Abstract: A Long Term Evolution (LTE) Concentrator and Distributor system and method extends geographical coverage while minimizing Evolved Node B (eNB) deployments. The system and method use a distributed array of Wide Band Receiver Transmitter (WBRT) devices (i.e., RF Heads, RFH, including antennas) connected via wide-band links to a central standard LTE eNB through a novel LTE Concentrator-Distributor (LTE-CD) which is an uplink (smart optimal) concentrator and downlink simulcast distributor. The eNB downlink signal (baseband or modulated RF) is distributed in synchronization (simulcast) through the LTE-CD to all WBRTs for downlink simulcast transmission to all UEs in the coverage area. The WBRTs receive uplink signals from user equipment, UE, devices in a coverage area, send the uplink signals (baseband or modulated RF) to the LTE-CD which optimally combines all received signals into one best uplink signal that is sent (in baseband or modulated RF) to the eNB.

Abstract: A Long Term Evolution (LTE) Concentrator and Distributor system and method extends geographical coverage while minimizing Evolved Node B (eNB) deployments. The system and method use a distributed array of Wide Band Receiver Transmitter (WBRT) devices (i.e., RF Heads, RFH, including antennas) connected via wide-band links to a central standard LTE eNB through a novel LTE Concentrator-Distributor (LTE-CD) which is an uplink (smart optimal) concentrator and downlink simulcast distributor. The eNB downlink signal (baseband or modulated RF) is distributed in synchronization (simulcast) through the LTE-CD to all WBRTs for downlink simulcast transmission to all UEs in the coverage area. The WBRTs receive uplink signals from user equipment, UE, devices in a coverage area, send the uplink signals (baseband or modulated RF) to the LTE-CD which optimally combines all received signals into one best uplink signal that is sent (in baseband or modulated RF) to the eNB.

Abstract: Methods for inter-mixer communication enable a “self-formed” cascaded mixer node tree topology. One method enables inter-mixer node signaling and includes first selecting a plurality of media flow payloads at a first cascaded mixer node. A set of conference payloads are generated and each include the media flow payloads from the plurality of media flow payloads that are part of the same conference call, an identifier for the conference call, and a node identifier for each media flow in the conference call. For each media flow in the conference call, each conference payload further identifies whether the first cascaded mixer node is a root node or a leaf node. The set of conference payloads are bundled into a single packet and sent to a second cascaded mixer node. Another method enables the “self-forming” of the mixer node tree topology. Yet another method enables active talker identification within the “self-formed” tree topology.

Abstract: At least one subscriber unit (SU) (110) can register with a radio frequency (RF) site (120) for radio services. For each registered SU, a SU push to talk over cellular (PoC) client (342-346) can be activated/established. Communications can be mapped at the RF Site (120) between each registered SU (110) and a corresponding SU PoC client (342-346). Each SU PoC client (342-346) at the RF site (120) can be communicatively linked to a remotely located PoC server (132) using a PoC interface (226). The SU PoC client (342-346) is a communication endpoint of the PoC server (132). In one embodiment, a talkgroup PoC client (350-352) can be established at the RF site (120) that is linked to the PoC server (132). Radio communications to and from the SU (110) can be routed through the SU PoC client (342-346) and/or the talkgroup PoC client (350-352) and through the PoC server (132).

Abstract: A method for transferring a communication session between companion devices includes connecting to a communication session over a communication system using a current set of session parameters and an identifier for a portable wireless communication device. The portable wireless communication device is in an active mode for the communication session. The method also includes: detecting that the portable wireless communication device is within a range of a companion wireline communication device that is configured with the identifier for the portable wireless communication device; and synchronizing with the companion wireline communication device, wherein the synchronizing includes transferring the current set of session parameters to the companion wireline communication device.

Abstract: A method for transferring a communication session between companion devices includes connecting to a communication session over a communication system using a current set of session parameters and an identifier for a portable wireless communication device. The portable wireless communication device is in an active mode for the communication session. The method also includes: detecting that the portable wireless communication device is within a range of a companion wireline communication device that is configured with the identifier for the portable wireless communication device; and synchronizing with the companion wireline communication device, wherein the synchronizing includes transferring the current set of session parameters to the companion wireline communication device.

