| 摘要 |
<p>A radio communication system assigns one repeater the role of priority repeater, whereupon that priority repeater exclusively relays all messages between one or more portable radios and a base site. The priority repeater monitors various indicia relating to its level of activity, and transitions to a non-priority state when the level of activity exceeds a prescribed threshold. The repeater includes a counter for counting the number of transactions performed since the repeater was assigned the role of priority repeater, wherein the count serves as the activity level measure. Idle repeaters compare the activity level embedded in the message with their own activity level. If an idle repeater determines that its activity level is higher than the current priority repeater's activity level, then it will transmit a message to the priority repeater requesting that the priority repeater relinquish priority status. In this manner, the present invention ensures that a repeater will not deplete its battery during its tenure as priority repeater.</p> |
