Abstract: A cable communication system (100) where a control unit (110) sends operation parameters to subscriber units (130) and the subscriber units (130) respond by modifying the method of communication. Also, the subscriber units (130) send messages which include information on the subscriber unit (130) and the capabilities of the subscriber unit (130). Furthermore, the control unit (110) efficiently manages the system 100 by monitoring the capabilities and instructing the subscriber units (130) on-how to communicate on the system (100). Such management allows for the migration of subscriber units (170) from one service area (140) to another (190) without the disruption of service. In addition, initialization of subscriber units (130) may be accomplished over the cable and does not require an operator at the subscriber location.

Abstract: A method for detecting fraudulent use of a communication system (10) includes the steps of determining a system parameter associated with a subscriber unit (32). The system then compares the system parameter to a previous system parameter for the subscriber unit (32). An alarm is set when the system parameter differs more than a predetermined amount from the previous system parameter.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating transmitter is disclosed that indicates a subsequent tamper event during a tamper alert period, T, which is initiated by a first tamper event. In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter includes a transmitter housing having a conductive strap attached thereto for securing the transmitter about a confinee's limb, the confinee typically participating in a home arrest program. Within the housing, a clock source generates pulses having a period t that are input to a counter whose reset line is connected to the conductive strap. When the conductive strap is opened, the counter is held reset and its output is a predetermined multiple bit maximum. Upon the closing of the strap, the counter counts the clock pulses and decrements the counter output from the initial predetermined maximum count down to a predetermined minimum count which remains on the counter output if no subsequent opening of the strap occurs.