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 media selection and insertion control device implements a method for selecting media for delivery to a plurality of users at an incident. The media selection and insertion control device: receives a plurality of media inputs from multiple media sources; receives capabilities of devices of users at an incident; receives resource capabilities of a set of networks to which the users are communicatively coupled; receives a set of incident-based rules and applies these rules to the plurality of media inputs to select media inputs to deliver to the users; and determines a mode of delivering the selected media inputs to the users based at least on the capabilities of the users' devices and on the resource capabilities of the set of networks to which the users are communicatively coupled.

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 method of synchronizing a plurality of data streams. A land mobile radio (LMR) data stream can be generated by a LMR communication device. At least one LMR identifier can be communicated from the LMR communication device to a broadband communication device. A broadband data stream can be generated by the broadband communication device. The broadband data stream and the LMR identifier can be communicated from the broadband communication device via an access network. The LMR identifier can enable synchronization of the LMR data stream with the broadband data stream.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring an ongoing communication session from one application server (AS) to another is described. Multiple ASs are monitored and serviced by a Transfer Management Module (TMM). Each of the ASs serves a different network and each network includes various end devices. During an ongoing communication session, whether the session is to continue using the current AS is determined based on a set of rules. If the session is to be transferred, an alternative AS that provides the same application as the current AS is selected using a set of conditions. Upon selection of the alternative AS, the current AS transfers the control and/or media state of the ongoing session for one to all users through the TMM to the selected AS, and the session is continued.

Abstract: Users affiliated with a first narrowband talk group or participating in a narrowband talk group communication are able to establish a parallel communication group with the same users of the first talk group using alternate communication devices to enable transmission of multimedia over the disparate communication networks. One or more databases store and correlate information regarding the users of the narrowband talk group, as well as information regarding the user's communication devices and access technologies employed by the communication devices to determine the possible broadband groups available and an acceptable access technology to transmit the multimedia to the broadband group/data group users. The disparate network group manager informs the users of the narrowband talk group of the presence or availability of the parallel broadband group and establishes the parallel broadband group session when requested to do so by a user of the narrowband talk group.

Abstract: A method, device and system for providing Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) session mobility between end user communication devices, such as between a set-top box and a mobile communication device. IPTV session mobility is provided using a control server configured to manage and facilitate the transfer of the IPTV session in response to receiving appropriate IPTV session control information from the set-top box and/or the mobile communication device. The control server also is configured to discontinue or terminate an existing transfer of IPTV content to the mobile communication device in response to receiving appropriate IPTV session control information. The control server also is configured to allow the mobile communication device to change IPTV channels, perform trick play operations and retrieve stored content from and control various functions of the set-top box. The control server can be a network element coupled to the IP network.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing communication with a target mobile station (312) initiated in part by establishment of a traffic communication channel with a target mobile station (312). Responsive to establishing the traffic communication channel, a message is sent by the target mobile station (312) substantially immediately to a dispatch server (304) via the traffic communication channel. The message comprises information indicating acceptance of a push-to-talk (PTT) request.

Abstract: These various embodiments are usable in a context that comprises a first network that serves to communicatively couple an entity within a second network (which second network is different than the first network) with an end user platform. Pursuant to these teachings this entity is identified as having a predetermined status with respect to being provided with information regarding at least one first network event. When the first network event is detected within the first network, a message is provided to the entity regarding this first network event. By one approach the entity can acquire the indicated status via a subscription process.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing communication with a target mobile station (312) initiated in part by establishment of a traffic communication channel with a target mobile station (312). Responsive to establishing the traffic communication channel, a message is sent by the target mobile station (312) substantially immediately to a dispatch server (304) via the traffic communication channel. The message comprises information indicating acceptance of a push-to-talk (PTT) request.