Apparatus for network communication system allowing for persistent request slots for network nodes as well as separate identification to be sent from nodes

• US 7,787,883 B2
• Filed: 07/16/2007
• Issued: 08/31/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/24/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: GPNE Corp.
• Original Assignee: GPNE Corp.
• Inventors: Tsui, Po S., Wong, Gabriel K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pan; Yuwen
• Application Number:
  US11/778,596
• Publication Number:
  US 20070263536A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,142 Days
• Field of Search: 455/450
• US Class Current: 455/450
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/26 Resource reservation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/08 Reselecting an access point
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/08 Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery signalling during connection H04W76/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/00 Synchronisation arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/00 User notification, e.g. alerting and paging, for incoming communication, change of service or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/02 Arrangements for increasing efficiency of notification or paging channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/04 Wireless resource allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/0446 Resources in time domain, e.g. slots or frames
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/23 in the downlink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards a terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/002 Transmission of channel access control information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/04 Scheduled access hybrid access H04W74/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/06 using polling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/02 Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/022 One-way selective calling networks, e.g. wide area paging
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/025 with acknowledge back capability
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/022 Selective call receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/185 Selective call encoders for paging networks, e.g. paging centre devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A communication system is provided for communication between network nodes and multiple communication controllers. The communication method provides for request timeslot management, assigning request timeslots to individual nodes. In the network, when an individual node has data to transmit, the node transmits a request signal to a communication controller over an assigned timeslot. For a first node in the network area of a first controller communicating with a second node in the network area of a second communication controller, data is relayed between the first and second communication controllers to enable communication between the first and second nodes. Acknowledgement back that communication is successful is made by a node to a controller indicating a grant was successfully received by the node.

Claims

1. A data network having a plurality of nodes including a first node, the first node comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

transmit a first upstream signal from the first node, said first upstream signal comprising a reserve request which is transmitted within a first slot allocated to the first node;

receive first downstream signaling information, said first downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said first downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of resources to the first node for transmitting a packetized message;

transmit the packetized message subsequent to receiving the first downstream signaling information;

receive second downstream signaling information comprising information describing a new cell and determining that the first node must perform a handoff procedure, said handoff procedure comprising the following steps;

transmit a second upstream signal, said second upstream signal comprising a random access request in a second slot;

receive third downstream signaling information, said third downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the second upstream signal, said third downstream signaling information acknowledging receipt of said second upstream signal, said third downstream signaling information comprising information referencing a second slot number wherein the first node transmitted said random access request in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the third downstream signaling information;

transmit a third upstream signal from the first node, said third upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving said third downstream signaling information, said third upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node; and

receive fourth downstream signaling information, said fourth downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the third upstream signal, said fourth downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of a third slot to the first node for transmitting a subsequent reserve request;

wherein the availability of the third slot by the first node recurs in repeated transmissions until use of the third slot by the first node is disabled.

2. The first node of claim 1,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a fourth slot allocated to the second node that can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein said additional reserve request transmitted by the second node is transmitted on a differing frequency than said packetized message transmitted by the first node.

3. The first node of claim 1,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a fourth slot allocated to the second node can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node.

4. The first node of claim 1,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

5. The first node of claim 1,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

6. The first node of claim 1,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

7. The first node of claim 1,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency.

8. The first node of claim 1,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency; and

the fourth frequency.

9. The first node of claim 1,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency; and

the fourth frequency; and

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a sixth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, the fourth frequency and the fifth frequency.

10. The first node of claim 1,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

wherein the data packets may include information related to a sequence number, and

wherein a final data packet from the packetized message may further comprise information related to terminal indication information indicating that the final data packet is a last data packet.

11. The first node of claim 1, wherein the first node further comprises a touch sensitive display input device.

12. The first node of claim 1, wherein the availability of said first slot allocated to the first node recurs in repeated transmissions until use of the first slot by the first node is disabled.

