Abstract: A calling communication unit (210) transmits a dispatch communication request to a communication infrastructure (202). The dispatch communication request includes at least a dispatch identification of a called communication unit (e.g.,216). In response to the dispatch communication request, the communication infrastructure generates an alert message that includes a dispatch identification of the calling communication unit and determines a telephone number associated with the called communication unit. The communication infrastructure then transmits the generated alert message to the called communication unit based on the telephone number associated with the called communication unit.

Abstract: A dispatch communication system (100) that includes a system controller (101), multiple base sites (103-105), and a group of communication units (107-111) employs a method and apparatus for communicating therein. A system device (either the system controller or a communication unit) establishes a dispatch communication between the group of communication units. Once the communication is established, the system device starts a timer and continuously determines a first length of time (call time) since establishment of the communication. The system device also determines whether an event indicative of call reassignment has occurred during the communication. When such an event has occurred, the system device determines a second length of time (hang time) based on the call time, wherein the hang time commences upon the occurrence of the event. Upon determining the hang time, the system device further determines whether call reassignment has occurred within the hang time.

Abstract: A communication system (100) that includes a plurality of communication units (101-108) and infrastructure equipment (110-115, 140, 141) employs a method and apparatus for providing communication services to a communication unit (e.g., 101). The infrastructure equipment includes a plurality of base sites (110-115) that provide communication services to corresponding service coverage areas (120-125). The service coverage areas (120-125) are further arranged into paging location areas (130-132). When the communication unit (101) becomes active in the system (100), the communication unit (101) determines its registration type. When the communication unit (101) is of a first registration type, the communication unit (101) transmits a registration message to the infrastructure equipment (e.g., 141) whenever the unit (101) enters a new location area (130-132).

Abstract: A communication system (100) employs a method of messaging between a subscriber unit (105) and an infrastructure communication center (101). A messaging key associated with a subscriber unit reference number is provided (203, 403) to the subscriber unit (105) and to the infrastructure communication center (101). An authentication key and/or an identifier for the subscriber unit (105) is then produced (300, 407) by either the subscriber unit (105) or the infrastructure communication center (101). The authentication key and/or the identifier is encrypted (207, 413) with the messaging key and is subsequently communicated (209, 415) between the subscriber unit (105) and the infrastructure communication center (101).

Abstract: In a communication system, a method that efficiently utilizes bandwidth of communication resources when transmitting first and second bandwidth messages to a communication unit may be accomplished in the following manner. When a central processor receives a message for the communication unit, it determines whether the message is of a first bandwidth message type or a second bandwidth message type. When the message is of the first bandwidth message type, the central processor transmits the message to the communication unit via a communication resource that is used primarily for transceiving first bandwidth type messages. When the message is of the second bandwidth message type, the central processor prepares a first bandwidth notification message and transmits it to the communication unit via the communication resource. The first bandwidth notification message informs a user of the communication unit that the central processor has the second bandwidth type message for it.

Abstract: An improved protocol for a radio communications system (100) having a base station (103), radio units (101), an inbound channel (107) for conveying information from the radio units to the base station, an outbound channel (105) for conveying information from the base station to the radio units, a first unit of time is defined as a microslot (201, 203, 205), and a second unit of time is defined as a slot (207), the slot comprising an integral number of consecutive and contiguous microslots. The base station sends timing information to the radio units, and indicates to the radio units when the inbound channel is idle by, first, determining when a microslot time period has expired (303) and, when this occurs, then determining when a slot time period has expired (305). If a slot has expired, the base station then determines whether the inbound channel is idle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for accommodating diverse signalling methods and protocols within a single, unified Radio Data Communications system without interference. In this way, improvements and new products may be integrated within a pre-established communications system without the need of discarding older equipment. Further, separate operating systems may be effectively merged without permanently modifying the merged system to one or another of the previous systems' signalling formats.

Abstract: A shared data/voice communication system wherein data traffic may be guaranteed priority at a set, but programmable, level of system capacity and wherein interference between such data and voice traffic is effectively minimized. The system operates on standardized channel access rules in the data mode, as well as requesting permission to operate in the voice mode, which if granted, effects a specific protocol to condition the system for voice traffic and manage the same during such pendency. Long and short timers are selectively activated depending upon whether the system is in the voice or data mode to minimize collisions of the system radio data terminals requesting channel access.

Abstract: A data signalling system for transmitting signals between at least one primary station and a plurality of secondary stations. The system is well adapted for use in multiple unit radio communications systems capable of noise and data communications. A register model is utilized which permits a highly flexible signalling system compatable with a wide range of communications networks. Data transfer is accomplished using fixed length data packets which are error correction encoded and transmitted utilizing PSK modulation.

Abstract: A data signalling system for transmitting signals between at least one primary station and a plurality of secondary stations. The system is well adapted for use in multiple unit radio communications systems capable of noise and data communications. A register model is utilized which permits a highly flexible signalling system compatable with a wide range of communications networks. Data transfer is accomplished using fixed length data packets which are error correction encoded and transmitted utilizing PSK modulation.