Abstract: At least one subscriber unit (SU) (110) can register with a radio frequency (RF) site (120) for radio services. For each registered SU, a SU push to talk over cellular (PoC) client (342-346) can be activated/established. Communications can be mapped at the RF Site (120) between each registered SU (110) and a corresponding SU PoC client (342-346). Each SU PoC client (342-346) at the RF site (120) can be communicatively linked to a remotely located PoC server (132) using a PoC interface (226). The SU PoC client (342-346) is a communication endpoint of the PoC server (132). In one embodiment, a talkgroup PoC client (350-352) can be established at the RF site (120) that is linked to the PoC server (132). Radio communications to and from the SU (110) can be routed through the SU PoC client (342-346) and/or the talkgroup PoC client (350-352) and through the PoC server (132).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for session layer framing for interoperability between packet-switched systems is described. The method includes the steps of: generating (1210) a communication frame at the session layer including a plurality of fields; providing (1220) for a payload field in the plurality of fields for carrying a payload; and providing (1230) for a signal field in the plurality of fields for carrying a control signal.

Abstract: Methods for inter-mixer communication enable a “self-formed” cascaded mixer node tree topology. One method enables inter-mixer node signaling and includes first selecting a plurality of media flow payloads at a first cascaded mixer node. A set of conference payloads are generated and each include the media flow payloads from the plurality of media flow payloads that are part of the same conference call, an identifier for the conference call, and a node identifier for each media flow in the conference call. For each media flow in the conference call, each conference payload further identifies whether the first cascaded mixer node is a root node or a leaf node. The set of conference payloads are bundled into a single packet and sent to a second cascaded mixer node. Another method enables the “self-forming” of the mixer node tree topology. Yet another method enables active talker identification within the “self-formed” tree topology.

Abstract: Methods for inter-mixer communication enable a “self-formed” cascaded mixer node tree topology. One method enables inter-mixer node signaling and includes first selecting a plurality of media flow payloads at a first cascaded mixer node. A set of conference payloads are generated and each include the media flow payloads from the plurality of media flow payloads that are part of the same conference call, an identifier for the conference call, and a node identifier for each media flow in the conference call. For each media flow in the conference call, each conference payload further identifies whether the first cascaded mixer node is a root node or a leaf node. The set of conference payloads are bundled into a single packet and sent to a second cascaded mixer node. Another method enables the “self-forming” of the mixer node tree topology. Yet another method enables active talker identification within the “self-formed” tree topology.

Abstract: Methods for inter-mixer communication enable a “self-formed” cascaded mixer node tree topology. One method enables inter-mixer node signaling and includes first selecting a plurality of media flow payloads at a first cascaded mixer node. A set of conference payloads are generated and each include the media flow payloads from the plurality of media flow payloads that are part of the same conference call, an identifier for the conference call, and a node identifier for each media flow in the conference call. For each media flow in the conference call, each conference payload further identifies whether the first cascaded mixer node is a root node or a leaf node. The set of conference payloads are bundled into a single packet and sent to a second cascaded mixer node. Another method enables the “self-forming” of the mixer node tree topology. Yet another method enables active talker identification within the “self-formed” tree topology.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods in an interoperability system for: notifying a user in a first communication system that a trunked radio system is ready to receive data; broadcasting or distributing an emergency announcement from a trunked radio system to the other radio systems in the interoperability system; a user of one communication system using vocalic commands to establish a patch with another radio system; and enabling a PSTN device to more effectively communicate with radio systems in the interoperability system.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods in an interoperability system for: notifying a user in a first communication system that a trunked radio system is ready to receive data; broadcasting or distributing an emergency announcement from a trunked radio system to the other radio systems in the interoperability system; a user of one communication system using vocalic commands to establish a patch with another radio system; and enabling a PSTN device to more effectively communicate with radio systems in the interoperability system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interoperability between packet-switched systems is described. The method includes the steps of: establishing (810) a connection with at least one packet-switched apparatus; generating (820) at least one communication frame at a session layer including a payload field for carrying a payload and a signal field for carrying a control signal; and transmitting (830) the at least one communication frame to the at least one packet-switched apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for session layer framing for interoperability between packet-switched systems is described. The method includes the steps of: generating (1210) a communication frame at the session layer including a plurality of fields; providing (1220) for a payload field in the plurality of fields for carrying a payload; and providing (1230) for a signal field in the plurality of fields for carrying a control signal.