Methods for providing access to wireless resources in a trunked radio communication system

Abstract

Methods are disclosed for providing requested access, network-initiated access and autonomous access to communication resources (-) by wireless communication unit(s) (), and for controlling the different types of access using access control identifier(s) assigned to the devices. Requested access requires a communication unit to send a call request () to a communication resource controller (). The request () includes at least an identification of the communication unit and an access control identifier associated with the communication unit. Network-initiated access comprises a communication resource controller or other fixed network equipment sending a page request () to the communication unit which responds with a page response message () including the identification of the communication unit and an access control identifier. The communication resource controller () determines, based on the access control identifier, whether a communication resource is available to support the request. Autonomous access comprises the communication unit () receiving a service advertisement message () identifying a communication resource and one or more access control identifiers associated with the communication resource. The communication unit determines its eligibility for autonomous access based on the service advertisement message. The service advertisement message may be used to indicate an availability status of communication resources as available for autonomous access or requested access or not available for selected user groups.