Push-to talk over ad-hoc networks

Abstract

The invention proposes a network system comprising a plurality of network nodes ( 10, 11 ), each of the network nodes comprising means ( 103, 113 ) for temporarily forming a group with at least one of the plurality of network nodes, sending means ( 101, 111 ) for sending information (which may include voice, text message, images etc.) to the group and receiving means ( 102, 112 ) for receiving information from the group, wherein the sending means and the receiving means are configured to provide a direct contact via a radio connection ( 12 ) between at least two network nodes of the group. The invention also proposes a corresponding method, a corresponding network node and network control nodes for assisting in forming temporary groups.

1 . A method for controlling a network system comprising:
 receiving a first communication at a first network node from a second network node of a first network, the first network including a first plurality of network nodes temporarily connected, wherein the first communication is received by a direct contact with the second network node using a first radio connection; and   sending a second communication from the first network node to a third network node of a second network, the second network including a second plurality of network nodes temporarily connected, wherein the second communication is based on the first communication and is sent by a second direct contact with the third network node using a second radio connection.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first radio connection is a half-duplex radio connection. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising selecting a path between a source node of the first plurality of network nodes and a destination node. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the destination node is a network node of the second plurality of network nodes. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the destination node is a network node of a third network. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the third network includes a third plurality of network nodes temporarily connected. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein a network node is included in the second plurality of network nodes and in the third plurality of network nodes and is configured to provide communication between the second network and the third network. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein communication between the second network and the third network includes use of a mobile communication network. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein a network node of the second plurality of network nodes is configured to act as a gateway node to the mobile communication network. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein a network node of the third plurality of network nodes is configured to act as a gateway node to the mobile communication network. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the mobile communication network comprises a packet network. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, before receiving the first communication, receiving a third communication at the first network node from a network node of the first plurality of network nodes, the third communication including a request to page a destination node of the first communication. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the third communication is multicast, groupcast, or unicast. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the request is embedded in a control message packet. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, before receiving the first communication, receiving a third communication at the first network node from a network node of the first plurality of network nodes, the third communication including a request to establish a push-to talk service with the second plurality of network nodes. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising polling the second plurality of network nodes based on the request. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising receiving a fourth communication at the first network node from a network node of the second plurality of network nodes, wherein the fourth communication indicates acceptance of the request. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising sending the second communication from the first network node to the network node of the second plurality of network nodes. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising sending a fourth communication from the first network node to the network node of the first plurality of network nodes, the fourth communication including a reply to the request. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising assisting the first plurality of network nodes in establishing the first network. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein assisting comprises at least one of providing routing information, of providing security information, and of providing group creation information. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first communication comprises at least one of voice, of a text message, and of an image. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first network is an ad hoc network. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the radio connection provides a push-to talk service.