Motorola Corporation

Mark H Aronson

Eric Thomas Eaton

David F Willard

Barbara Diaz Laflin

William J Kuznicki

A method and apparatus select a receive frequency of a receiver (400) in a system having coverage areas divided into zones. A primary scan list is stored in the receiver (400) and contains coverage area identification parameters. The list is initially ordered from a most frequented coverage area at the top to a least frequented coverage area at the bottom. The parameters can include a coverage area identifier and a zone identifier, and at least one corresponding frequency identifier. A frequency identifier is chosen (604) from the top of the list and the receiver (400) is tuned to the receive frequency identified thereby. Baud rate detection is performed (608) and, in response to finding a predetermined baud rate, a received coverage area identifier and/or a received zone identifier is decoded (612). If the received identifier matches a corresponding parameter stored in the receiver, the receiver (400) is locked (904) to a signal on the receive frequency.

Method and apparatus for selecting a receive frequency in a

A messaging system capable of transmitting messages to receivers which roam between coverage areas. In one configuration, a coverage area (100) is divided into a plurality of zones (110). A single simulcast system identification (SSID) number is assigned which consists of a local identification number which identifies the coverage area (100), a zone identifier which identifies a zone (110) within the coverage area, traffic splitting flags and a frequency. For larger roaming areas, a network (200) is defined as consisting of a plurality of service areas (210) and is identified by network roaming identification information (NRI). NRI information and/or SSID information is stored in a receiver according to desired coverage and like information is transmitted in the corresponding zone or service area.

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Boynton Beach, FL, United States of America

Mark H Aronson