Abstract: Method and apparatus for data packet transport in a wireless transmission system supporting broadcast transmissions. A multicast tree is built between nodes through neighboring routers. The multicast tree forms a tunnel through which the broadcast content is transmitted. The broadcast message is encapsulated in an Internet Protocol packet for transmission through the multicast tree. At least one multicast tree is formed between the Internet portion of the system and the wireless portion of the system, such as the Access Network. In one embodiment, an external multicast tree is formed between a content source and a packet data service node, and an internal multicast tree is formed between the packet data service node and a packet control function node.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system provide for efficient use of communication resources for providing broadcast services in a communication system. A receiver receives a first broadcast controller identification from a first base station, and a second broadcast controller identification from a second base station. A controller coupled to the receiver determines whether the first and second broadcast controller identifications are associated with use of a common set of broadcast parameters. A transmitter transmits a request for transmission of a new set of broadcast parameters when the first and second broadcast controller identifications are not associated with use of the common set of broadcast parameters. After receiving the new set of broadcast parameters, the receiver uses the new set of broadcast parameters for receiving broadcast services.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system provide for efficient use of communication resources for providing broadcast services in a communication system. A receiver receives a first broadcast controller identification from a first base station, and a second broadcast controller identification from a second base station. A controller coupled to the receiver determines whether the first and second broadcast controller identifications are associated with use of a common set of broadcast parameters. A transmitter transmits a request for transmission of a new set of broadcast parameters when the first and second broadcast controller identifications are not associated with use of the common set of broadcast parameters. After receiving the new set of broadcast parameters, the receiver uses the new set of broadcast parameters for receiving broadcast services.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detection and selection of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) service. A remote device includes a preference database for storing selection criteria for a plurality of access media. Access medium detector(s) determine accessibility of access media, and a selector selects one of the access media based on the selection criteria. The selection criteria indicate when to switch between access media.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dynamic provisioning of a Mobile Station (MS) to provide server configuration information. In one embodiment, a home network determines whether to use the visited local network or the home network. An indicator selecting the associated server is transmitted. The server is for session control, such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) control of voice over Internet Protocol (IP) communications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for session release in a communication system supporting Internet Protocol (IP) communications. In one embodiment, when the MS has lost a bearer connection (i.e., PPP session), the notification is provided by a Packet Data Service Node (PDSN) to the serving Session control Manager (SCM) via IP multicast. If two PPP sessions are active for a given IP communication, and one PPP session is not lost, the PDSN associated with the active PPP session sends a correction message to ignore any notification message sent by the other PDSN. In an alternate embodiment, the Authentication Authorization Accounting (AAA) server uses start and stop accounting requests, received from PDSNs, to determine when to notify the serving SCM to terminate an IP communication.

Abstract: A method of supporting multiple PPP instances between a single wireless device and a wireless network using a single IP address and IP stack allows applications to exercise different link characteristics for individual PPP sessions. Routing based on parameters other than IP address, such as QOS parameters, that allow applications to utilize different types of services for same client server endpairs is provided. A PDSN determines whether or not multiple PPP sessions terminate at the same endpoint within a mobile device. A mobile device initiates a subsequent multiple PPP connection by specifying the IP address of an initial connection in the IP Address Configuration Option during IPCP negotiation for the subsequent connection. This address may be obtained from the IPCP phase of the initial PPP connection negotiation using Simple IP, or a Mobile IP Home Address obtained from the Mobile IP registration during establishment of the initial PPP session.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving performance of communications over a limited-bandwidth communication link by token-based compression of messages. In one embodiment, a mobile station parses an SIP/SDP message into pieces, wherein each piece comprises a static component and a variable component. The static component comprises fixed-format data and may be intermingled with the variable component. The static component is replaced by a corresponding token. In one embodiment, the token comprises a two-byte identifier. The remaining variable component may also be compressed. The compressed message is received by an SIP proxy server that can identify the static component of each piece of the SIP/SDP message from the received token. The SIP proxy server can then replace the two-byte token with the original static component, and reconstruct the message, in which parts of the static component may be intermingled with parts of the variable component.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for resolving incompatibilities between system elements in a communication system supporting Mobile Internet Protocol communications. The method providing both forward and backward compatibility between system elements having different versions of a same protocol and/or different protocols. In one embodiment, the method adjusting the number of call registration extensions between system elements.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing packet flows in a communication system. In one embodiment, a resource reservation message includes packet flow parameter information used to determine flow treatment of the associated packet flow. The packet flow mapping is based on the quality of service of the associated packet flow. In another embodiment, a bearer connection is established and monitored for information relating to flow treatment.

