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Abstract

A packet-based communication system includes a transmitter which configures multiple channels of encoded voice information for transmission through the system to a receiver. In an illustrative embodiment, the transmitter determines a total number of active channels to be coded at each of a number of different available code rates, within a specified bandwidth constraint. The transmitter assigns the code rates to the active channels in accordance with a code rate assignment technique, such that the bandwidth constraint is satisfied for a defined time period, e.g., a voice channel sample period. The code rate assignment technique may be, e.g., a random rate assignment technique, a round robin rate assignment technique, or an oldest talking channel to lowest rate assignment technique. The transmitter generates packets for a given one of the active channels, encoded at a corresponding assigned code rate, such that a time period between consecutive packets generated for that channel is substantially constant for the duration of a voice call associated therewith.

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First Claim