13. A data network having a plurality of nodes including a first node, the first node comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

transmit a first upstream signal from the first node, said first upstream signal comprising a reserve request which is transmitted within a first slot allocated to the first node;

receive first downstream signaling information, said first downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said first downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of resources to the first node for transmitting a packetized message;

transmit the packetized message subsequent to receiving the first downstream signaling information;

receive second downstream signaling information comprising information describing a new cell and determining that the first node must perform a handoff procedure, said handoff procedure comprising the following steps;

transmit a second upstream signal, said second upstream signal comprising a random access request in a second slot;

receive third downstream signaling information, said third downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the second upstream signal, said third downstream signaling information acknowledging receipt of said second upstream signal, said third downstream signaling information comprising information referencing a second slot number wherein the first node transmitted said random access request in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the third downstream signaling information;

transmit a third upstream signal from the first node, said third upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving said third downstream signaling information, said third upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node; and

receive fourth downstream signaling information, said fourth downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the third upstream signal, said fourth downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of a third slot to the first node for transmitting a subsequent reserve request;

wherein the availability of said third slot allocated to the first node recurs in repeated transmissions until use of the third slot by the first node is disabled,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a fourth slot allocated to the second node can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node.

14. The first node of claim 13,

wherein said additional reserve request transmitted by the second node is transmitted on a differing frequency than said packetized message transmitted by the first node.

15. The first node of claim 13,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

16. The first node of claim 13,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

17. The first node of claim 13,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

18. The first node of claim 13,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency.

19. The first node of claim 13,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency; and

the fourth frequency.

20. The first node of claim 13,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency; and

the fourth frequency; and

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a sixth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, the fourth frequency and the fifth frequency.

21. The first node of claim 13,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

wherein the data packets may include information related to a sequence number, and

wherein a final data packet from the packetized message may further comprise information related to terminal indication information indicating that the final data packet is a last data packet.

22. The first node of claim 13, wherein the first node further comprises a touch sensitive display input device.

23. The first node of claim 13, wherein the availability of said first slot allocated to the first node recurs in repeated transmissions until use of the first slot by the first node is disabled.

24. A first node in a data network, the data network including a plurality of nodes including the first node, the first node comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

transmit a first upstream signal, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot;

receive first downstream signaling information, said first downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information acknowledging receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprising information referencing a first slot number wherein the first node transmitted said random access request in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the first downstream signaling information;

transmit a second upstream signal from the first node, said second upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving said first downstream signaling information, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

receive second downstream signaling information, said second downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the second upstream signal, said second downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of a second slot to the first node for transmitting a reserve request;

transmit a third upstream signal from the first node, said third upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving the second downstream signaling information, said third upstream signal comprising the reserve request which is transmitted within the second slot allocated to the first node;

receive third downstream signaling information, said third downstream signaling information received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmit the packetized message subsequent receiving the third downstream signaling information.

25. The first node of claim 24,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a third slot allocated to the second node that can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein said additional reserve request transmitted by the second node is transmitted on a differing frequency than said packetized message transmitted by the first node.

26. The first node of claim 24,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a third slot allocated to the second node can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node.

27. The first node of claim 24,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

28. The first node of claim 24,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

29. The first node of claim 24,

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

30. The first node of claim 24,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency.

31. The first node of claim 24,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency.

32. The first node of claim 24,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a sixth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, the fourth frequency and the fifth frequency.

33. The first node of claim 24,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

wherein the data packets may include information related to a sequence number, and

wherein a final data packet from the packetized message may further comprise information related to terminal indication information indicating that the final data packet is a last data packet.

34. The first node of claim 24, wherein the first node further comprises a touch sensitive display input device.

35. The first node of claim 24, wherein said third downstream signaling information is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

36. A first node in a data network, the data network including a plurality of nodes including the first node, the first node comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

transmit a first upstream signal, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot;

receive first downstream signaling information, said first downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information acknowledging receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprising information referencing a first slot number wherein the first node transmitted said random access request in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the first downstream signaling information;

transmit a second upstream signal from the first node, said second upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving said first downstream signaling information, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

receive second downstream signaling information, said second downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the second upstream signal, said second downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of a second slot to the first node for transmitting a reserve request;

transmit a third upstream signal from the first node, said third upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving the second downstream signaling information, said third upstream signal comprising the reserve request which is transmitted within the second slot allocated to the first node;

receive third downstream signaling information, said third downstream signaling information received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmit the packetized message subsequent to receiving the third downstream signaling information,

wherein the availability of said second slot allocated to the first node recurs in repeated transmissions until use of the second slot by the first node is disabled.

