Method for network communication allowing for persistent request slots for network nodes as well as separate indentification information to be sent from nodes

• US 7,962,144 B2
• Filed: 06/04/2007
• Issued: 06/14/2011
• 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:
  US11/757,879
• Publication Number:
  US 20070229223A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,471 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 a communication controller. In the network, a reservation request is transmitted from a node to the communication controller in an assigned timeslot. In response the controller provides a grant of permission to the requesting node to transmit packet data containing a message. The timeslot assigned to the requesting node is one of a series of timeslots occurring repeatedly on a separate frequency. The timeslots will be continuously available to receive requests from nodes irrespective of transmission of data from one node to the controller, or transmission of a grant from the controller to a node.

Claims

1. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

transmitting a first upstream signal from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot;

receiving a first downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal acknowledging receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signal 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 signal;

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

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

transmitting a third upstream signal from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

receiving a third downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said third downstream signal received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signal comprising information relating to an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmitting the packetized message from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to receiving the third downstream signal.

2. The method of claim 1,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

wherein the additional reserve request transmitted by the second node into the 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.

3. The method of claim 1,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

4. The method of claim 1,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

5. The method of claim 1,

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

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

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

6. The method of claim 1,

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

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

7. The method 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.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

9. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

transmitting a first upstream signal from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot;

receiving a first downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal acknowledging receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signal 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 signal;

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

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

transmitting a third upstream signal from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

receiving a third downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said third downstream signal received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signal comprising information relating to an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmitting the packetized message from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to receiving the third downstream signal,

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

10. The method of claim 9,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

wherein the additional reserve request transmitted by the second node into the 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.

11. The method of claim 9,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

12. The method of claim 9,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

13. The method of claim 9,

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

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

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

14. The method of claim 9,

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

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

15. The method of claim 9,

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.

16. The method of claim 9,

wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions,

wherein the third downstream signal which recurs in subsequent downstream transmissions may be disabled through de-allocation of this resource such that the first node no longer receives recurring allocation of this resource.

17. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

transmitting a first upstream signal from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot;

receiving a first downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal acknowledging receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signal 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 signal;

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

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

transmitting a third upstream signal from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

receiving a third downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said third downstream signal received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signal comprising information relating to an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmitting the packetized message from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to receiving the third downstream signal,

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

wherein the availability of the second slot to the first node may be disabled through de-allocation of the second slot such that the second slot is not available to the first node to transmit a subsequent reserve request.

18. The method of claim 17,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

wherein the additional reserve request transmitted by the second node into the 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.

19. The method of claim 17,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

20. The method of claim 17,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

21. The method of claim 17,

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

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

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

22. The method of claim 17,

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

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

23. The method of claim 17,

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.

24. The method of claim 17,

wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions,

wherein the third downstream signal which recurs in subsequent downstream transmissions may be disabled through de-allocation of this resource such that the first node no longer receives recurring allocation of this resource.

25. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

transmitting a first upstream signal from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot;

receiving a first downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal acknowledging receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signal 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 signal;

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

receiving second downstream signaling information transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said second downstream signaling information being received subsequent to transmission of the second upstream signal, said second downstream signaling information comprising information relating to 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;

transmitting a third upstream signal from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

receiving a third downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said third downstream signal received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signal comprising information relating to an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmitting the packetized message from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to receiving the third downstream signal,

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

26. The method of claim 25,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

wherein the additional reserve request transmitted by the second node into the 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.

27. The method of claim 25,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

28. The method of claim 25,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

29. The method of claim 25,

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

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

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

30. The method of claim 25,

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

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

31. The method of claim 25,

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.

