Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus (101, 110) and method for channel acquisition in a communication system (100) provides for selecting a channel, from a multiplicity of available channels (205), and determining whether the selected channel is the properly assigned channel for data and other information to be received by the apparatus (101, 110). The selected channel is monitored for a predetermined or adaptive energy level (210), a predetermined modulation mode (215), for a protocol signal, and for a protocol signal having an identification specifying the particular apparatus (225), such as a protocol frame containing a serial number corresponding to the apparatus. When a protocol signal having an identification specifying the particular apparatus (225) is received, the selected channel is acquired (250) for reception of data and other information. Channels are selected on the basis of searching first for those channels most likely to be assigned to the particular apparatus, such as previously assigned channels (305, 320, 325), followed by a focused search initially in the vicinity of a central channel under a particular channel plan (345, 355). The process may also be repeated utilizing a variety of channel or frequency plans (375).

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First Claim