Abstract: Various embodiments are described for facilitating hotlining in communication systems. A device (101) is informed by a device manager (131) that it is being hotlined and is provided certain hotlining state information. This information may enable devices with different types of user interfaces (browsers, automated clients, handsets, etc.) to trigger an appropriate application and begin communicating with an appropriate network location (in a secure and controlled fashion) to resolve the hotlining issue. The hotlining state information may also enable the device to access network services, while hotlined, such as emergency services. Assuming that a resolution to the hotlining is attained, the device may then be notified that hotlining has terminated. The device may then resume its access to regular network services, perhaps as gracefully as re-entering one or more data sessions interrupted by the hotlining.

Abstract: A method and a machine readable storage for handling failures during security exchanges between a station (125) having a wireless network adapter (130) and a first access point (110) of a wireless local area network (WLAN) (105). As part of a WLAN association process, the method can include transmitting from the station to the first access point a message including a station identifier (170). A first protocol exchange timer (180) also can be started. Responsive to a timeout of the first protocol exchange timer, an association retry counter can be incremented. The WLAN association process can be restarted if the association retry counter is not greater than a retry counter threshold. If the association retry counter is greater than the retry counter threshold, the wireless network adapter can be commanded to enter sleep mode.

Abstract: Fixed network equipment associated with a given private branch exchange provides, and a mobile communication device receives, information that corresponds to compatible interoperation with that private branch exchange, including, for example, a plurality of identifiers including a logical identifier that corresponds to compatible interaction with the private branch exchange. Thereafter, when seeking facilitation of services via that private branch exchange, the mobile communication device can use that logical identifier.

Abstract: A peer to peer messaging protocol allows for messaging using a variety of media and for changing the media during a messaging session. The protocol requires far less code space to implement over existing messaging protocols, such as session initiation protocol, and real time transport protocol. The protocol employs a capability exchange (602) for establishing the media capabilities of the respective peer devices as both a request and the final negotiation. The capability exchange messages use a common header (103) that is also used in subsequent data transmissions carrying the actual message content.