Abstract: A method and system for group communications is described. The system includes a plurality of endpoints and at least one group entity that receives from an initiating endpoint, using a transactional protocol, a first message requesting an initiation of a session between a plurality of endpoints affiliated with a group that correlates to the group entity. The group entity further: causes the session to be accepted in order to start the session; upon the acceptance and start of the session causes the presence of the session to be communicated, using a broadcast protocol, to the plurality of endpoints affiliated with the group; and communicates to the initiating endpoint, using the transactional protocol, the acceptance of the session.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing information in a wireless network. The information can be utilized during handoff of a client from an access point to an access point. The method includes a first frame being generated and transmitted by the client to the access point through the access point. The frame includes a request for the information, wherein the information includes at least a target beacon transmission time (TBTT) of the access point. The method also includes the client receiving a second frame containing the information from the access point through the access point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing broadcast group data when a subscriber unit provides a data service message to a data gateway. The data service message includes identity of the subscriber unit and identity of at least one targeted host. The data gateway determines the data service message is for group data broadcast and temporarily stores the identity of the subscriber unit and the identity of the at least one targeted host. Then, the data gateway receives data from a targeted host of the at least one targeted host. When the identity of the targeted host is verified, the data gateway provides the data to a group of subscriber units, wherein the subscriber unit is included in the group of subscriber units.

Abstract: A Packet Network for use in association with a wireless communication system employs packet distribution and call set-up methods optimized to select from a plurality of network routing devices, a single node (i.e., Rendezvous Point (VP) or.multicast core) as a function of attributes exhibited by the communication devices involved in the call or as a function of various communication system performance and/or quality of service (QOS) attributes, including but not limited to, bandwidth requirements, resource availability, network processing capacity, network response time, network traffic data, information technology and other knowledge and know-how regarding system equipment, system software, system integration, installation and/or deployment, bit error rate (BER), received signal strength indication (RSSI), quality of service (QOS) metrics, and any other measure of system performance or call quality.

Abstract: Methods for implementing talkgroup calls in an IP multicast network among competing sources, including console dispatch takeover of an active call from a subscriber, subscriber unit attempted takeover of an active call from a console, and operation of communication devices in different receive modes. In the takeover or attempted takeover situation, the methods allow for a first group of participating devices (e.g., consoles) to hear both competing sources, and for a second group of participating devices (e.g., base site repeaters) to hear only the higher priority source. The methods allow for different dekeying sequences between the competing sources after the takeover or attempted takeover, as appropriate, such that participating devices will hear the remaining source. Where multiple payloads are addressed to the same multicast group address, an exclusive receive mode enables a group of communication devices (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing broadcast group data within a communication system begins when a subscriber unit (28-32, 38-42) provides a data service message to a data gateway (12). The data service message includes identity of a subscriber unit, a data selection, and identity of at least one targeted host (e.g., a computer that stores the requested data) (22-26). Upon receiving the data service message, the data gateway (12) interprets it to determine whether the request is for an individual data broadcast or group data broadcast. When the data broadcast is for a group data broadcast, the data gateway temporarily stores the identity of the subscriber unit and the identity of the targeted host. Having done this, the data gateway (12) obtains the data from the targeted host and provides it to the requesting subscriber unit and other subscriber units that are currently involved in a group voice call with the requesting subscriber unit.