Abstract: Embodiments describe overlaying a broadcast multicast channel on top of a unicast network. Messages can be generated by protocols in a broadcast/multicast (BCMC) stack and tunneled through an IRTP of a serving access node. These messages can be transmitted on a BCMC channel and/or a unicast channel. Other messages can be generated by protocols in a unicast stack and tunneled to a B-IRTP of a BCMC Access node and transmitted on a BCMC channel to an access terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments describe overlaying a broadcast multicast channel on top of a unicast network. Messages can be generated by protocols in a broadcast/multicast (BCMC) stack and tunneled through an IRTP of a serving access node. These messages can be transmitted on a BCMC channel and/or a unicast channel. Other messages can be generated by protocols in a unicast stack and tunneled to a B-IRTP of a BCMC Access node and transmitted on a BCMC channel to an access terminal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for hashing mobile stations to frequencies in a communication system. The method uses two-level hashing to assign a mobile station first to a frequency band and then to a specific frequency within the frequency band. Embodiments allow for weights to be assigned to frequencies and mobiles hashed to the weighted frequencies. Weighting allows for a non-uniform distribution of mobile stations among frequencies to optimize system operating parameters.

Abstract: A wireless communications network (100) includes various base stations (110) and subscriber-stations (114). The base stations each provide (602) broadcast content services to subscriber-stations over communication channels of one of the following types: 1) shared channels for use by multiple subscriber-stations, 2) individual channels each dedicated for use by an individual subscriber-station. In response to one or more prescribed condition changes (604), there is a switch (606) in the type of communications channel used to provide broadcast content services to one or more given subscriber-stations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for negotiating and managing one or more personalities in a wireless communications system. The method comprises advertising one or more supported initial protocol set identifiers. Furthermore, the method comprises selecting a starting initial protocol set identifier from the advertised initial protocol set identifiers. In addition, the method comprises establishing a session based on the selected starting initial protocol set identifier. The method also comprises establishing a connection between an access terminal and an access network based on the selected initial protocol set identifier.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detection and selection of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) service. A cellular network may provide an advertisement for a WLAN, such as in an overhead signaling message. The advertisement may identify the Access Point(s) by an Extended Service Set Identifier (ESSID). The remote station may then scan for the WLAN service automatically or manually.

Abstract: In a communication system in which a gateway entity is linked to a plurality of infrastructure entities which in turn are operable to communicate with an access terminal, the access terminal needs first to establish a data attachment point (DAP) with one of the infrastructure entities. Handoff of the DAP from one infrastructure entity to another infrastructure entity is initiated by the access terminal. The access terminal weighs factors such as the link conditions with the various infrastructure entities, the time since the last DAP handoff, and time duration communicating with the current infrastructure entity before proceeding with the DAP handoff.

Abstract: A mobile station for wireless communication includes a control processor configured to generate a message for transmission on a reverse signaling channel, the message including a Station Class Mark field having a plurality of bits, a portion of the Station Class Mark field indicating that the mobile station is uniquely identified by a Mobile Station Equipment Identifier.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided in which an origination station broadcasts a broadcast program to at least one of a plurality of destination stations. A first destination station (or a first group of destination stations) receives a first registration period parameter from the origination station. The first registration period parameter specifies a first period during which the first destination station must register with the origination station. The first destination station may block any attempted registration request that occurs outside the first period. Alternatively, the origination station can deny any attempted registration request by the first destination station that occurs outside the first period. If the registration request from the first destination station is sent before the first period begins, then the destination station can periodically request registration until a request is sent within the first period.

