Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulcasting within a communication system is provided herein. During operation, each base site will be equipped with a plurality of radios capable of transmitting on various frequencies. Base sites within the communication system will be capable of communicating on a predetermined number of channels, which may differ among base sites. A number of channels will be shared by the base sites. When a simulcast is desired, the participants are located, and a common channel is determined for communication. Thus, call participant location information is used to determine the best channel to use to meet the group's coverage needs.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods of managing short addresses in a wireless communication system include receiving reservation requests on a random access channel from subscriber units at a radio frequency (RF) site such that the reservation requests includes a minimum number of requested time slots for data transmission between a subscriber unit and the RF site, and a subscriber long address. Further, for each of the reservation requests, the RF site selects a subscriber short address for the respective subscriber unit as well as transmitting the selected subscriber short address to the respective subscriber unit on a RF site channel. In addition, the RF site determines a short address transmission schedule for the subscriber units as well as transmitting a schedule message to the subscriber units on a schedule channel such that the schedule provides slot assignments for data transmissions by subscriber units according to their assigned short addresses.

Abstract: A first Mobile Repeater System (MRS), configured to serve as an access point associated with a Basic Service Set (BSS), broadcasts a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID). Other Mobile Repeater Systems (MRSs) join the BSS to create a local ad hoc trunked site in which each of the MRSs are communicatively coupled via at least one WLAN communication link. These MRSs include the first MRS and a second MRS. The first MRS can be configured to provide a control channel for communication with a first subscriber unit, and the second MRSs can be configured to provide a first trunked traffic channel for communication with the first subscriber unit.

Abstract: A scheduling component associated with a data channel configures initial reserved bandwidth allocations for each agency permitted access to a shared data channel. When sufficient bandwidth is available on the shared data channel to meet all bandwidth requests, the scheduling component schedules access to available random access slots on the shared data channel. When an agency accesses a scheduled random access slot, the agency is able to reserve additional reserved slots on the shared data channel for data transmission on an on-demand basis. The scheduling component enables bandwidth management controls when one or more requests for the additional reserved slots on the shared data channel cannot be fulfilled due to insufficient available additional reserved slots on the shared data channel and controls access to the shared data channel by distributing limited access permissions for future available random access slots to agencies permitted access to the shared data channel.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods of managing short addresses in a wireless communication system include receiving reservation requests on a random access channel from subscriber units at a radio frequency (RF) site such that the reservation requests includes a minimum number of requested time slots for data transmission between a subscriber unit and the RF site, and a subscriber long address. Further, for each of the reservation requests, the RF site selects a subscriber short address for the respective subscriber unit as well as transmitting the selected subscriber short address to the respective subscriber unit on a RF site channel. In addition, the RF site determines a short address transmission schedule for the subscriber units as well as transmitting a schedule message to the subscriber units on a schedule channel such that the schedule provides slot assignments for data transmissions by subscriber units according to their assigned short addresses.

Abstract: Application service is provided for a subscriber unit (SU), employing a first protocol, in a communication network employing a second protocol. The method includes receiving a CAI OTAR message from the SU. The CAI OTAR message includes at least a key management message (KMM) and a CAI header of the SU. The method then includes determining that the first protocol employed by the SU is different from the second protocol associated with the communication network based on the received CAI OTAR message. The method further includes creating a key management message (KMM) preamble, associated with the second protocol, based on at least one of the CAI header and configuration information of the SU, and creating a data link independent (DLI) OTAR message associated with the second protocol. The DLI OTAR message includes the received KMM.

Abstract: A first Mobile Repeater System (MRS), configured to serve as an access point associated with a Basic Service Set (BSS), broadcasts a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID). Other Mobile Repeater Systems (MRSs) join the BSS to create a local ad hoc trunked site in which each of the MRSs are communicatively coupled via at least one WLAN communication link. These MRSs include the first MRS and a second MRS. The first MRS can be configured to provide a control channel for communication with a first subscriber unit, and the second MRSs can be configured to provide a first trunked traffic channel for communication with the first subscriber unit.

Abstract: A scheduling component associated with a data channel configures initial reserved bandwidth allocations for each agency permitted access to a shared data channel. When sufficient bandwidth is available on the shared data channel to meet all bandwidth requests, the scheduling component schedules access to available random access slots on the shared data channel. When an agency accesses a scheduled random access slot, the agency is able to reserve additional reserved slots on the shared data channel for data transmission on an on-demand basis. The scheduling component enables bandwidth management controls when one or more requests for the additional reserved slots on the shared data channel cannot be fulfilled due to insufficient available additional reserved slots on the shared data channel and controls access to the shared data channel by distributing limited access permissions for future available random access slots to agencies permitted access to the shared data channel.

Abstract: A multi-carrier receiver radio monitors frequency channels associated with at least one talkgroup to which a multi-carrier receiver radio subscribes. The talkgroup is associated with a set of frequency channels that may carry group call activity. The radio monitors each frequency channel of the set of frequency channels associated with the talkgroup for group call activity. During monitoring, when a new call is detected on one frequency channel of the set of frequency channels associated with the talkgroup, the radio joins the new call. While joined to the new call, the radio continues to monitor the set of frequency channels associated with the talkgroup for additional transmissions to the talkgroup and to monitor a set of frequency channels associated with another talkgroup to which the multi-carrier receiver radio also subscribes for group call activity on the other talkgroup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulcasting within a communication system is provided herein. During operation, each base site will be equipped with a plurality of radios capable of transmitting on various frequencies. Base sites within the communication system will be capable of communicating on a predetermined number of channels, which may differ among base sites. A number of channels will be shared by the base sites. When a simulcast is desired, the participants are located, and a common channel is determined for communication. Thus, call participant location information is used to determine the best channel to use to meet the group's coverage needs.