32. The method of claim 25, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

33. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

receiving a first downstream signal transmitted from a first communication controller at a first node, said first downstream signal authorizing communication from the first node;

transmitting a first upstream signal from the first node to the first communication controller, said upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving said first downstream signal, said first upstream signal being transmitted to acknowledge receipt of said authorization for communication;

receiving a second downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said second downstream signal being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said second downstream signal comprising information relating to an allocation of a slot to the first node for transmitting a reserve request;

transmitting a second upstream signal from the first node to the first communication controller, said second upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving the second downstream signal, said second upstream signal comprising the reserve request which is transmitted within the slot allocated to the first node;

receiving a third downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said third downstream signal received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signal comprising information relating to an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmitting the packetized message from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to receiving the third downstream signal,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

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

wherein the availability of the slot to the first node may be disabled through de-allocation of the slot such that the slot is not available to the first node to transmit a subsequent reserve request.

34. The method of claim 33,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of an additional slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

wherein the additional reserve request transmitted by the second node into the additional 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.

35. The method of claim 33,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of an additional slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

36. The method of claim 33, further comprising the steps of:

transmitting a initial upstream signal from the first node to the first communication controller prior to receiving the first downstream signal from the first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a initial request in a initial slot,

wherein said initial upstream signal comprises randomly generated information from the first node, and

wherein the first downstream returns said randomly generated information to the first node in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the first downstream signal.

37. The method of claim 36,

wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions,

wherein the third downstream signal which recurs in subsequent downstream transmissions may be disabled through de-allocation of this resource such that the first node no longer receives recurring allocation of this resource.

38. The method of claim 33,

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

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

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

39. The method of claim 33,

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.

40. The method of claim 33, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions,

wherein the third downstream signal which recurs in subsequent downstream transmissions may be disabled through de-allocation of this resource such that the first node no longer receives recurring allocation of this resource.

41. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

receiving a first upstream signal transmitted from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot from the first node;

transmitting a first downstream signal from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being transmitted subsequent to reception of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal comprising information which acknowledges receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signal 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 signal;

receiving a second upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signal, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

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

receiving a third upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

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

receiving the packetized message transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signal.

42. The method of claim 41,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

wherein the additional reserve request is received in the 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.

43. The method of claim 41,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

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

44. The method of claim 41,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

45. The method of claim 41,

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

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

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

46. The method of claim 41,

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

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

47. The method of claim 41,

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.

48. The method of claim 41, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

49. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at lease one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

receiving a first upstream signal transmitted from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot from the first node, wherein said first upstream signal comprises randomly generated information from the first node;

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

receiving a second upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signal, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

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

receiving a third upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

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

receiving the packetized message transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signal,

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

50. The method of claim 49,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

wherein the additional reserve request is received in the 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.

51. The method of claim 49,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

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

52. The method of claim 49,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

53. The method of claim 49,

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

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

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

54. The method of claim 49,

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

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

55. The method of claim 49,

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.

56. The method of claim 49, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

57. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

receiving a first upstream signal transmitted from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot from the first node;

transmitting a first downstream signal from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being transmitted subsequent to reception of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal comprising information which acknowledges receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signal 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 signal;

receiving a second upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signal, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

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

receiving a third upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

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

receiving the packetized message transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signal,

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

wherein the availability of the second slot to the first node may be disabled through de-allocation of the second slot such that the second slot is not available to the first node to transmit a subsequent reserve request.

58. The method of claim 57,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

wherein the additional reserve request is received in the 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.

59. The method of claim 57,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

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

60. The method of claim 57,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

61. The method of claim 57,

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

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

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

62. The method of claim 57,

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

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

63. The method of claim 57,

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.

64. The method of claim 57,

wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions,

wherein the third downstream signal which recurs in subsequent downstream transmissions may be disabled through de-allocation of this resource such that the first node no longer receives recurring allocation of this resource.

65. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

receiving a first upstream signal transmitted from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot from the first node, wherein said first upstream signal comprises randomly generated information from the first node;

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

receiving a second upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signal, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

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

receiving a third upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

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

receiving the packetized message transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signal,

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

66. The method of claim 65,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

wherein the additional reserve request is received in the 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.

