Motorola Corporation

John E Shaver

Brian J Wesselman

Alan D Muehlfeld

Frederick W Vook

William K Doss

Michael P Nolan

Charles D Macenski

Mai T Nguyen

A method for a synchronizing user devices (12) performing handoffs includes providing a set of location synchronizing frequencies and data frequencies selected from a hopping set used by network access points (14). Each AP transmits synchronizing data (36) at the synchronizing frequencies during a portion of a short dwell (32), the short dwells (32) being interleaved between long dwells (30). When a user device (12) attempt a handoff, it tunes to at least one of the synchronizing frequencies and receives synchronizing information (36). The user device (12) then selects one AP (14) for link transfer and synchronizes its operation to the hopping set used by the selected AP (14).

Synchronization method in a frequency hopping local area network having

A method for handing off user devices (131-134) between network control processors (110, 120) in a frequency hopping communication system (100) includes establishing a set of synchronization frequencies (A-D) for use by said NCPs (110, 120), informing the plurality of user devices (131-134) of said synchronization frequencies (A-D) and assigning a synchronization frequency (A, B, C or D) to each respective NCP, each NCP transmitting synchronization information at its assigned synchronization frequency (A, B, C or D) during each hopping dwell (1-82). Upon a determination that a user device hand-off is necessary, said user device in question (133) tunes to a synchronization frequency (B) different from the synchronization frequency (A) employed by the currently serving NCP (110) and synchronizes its operation to the NCP (120) transmitting synchronization information on the tuned to synchronization frequency (B).

Method for providing hand-offs in a frequency hopping communication

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Glen Ellyn, IL, United States of America

John E Shaver