Method and apparatus arranged to reduce traffic on a network channel

Abstract

A system controller (105), and analogous method, for a two way selective messaging system (100) that is arranged to reduce traffic on a network channel (109) that intercouples a plurality of base receivers (115-118, 125-128) includes a source port (303) for receiving a message from a message source, a memory (305) for storing a data base including an activity pattern of the plurality of base receivers, a processor (307), coupled to the source port and the memory for selecting an inbound schedule for a response from a selective messaging unit (131) where the inbound schedule is selected to reduce traffic, corresponding to the inbound schedule, on the network channel, and a transmit port (107) for sending the message along with the inbound schedule to a transmitter (111). A two way selective messaging unit (131), and analogous method, includes a memory (413) for storing a preferred transmitter ID and an activity pattern corresponding to a set of base receivers associated with the preferred transmitter, a controller (411), coupled to the memory, for selecting an inbound schedule for delivery of a message where the inbound schedule is selected to reduce traffic on the network channel, and a transmitter (407) for transmitting the message in accordance with the inbound schedule.