Abstract: A non-contact deployment method generally includes: configuring a component so that it is in a low-power state; receiving an activation signal (e.g., light, RFID, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.); causing a deployment module within the component to wake up; and instructing the component to perform the appropriate deployment steps. The activation signal is preferably a type of signal that does not require special equipment, i.e., a signal that would conventionally be present within an environment in which a network is being deployed. The signal may be received, for example, while the component is within its shipping box or other enclosure.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting the presence of broadcast receivers, such as mobile communication devices, within a communication network and transitioning to selective communications to one or more of the receivers. The method including sending a broadcast query to a plurality of mobile units (“MUs”), receiving at least one response from each at least one of the MUs, each of the responses specifying whether each of the at least one MU that can receive a broadcast transmission, and indicating to a user whether any of the MUs responded to the broadcast query. Described is a further method including receiving a broadcast transmission from an MU, sending a request to the MU to conduct a private communication session, and conducting the private communication session with the MU. Described is a device including means for determining whether further devices can receive a broadcast transmission from the device, and means for transitioning from a broadcast communication session to a private communication session.

Abstract: A charging cradle having an embedded server, wherein the server software is a ubiquitous and integral part of the charging cradle. Additionally, the server enables monitoring of an enterprise mobile device for battery level and availability, and can push software/firmware updates to the mobile device via an integrated data connection. Furthermore, the charging cradle can distribute services to the mobile devices, reducing the overall complexity of the mobile devices.