Abstract: The method provides for a first network controller, operating according to a first radio technology, to form and send a relay message to a second network controller, operating according to a different, second radio technology. The relay message includes an embedded message for the second network controller. The embedded message may be a transition message requesting transition of a packet switched call for a mobile station handled by the first network controller to a call for the mobile station handled by the second network controller. The method further provides selection of another wireless element for service at a wireless unit, using a current wireless element. A wireless unit receives a message identifying at least one other wireless element, available to the wireless unit and to which a wireless element currently in communication with the wireless unit is also in communication with and the wireless unit selects another wireless element for possible future service based on the message.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for utilizing SCH resources more efficiently for supplemental channels (SCH) by minimizing gaps between data bursts due to overhead delays. Such gaps are minimized using a supplemental channel sharing algorithm to prospectively assign SCH resources supporting existing SCHs and to schedule future issuance of DNRs such that currently unavailable SCH resources may be prospectively assigned based on states of the SCH resources, wherein an existing SCH is a SCH over which a data burst is currently being transmitted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting a burst of data over a supplemental channel on just one leg of a handoff by changing the maximum allowed burst duration of the data to be transmitted over the supplemental channel as a function of the future and/or current characteristics of the communication link of the leg(s) of the handoff. The data is then transmitted over just one leg of handoff using the maximum allowed burst duration. By changing the parameters of the data, the data may still be acceptably received at the mobile terminal over just one leg of the soft handoff even when the strength of the pilot signal used for the supplemental channel changes significantly. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention the stability of the communication link is used as a way of ascertaining the future conditions of the communications link.

Abstract: The present invention, in illustrative embodiments, implements systems and methods for adjusting the timing of access requests in mobile communications systems, such as IS-95-A mobile telephone systems, to reduce the likelihood of request collisions—especially during periods of very high calling rates. These embodiments employ measurements of access channel occupancy, as well as system operator inputs, to develop thresholds and parameter translations at a base station. Execution of control algorithms at a base station advantageously yields modified persistence test parameters sent to mobile stations. When overload conditions are present, these modified parameters cause the mobile stations to experience variable delays through judicious control of persistence testing at the mobile stations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting a burst of data over a supplemental channel on just one leg of a handoff by changing at least one of the parameters of the data to be transmitted over the supplemental channel as a function of the future and/or current characteristics of the communication link of the leg(s) of the handoff. This controlled parameters of the data can include the maximum allowed burst duration, and the type and/or amount of error coding of the data. The data is then transmitted over just one leg of handoff using the parameter. By changing the parameters of the data, the data may still be acceptably received at the mobile terminal over just one leg of the soft handoff even when the strength of the pilot signal used for the supplemental channel changes significantly. The invention thus, advantageously, delays or possibly obviates the need to establish a supplemental channel over additional legs of the soft handoff.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for utilizing SCH resources more efficiently for supplemental channels (SCH) by minimizing gaps between data bursts due to overhead delays. Such gaps are minimized using a supplemental channel sharing algorithm to prospectively assign SCH resources supporting existing SCHs and to schedule future issuance of DNRs such that currently unavailable SCH resources may be prospectively assigned based on states of the SCH resources, wherein an existing SCH is a SCH over which a data burst is currently being transmitted.