Abstract: An exemplary gateway apparatus provides push-to-talk (PTT) communications between users in one network with users in another network where the networks utilize different communication protocols. It includes two protocol modules that interface with the two networks, respectively. The protocol modules are capable of receiving and transmitting messages compatible with the communication protocols used by the associated networks. An interoperability module, connected between the two modules, converts PTT control messages received from one of the networks into PTT control messages compatible with and transmitted to the other network. The PTT control messages received from the one network have a protocol that differs from the protocol of the PTT control messages transmitted to the other network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a gateway which interconnects public safety wireless networks and commercial wireless networks that support push-to-talk group calls. The gateway translates Real Time Protocol (RTP), Session Invitation Protocol (SIP), and Talk Burst Control Protocol (TBCP)/Real Time Control Protocol (RTCP) messages received from the commercial wireless network and RTP and SIP messages received from the public safety wireless network into a format of the receiving network. The gateway has a call control component operable to set up and tear down RTP connections between the networks, a push-to-talk control component operable to arbitrate calls between wireless communications handsets of both networks, and a transmission control component operable to transfer media packets between the networks. The gateway reduces the number of call set ups required when a caller wants to speak because connections may remain active until the talk group participants leave the push-to-talk group call.

Abstract: An exemplary gateway apparatus provides push-to-talk (PTT) communications between users in one network with users in another network where the networks utilize different communication protocols. It includes two protocol modules that interface with the two networks, respectively. The protocol modules are capable of receiving and transmitting messages compatible with the communication protocols used by the associated networks. An interoperability module, connected between the two modules, converts PTT control messages received from one of the networks into PTT control messages compatible with and transmitted to the other network. The PTT control messages received from the one network have a protocol that differs from the protocol of the PTT control messages transmitted to the other network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a gateway which interconnects public safety wireless networks and commercial wireless networks that support push-to-talk group calls. The gateway translates Real Time Protocol (RTP), Session Invitation Protocol (SIP), and Talk Burst Control Protocol (TBCP)/Real Time Control Protocol (RTCP) messages received from the commercial wireless network and RTP and SIP messages received from the public safety wireless network into a format of the receiving network. The gateway has a call control component operable to set up and tear down RTP connections between the networks, a push-to-talk control component operable to arbitrate calls between wireless communications handsets of both networks, and a transmission control component operable to transfer media packets between the networks. The gateway reduces the number of call set ups required when a caller wants to speak because connections may remain active until the talk group participants leave the push-to-talk group call.