67. The method of claim 65,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

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

68. The method of claim 65,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

69. The method of claim 65,

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

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

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

70. The method of claim 65,

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

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

71. The method of claim 65,

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.

72. The method of claim 65, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

73. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

transmitting a first downstream signal from a first communication controller at a first node, said first downstream signal authorizing communication from the first node;

receiving a first upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the communication controller, said first upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signal, said first upstream signal from the first node acknowledging receipt of said authorization for communication;

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

receiving a second upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of the second downstream signal, said second upstream signal comprising the reserve request from the first node which is transmitted within the slot allocated to the first node;

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

receiving the packetized message transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signal,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

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

wherein the availability of the slot to the first node may be disabled through de-allocation of the slot such that the slot is not available to the first node to transmit a subsequent reserve request.

74. The method of claim 73,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of an additional slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

wherein the additional reserve request is received in the additional 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.

75. The method of claim 73,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information relating to an allocation of an additional slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

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

76. The method of claim 73,

transmitting a initial upstream signal from the first node to the first communication controller prior to receiving the first downstream signal from the first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a initial request in a initial slot,

wherein said initial upstream signal comprises randomly generated information from the first node, and

wherein the first downstream returns said randomly generated information to the first node in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the first downstream signal.

77. The method of claim 76,

wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions,

wherein the third downstream signal which recurs in subsequent downstream transmissions may be disabled through de-allocation of this resource such that the first node no longer receives recurring allocation of this resource.

78. The method of claim 73,

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

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

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

79. The method of claim 73,

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.

80. The method of claim 73, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions,

wherein the third downstream signal which recurs in subsequent downstream transmissions may be disabled through de-allocation of this resource such that the first node no longer receives recurring allocation of this resource.

81. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

transmitting a first upstream signal from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot, wherein said first upstream signal comprises randomly generated information from the first node;

receiving a first downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal acknowledging receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signal comprising information referencing a first slot number wherein the first node transmitted said random access request, said first downstream signal further comprising a return of said randomly generated information to the first node, wherein said information referencing the first slot number and said randomly generated information are sent from the first communication controller in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the first downstream signal;

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

receiving second downstream signaling information transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, 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;

transmitting a third upstream signal from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

receiving a third downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said third downstream signal received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signal comprising an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmitting the packetized message from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to receiving the third downstream signal,

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

82. The method of claim 81,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

wherein the additional reserve request transmitted by the second node into the 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.

83. The method of claim 81,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

84. The method of claim 81,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

85. The method of claim 81,

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

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

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

86. The method of claim 81,

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

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

87. The method of claim 81,

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.

88. The method of claim 81, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

89. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

transmitting a first upstream signal from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot, wherein said first upstream signal comprises randomly generated information from the first node;

receiving a first downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal acknowledging receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signal comprising information referencing a first slot number wherein the first node transmitted said random access request, said first downstream signal further comprising a return of said randomly generated information to the first node,

wherein said information referencing the first slot number and said randomly generated information are sent from the first communication controller in order for the first node to identify that the first node is a desired recipient of the first downstream signal;

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

receiving second downstream signaling information transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, 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;

transmitting a third upstream signal from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

receiving a third downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said third downstream signal received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signal comprising an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmitting the packetized message from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to receiving the third downstream signal,

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

90. The method of claim 89,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

wherein the additional reserve request transmitted by the second node into the 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.

91. The method of claim 89,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

92. The method of claim 89,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

93. The method of claim 89,

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

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

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

94. The method of claim 89,

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

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

95. The method of claim 89,

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.

96. The method of claim 89,

wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions,

wherein the third downstream signal which recurs in subsequent downstream transmissions may be disabled through de-allocation of this resource such that the first node no longer receives recurring allocation of this resource.

97. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

receiving a first upstream signal transmitted from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot from the first node;

transmitting a first downstream signal from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being transmitted subsequent to reception of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal comprising information which acknowledges receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signal 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 signal;

receiving a second upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signal, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

transmitting a second downstream signaling information from the first communication controller at the first node, 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;

receiving a third upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

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

receiving the packetized message transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signal,

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

98. The method of claim 97,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

wherein the additional reserve request is received in the 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.

99. The method of claim 97,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

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

100. The method of claim 97,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

101. The method of claim 97,

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

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

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

102. The method of claim 97,

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

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

103. The method of claim 97,

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.

104. The method of claim 97,

wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions,

wherein the third downstream signal which recurs in subsequent downstream transmissions may be disabled through de-allocation of this resource such that the first node no longer receives recurring allocation of this resource.

105. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

receiving a first upstream signal transmitted from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot from the first node;

transmitting a first downstream signal from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being transmitted subsequent to reception of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal comprising information which acknowledges receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signal 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 signal;

receiving a second upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signal, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

transmitting a second downstream signaling information from the first communication controller at the first node, 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;

receiving a third upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

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

receiving the packetized message transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signal,

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

106. The method of claim 105,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

wherein the additional reserve request is received in the 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.

107. The method of claim 105,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

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

108. The method of claim 105,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

109. The method of claim 105,

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

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

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

110. The method of claim 105,

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

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

111. The method of claim 105,

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.

112. The method of claim 105, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

113. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

receiving a first downstream signal transmitted from a first communication controller at a first node, said first downstream signal authorizing communication from the first node;

transmitting a first upstream signal from the first node to the first communication controller, said first upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving said first downstream signal, said first upstream signal being transmitted to acknowledge receipt of said authorization for communication;

receiving a second downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said second downstream signal being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said second downstream signal comprising an allocation of a slot to the first node for transmitting a reserve request;

transmitting a second upstream signal from the first node to the first communication controller, said second upstream signal being transmitted subsequent to receiving the second downstream signal, said second upstream signal comprising the reserve request which is transmitted within the slot allocated to the first node;

receiving a third downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said third downstream signal received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signal comprising an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmitting the packetized message from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to receiving the third downstream signal,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

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

114. The method of claim 113,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of an additional slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

wherein the additional reserve request transmitted by the second node into the additional 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.

115. The method of claim 113,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of an additional slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

116. The method of claim 113,

wherein the availability of the slot to the first node may be disabled through de-allocation of the slot such that the slot is not available to the first node to transmit a subsequent reserve request.

117. The method of claim 116,

wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions,

wherein the third downstream signal which recurs in subsequent downstream transmissions may be disabled through de-allocation of this resource such that the first node no longer receives recurring allocation of this resource.

118. The method of claim 113,

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

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

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

119. The method of claim 113,

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.

120. The method of claim 113, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

121. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

transmitting a first downstream signal from a first communication controller at a first node, said first downstream signal authorizing communication from the first node;

receiving a first upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the communication controller, said first upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signal, said first upstream signal from the first node acknowledging receipt of said authorization for communication;

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

receiving a second upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of the second downstream signal, said second upstream signal comprising the reserve request from the first node which is transmitted within the slot allocated to the first node;

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

receiving the packetized message transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signal,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

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

122. The method of claim 121,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of an additional slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

wherein the additional reserve request is received in the additional 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.

123. The method of claim 121,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of an additional slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

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

124. The method of claim 121,

wherein the availability of the slot to the first node may be disabled through de-allocation of the slot such that the slot is not available to the first node to transmit a subsequent reserve request.

125. The method of claim 124,

wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions,

wherein the third downstream signal which recurs in subsequent downstream transmissions may be disabled through de-allocation of this resource such that the first node no longer receives recurring allocation of this resource.

126. The method of claim 121,

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

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

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

127. The method of claim 121,

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.

128. The method of claim 121, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

129. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

transmitting a first upstream signal from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a request in a first slot;

receiving a first downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal authorizing further communication from the first node;

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

receiving a second downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said second downstream signal 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;

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

receiving a third downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said third downstream signal received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signal comprising an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message; and

transmitting the packetized message from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to receiving the third downstream signal,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

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

130. The method of claim 129,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

wherein the additional reserve request transmitted by the second node into the 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.

