METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BROADCASTING MESSAGES IN CHANNEL RESERVATION COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

摘要

A method and apparatus for broadcasting messages in accordance with the present invention transmits a broadcast message within a wireless communication system or network via utilization of redundant Request-to-Send type or broadcast notice messages or packets (BRTS). A source node repeatedly transmits a sequence of these messages over a system reservation channel with each message containing a sequence identifier. The sequence identifier of each succeeding message has a value immediately preceding the identifier of the previously transmitted broadcast notice message. A destination node receives the messages and determines the transmission time of the broadcast message based on each received message identifier. Subsequent transmission and reception of the final broadcast notice message in the sequence, the broadcast message is transmitted by the source node to the destination node over a data channel identified in the transmitted messages. The quantity of broadcast notice messages may be dynamically adjusted to maintain system performance at a desired level.