Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling use of uplink random access channels (RACHs) based on multi-dimensional subscriber classification. These systems and methods are useful in cellular communication networks that implement, for example, a public safety cellular system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling use of uplink random access channels (RACHs) based on multi-dimensional subscriber classification. These systems and methods are useful in cellular communication networks that implement, for example, a public safety cellular system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus resolves message collisions in wireless TDMA packet systems for subscribers that communicate in half duplex modes. In one embodiment, a wireless TDMA network element (100) includes at least one processing device (104) and memory (106), operatively coupled to the processing device (104). The processing device (104) divides an outbound message (300) designated for a first subscriber and produces therefrom an independent first message portion (such as an independent short message) (302) and an independent second message portion (such as an independent longer remaining message) (304). Each of the independent first and second message portions (302,304) are allocated to two different wireless outbound reservations for a common subscriber. The independent first message (302) is transmitted first.

Abstract: A wireless communication system (100) employs a method and apparatus for providing information to multiple communication units (121-129). The communication system includes a communication infrastructure (101, 102, 103, 105, 111-113, 120), a data network (107) and an information source (109). The multiple communication units each subscribe to an information service provided by the information source. The communication infrastructure creates a subscription group that includes the multiple communication units. The infrastructure receives subscriber information including at least one information unit from the information source and sets up a point-to-multipoint group call with the subscription group. The infrastructure then transmits the subscriber information to the multiple communication units. Any information unit not confirmed by the multiple communication units is re-transmit by the infrastructure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus resolves message collisions in wireless TDMA packet systems for subscribers that communicate in half duplex modes. In one embodiment, a wireless TDMA network element (100) includes at least one processing device (104) and memory (106), operatively coupled to the processing device (104). The processing device (104) divides an outbound message (300) designated for a first subscriber and produces therefrom an independent first message portion (such as an independent short message) (302) and an independent second message portion (such as an independent longer remaining message) (304). Each of the independent first and second message portions (302,304) are allocated to two different wireless outbound reservations for a common subscriber. The independent first message (302) is transmitted first.

Abstract: A cellular radio communications system comprises: at least one base station for broadcasting radio signals to mobile stations within a cell; a mobile station addressable using IP addresses; and a first controller in the cell of the cellular radio communications system, the first controller being adapted: (i) to receive a request from the mobile station that the cellular radio communication system assign to the mobile station the static IP address previously assigned to the mobile station outside of the cell; (ii) in response to the request from the mobile station, to check with a second controller associated with the location where the mobile station was previously registered that the static IP address has not been assigned to another mobile station; and (iii) to assign the static IP address previously assigned to the mobile station, outside of the cell, to the mobile station for use in the cell, if the static IP address has not been assigned to another mobile station.

Abstract: A data communications system includes a server router (102), such as an access controller gateway, operably coupled to at least one client router (104), such as a base radio controller, by an asynchronous link, such as a LAN (106). The client router forwards data received from the server router and stored in the client router's outbound queue (110) synchronously to a device, such as a mobile station (202). The client router's outbound queue is maintained between a lower queue limit and an upper queue limit so as to both reduce the occurrence of data starvation and reduce the amount of data lost should the mobile station hand off to a new serving site. The server router calculates an optimum average send rate and transmits data in bursts at regular intervals, and adjusts the average send rate in response to changes in the outbound rate of the client router.

Abstract: In a wireless communication system, session timers are separately maintained by a communication device (101) and a system controller (104). When a portion of outbound data is sent to a base station (102) for transmission to the communication device, the base station creates at least one transmission time stamp which is then sent to the system controller (203). If a session has not been previously established, the system controller uses the at least one transmission time stamp to establish a session and initiate a session timer (204). If a session has been previously established, the system controller uses the at least one transmission time stamp to determine whether to continue the current session timer (709). This applies to inbound data as well. Furthermore, session timers can also be synchronized to paging acknowledgments (305), channel information messages (503) or channel access messages (602). In this manner, session timers are more accurately synchronized.

