Patent ID: 6466552
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
A method for transmitting group messages in a packet radio network comprising at least one support node (SGSN) and at least one group comprising a plurality of group members (MS), and at least one defined area, said support node (SGSN) knowing the identity of said group members (MS) in said area, wherein said network comprises:broadcast connections between said support node (SGSN) and said plurality of group members (MS); and point-to-point connections between said support node (SGSN) and each one of said plurality of group members (MS); characterized in that said method comprises performing the following steps at least once: (i) keeping track of the group members (MS) that have not received said group message and determining whether or not their number exceeds a predetermined threshold; (ii) in response to a positive determination in the previous step, transmitting said group message over a broadcast connection; and in response to a negative determination, transmitting said group message over a point-to-point connection to said group members (MS) that have not received said group message.