Abstract: Techniques for minimizing call setup latency are disclosed. In one aspect, a channel assignment message is sent with a flag to direct the use of previously negotiated service parameters. This aspect eliminates the need for service negotiation messages. In another aspect, a channel assignment message is sent with an active set identifier instead of an active set and its parameters. This aspect reduces the transmission time of the channel assignment message. In yet another aspect, call setup without paging is facilitated by a mobile station (106) sending a pilot strength measurement message between active communication sessions, such that a channel assignment message can be used for mobile station terminated call setup without the need for mobile station paging and related messages.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing signaling in cellular telephone system providing broadcast services to fully integrate broadcast services with the services provided by the cellular telephone systems. The signaling method coordinate interaction between an access network and the subscriber station to allowing the subscriber station to decode the broadcast service, to receive paging messages while receiving the broadcast service, to properly transition between operation states, and other functions known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Abstract: A wireless communications network (100) includes various base stations (110) and subscriber-stations (114). The base stations each provide (602) broadcast content services to subscriber-stations over communication channels of one of the following types: 1) shared channels for use by multiple subscriber-stations, 2) individual channels each dedicated for use by an individual subscriber-station. In response to one or more prescribed condition changes (604), there is a switch (606) in the type of communications channel used to provide broadcast content services to one or more given subscriber-stations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for communications of scheduling information of reverse link transmissions are disclosed. A base station controller determines scheduling of a reverse link supplemental channel transmission for a mobile station in a communication system (100). The base station controller groups the mobile station in a group of mobile stations and assigns a forward link channel assignment channel to the group of mobile stations. A transceiver (400) incorporates information relating to the determined scheduling in the assigned forward link common assignment channel and transmits the assigned forward link common assignment channel to the mobile station for scheduling the reverse link supplemental channel transmission. The mobile station receives the assigned forward link common assignment channel.

Abstract: A method and system for a handoff in a broadcast communication system is disclosed. A subscriber assisted handoff is impractical in a broadcast communication system due to e.g., a high signaling load, a difficulty to synchronize the broadcast transmission. On the other hand, the small number of broadcast channels enables the subscriber station to perform the handoff autonomously. To streamline the autonomous handoff decision process, several distinct sets of pilot identifiers and rules for transitioning among the sets are defined. To fully integrate broadcast services with the services provided by the cellular telephone systems in a subscriber environment, a method for various handoff scenarios are analyzed.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing signaling in cellular telephone system providing broadcast services to fully integrate broadcast services with the services provided by the cellular telephone systems. The signaling method coordinate interaction between an access network and the subscriber station to allowing the subscriber station to decode the broadcast service, to receive paging messages while receiving the broadcast service, to properly transition between operation states, and other functions known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Abstract: Techniques for minimizing call setup latency are disclosed. In one aspect, a channel assignment message is sent with a flag to direct the use of previously negotiated service parameters. This aspect eliminates the need for service negotiation messages. In another aspect, a channel assignment message is sent with an active set identifier instead of an active set and its parameters. This aspect reduces the transmission time of the channel assignment message. In yet another aspect, call setup without paging is facilitated by a mobile station (106) sending a pilot strength measurement message between active communication sessions, such that a channel assignment message can be used for mobile station terminated call setup without the need for mobile station paging and related messages.

Abstract: A method for managing a point-to-point call initiated (702) between a wireless mobile station (114, 400) and a remote party while the mobile is receiving broadcast content via one or more multi-user forward-link broadcast channels (508). The mobile station notifies (704) the network (110) of preferences as to prescribed categories of operating conditions, such as whether to continue receiving the broadcast content, and election between the point-to-point call and the broadcast content should network resources be unable to conduct the point-to-point call and broadcast content concurrently. In accordance with the preferences, communications are conducted (706) in one of the following operating modes: (1) conducting the point-to-point call and discontinuing reception of the broadcast, (2) conducting the point-to-point call and continuing reception of the broadcast, (3) aborting completion of the point-to-point call and continuing reception of the broadcast.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing frame re-transmission in a broadcast communication system. Frame re-transmission is accomplished only when a predetermined number of negative acknowledgement messages are received with respect to one or more data frames. The predetermined number may vary in accordance with various operating parameters, such as the latency of the transmission and/or the number of wireless communication devices currently receiving a broadcast transmission.

Abstract: Techniques for synchronization of stored service parameters are disclosed. In one aspect, a configuration identifier is transmitted from a mobile station to a base station, and compared with an identifier generated in the base station. If the identifiers match, the configuration is used for communication. In another aspect, the identifier is generated by selecting an identifier associated with a configuration from a configuration table. In yet another aspect, the identifier is generated by computing a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) of the configuration. Various other aspects are also presented. These aspects have the benefit of preventing attempted use of unsynchronized stored service parameters and associated call setup failures and subsequent renegotiation, with the net effect of reducing call setup time and more efficient use of system resources.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detection and selection of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) service. A cellular network may provide an advertisement for a WLAN, such as in an overhead signaling message. The advertisement may identify the Access Point(s) by an Extended Service Set Identifier (ESSID). The remote station may then scan for the WLAN service automatically or manually.