Abstract: The system provides a distributed decentralized network architecture. Network routing is performed at each node in the network, as opposed to the centralized architecture's single POP. Each node is typically an access point to the network, and it collects the relevant traffic statistics for subscribers connecting at that node. This is accomplished by a network switching/control element contained within the (Invisible Fiber Unit) IFU. The information is collected from the switching/control element contained within the IFU. The information is collected from the switching element by the IFU's CPU. This information can then be pre-processed locally, or sent directly to a central billing facility, for further processing, eventually resulting in the creation of the subscriber's bill. Essentially, it is only billing information that flows back to a central point, rather than the data traffic itself.

Abstract: The present invention is a wireless network designed to deliver information communication services, such as telephony and data services, from a service provider, such as an ISP or LEC to metropolitan commercial customer locations. The network of a preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates all system components necessary to connect customers, application equipment (e.g., phones, PBX's, computers) to the service provider's equipment, (e.g., C.O. switch, Tandem switch, point of presence (POP) gateway, ISP server, etc.). The preferred embodiment of the present invention integrates all the various functional tasks at the component level, to build a comprehensive, cohesive network solution. The network architecture of the present invention includes a distributed set of non-hierarchal nodes, connected together via wireless links. Nodes of the network can act both as termination points (i.e., connecting to the customer's or service provider's equipment) and/or as tandems, (i.e.

Abstract: In a trunked radio communications system, apparatus and methods are provided for transparently updating existing frequency division multiple access (FDMA) communications facilities to accommodate time division multiple access (TDMA) communications. TDMA channels are added to existing FDMA sites on an individual basis to increase spectral efficiency and capacity while still being compatible with existing FDMA equipment and protocols. For example, the existing FDMA control channel and protocols are used by dual mode sites and dual mode radios. A dual mode radio transceiver selectively participates in trunked radio communications in either an FDMA mode or in a TDMA mode. Each dual mode radio includes a memory for storing a mode identifier identifying each channel as an FDMA or a TDMA working channel. When a channel assignment is made, the dual mode radio determines from that channel mode identifier stored in memory whether to operate in the FDMA or TDMA mode for that particular communication.

Abstract: A distributed trunked radio frequency (RF) switching network (multisite switch) distributes audio routing control information and digitized audio signals to communications interface modules (nodes) throughout the multisite switch, thus avoiding a centralized mixing matrix, increasing fault tolerance and providing low routing request latency time. Each audio source, (for example, RF repeater transmitter, dispatch console microphone) is preassigned an audio channel on a time division multiplexed (TDM) digitized "audio network" or bus within the switch. The audio sources continually provide digitized audio signals to all other nodes within the switch over the assigned TDM bus channels. Audio routing is performed at the audio destinations (for example, interface modules/nodes associated with RF repeater receivers, dispatch console speakers) by selectively "listening" to active TDM network channels.

Abstract: A multisite network switch for a series of RF digital trunked radio transceivers and dispatcher consoles. Each transceiver covers a certain site area. The switch establishes audio communications between different sites and various dispatcher consoles. The multisite switch has a distributed architecture in which each node of the switch is supported by a microprocessor controlled card. Each node interfaces with a site, dispatcher console, system manager or other system component.

Abstract: A multisite network switch for a series of RF digital trunked radio transceivers and dispatcher consoles. Each transceiver covers a certain site area. The switch establishes audio communications between different sites and various dispatcher consoles. The multisite switch has a distributed architecture in which each node of the switch is supported by a microprocessor controlled card. The nodes are connected by audio buses and a dedicated message bus. The messages on the message bus allow the nodes to communicate control information regarding the status of slots on the audio bus, the members in groups, the location of radio units, call types and a host of other information needed to operate the switch.

Abstract: A multisite network switch for a series of RF digital trunked radio transceivers and dispatcher consoles. The switch establishes audio communications between different sites and various dispatcher consoles. The multisite switch has a distributed architecture in which each node of the switch is supported by a microprocessor controlled card. This card has a communications controller that routes messages between the internal switch bus, an outside port and an interface processor that controls the audio slots in the switch. The communications controller receives control messages from the switch bus, but discards redundant slot status messages by checking a slot status bit map stored in a memory unit on the card.

Abstract: An interface for a conventional base station into a digitally trunked network of RF communications systems acts a pseudo-down link from a multisite switch to a trunked site controller. The interface monitors the conventional channels from the base station and sends a channel assignment message to the multisite switch when it detects a voice signal. The channel assignment message notifies the trunked RF systems that a new call is active so that each system can assign a trunked working channel to the conventional call. Similarly, the multisite switch sends a channel request when a trunked call is to be broadcast over a conventional channel. The interface keys the channel and couples the channel to the trunked call.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) signal transmission system is interconnected by a multisite switch that routes command and audio transmission signals between the RF systems. The multisite switch has a distributed architecture of nodes wherein each node is coupled to one of the RF systems, such as a site controller or dispatcher console. Each of the switch nodes has a common architecture in which a single controller board operates a plurality of audio boards. In addition, the controller board has two principal processors that communicate with each other via a dual-port RAM.