Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for providing a multiple access isochronous network that is capable of accommodating isochronous and asynchronous traffic. In accordance with the present invention, a non-zero thresholding mechanism is utilized at the receivers of the receiver/transmitter pairs communicating over the network to determine whether a given sub-channel is idle, or whether the receive buffer of a receiver operating in the receive mode is to be updated with a binary 0 or a binary 1. Utilizing the non-zero thresholding mechanism allows for the possibility that nothing is being sent over a particular sub-channel during one or more symbol periods. Utilizing the non-zero thresholding mechanism enables asynchronous and isochronous transport to occur on an isochronous framework without the need for stuffing bits onto the channel. Signals received over a sub-channel are demodulated and correlated to generate correlation results.

Abstract: A power control system is implemented within a mobile communications system to prevent erroneous power fluctuations by a mobile station when the power of signals communicated between the mobile station and a base station becomes so weak that the mobile station would otherwise erroneously interpret power control signals communicated from the base station to the mobile station. By configuring the mobile station to ignore power control signals communicated by the base station when a received signal strength is below a power control threshold, erroneous changes in power output can be prevented and the overall performance of the communication system can be increased.