37. The first node of claim 36,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a third slot allocated to the second node that can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein said additional reserve request transmitted by the second node is transmitted on a differing frequency than said packetized message transmitted by the first node.

38. The first node of claim 36,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a third slot allocated to the second node can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node.

39. The first node of claim 36,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

40. The first node of claim 36,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

41. The first node of claim 36,

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

42. The first node of claim 36,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency.

43. The first node of claim 36,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency.

44. The first node of claim 36,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a sixth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, the fourth frequency and the fifth frequency.

45. The first node of claim 36,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

wherein the data packets may include information related to a sequence number, and

wherein a final data packet from the packetized message may further comprise information related to terminal indication information indicating that the final data packet is a last data packet.

46. The first node of claim 36, wherein the first node further comprises a touch sensitive display input device.

47. The first node of claim 36, wherein said third downstream signaling information is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

48. A first node in a data network, the data network including a plurality of nodes including the first node, the first node comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

transmit a first upstream signal, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot, wherein the first upstream signal transmitted from the first node includes randomly generated information created by the first node;

receive first downstream signaling information, said first downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information acknowledging receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprises the return of said randomly generated information to the first node and information referencing a first slot number wherein the first node transmitted said random access request in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the first downstream signaling information;

transmit a second upstream signal from the first node, said second upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving said first downstream signaling information, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

receive second downstream signaling information, said second downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the second upstream signal, said second downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of a second slot to the first node for transmitting a reserve request;

transmit a third upstream signal from the first node, said third upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving the second downstream signaling information, said third upstream signal comprising the reserve request which is transmitted within the second slot allocated to the first node;

receive third downstream signaling information, said third downstream signaling information received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmit the packetized message subsequent to receiving the third downstream signaling information,

wherein the availability of said second slot allocated to the first node recurs in repeated transmissions until use of the second slot by the first node is disabled.

49. The first node of claim 48,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a third slot allocated to the second node that can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein said additional reserve request transmitted by the second node is transmitted on a differing frequency than said packetized message transmitted by the first node.

50. The first node of claim 48,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a third slot allocated to the second node can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node.

51. The first node of claim 48,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

52. The first node of claim 48,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

53. The first node of claim 48,

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

54. The first node of claim 48,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency.

55. The first node of claim 48,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency.

56. The first node of claim 48,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a sixth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, the fourth frequency and the fifth frequency.

57. The first node of claim 48,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

wherein the data packets may include information related to a sequence number, and

wherein a final data packet from the packetized message may further comprise information related to terminal indication information indicating that the final data packet is a last data packet.

58. The first node of claim 48, wherein the first node further comprises a touch sensitive display input device.

59. The first node of claim 48, wherein said third downstream signaling information is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

60. A first node in a data network, the data network including a plurality of nodes including the first node, the first node comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

transmit a first upstream signal, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot;

receive first downstream signaling information, said first downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information acknowledging receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprising information referencing a first slot number wherein the first node transmitted said random access request in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the first downstream signaling information;

transmit a second upstream signal from the first node, said second upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving said first downstream signaling information, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

receive second downstream signaling information, said second downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the second upstream signal, said second downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of at least a plurality of frequencies for the first node to utilize for transmitting and receiving signals, said second downstream signaling information further comprising an allocation of a second slot to the first node for transmitting a reserve request;

transmit a third upstream signal from the first node, said third upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving the second downstream signaling information, said third upstream signal comprising the reserve request which is transmitted within the second slot allocated to the first node;

receive third downstream signaling information, said third downstream signaling information received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmit the packetized message subsequent to receiving the third downstream signaling information,

wherein the availability of said second slot allocated to the first node recurs in repeated transmissions until use of the second slot by the first node is disabled.

61. The first node of claim 60,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a third slot allocated to the second node that can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein said additional reserve request transmitted by the second node is transmitted on a differing frequency than said packetized message transmitted by the first node.

62. The first node of claim 60,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a third slot allocated to the second node can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node.

