Patent ID: 6052557
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: H04B,H04W

Abstract:
A method for using direct mode repeaters in a time division based synchronously operating digital mobile radio system which has a first repeater operating as a repeater forwarding transmissions between two or more mobile stations on a direct mode channel, and a second repeater which does not at first operate as a repeater, said repeaters being arranged for direct mode operation in which said transmissions are received by one of said direct mode repeaters, directly from a first mobile station, and said one of said repeaters forwards said transmissions directly to a second mobile station, said method comprising:(a) transmitting from said first repeater, an identifier, which identifies said first repeater, during respective time periods at desired intervals on a direct mode channel;(b) said second repeater monitoring said direct mode channel for at least each said time period; and(c) said second repeater shifting to a wait state, but continuing said monitoring of said direct mode channel during said time periods at said desired intervals, if said second repeater as a consequence of said monitoring in step (b) detects said identifier, which identifies said first repeater, on said direct mode channel, and said second repeater waiting in said wait state to detect as a consequence of said monitoring, an end of transmission from said first repeater before beginning to operate as a repeater on said direct mode channel.