Abstract: A client device has access to multiple data communications networks when sending a message to a server. An included network management functionality evaluates on an individual message by message basis a number of factors and selects one of the networks over which the message is to be communicated to the server. The selection process involves having the network management functionality identify a particular selection rule containing a network clause relating to each potentially useable communications network. The particular selection data comprising each network clause are then evaluated in the context of the message transmission to select for the message the particular one of the networks to be used for the communication.

Abstract: A mobile platform includes a GPS receiver system to collect position related information for storage in a database. Sensors further collect platform operational information for storage in the database. A control processor for the mobile platform collects the stored information for periodic transmission over a wireless communications link to a remote location for further processing and handling. The control processor is configured to periodically engage in data collection from the GPS receiver system and sensors at a first rate and remotely report any interim collected information over the wireless communications link at a second rate. Preferably, the first rate is greater than the second rate by integer multiple to most efficiently and economically utilize wireless communications resources. At the remote location, a central controller receives the mobile platform reported information for processing in accordance with tracking management applications.

Abstract: A modem for a mobile client is configured to operate either in a primary operational configuration or a secondary operational configuration. When in the primary operational configuration, the modem initiates set-up of a communication toward a remote server and utilizes a fixed data rate and a fixed set of features. No modem negotiation procedure is implemented with respect to the setting up of this communication. If the set-up of the communication at the fixed data rate and with a fixed set of features fails, the modem falls-back to the secondary operational configuration and initiates set-up of a communication toward the remote server using conventional modem negotiation procedures in order to agree on the data rate and set of features to be used for the communication. In association with the server, a primary modem pool is provided to handle mobile client modem communications at the fixed data rate and with a fixed set of features specified by the primary operational configuration.

Abstract: A mobile platform includes a GPS receiver system to collect position related information for storage in a database. Sensors further collect platform operational information for storage in the database. A control processor for the mobile platform collects the stored information for periodic transmission over a wireless communications link to a remote location for further processing and handling. The control processor is configured to periodically engage in data collection from the GPS receiver system and sensors at a first rate and remotely report any interim collected information over the wireless communications link at a second rate. Preferably, the first rate is greater than the second rate by integer multiple to most efficiently and economically utilize wireless communications resources. At the remote location, a central controller receives the mobile platform reported information for processing in accordance with tracking management applications.