Abstract: A server for use by a designated one of a number of mobile units in a cellular communications system including a plurality of cells having different service areas with respect to one another may be selected by, for each of the mobile units, assigning to each cell a category of preference for selection with respect to each other cell within the system, wherein for at least one of the cells, the assigned category of preference associated with a first mobile unit is different from the assigned category of preference associated with a second mobile unit. Then, for the designated mobile unit, the assigned category of preference for each of a number of candidate cells is determined. A first one of the candidate cells is then selected as serving cell for the designated mobile unit based upon whether the first one of the candidate cells has a higher category of preference than another of the candidate cells.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed, whereby a packet switched system emulates the location algorithm of a circuit switched system. The packet switched system, wherein cell reselection is performed primarily by the mobile stations, has advanced locating and flexible cell reselection capabilities that cause the packet switched traffic to behave (from a control standpoint) virtually the same, with respect to cell reselection and locating, as the circuit switched traffic. In other words, the packet switched mobile terminals are able to emulate the locating functions of the circuit switched system, which minimizes signal interference between the two systems.