Abstract: A radio communication system (100) employs a method and apparatus for providing packet data communications to a communication unit (e.g., 120). The communication system includes a system controller (102), a packet data router (101), and multiple base sites (103-109). Each base site serves a respective service coverage area (133-139) and the service coverage areas a grouped into multiple location areas (150-151). The packet data router receives a data packet intended for the communication unit and processes a transport protocol layer of the packet. The packet data router then determines whether the communication unit is presently involved in a packet data communication session based at least on information contained in the transport protocol layer of the packet.

Abstract: In a wireless communication system (100), updated software is downloaded to a server (104). In response to a software update query sent by the server, a portable wireless communication unit (101) sends a software update response back to the server. The software update response can include a priority indication and a usage indication. A software update acknowledgment, sent to the portable wireless communication unit by the server in response to the software update response, causes the portable wireless communication unit to internally set a flag indicating the availability of the updated software. Once aware of the availability of the updated software, the portable wireless communication unit can download the updated software using a combined battery charger/software downloader (108).

Abstract: A communication system (100) employs a method and apparatus for providing communication service to communication units (207-213) located within a common carrier transportation device (115). A stationary system controller (101) allocates a first set of communication resources (e.g., 140-149) to a mobile system controller (200) located at the common carrier transportation device (115). The first set of communication resources (140-149) are a subset of the communication resources assigned to a first stationary base site (109) of multiple stationary base sites (102-112) controlled by the stationary controller (101). The mobile controller (200) maps the first set (140-149) to a second set of communication resources (220-229) for use within the common carrier transportation device (115). The second set (220-229) is distinct from the first set (140-149) and is preferably selected to not interfere substantially with communication resources assigned to the stationary base sites (102-112).

Abstract: Data to be transmitted from an information source (301), associated with a local/wide area network (303), to a target destination (317) is formatted into a plurality of data packets. Based on a message type of the data packets, either a circuit-switched network (311) or a packet-switched network (309) is selected. When the circuit-switched network is chosen, a circuit-switched channel (314) is established to the target destination, and the data packets are transmitted to the target destination via the circuit-switched channel. When the packet-switched network is chosen, a packet-switched channel (313) is established to the target destination, and the data packets are transmitted to the target destination via the packet-switched channel.

Abstract: A new data circuit equipment (DCE) coupled to an IWF and a terminal adapter (TA) coupled to a mobile station provide interconnection within a RF communication system such that Class 2 service common to wireline network equipment can be beneficially employed in the wireless RF communication system. The new DCE and TA are transparent to external wireline systems while maintaining compatibility with, inter alia, the predetermined data service protocol layers of the RF communication system, the RF air-interface and/or radio link protocol (RLP) of the RF communication system.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of testing the components of a communication system that uses an ARQ protocol is provided. A processor (117) within the communication system is designated to emulate the ARQ protocol so that the normal paths of communication through the system are tested by creating a path (405) that isolates components (103 and 105) from the remainder of the system and tests the remaining components (107 and 109) using the ARQ-emulating processor (117). The processor (117) is also used to emulate a second protocol.

Abstract: A packet data communication system (100) that includes a packet data routing network (101, 103) and a plurality of base sites (105-107) employs a method (400, 500) and apparatus for providing packet data to a communication unit (109). The packet data routing network (101, 103) provides a packet (201-208) of data to at least two of the base sites (105-107), one of the base sites (e.g., 105) being the site currently serving the communication unit (109) and the other base site or sites (e.g., 106, 107) being possible handoff targets. The serving base site (105) transmits at least a first portion (e.g., 201-203) of the packet (201-208) to the communication unit (109) and the communication unit (109) receives the transmitted packet or portion thereof. However, if during transmission of the packet (201-208) the communication unit (109) requires a handoff to one (e.g.

Abstract: Data to be transmitted from an information source (301) associated with a local/wide area network (303) is formatted into a plurality of data packets. Each data packet includes a first target destination identifier that uniquely identifies a target destination (323) within an RF communication system (306). A network interfacer (305) establishes connectivity between the local/wide area network and a controller (307) associated with the RF communication system. Based on the first target destination identifier, the controller determines a second target destination identifier corresponding to the target destination. A circuit-switched channel is established to the target destination using the second target destination identifier. The data packets are then transmitted via the circuit-switched channel to the target destination without either the first or second target destination identifiers being transmitted therewith.