Abstract: An actionable communication resource forming function performs a method for forming an actionable communication resource in a communication system.

Abstract: Generally speaking, pursuant to the various embodiments, pre-allocation of resources in a RAN of a communication system is performed. A system element having an application function determines, for a set of user equipment (UE), pre-allocation information used to select a set of cells in the RAN to which the set of UE will connect for exchanging data. The element sends a request to establish a bearer to an evolved packet core (EPC), wherein the request includes the pre-allocation information. The determining and sending actions are performed prior to one or more of the UE in the set of UE connecting to the set of cells. The EPC processes the request and returns a response to the system element, which identifies that a bearer for unicast and/or group communications has been established.

Abstract: A group transfer function (GTF) receives a plurality of inputs and media for delivery to a plurality of mobile devices. The mobile devices are served by a plurality of cells potentially having a plurality of different radio access technologies such that each mobile device is wirelessly connected to one of the cells. The GTF applies policy rules to the inputs to determine, for each mobile device, content delivery using point-to-multipoint or point-to-point media transport based on the capabilities of the servicing cell. The GTF initiates an allocation of a set of resources in each cell to transport the media to each mobile device in the group using the determined media transport for that mobile device. Media is then replicated by the GTF for delivery to the mobile devices over the allocated resources.

Abstract: A communication system (100) provides collaboration between narrowband communication devices (102) and broadband communication devices (104) operating over different networks. The communication devices (102, 104) are linked to provide peer-to-peer communication that supports the dissemination of public safety information to a public safety personnel user utilizing the devices. Applications within the devices (102, 104) automatically control features amongst the plurality of devices for redundancy of critical information, removal of non-critical information and power management. Context information can also be examined and shared between amongst the devices.

Abstract: A communication system (100) provides collaboration between narrowband communication devices (102) and broadband communication devices (104) operating over different networks. The communication devices (102, 104) are linked to provide peer-to-peer communication that supports the dissemination of public safety information to a public safety personnel user utilizing the devices. Applications within the devices (102, 104) automatically control features amongst the plurality of devices for redundancy of critical information, removal of non-critical information and power management. Context information can also be examined and shared between amongst the devices.

Abstract: A communication system (100) provides collaboration between narrowband communication devices (102) and broadband communication devices (104) operating over different networks. The communication devices (102, 104) are linked to provide peer-to-peer communication that supports the dissemination of public safety information to a public safety personnel user utilizing the devices. Applications within the devices (102, 104) automatically control features amongst the plurality of devices for redundancy of critical information, removal of non-critical information and power management. Context information can also be examined and shared between amongst the devices.

Abstract: A communication system (100) provides collaboration between narrowband communication devices (102) and broadband communication devices (104) operating over different networks. The communication devices (102, 104) are linked to provide peer-to-peer communication that supports the dissemination of public safety information to a public safety personnel user utilizing the devices. Applications within the devices (102, 104) automatically control features amongst the plurality of devices for redundancy of critical information, removal of non-critical information and power management. Context information can also be examined and shared between amongst the devices.

Abstract: A communication system (100) provides collaboration amongst a plurality of communication devices (110, 112, 114, 116, 120) during emergency conditions. Emergency trigger(s) are used to detect an emergency condition. Emergency information is collected and can be shared and appended amongst the communication devices prior to the emergency information being transferred in a redundant manner across a plurality communication systems (140, 142) to a plurality of external devices (130, 144, 146).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bandwidth brokering in a communication system (100) defines groups (212) and a bandwidth allocation for each group at a given base station (202). Each group has a guaranteed bandwidth (116). Each group may exceed its guaranteed bandwidth (118) by using additional bandwidth if there other groups are not using their full guaranteed bandwidth (408) or if there is community bandwidth available. A group's bandwidth usage may be pre-empted (412) when its bandwidth usage exceeds its guaranteed bandwidth and other groups require additional bandwidth within their guaranteed bandwidth.

Abstract: A group transfer function (GTF) receives a plurality of inputs and media for delivery to a plurality of mobile devices. The mobile devices are served by a plurality of cells potentially having a plurality of different radio access technologies such that each mobile device is wirelessly connected to one of the cells. The GTF applies policy rules to the inputs to determine, for each mobile device, content delivery using point-to-multipoint or point-to-point media transport based on the capabilities of the servicing cell. The GTF initiates an allocation of a set of resources in each cell to transport the media to each mobile device in the group using the determined media transport for that mobile device. Media is then replicated by the GTF for delivery to the mobile devices over the allocated resources.