131. The method of claim 129,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

132. The method of claim 129,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

133. The method of claim 129,

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

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

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

134. The method of claim 129,

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

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

135. The method of claim 129,

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.

136. The method of claim 129, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

137. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

receiving a first upstream signal transmitted from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a request in a first slot from the first node;

transmitting a first downstream signal from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being transmitted subsequent to reception of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal authorizing further communication from the first node;

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

transmitting a second downstream signal from the first communication controller at the first node, said second downstream signal 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;

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

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

receiving the packetized message transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signal,

wherein the packetized message comprises data packets;

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

138. The method of claim 137,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

wherein the additional reserve request is received in the 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.

139. The method of claim 137,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

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

140. The method of claim 137,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

141. The method of claim 137,

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

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

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

142. The method of claim 137,

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

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

143. The method of claim 137,

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.

144. The method of claim 137, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions.

145. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

transmitting a first upstream signal from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot;

receiving a first downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal acknowledging receipt of said first upstream signal;

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

receiving second downstream signaling information transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, 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;

transmitting a third upstream signal from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

receiving a third downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said third downstream signal received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signal comprising an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message;

wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions; and

transmitting the packetized message from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to receiving the third downstream signal;

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

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

wherein the additional reserve request from the second node can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node,

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

146. The method of claim 145,

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.

147. The method of claim 146,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

148. The method of claim 146,

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

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

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

149. The method of claim 146,

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

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

150. The method of claim 146,

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.

151. The method of claim 145,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

152. The method of claim 145,

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

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

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

153. The method of claim 145,

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

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

154. The method of claim 145,

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.

155. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

receiving a first upstream signal transmitted from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot from the first node;

transmitting a first downstream signal from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being transmitted subsequent to reception of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal comprising information which acknowledges receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signal 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 signal;

receiving a second upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signal, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

transmitting a second downstream signaling information from the first communication controller at the first node, 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;

receiving a third upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

transmitting a third downstream signal from the first communication controller at the first node, said third downstream signal being transmitted subsequent to the reception of the reserve request, said third downstream signal comprising an allocation of resources to the first node for the first node to transmit a packetized message, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions; and

receiving the packetized message transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signal,

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

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

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

156. The method of claim 155,

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.

157. The method of claim 156,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

158. The method of claim 156,

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

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

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

159. The method of claim 156,

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

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

160. The method of claim 156,

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.

161. The method of claim 155,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

162. The method of claim 155,

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

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

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

163. The method of claim 155,

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

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

164. The method of claim 155,

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.

171. The method of claim 164,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

165. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

transmitting a first upstream signal from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot;

receiving a first downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being received subsequent to transmission of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal acknowledging receipt of said first upstream signal;

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

receiving second downstream signaling information transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, 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;

transmitting a third upstream signal from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

receiving a third downstream signal transmitted from the first communication controller at the first node, said third downstream signal received subsequent to transmission of the reserve request, said third downstream signal comprising an allocation of resources for transmitting a packetized message, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions; and

transmitting the packetized message from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to receiving the third downstream signal;

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

wherein the availability of the second slot to the first node may be disabled through de-allocation of the second slot such that the second slot is not available to the first node to transmit a subsequent reserve request,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

wherein the additional reserve request from the second node can be transmitted during transmission of the packetized message by the first node,

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

166. The method of claim 165,

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.

167. The method of claim 166,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

168. The method of claim 166,

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

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

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

169. The method of claim 166,

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

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

170. The method of claim 166,

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.

172. The method of claim 165,

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

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

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

173. The method of claim 165,

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

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

174. The method of claim 165,

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.

