Abstract: A method for updating at least one attribute stored at a mobile station comprises determining a mobile station hash that is representative of a set of attributes that is currently stored at the mobile station and determining a desired hash that is representative of a set of desired attributes desired to be stored at the mobile station. The method additionally includes comparing the mobile station hash with the desired hash, and updating at least one attribute in the set of attributes that is currently stored at the mobile station when the mobile station hash is not equal to the desired hash.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scan mode of operating for a communication system that supports both voice and data communication services. Prior to entering the scan mode, a mobile station (28) provides a message to the fixed network equipment, and particularly a data controller (22) within the fixed network equipment, that it is entering scan mode. When exiting scan mode, the mobile station (28) sends a message to the data controller (22) indicating that it is no longer in scan mode. With knowledge of whether the mobile station (28) is in scan mode, the data controller (22) sends data messages to the mobile station using a preamble. The preamble may include a plurality of short confirmed message packets (606) and each may contain a preamble list of mobile stations to which data messages are scheduled to be sent.

Abstract: Key management methods and communication protocol adapted to reduce the burden placed upon a key delivery device (e.g., KVL) operator. The KVL (101, 401) receives KMM frames (800) including a target destination field (826) and a key management message field (830). Key management messages (KMMs) to be delivered to various targets are included within the key management message fields. The KVL identifies targets either from target destination identifiers in the target destination field (if the KMM is to be delivered encrypted or “black” transfer to target) or from target destination identifiers in the KMM itself (if the KMM is to delivered unencrypted or “red” transfer to target). The KVL determines candidate devices to be targets if they correspond to the target destination identifiers and if so, the KVL automatically delivers the proper key management messages to the respective targets. Key management messages are not delivered to candidate devices not determined to be targets.