Abstract: In the context of a radio communications system that includes a core network coupled to a radio access network (RAN) and a plurality of mobile terminals, a connection may be established between the core network and one of the plurality of mobile terminals through the radio access network. A temporary RAN identifier is associated with the mobile terminal for the established connection. The temporary RAN identifier is used to assist in the transfer of information pertaining to the established connection or to the establishment of that connection through the radio access network. The radio access network includes a first RAN node associated with a first geographical coverage area and a second RAN node associated with a second geographical coverage area. When the mobile terminal moves from the first coverage area to the second coverage area, the connection is re-established through the RAN by way of the first and second RAN nodes using the temporary RAN identifier.

Abstract: Efficient channel switching procedures are provided in a mobile communications system. A first channel is established to support a connection through a radio access network to a mobile station. Subsequently, if the first channel is no longer used to support that connection, a portion of that first channel is nevertheless maintained for a period of time. That way, if the first channel is again needed to support the connection to the mobile station, the maintained portion of the first channel is simply reactivated thereby reducing channel switching costs and delays associated with channel set-up and release operations. The portion of the first channel that is maintained may be associated with resources within the radio access network.

Abstract: The present invention provides flexible radio access and resource allocation in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS). A UMTS Terrestrial access network (UTRAN) in response to a radio access bearer service request, flexibly and efficiently allocates resources necessary to support a communication with a mobile radio. The UTRAN includes plural base stations for communicating with mobile radios over a radio/air interface using radio channel resources allocated by a radio network controller connected to the base stations. External network service nodes interfacing with external networks communicate with the UTRAN over a radio access network interface. The UTRAN provides a radio access bearer service to the external network service nodes, and radio access bearers are dynamically assigned to radio channel resources by the UTRAN.

Abstract: Introduction of discontinuous transmission in CDMA communications techniques is achieved by using a lower spreading ratio, whereby the spread information only fills an information part of a frame in a compressed mode, leaving an idle part of the frame in which to perform other functions, such as evaluation of other frequencies and execution of seamless handover between frequencies.