Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for performing push-to-talk communications over a wireless network comprises a push-to-talk (PTT) server including an application server (AS) and a media resource function processor (MRFP) configured to communicate with user equipment over a wireless link. The application server includes a media resource function controller (MRFC), and the MRFP is configured to provide floor control in a push-to-talk session. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of handsets if provided where each handset is capable of communicating with an application server and each handset includes a floor request switch configured to selectively generate a floor request signal. The MFRP is configured to receive a floor request signal and to selectively grant floor control to a requesting user. Advantages of the invention include an efficient technique for providing push-to-talk communications.

Abstract: Methods of enabling non-Push-To-Talk (PTT) enabled devices, configured for full-duplex communication, to participate in a PTT-over-Cellular (PoC) session that includes a PTT enabled device, are presented including: detecting start of speech from the non-PTT enabled device; generating a floor control request on behalf of the at least one non-PTT enabled device; negotiating the floor control request based on a device priority; generating a floor control response for the at least one non-PTT enabled device; and generating a first floor control state for the PoC session. In some embodiments, methods further include: buffering RTP packets in a media buffer, the RTP packets corresponding to speech received from the non-PTT enabled device; if the floor control request is granted, sending the RTP packets to the PoC session; and if the floor control request is denied, discarding the RTP packets.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for performing push-to-talk communications over a wireless network comprises a push-to-talk (PTT) server including an application server (AS) and a media resource function processor (MRFP) configured to communicate with user equipment over a wireless link. The application server includes a media resource function controller (MRFC), and the MRFP is configured to provide floor control in a push-to-talk session. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of handsets if provided where each handset is capable of communicating with an application server and each handset includes a floor request switch configured to selectively generate a floor request signal. The MFRP is configured to receive a floor request signal and to selectively grant floor control to a requesting user. Advantages of the invention include an efficient technique for providing push-to-talk communications.