Abstract: Network access delays are minimized by using affiliation messages to pre-establish communications in a wireless communication network (100). In a first embodiment, connections between a site and a multicast server are not pre-assigned. A controller (102), upon receiving an affiliation message from a site (104), establishes connections between the site and a multicast server (111), the connections being uniquely associated with a talkgroup/site affiliation indicated by the affiliation message. In a second embodiment, connections between the site and the multicast server are pre-arranged. Thus, responsive to the affiliation message received from the site, the controller informs the multicast server that a talkgroup is affiliated with the site. Regardless of whether the first or second embodiment is used, the multicast server routes packetized information corresponding to the talkgroup to those sites with which the talkgroup is affiliated.

Abstract: A simulcast controller 201 receives a communication request at a current time. A preliminary launch time equivalent to the sum of the current time plus a predetermined offset value (401) is calculated along with a difference between the preliminary launch time and a transmission conclusion time (402). When the difference is not greater than a sum of a predetermined dekey interval (404) and a predetermined keyup interval (408), a supplemental offset value (406-407) is added to the preliminary launch time to produce the initial launch time. Alternatively, upon termination of a previous communication (600), a period of time equivalent to the sum of the predetermined dekey interval (602) and the predetermined keyup interval (603) is initiated. If the current time is earlier than an expiration time (604), the predetermined offset value (601) and the supplemental offset value (606-607) are added to the current time to produce the initial launch time.

Abstract: Adaptive digital coding of received analog information based on signal strength can be accomplished in the following manner. Once a repeater receives analog information from a communication unit, the signal quality of the received analog information is determined. Next the signal quality of the received analog information is compared with a first signal quality value. If the signal quality of the received analog information is above the first signal quality value, the received analog information is digitally coded based on a first digital coding format. If the signal quality of the received analog information is below the first signal quality value, the received analog information is digitally coded based on a second digital coding format.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and a method for transceiver self-diagnostic testing in a communication system. A feedback unit (228, 326) is utilized that allows performance of a loopback test independent of a transmit frequency to receive frequency difference without undue proliferation of circuitry.