Abstract: A multi-carrier receiver radio monitors frequency channels associated with at least one talkgroup to which a multi-carrier receiver radio subscribes. The talkgroup is associated with a set of frequency channels that may carry group call activity. The radio monitors each frequency channel of the set of frequency channels associated with the talkgroup for group call activity. During monitoring, when a new call is detected on one frequency channel of the set of frequency channels associated with the talkgroup, the radio joins the new call. While joined to the new call, the radio continues to monitor the set of frequency channels associated with the talkgroup for additional transmissions to the talkgroup and to monitor a set of frequency channels associated with another talkgroup to which the multi-carrier receiver radio also subscribes for group call activity on the other talkgroup.

Abstract: The application discloses a method and apparatus for providing interoperability for a mobile subscriber unit (MSU), employing a first protocol e.g., SCEP, with a packet-data subsystem operating at a second protocol e.g., SNDCP. The method includes determining that the first protocol employed by the MSU is different from the second protocol operated by the packet data subsystem. The method then includes creating a context information for the MSU when the determined first protocol is different from the second protocol. Further, the method includes determining a header associated with the second protocol based on the created context information and then receiving at least one data packet associated with the first protocol from the MSU. The method then encapsulates the at least one data packet with the determined header associated with the second protocol. The method then transmits the at least one encapsulated data packet to the communication network through a context manager.

Abstract: Application service is provided for a subscriber unit (SU), employing a first protocol, in a communication network employing a second protocol. The method includes receiving a CAI OTAR message from the SU. The CAI OTAR message includes at least a key management message (KMM) and a CAI header of the SU. The method then includes determining that the first protocol employed by the SU is different from the second protocol associated with the communication network based on the received CAI OTAR message. The method further includes creating a key management message (KMM) preamble, associated with the second protocol, based on at least one of the CAI header and configuration information of the SU, and creating a data link independent (DLI) OTAR message associated with the second protocol. The DLI OTAR message includes the received KMM.

Abstract: The application discloses a method and apparatus for providing interoperability for a mobile subscriber unit (MSU), employing a first protocol e.g., SCEP, with a packet-data subsystem operating at a second protocol e.g., SNDCP. The method includes determining that the first protocol employed by the MSU is different from the second protocol operated by the packet data subsystem. The method then includes creating a context information for the MSU when the determined first protocol is different from the second protocol. Further, the method includes determining a header associated with the second protocol based on the created context information and then receiving at least one data packet associated with the first protocol from the MSU. The method then encapsulates the at least one data packet with the determined header associated with the second protocol. The method then transmits the at least one encapsulated data packet to the communication network through a context manager.

Abstract: A subscriber (100) transmits data on a first data channel. While transmitting, the subscriber tracks the number of collisions it experiences on the first data channel (206). When the number of collisions reaches a threshold value, the subscriber transmits a reassignment request to move to a new data channel. Upon receipt of the reassignment request, a central processor (102) assumes that the first data channel is loaded. The central processor will then compare an incoming data rate to a value to determine if the first data channel is actually loaded, wherein the incoming data rate is measured by the central processor at the time the subscriber requested reassignment.

Abstract: In a network comprising a plurality of channels, at least two channels are operating at different frequencies. The fixed network equipment (FNE; 124, 126) identifies a plurality of channels present at a serving site and classifies each channel into one of a plurality of bandwidth groups. All the channels in a given bandwidth group have common roaming characteristics. The FNE periodically broadcasts information relating to at least one channel in each bandwidth group present at the serving site. The FNE further identifies least one channel present at an adjacent site. Each channel present at the adjacent site is also classified in one of the plurality of bandwidth groups. The FNE broadcasts information on loading for each bandwidth group present at the adjacent site.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for providing requested access, network-initiated access and autonomous access to communication resources (101-105) by wireless communication unit(s) (112, 114), and for controlling the different types of access using access control identifier(s) assigned to the devices. Requested access requires a communication unit to send a call request (302) to a communication resource controller (106). The request (302) includes at least an identification of the communication unit and an access control identifier associated with the communication unit. Network-initiated access comprises a communication resource controller or other fixed network equipment sending a page request (502) to the communication unit which responds with a page response message (504) including the identification of the communication unit and an access control identifier.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for providing requested access, network-initiated access and autonomous access to communication resources (101-105) by wireless communication unit(s) (112, 114), and for controlling the different types of access using access control identifier(s) assigned to the devices. Requested access requires a communication unit to send a call request (302) to a communication resource controller (106). The request (302) includes at least an identification of the communication unit and an access control identifier associated with the communication unit. Network-initiated access comprises a communication resource controller or other fixed network equipment sending a page request (502) to the communication unit which responds with a page response message (504) including the identification of the communication unit and an access control identifier.

Abstract: Requesting (transmitting) subscriber units may immediately begin transmitting an information signal over an assigned communication channel. Receiving subscriber units immediately unmute their speakers and monitor the assigned communication channel and attempt to detect a code, which indicates that they are monitoring the correct communication channel. At the central station (repeater), the information signal may be immediately repeated, unless an interference signal is present. In this way, the information signal may be rapidly disseminated (repeated) to improve subscriber access time, while providing assurance that the receiving subscribers will not receive a noise signal or the interference signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for issuing busy call-backs (146) on the voice channel to busied communication units (209,211) on a trunked radio communication system (200) is disclosed. This is accomplished, in part, by issuing a busy signal (104), via a control resource (203), to a communication unit when a requested communication resource is unavailable. Additionally, the radio communication unit (209,211) is capable of receiving the busy signal via the control resource (213) and participating in a second communication while in a busied state. The resource controller (201) is capable of allowing the busied communication unit (209,211) to participate in a second communication on a second communication resource (215) and issuing the call-back signal during the second communication.