Abstract: A method and system is implemented to form a communication group comprising a plurality of entities. The method includes receiving a resource manager state generated for an event and extracting a plurality of parameters that indicate resource availability based on the resource manager state. The method further includes applying a set of rules to the resource state and to the plurality of parameters to select resources to form a communication group comprising a plurality of entities to distribute content related to the event.

Abstract: An actionable communication resource forming function performs a method for forming an actionable communication resource in a communication system.

Abstract: A policy determination function (PDF) makes policy and charging control decisions based on radio spectrum blocks. More particularly, the PDF: receives radio spectrum block data via an interface; and determines, using the radio spectrum block data, a first radio spectrum block for use during a session for a subscriber, wherein the first radio spectrum block is one of a plurality of radio spectrum blocks, and wherein the subscriber has a unique set of policy and charging control (PCC) rules corresponding to each of the radio spectrum blocks in the plurality. The PDF further selects and provides to a policy enforcement function the set of PCC rules for the subscriber corresponding to the first radio spectrum block, for applying to communications with the subscriber during the session.

Abstract: A communication system (100) provides collaboration amongst a plurality of communication devices (110, 112, 114, 116, 120) during emergency conditions. Emergency trigger(s) are used to detect an emergency condition. Emergency information is collected and can be shared and appended amongst the communication devices prior to the emergency information being transferred in a redundant manner across a plurality communication systems (140, 142) to a plurality of external devices (130, 144, 146).

Abstract: A communication system (100) provides collaboration between narrowband communication devices (102) and broadband communication devices (104) operating over different networks. The communication devices (102, 104) are linked to provide peer-to-peer communication that supports the dissemination of public safety information to a public safety personnel user utilizing the devices. Applications within the devices (102, 104) automatically control features amongst the plurality of devices for redundancy of critical information, removal of non-critical information and power management. Context information can also be examined and shared between amongst the devices.

Abstract: Applications are provided to communication devices provide flexible operation between default modes of operation and an expanded mode of operation in which both communication devices share capabilities. A purchase order is created for a plurality of communication devices. A determination is made as to whether a collaboration feature is enabled at each device. The collaboration feature being enabled at each device results in additional revenue to the ordering process. If collaboration is enabled at both devices at 306, 312, and then collaboration operation are enabled 316 which allows for predetermined operating features to be registered and additional revenue applied. The communication devices 102, 104 are then automatically linked (via information sharing link 120 using linkage application 140) to share capabilities of the registered features at 320. The resulting order comprises a plurality of communication devices that provided an expanded mode of operation when operating together.

Abstract: Generally speaking, pursuant to the various embodiments, pre-allocation of resources in a RAN of a communication system is performed. A system element having an application function determines, for a set of user equipment (UE), pre-allocation information used to select a set of cells in the RAN to which the set of UE will connect for exchanging data. The element sends a request to establish a bearer to an evolved packet core (EPC), wherein the request includes the pre-allocation information. The determining and sending actions are performed prior to one or more of the UE in the set of UE connecting to the set of cells. The EPC processes the request and returns a response to the system element, which identifies that a bearer for unicast and/or group communications has been established.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bandwidth brokering in a communication system (100) defines groups (212) and a bandwidth allocation for each group at a given base station (202). Each group has a guaranteed bandwidth (116). Each group may exceed its guaranteed bandwidth (118) by using additional bandwidth if there other groups are not using their full guaranteed bandwidth (408) or if there is community bandwidth available. A group's bandwidth usage may be pre-empted (412) when its bandwidth usage exceeds its guaranteed bandwidth and other groups require additional bandwidth within their guaranteed bandwidth.

Abstract: A method and system is implemented to form a communication group comprising a plurality of entities. The method includes receiving a resource manager state generated for an event and extracting a plurality of parameters that indicate resource availability based on the resource manager state. The method further includes applying a set of rules to the resource state and to the plurality of parameters to select resources to form a communication group comprising a plurality of entities to distribute content related to the event.

Abstract: A portable communication device (100) is capable of coupling to a two-way radio (102) via an interface. The portable communication device is capable of selectively functioning as an accessory for the two-way radio and as a standalone communication device when coupled to the two-way radio.