Abstract: Various embodiments are described to address the need for more effective management of packet data loss in wireless communication systems. When a packet data destination (131) that is receiving a flow of packets for a packet data service instance indicates to the packet data source (141) of the flow that the flow should be suspended, it also indicates to the source how to process packets for the service instance while the flow transmission is suspended. For example, the packet data destination may indicate an event or condition that is triggering the flow suspension, the source can then begin buffering packets, discarding packets, starting timers, and/or taking other packet processing actions to manage packet data loss in view of the packet data destination's indication. Alternatively, the packet data destination may explicitly indicate the packet processing actions the source should take while the packet flow is suspended.

Abstract: A packet data communication system that includes an infrastructure in wireless communication with a mobile station provides a data service selection to a user of a mobile station. The infrastructure receives packet data intended for the mobile station, wherein the data packet comprises information concerning a domain sourcing the packet data and an intended destination of the packet data. The infrastructure then conveys the domain information to the mobile station, wherein the domain information allows the mobile station to determine whether to receive the packet data or to activate a packet data service.