceanic cable. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the transmitter and the receiver are separated by an ocean. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the receiver includes a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 performing an update of the FPGA in response to the receiving the skywave propagation signal.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 reflecting the skywave propagation signal from the F-layer of the ionosphere.   
     
     
         21 . A method, comprising:
 receiving information at a transmitter with a processor that an event has occurred;   preparing a skywave propagation signal with the processor at the transmitter upon the receiving the information;   transmitting the skywave propagation signal via skywave propagation from the transmitter to a receiver;   wherein the transmitter and the receiver are separated by an ocean;   receiving the skywave propagation signal at the receiver;   storing in memory a plurality of rules or preconditions for transacting on a financial exchange;   wherein at least some of the rules or preconditions were provided over an oceanic cable;   selecting at least one of the rules or preconditions in response to the receiving the skywave propagation signal; and   executing one or more trades on the financial exchange based on the selected rule or precondition from the selecting.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 reflecting the skywave propagation signal from the F-layer of the ionosphere.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the receiver includes a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , further comprising:
 performing an update of the FPGA in response to the receiving the skywave propagation signal.