175. A method of operating a data communication system, the data communication system comprising a network which includes at least one communication controller and at least one node, the method comprising:

receiving a first upstream signal transmitted from a first node to a first communication controller, said first upstream signal comprising a random access request in a first slot from the first node;

transmitting a first downstream signal from the first communication controller at the first node, said first downstream signal being transmitted subsequent to reception of the first upstream signal, said first downstream signal comprising information which acknowledges receipt of said first upstream signal, said first downstream signal 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 signal;

receiving a second upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, said second upstream signal being received subsequent to the transmission of said first downstream signal, said second upstream signal from the first node comprising identifier information for the first node;

transmitting a second downstream signaling information from the first communication controller at the first node, 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;

receiving a third upstream signal transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller, 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;

transmitting a third downstream signal from the first communication controller at the first node, said third downstream signal being transmitted subsequent to the reception of the reserve request, said third downstream signal comprising an allocation of resources to the first node for the first node to transmit a packetized message, wherein said third downstream signal is provided to the first node in recurring subsequent downstream transmissions; and

receiving the packetized message transmitted from the first node to the first communication controller subsequent to the transmission of the third downstream signal,

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

wherein the availability of the second slot to the first node may be disabled through de-allocation of the second slot such that the second slot is not available to the first node to transmit a subsequent reserve request,

wherein the first communication controller transmits information comprising an allocation of a third slot to a second node for transmitting an additional reserve request,

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

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

176. The method of claim 175,

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.

177. The method of claim 176,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

178. The method of claim 176,

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

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

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

179. The method of claim 176,

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

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

180. The method of claim 176,

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.

181. The method of claim 175,

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

wherein the first downstream signal 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.

182. The method of claim 175,

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

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

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

183. The method of claim 175,

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

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

184. The method of claim 175,

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.

185. A method of communicating data in a data network, the data network including a plurality of nodes including a first node, wherein the first node may be configured for:

receiving a first signal, the first signal including information used to align a response signal from the first node;

randomly generate information within said first node and store said randomly generated information in memory within the first node;

sending the response signal from the first node, wherein said response signal includes the randomly generated information;

receiving a second signal, wherein a portion of the second signal is derived from the randomly generated information contained in the response signal;

said second signal enabling sending of a subsequent-response signal that uniquely identifies the first node;

determining whether the second signal contains information which matches the randomly generated information stored in said memory of the first node;

sending the subsequent-response signal which comprises a packet which includes identification related information of the first node, said subsequent-response signal from the first node being sent only if the portion of the second signal matches the randomly generated information that is stored in the first node;

wherein the first signal, the response signal, the second signal and the subsequent-response signal occur on a common frequency channel; and

wherein a time for sending the subsequent-response signal occurs with an alignment that is varied with respect to a time said first signal was sent.

186. The method of claim 185, wherein said packet sent from the first node within said subsequent-response signal optionally contains message information.

187. The method of claim 185, wherein message information is sent from the first node at a later period than the subsequent-response signal.

188. A method of receiving data in a data network, the data network including a controller, wherein the controller may be configured for:

transmitting a first signal from the controller, the first signal including information used to align a response signal;

receiving the response signal, wherein said response signal includes randomly generated information;

transmitting a second signal from the controller, wherein a portion of the second signal is derived from the randomly generated information contained in the response signal;

said second signal enabling transmission of a subsequent-response signal;

receiving the subsequent-response signal which comprises a packet which includes identification related information;

wherein the first signal, the response signal, the second signal and the subsequent-response signal occur on a common frequency channel; and

wherein a time for receiving the subsequent-response signal occurs with an alignment that is varied with respect to a time said first signal was sent.

189. The method of claim 188, wherein said packet received within said subsequent-response signal optionally contains message information.

190. The method of claim 188, wherein message information is received at a later period than the subsequent-response signal.

191. The method of claim 188,

wherein the controller may be further configured to transmit a subsequent-second-signal, and

wherein a period in time between when the controller transmits the second signal and when the controller transmits the subsequent-second-signal varies in accordance with additional-randomly-generated-information.