Patent ID: 6847827

Claim:
In a packet network communication system comprising a plurality of host devices logically connected by one or more paths, a method comprising: receiving a reservation request, from a first group of devices, for one or more call units of bandwidth for a path from the one or more paths; determining an availability of the requested one or more call units of bandwidth for the path; and in response to a positive determination of availability, granting the reservation, yielding a reserved one or more call units of bandwidth for the path, wherein the first group of devices requests the reservation on behalf of a second group of devices, wherein the first group of devices and the second group of devices each comprise at least one host device from the plurality of host devices, wherein the first group of devices is exclusive of the second group of devices, and wherein the reserved one or more call units of bandwidth is used to support a call initiated by one of the host devices in the second group of devices and wherein the first group of devices of the plurality of host devices of the packet network communication system comprises a zone controller for routing payload and control messages of the communication system whereby the communication system comprises dedicated RF channels.