Abstract: A method and system for estimating the number of transceivers in a service area (100) are disclosed. A calibration area (102) is selected from the service area, and a defined number of transceivers are placed in the calibration area. Input parameters are determined for the defined number of transceivers, which are refined so as to ensure that the input parameters satisfy a customer-specified requirement. The measured input parameters for the refined number of transceivers are used to calibrate a Radio Frequency (RF) coverage prediction tool for the calibration area. The calibrated RF coverage prediction tool is further used to estimate the number of transceivers in the service area.

Abstract: A battery saving interval utilized for communicating with a portable subscriber unit (122) in a radio communication system is dynamically adjusted. An occurrence of a predetermined triggering event associated with the portable subscriber unit is observed (504), and the battery saving interval utilized for communicating with the portable subscriber unit is adjusted (506) in response to the predetermined triggering event, while battery saving intervals of other portable subscriber units in the system are left unchanged.

Abstract: A non-real time messaging system (200) for targeting messages to a subscriber unit (222) comprises a synchronized profile of where a subscriber unit should be located (a predetermined base transmission area for transmission of messages to the subscriber unit) maintained between a controller (212) and the subscriber unit. The subscriber unit detects when the subscriber unit is not within the receiving range of a predetermined base transmission area, informs the controller and the controller directs subsequent transmissions to an area identified by the subscriber unit and otherwise transmits subsequent messages to the predetermined base transmission area. The system further includes a plurality of base receivers (217) coupled to the controller for receiving transmissions from the subscriber units and allowing the controller to detect when the subscriber unit is not within the receiving range of a predetermined base transmission area.

Abstract: Time sharing of a radio communication channel among a plurality of interfering cells (302) is provided. The radio communication channel transmits information in a plurality of time slots (502). The radio communication channel is partitioned (704) into a plurality of virtual channels (V1, V2). A virtual channel is used for communicating simultaneously with corresponding ones of the plurality of interfering cells which are assigned to the virtual channel. No more than one of the plurality of virtual channels operates during any one of the plurality of time slots, and the time sharing of the radio communication channel is optimized (708, 710) by activating selected ones of the plurality of virtual channels, based upon a traffic load applicable to the corresponding ones of the plurality of interfering cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a radio communication system that employs frequency reuse is used for optimizing transmission of messages to a selective call transceiver (116). The radio communication system transmits a first message (202) to the selective call transceiver (116) instructing it to listen to a second message destined for another selective call transceiver (116), to measure a signal quality level of the second message, and to transmit a response signal representative of measured signal quality. After transmitting the second message (204) to the other selective call transceiver (116), the radio communication system receives the response signal (206) from the selective call transceiver (116). In response, the radio communication system transmits a third message (212) to the selective call transceiver (116) utilizing a frequency reuse plan in accordance with the signal quality level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is used for transmitting an outbound message (408) in a two-way messaging system having a plurality of cells employing frequency reuse. The controller (112) of the two-way messaging system divides ones of the plurality of cells into a plurality of rings based on radio frequency propagation and interference environment. The controller (112) then sends to a portable selective call transceiver (122) a notification of the outbound message (408). In response, the controller (112) receives information sufficient to determine an identity of one of the plurality of rings in which the portable selective call transceiver (122) has determined itself to be located, and transmits the outbound message (408) to the portable selective call transceiver (122), utilizing a frequency reuse plan in accordance with the identity.