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 effecting handoff in a system supporting both wireless and packet date service communications. In one embodiment, the serving network provides information to the target network sufficient to establish the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) connections for handoff. In an alternate embodiment, the serving network and the target network do not share capabilities with respect to concurrent multiple service instances. When the serving network knows the status of the target network, the serving network takes responsibility for the handoff.

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 and apparatus for negotiating capability information for a broadcast service in a communication system. In one embodiment, the generic capabilities are pre-configured in BSC, which provides the generic capability information to MS and to PDSN based on a listing of available BC services and the corresponding capabilities. Another embodiment pre-configures PDSN with the generic capability information. According to still another embodiment, PDSN is pre-configured with the generic capability information, wherein the MS queries the PDSN directly for generic capability information via a PPP connection. In yet another embodiment, the MS queries the PCF, which in turn queries all of the PDSN in the system. The PDSN responsible for the BC responds to the query. Where multiple PDSNs may support the BC, the first to respond using multicast addressing obviates the need for the others to respond.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flow treatment and flow mapping of a broadcast/multicast service is disclosed. A base station provides flow treatment and mapping data to a packet data serving node during the establishment of a user traffic channel. The flow treatment and mapping data includes an IP multicast address and a service option parameter. A content server sends a broadcast packet flow to the packet data serving node via an IP network. Header compression for the packet flow is determined from the service option parameter. The packet flow is mapped to the appropriate user traffic channel using the IP multicast address.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the provision of broadcast service information is disclosed. In a wireless communication system supporting a broadcast service, a service ID is provided to identify the broadcast service. The service ID is sent to a base station. The base station configures a broadcast service parameters message that includes the service ID. The base station then transmits the broadcast service parameters message to a mobile station. The mobile station receives the broadcast service parameters message and uses the service ID in the broadcast service parameters message to determine availability of the broadcast service in an adjacent sector.

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 selecting a Packet Data Service Node (PDSN) for a communication in a wireless transmission system supporting broadcast transmissions. The packet control function node determines a number of communicable PDSNs and assigns each a unique identifier. The PCF then selects one of the communicable PDSNs based on the multi-cast address of a given communication. One embodiment performs a modulo operation on a function of the multi-cast address and the number of communicable PDSNs, wherein the result of the modulo operation corresponds to a unique identifier.

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: 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: 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: Method and apparatus for providing an overhead information for a broadcast service in a wireless communication system via an out-of-band transmission. The mobile station is able to contact the content server directly using the out-of-band-signaling over a packet data service option. The out-of-band communication allows the content server to update the information without transmitting via an intermediate infrastructure element. In one embodiment, the overhead information includes a service option number corresponding to a set of broadcast parameters, such as those identifying a protocol stack for processing broadcast content.

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.

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: Method and apparatus for framing in a wireless transmission system supporting broadcast transmissions. A framing format incorporates fields specific to a uni-directional transmission and reduces the overhead of the system. One embodiment employs a version of HDLC having a start of frame field and an error checking mechanism attached to the payload of each frame, wherein protocol information is not transmitted with each individual frame.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for data packet transport in a wireless transmission system supporting broadcast transmissions. Broadcast streams are provided in IP packets routed to a subscriber group. The PDSN applies an outer header to each Broadcast stream frame identifying the frame as part of a multi-cast transmission. The PDSN transmits the frames to at least on PCF, wherein the PCF duplicates the received frame for each user in the subscription group, alleviating the processing of the PDSN.