Abstract: Network access delays are minimized by using affiliation messages to pre-establish communications in a wireless communication network (100). A controller (102), upon receiving an affiliation message from a first site (104), establishes connections between the first site and a second site (105), the connections being uniquely associated with a talkgroup/site affiliation indicated by the affiliation message. Additional sites can be added by modifying the connection to include the additional sites. Using a multicast SVC as the connection between the first and second site eliminates the need for a multicast server and its associated delays.

Abstract: Network access delays are minimized by using affiliation messages to pre-establish communications in a wireless communication network (100). In a first embodiment, connections between a site and a multicast server are not pre-assigned. A controller (102), upon receiving an affiliation message from a site (104), establishes connections between the site and a multicast server (111), the connections being uniquely associated with a talkgroup/site affiliation indicated by the affiliation message. In a second embodiment, connections between the site and the multicast server are pre-arranged. Thus, responsive to the affiliation message received from the site, the controller informs the multicast server that a talkgroup is affiliated with the site. Regardless of whether the first or second embodiment is used, the multicast server routes packetized information corresponding to the talkgroup to those sites with which the talkgroup is affiliated.

Abstract: A console interface for a trunked communication system is disclosed wherein unique interface modules are coupled to the central controller and console network to establish communication therebetween. A console interface constructed and arranged to transceive trunking channel call information couples the dispatcher console to the console network thereby allowing the dispatcher to interact with the trunked system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for bi-directional audio and data communications enabling a time-division multiplex control center system and distributed system intelligence enabling efficiency and reliability.

Abstract: A system and method for use in a network of the type including a bus which carries a plurality of digital, multiple bit time divided channels of information including audio information provides for the decoding of digital audio within one of the channels to analog audio signals, the coding of analog audio to digital audio and the placing of the digital audio onto the bus within one of the channels, and the generation of internal or localized analog tones in an improved and efficient manner. A decoding means is provided for converting a digital multiple bit word to analog form. A control means which includes tone generating means adapted for providing digital multiple bit tone words controls a select means which selectively couples the decoding means to the bus to enable decoding of the digital audio or to the tone generating means for providing the analog tones in response to digital data received from the bus within a preselected channel.