63. The first node of claim 60,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

64. The first node of claim 60,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

65. The first node of claim 60,

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

66. The first node of claim 60,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency.

67. The first node of claim 60,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency.

68. The first node of claim 60,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a sixth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, the fourth frequency and the fifth frequency.

69. The first node of claim 60,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

wherein the data packets may include information related to a sequence number, and

wherein a final data packet from the packetized message may further comprise information related to terminal indication information indicating that the final data packet is a last data packet.

70. The first node of claim 60, wherein the first node further comprises a touch sensitive display input device.

71. The first node of claim 60, wherein said third downstream signaling information is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

72. A first node in a data network, the data network including a plurality of nodes including the first node, the first node comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

transmit a first upstream signal, said first upstream signal comprising a random request in a first slot;

receive first downstream signaling information, said first downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information authorizing further communication from the first node;

transmit a second upstream signal from the first node, said second upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving said first downstream signaling information, said second upstream signal being transmitted to acknowledge receipt of said authorization for further communication;

receive second downstream signaling information, said second downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the second upstream signal, said second downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of a second slot to the first node for transmitting a reserve request;

transmit a third upstream signal from the first node, said third upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving the second downstream signaling information, said third upstream signal comprising the reserve request which is transmitted within the second slot allocated to the first node;

receive third downstream signaling information, said third downstream signaling information received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmit the packetized message subsequent to receiving said third downstream signaling information,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

wherein the availability of said second slot allocated to the first node recurs in repeated transmissions until use of the second slot by the first node is disabled.

73. The first node of claim 72,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a third slot allocated to the second node that can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein said additional reserve request transmitted by the second node is transmitted on a differing frequency than said packetized message transmitted by the first node.

74. The first node of claim 72,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a third slot allocated to the second node can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node.

75. The first node of claim 72,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

76. The first node of claim 72,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

77. The first node of claim 72,

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

78. The first node of claim 72,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency.

79. The first node of claim 72,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency.

80. The first node of claim 72,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a sixth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, the fourth frequency and the fifth frequency.

81. The first node of claim 72,

wherein the data packets may include information related to a sequence number, and

wherein a final data packet from the packetized message may further comprise information related to terminal indication information indicating that the final data packet is a last data packet.

82. The first node of claim 72, wherein the first node further comprises a touch sensitive display input device.

83. The first node of claim 72, wherein said third downstream signaling information is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

84. A first node in a data network, the data network including a plurality of nodes including the first node, the first node comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

transmit a first upstream signal, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot;

receive first downstream signaling information, said first downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information acknowledging receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprising information referencing a first slot number wherein the first node transmitted said random access request in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the first downstream signaling information;

transmit a second upstream signal from the first node, said second upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving said first downstream signaling information, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

receive second downstream signaling information, said second downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the second upstream signal, said second downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of a second slot to the first node for transmitting a reserve request;

transmit a third upstream signal from the first node, said third upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving the second downstream signaling information, said third upstream signal comprising the reserve request which is transmitted within the second slot allocated to the first node;

receive third downstream signaling information, said third downstream signaling information received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmit the packetized message subsequent to receiving the third downstream signaling information,

wherein the availability of said second slot allocated to the first node recurs in repeated transmissions until use of the second slot by the first node is disabled,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a third slot allocated to the second node can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node.

85. The first node of claim 84,

wherein said additional reserve request transmitted by the second node is transmitted on a differing frequency than said packetized message transmitted by the first node.

86. The first node of claim 84,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

87. The first node of claim 84,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

88. The first node of claim 84,

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

89. The first node of claim 84,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency.

90. The first node of claim 84,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency.

91. The first node of claim 84,

wherein the first upstream signal is transmitted on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is received on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is received on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is transmitted on a sixth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, the fourth frequency and the fifth frequency.

92. The first node of claim 84,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

wherein the data packets may include information related to a sequence number, and

wherein a final data packet from the packetized message may further comprise information related to terminal indication information indicating that the final data packet is a last data packet.

