Abstract: A packet non-replicating comparator device for use in a digital simulcast radio communication system generates a single seed copy of a timestamped information data packet (per channel) for transmission to either a multicast capable packet-switched network or to a packet duplicator coupled to a unicast capable packet-switched network. The multicast capability of packet-switched networks is utilized to simplify the hardware and software complexity at the comparator site, by assigning the responsibility for performing simulcast (timestamped) packet replication and distribution (to the appropriate transmitters) to the coupled packet-switched network. As a result, the elimination of the comparator performed function of sourcing multiple (replicated) packets of a seed copy frees up valuable link bandwidth and improves processing capability and makes possible the generation of multiple non-replicated packets corresponding to associated ones of multiple channels by a single comparator device.

Abstract: In a digital multi-channel simulcast system, a redundant centralized timestamping device acts as a simulcast controller for multiple channels simultaneously. All packets within a regional multi-channel system which require simulcast transmission are sent to a central timestamping device which determines the appropriate launch timestamp for each packet and attaches it thereto. The timestamping device is able to support concurrent timestamping sessions for each channel of a multiple channel system and can be dynamically assigned (trunked) to service any given radio channel on a packet by packet, call by call, or less frequent basis.

Abstract: A packet voting server and associated method for performing voting services on multiple radio channels simultaneously and including capability to be dynamically assigned (trunked) to service any given radio channel, for example, on a packet by packet, call by call, or less frequent basis.