Abstract: An apparatus to form a group of communication devices over a distributed network is claimed. A first node establishes a first channel with a first communication device. At least one second node establishes at least one second channel with at least one second communication device. A controller electrically connected to the first node and the at least one second node comprises a database module. The database module comprises identification information of each of the communication devices of the group. The controller is dynamically configurable such that any single communication device of the group is capable of sending packet data through its respective channel to the other communication devices of the group.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a dormant mode for push-to-talk communication devices in a group communication network provides for determining whether a communication device has been inactive for a predetermined time period and causing the communication device to enter the dormant mode if it is determined that the communication device has been inactive for the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for entering a net within a group communication network provides for requesting a current list of available nets that the communication device may join from a controller and, after receiving the current list of available nets from the controller, selecting a net from the current list of available nets. The method and apparatus further allows the communication device to send a request to the controller for joining the selected net, which may be followed by receiving a response from the controller that the communication device has been added to the list of current participants in the selected net. In another aspect of the invention, a method and apparatus for exiting a net within a group communication network provides for sending a request to the controller for exiting the net, receiving a response from the controller that the communication device has been removed from the list of current participants in the net, and exiting the net.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for arbitrating between a first communication device having floor control in a group communication network and a second communication device competing for floor control provides receiving a floor-control request from the second communication device, comparing respective priority levels of the first communication device and the second communication device, and granting floor control to the second communication device if the second communication device has a higher or equal priority level. In one embodiment, the controller receives the request for floor control from a push-to-talk (PTT) device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a dormant mode for push-to-talk communication devices in a group communication network provides for determining whether the communication devices in a net have been inactive for a predetermined time period and causing the net to enter the dormant mode if it is determined that the net has been inactive for the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining information for users of push-to-talk communication devices in a group communication network provides for maintaining information about a net in the group communication network and maintaining information about a user in the net.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining participants in a net within a group communication network includes the steps of sending a message to a communication device, the message being for determining whether the communication device wishes to stay a participant in the net, and listing the communication device as a participant in the net if the communication device sends a response to the message within a predetermined time period. In one aspect, the communication device is a push-to-talk (PTT) device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing perceived latency in a group communication network provides for receiving a request from a user of a communication device wishing to initiate a group call, receiving media from the user before completely processing the request, and buffering the received media for later transmission.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining participants in a net within a group communication network includes the steps of sending a message to a controller, the message being for determining whether the communication device is a participant in the net, and listing the communication device as a participant in the net if the controller sends a response to the message within a predetermined time period. In one aspect, the communication device is a push-to-talk (PTT) device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing perceived latency in a group communication network provides for receiving a request from a user of a communication device wishing to initiate a group call, receiving media from the user before completely processing the request, and buffering the received media for later transmission.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing security in a group communication network provides for receiving an encryption key, encrypting media for transmission to a controller using the received encryption key, the encrypted media being directed to another communication device, and communicating the encrypted media to the controller. In one embodiment, the communicating includes wireless communication. The method and apparatus further provides for receiving encrypted media from a controller and blocking the encrypted media if the communication device is not enabled to receive encrypted-media transmission, or if the media is not encrypted based on an encryption key previously specified by the communication device. In another aspect, the communication device is a push-to-talk (PTT) device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining information for users of push-to-talk communication devices in a group communication network provides for maintaining information about a net in the group communication network and maintaining information about a user in the net.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reregistering a communication device in a net within a group communication network provides for receiving an indication from a controller that the communication device has been unregistered from a net. The method and apparatus allows for reregistering the communication device to become a participant in the net. In one aspect of the invention, the indication follows a lack of response from the communication device to a request from the controller inquiring whether the communication device wishes to stay a participant in the net. In another aspect, the communication device is a push-to-talk (PTT) device.