Abstract: In a wireless communication system, a method includes monitoring an error condition on an active communication channel, establishing a simultaneous communication channel, and searching the simultaneous communications channel while continuing to monitor the active communication channel.

Abstract: Multiple carriers are used to provide access to a wireless communication system. A first carrier transmits synchronization messages in accordance with the IS-95B standard (communication protocol revision 5). The synchronization message directs mobiles attempting to access the network to a paging channel on the first carrier. The paging channel enables mobiles conforming to a standard of IS-2000 revision 0 or older to access the wireless network. The paging channel also includes an extended global service redirection message (EGSRM) that instructs mobiles conforming to the IS-2000 revision A standard (communication protocol revision 7) to use a synchronization channel on a second carrier for reception of an IS-2000 revision A synchronization message. The IS-2000 revision A (communication protocol revision 7) synchronization message instructs the mobile to access the wireless communication network using a BCCH and/or FCCCH on the second carrier, or using a BCCH and/or FCCCH on the first carrier.

Abstract: Multiple carriers are used to provide access to a wireless communication system. A first carrier transmits synchronization messages in accordance with the IS-95B standard (communication protocol revision 5). The synchronization message directs mobiles attempting to access the network to a paging channel on the first carrier. The paging channel enables mobiles conforming to a standard of IS-2000 revision 0 or older to access the wireless network. The paging channel also includes an extended global service redirection message (EGSRM) that instructs mobiles conforming to the IS-2000 revision A standard (communication protocol revision 7) to use a synchronization channel on a second carrier for reception of an IS-2000 revision A synchronization message. The IS-2000 revision A (communication protocol revision 7) synchronization message instructs the mobile to access the wireless communication network using a BCCH and/or FCCCH on the second carrier, or using a BCCH and/or FCCCH on the first carrier.

Abstract: A flexible synchronization message format permits older mobiles as well as newer mobiles to access a wireless communication network. Three types of synchronization messages are time division multiplexed unto the synchronization channel. A first message is interpreted by the newer mobiles and some older mobiles. A second message is interpreted by a second set of older mobiles and a third message is interpreted by a final set of older mobiles. The second and third type of messages are formatted so that they will be ignored by the newer mobiles so that the newer mobiles will not follow instructions associated with older standards and, thereby, not take advantage of options offered under the newer standards. In another embodiment, the frequency with which each of the three messages is transmitted is varied to provide preferential treatment to a particular message type.