Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide for methods and apparatus for encrypting media using a current media encryption key (MEK), requesting a new MEK, and receiving the new MEK. The method further provides for transitioning from the current MEK to the new MEK and continuing to encrypt the media using the new MEK. In another embodiment, the method provides for decrypting media during an ongoing media communication session, the method provides for receiving encrypted media, and decrypting the encrypted media using a current MEK. The method further provides for requesting a new MEK before the current MEK expires based on its associated expiration time, receiving the new MEK, and continuing to decrypt the encrypted media based on a received MEK indication flag (MIF) that indicates whether the encrypted media is encrypted using the current MEK or the new MEK.

Abstract: A wireless communication device without IP capability nonetheless communicates with an infrastructure that uses IP. To effect call set-up, an over-the-air (OTA) origination message from the wireless communication device is received by an infrastructure component, which in turn generates IP-based messages having headers that are extended to include information related to the OTA protocol. The IP-based messages with extended headers are then used internally to the infrastructure to effect call set-up.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide apparatus and methods for establishing a group communications session with selected ones of a plurality of communications devices that define a call group. The apparatus includes a dispatch module operable to receive event information and communication device information associated with each of the plurality of communications devices. The dispatch module is further operable to define the members of the call group based on a predetermined relationship between their respective device information and the event information. Additional embodiments include apparatus and methods for dispatching event information to such an ad hoc call group.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a transparent service option transition between at least two wireless communication devices (WCDs). A first communication between a first WCD and a second WCD is established using a first service option. At some point during the first communication, a transition to a second service option, such as an asynchronous data service option, is initiated. At least one of the WCDs provides an identification code to the other WCD using a signaling protocol over the first service option. The first communication is then terminated. A second communication using the second service option is then initiated by one of the WCDs, resulting in a seamless transition to the second service option.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide for methods and apparatus for encrypting media using a current media encryption key (MEK), requesting a new MEK, and receiving the new MEK. The method further provides for transitioning from the current MEK to the new MEK and continuing to encrypt the media using the new MEK. In another embodiment, the method provides for decrypting media during an ongoing media communication session, the method provides for receiving encrypted media, and decrypting the encrypted media using a current MEK. The method further provides for requesting a new MEK before the current MEK expires based on its associated expiration time, receiving the new MEK, and continuing to decrypt the encrypted media based on a received MEK indication flag (MIF) that indicates whether the encrypted media is encrypted using the current MEK or the new MEK.

Abstract: A wireless telephone without IP capability nonetheless communicates with an infrastructure that uses IP. Virtual IP endpoints, such as Base Stations (BTS), not only communicate with the infrastructure using IP and with the telephone using over-the-air protocol, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), but one of the endpoints also selects the best frame over a call received by multiple endpoints, alleviating the need for a Base Station Controller (BSC) in the infrastructure. A handoff assist entity causes frame selection to be transferred to a second BTS in accordance with a handoff algorithm.

Abstract: A wireless telephone without IP capability nonetheless communicates with an infrastructure that uses IP. Virtual IP endpoints such as base stations (BTS) not only communicate with the infrastructure using IP and with the telephone using over-the-air protocol such as CDMA, but one of the endpoints also selects the best frame over a call received by multiple endpoints, alleviating the need for a base station controller (BSC) in the infrastructure. A handoff assist entity causes frame selection to be transferred to a second BTS in accordance with a handoff algorithm.

Abstract: A wireless communication device without IP capability nonetheless communicates with an infrastructure that uses IP. To effect call set-up, an over-the-air (OTA) origination message from the wireless communication device is received by an infrastructure component, which in turn generates IP-based messages having headers that are extended to include information related to the OTA protocol. The IP-based messages with extended headers are then used internally to the infrastructure to effect call set-up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a transparent service option transition between at least two wireless communication devices (WCDs). A first communication between a first WCD and a second WCD is established using a first service option. At some point during the first communication, a transition to a second service option, such as an asynchronous data service option, is initiated. At least one of the WCDs provides an identification code to the other WCD using a signaling protocol over the first service option. The first communication is then terminated. A second communication using the second service option is then initiated by one of the WCDs, resulting in a seamless transition to the second service option.