93. The first node of claim 84, wherein the first node further comprises a touch sensitive display input device.

94. The first node of claim 84, wherein said third downstream signaling information is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

95. A first communication controller in a network, the network including a plurality of nodes and a plurality of communication controllers, the first communication controller comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

receive a first upstream signal from a first node, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot from the first node;

transmit first downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said first downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to reception of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprising information which acknowledges receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprising information referencing a first slot number wherein the first node transmitted said random access request in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the first downstream signaling information;

receive a second upstream signal from the first node, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signaling information, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

transmit second downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said second downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to the reception of said second upstream signal, said second downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of a second slot to the first node for transmitting a reserve request;

receive a third upstream signal from the first node, said third upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of the second downstream signaling information, said third upstream signal comprising the reserve request from the first node which is transmitted within the second slot allocated to the first node;

transmit third downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said third downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to the reception of the reserve request, said third downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of resources to the first node for the first node to transmit a packetized message; and

receive the packetized message subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signaling information.

96. The first communication controller of claim 95,

wherein a additional reserve request from a second node can be received during reception of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein the additional reserve request is received in a third slot allocated to the second node by the first communication controller,

wherein said additional reserve request received from the second node is received on a differing frequency than said packetized message received from the first node.

97. The first communication controller of claim 95,

wherein a additional reserve request from a second node can be received during reception of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein the additional reserve request is received in a third slot allocated to the second node by the first communication controller.

98. The first communication controller of claim 95,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

99. The first communication controller of claim 95,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

100. The first communication controller of claim 95,

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

101. The first communication controller of claim 95,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency.

102. The first communication controller of claim 95,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency.

103. The first communication controller of claim 95,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is received on a sixth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, the fourth frequency and the fifth frequency.

104. The first communication controller of claim 95,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

wherein the data packets may include information related to a sequence number, and

wherein a final data packet from the packetized message may further comprise information related to terminal indication information indicating that the final data packet is a last data packet.

105. The first communication controller of claim 95, wherein said third downstream signaling information is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

106. A first communication controller in a network, the network including a plurality of nodes and a plurality of communication controllers, the first communication controller comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

receive a first upstream signal from a first node, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot from the first node;

transmit first downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said first downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to reception of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprising information which acknowledges receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprising information referencing a first slot number wherein the first node transmitted said random access request in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the first downstream signaling information;

receive a second upstream signal from the first node, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signaling information, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

transmit second downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said second downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to the reception of said second upstream signal, said second downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of a second slot to the first node for the first node to transmit a reserve request;

receive a third upstream signal from the first node, said third upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of the second downstream signaling information, said third upstream signal comprising the reserve request from the first node which is transmitted within the second slot allocated to the first node;

transmit third downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said third downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to the reception of the reserve request, said third downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of resources to the first node for the first node to transmit a packetized message; and

receive the packetized message subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signaling information,

wherein the availability of said second slot allocated to the first node recurs in repeated transmissions until use of the second slot by the first node is disabled.

107. The first communication controller of claim 106,

wherein a additional reserve request from a second node can be received during reception of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein the additional reserve request is received in a third slot allocated to the second node by the first communication controller,

wherein said additional reserve request received from the second node is received on a differing frequency than said packetized message received from the first node.

108. The first communication controller of claim 106,

wherein a additional reserve request from a second node can be received during reception of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein the additional reserve request is received in a third slot allocated to the second node by the first communication controller.

109. The first communication controller of claim 106,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

110. The first communication controller of claim 106,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

111. The first communication controller of claim 106,

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

112. The first communication controller of claim 106,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency.

113. The first communication controller of claim 106,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency.

114. The first communication controller of claim 106,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is received on a sixth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, the fourth frequency and the fifth frequency.

115. The first communication controller of claim 106,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

wherein the data packets may include information related to a sequence number, and

wherein a final data packet from the packetized message may further comprise information related to terminal indication information indicating that the final data packet is a last data packet.