Abstract: A wireless communications network (100) includes roving subscriber-stations (114) and base stations (110) receiving broadcast programs from a content server. A subscriber-station evaluates (618, 620) whether a desired program is available from a subject base station. According to this evaluation, the subscriber-station takes steps to (1) receive the desired program on a shared channel for reception by multiple subscriber-stations (816), or (2) initiate (804, 720) base station delivery (724) of the desired program to the subscriber-station on an individual channel. Responsive to a message from a subject subscriber-station identifying a desired program, a base station either (1) continues (819) transmitting the desired program upon a shared channel, (2) starts (816) transmitting the desired program on a shared channel, or (3) sends the subject subscriber-station a channel assignment message and commences transmission (722) of the desired program on the assigned individual channel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing Cellular Authentication Voice Encryption (CAVE) messages in an Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) format. The CAVE messages are sent via an EAP transport mechanism. The Mobile Station (MS) is able to use a common authentication mechanism for other technologies.

Abstract: A communication system generates a Master Session Key (MSK) for accesses to a system entity that does not provide encryption to traffic. Both the home server and the user generate the same MSK. The MSK is used to generate encryption keys for traffic. In one embodiment the MSK is generated using a hashing function and information specific to the requester. The home server determines the need to generate the MSK based on information contained in an access request message. Once generated, the MSK is provided to the system entity to enable the entity to encrypt communications.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for data packet transport in a wireless transmission system supporting broadcast transmissions. A trigger recognized at the transmission node initiates a broadcast transmission, and the resultant set up of a transmission path. A termination trigger then indicates that the transmission node is not serving users desiring the broadcast transmission, and in response the transmission path is shut down. In one embodiment, a multi-cast call, such as a group call, may be transmitted to active users via uni-cast channel(s) or multi-cast channel(s) based on a predetermined criteria, such as number of active users.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for secure transmissions. Each user is provided a registration key. A long-time updated broadcast key is encrypted using the registration key and provided periodically to a user. A short-time updated key is encrypted using the broadcast key and provided periodically to a user. Broadcasts are then encrypted using the short-time key, wherein the user decrypts the broadcast message using the short-time key. One embodiment provides link layer content encryption. Another embodiment provides end-to-end encryption.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detection and selection of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) service. A cellular network may provide an advertisement for a WLAN, such as in an overhead signaling message. The advertisement may identify the Access Point(s) by an Extended Service Set Identifier (ESSID). The remote station may then scan for the WLAN service automatically or manually.

Abstract: Systems and methods for systems and methods for reliably broadcasting content to a plurality of users and facilitating distribution of portions of the broadcast content that either were not received by particular users, or were received with errors. In one embodiment, a wireless communication system is configured to broadcast content from a content source to a plurality of user devices. The content source is configured to provide the content to a base station. The base station parses the content into a plurality of segments and associates sequential identifiers with each of the segments. The content is then broadcast to each of the user devices. An identifier of an alternative data source is also provided to the user devices. When a mobile station receives the segments, it examines the segment identifiers to identify missing segments. The segments are then retrieved from the alternative data source identified by the base station.

Abstract: Mobile unassisted dormant handoff in a wireless communication system supporting packet data communications. While in a dormant mode, a mobile node may change packet zones, wherein different packet zones are serviced by at least one different infrastructure element, without identifying the change to the system. The change in packet zone does not necessarily trigger establishment of a communication path for the mobile node until there is packet data ready for communication. In one embodiment, mobile assistance is adapted to the system, and is disabled at the mobile node by an indication in a system parameter message transmitted by the system and received by the mobile node.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for header compression in a wireless communication system supporting broadcast transmissions. The system periodically provides a header decompression message sufficient for a receiver to decompress the header. The decompression message transmission period is determined to avoid delay in accessing a broadcast session.

Abstract: A wireless packet data network (120) provides subscriber stations 114 with account balance notification concerning prepaid wireless packet data services. The network (120) detects (404, 406) occurrence of predefined trigger events. Responsive to occurrence of any one of these predefined trigger events in conjunction with a prepaid wireless packet data subscriber station (114), the network (146) sends (408) a balance notification to the subscriber station (114).