116. The first communication controller of claim 106, wherein said third downstream signaling information is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

117. A first communication controller in a network, the network including a plurality of nodes and a plurality of communication controllers, the first communication controller comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

receive a first upstream signal from a first node, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot from the first node, wherein the first upstream signal transmitted from the first node includes randomly generated information created by the first node;

transmit first downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said first downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to reception of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprising information which acknowledges receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprises the return of said randomly generated information to the first node and information referencing a first slot number wherein the first node transmitted said random access request in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the first downstream signaling information;

receive a second upstream signal from the first node, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signaling information, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

transmit second downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said second downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to the reception of said second upstream signal, said second downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of a second slot to the first node for transmitting a reserve request;

receive a third upstream signal from the first node, said third upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of the second downstream signaling information, said third upstream signal comprising the reserve request from the first node which is transmitted within the second slot allocated to the first node;

transmit third downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said third downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to the reception of the reserve request, said third downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of resources to the first node for the first node to transmit a packetized message; and

receive the packetized message subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signaling information,

wherein the availability of said second slot allocated to the first node recurs in repeated transmissions until use of the second slot by the first node is disabled.

118. The first communication controller of claim 117,

wherein a additional reserve request from a second node can be received during reception of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein the additional reserve request is received in a third slot allocated to the second node by the first communication controller,

wherein said additional reserve request received from the second node is received on a differing frequency than said packetized message received from the first node.

119. The first communication controller of claim 117,

wherein a additional reserve request from a second node can be received during reception of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein the additional reserve request is received in a third slot allocated to the second node by the first communication controller.

120. The first communication controller of claim 117,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

121. The first communication controller of claim 117,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

122. The first communication controller of claim 117,

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

123. The first communication controller of claim 117,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency.

124. The first communication controller of claim 117,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency.

125. The first communication controller of claim 117,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is received on a sixth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, the fourth frequency and the fifth frequency.

126. The first communication controller of claim 117,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

wherein the data packets may include information related to a sequence number, and

wherein a final data packet from the packetized message may further comprise information related to terminal indication information indicating that the final data packet is a last data packet.

127. The first communication controller of claim 117, wherein said third downstream signaling information is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

128. A first communication controller in a network, the network including a plurality of nodes and a plurality of communication controllers, the first communication controller comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

receive a first upstream signal from a first node, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot from the first node;

transmit first downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said first downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to reception of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprising information which acknowledges receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprising information referencing a first slot number wherein the first node transmitted said random access request in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the first downstream signaling information;

receive a second upstream signal from the first node, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signaling information, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

transmit second downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said second downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to the reception of said second upstream signal, said second downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of at least a plurality of frequencies for the first node to utilize for transmitting and receiving signals, said second downstream signaling information further comprising an allocation of a second slot to the first node for transmitting a reserve request;

receive a third upstream signal from the first node, said third upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of the second downstream signaling information, said third upstream signal comprising the reserve request from the first node which is transmitted within the second slot allocated to the first node;

transmit third downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said third downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to the reception of the reserve request, said third downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of resources to the first node for the first node to transmit a packetized message; and

receive the packetized message subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signaling information,

wherein the availability of said second slot allocated to the first node recurs in repeated transmissions until use of the second slot by the first node is disabled.

129. The first communication controller of claim 128,

wherein a additional reserve request from a second node can be received during reception of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein the additional reserve request is received in a third slot allocated to the second node by the first communication controller,

wherein said additional reserve request received from the second node is received on a differing frequency than said packetized message received from the first node.

130. The first communication controller of claim 128,

wherein a additional reserve request from a second node can be received during reception of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein the additional reserve request is received in a third slot allocated to the second node by the first communication controller.

131. The first communication controller of claim 128,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

132. The first communication controller of claim 128,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

133. The first communication controller of claim 128,

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

134. The first communication controller of claim 128,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency.

135. The first communication controller of claim 128,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency.

136. The first communication controller of claim 128,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is received on a sixth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, the fourth frequency and the fifth frequency.

137. The first communication controller of claim 128,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

wherein the data packets may include information related to a sequence number, and

wherein a final data packet from the packetized message may further comprise information related to terminal indication information indicating that the final data packet is a last data packet.

138. The first communication controller of claim 128, wherein said third downstream signaling information is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

139. A first communication controller in a network, the network including a plurality of nodes and a plurality of communication controllers, the first communication controller comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

receive a first upstream signal from a first node, said first upstream signal comprising a random request in a first slot from the first node;

transmit first downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said first downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to reception of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information authorizing further communication from the first node;

receive a second upstream signal from the first node, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signaling information, said second upstream signal from the first node acknowledging receipt of said authorization for further communication;

transmit second downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said second downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to the reception of said second upstream signal, said second downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of a second slot to the first node for transmitting a reserve request;

receive a third upstream signal from the first node, said third upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of the second downstream signaling information, said third upstream signal comprising the reserve request from the first node which is transmitted within the second slot allocated to the first node;

transmit third downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said third downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to the reception of the reserve request, said third downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of resources to the first node for the first node to transmit a packetized message; and

receive the packetized message subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signaling information,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

wherein the availability of said second slot allocated to the first node recurs in repeated transmissions until use of the second slot by the first node is disabled.

140. The first communication controller of claim 139,

wherein a additional reserve request from a second node can be received during reception of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein the additional reserve request is received in a third slot allocated to the second node by the first communication controller,

wherein said additional reserve request received from the second node is received on a differing frequency than said packetized message received from the first node.

141. The first communication controller of claim 139,

wherein a additional reserve request from a second node can be received during reception of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein the additional reserve request is received in a third slot allocated to the second node by the first communication controller.

142. The first communication controller of claim 139,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

143. The first communication controller of claim 139,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

144. The first communication controller of claim 139,

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

145. The first communication controller of claim 139,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency.

146. The first communication controller of claim 139,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency.

147. The first communication controller of claim 139,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is received on a sixth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, the fourth frequency and the fifth frequency.

148. The first communication controller of claim 139,

wherein the data packets may include information related to a sequence number, and

wherein a final data packet from the packetized message may further comprise information related to terminal indication information indicating that the final data packet is a last data packet.

149. The first communication controller of claim 139, wherein said third downstream signaling information is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

150. A first communication controller in a network, the network including a plurality of nodes and a plurality of communication controllers, the first communication controller comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

receive a first upstream signal from a first node, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot from the first node;

transmit first downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said first downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to reception of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprising information which acknowledges receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signaling information comprising information referencing a first slot number wherein the first node transmitted said random access request in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the first downstream signaling information;

receive a second upstream signal from the first node, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signaling information, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

transmit second downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said second downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to the reception of said second upstream signal, said second downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of a second slot to the first node for transmitting a reserve request;

receive a third upstream signal from the first node, said third upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of the second downstream signaling information, said third upstream signal comprising the reserve request from the first node which is transmitted within the second slot allocated to the first node;

transmit third downstream signaling information from the first communication controller, said third downstream signaling information being transmitted subsequent to the reception of the reserve request, said third downstream signaling information comprising an allocation of resources to the first node for the first node to transmit a packetized message; and

receive the packetized message subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signaling information,

wherein the availability of said second slot allocated to the first node recurs in repeated transmissions until use of the second slot by the first node is disabled,

wherein a additional reserve request transmitted by a second node into a third slot allocated to the second node can be received during transmission of the packetized message by the first node.

151. The first communication controller of claim 150,

wherein the additional reserve request from a second node can be received during reception of the packetized message by the first node,

wherein the additional reserve request is received in a third slot allocated to the second node by the first communication controller,

wherein said additional reserve request received from the second node is received on a differing frequency than said packetized message received from the first node.

152. The first communication controller of claim 150,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

153. The first communication controller of claim 150,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

154. The first communication controller of claim 150,

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency.

155. The first communication controller of claim 150,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency.

156. The first communication controller of claim 150,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency; and

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency.

157. The first communication controller of claim 150,

wherein the first upstream signal is received on a first frequency;

wherein the first downstream signaling information is transmitted on a second frequency which differs from the first frequency;

wherein the second upstream signal is received on a third frequency which differs from the first frequency and the second frequency;

wherein the third upstream signal is received on a fourth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency and the third frequency;

wherein the third downstream signaling information is transmitted on a fifth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourth frequency; and

wherein the packetized message is received on a sixth frequency which differs from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, the fourth frequency and the fifth frequency.

158. The first communication controller of claim 150,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

wherein the data packets may include information related to a sequence number, and

wherein a final data packet from the packetized message may further comprise information related to terminal indication information indicating that the final data packet is a last data packet.

159. The first communication controller of claim 150, wherein said third downstream signaling information is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.