Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 36
Claim 1
Independent Claim
227 words
A method for operation of a packet-sending entity as part of a packet communication system, the packet communication system including the packet-sending entity and a packet-receiving entity, the packet communication system using a plurality of parameter signaling channels (SCCH), and also using a plurality of shared data channels (SDCH), the packet communication system operating according to a protocol in which when packet data is to be transmitted from the packet-sending entity to the packet-receiving entity, the communication between the packet-sending entity and the packet-receiving entity occurs over one or more transmission time intervals (TTIs), the method comprising: a) a parameter transmitting step, having the packet-sending entity transmit to the packet-receiving entity at least some of the parameters for decoding some or all of the shared data channels using at least one of the parameter signaling channels; b) a data providing step, having the packet-sending entity provide to the packet-receiving entity the data to be communicated using at least one of the shared data channels according to the parameters provided on the at least one parameter signaling channel; and c) a further parameter transmitting step, having the packet-sending entity continue to use the same at least one parameter signaling channel to transmit parameters for decoding any additional data transmitted on at least one of the shared data channels for the same packet-receiving entity in the subsequent consecutive TTIs.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
227 words
A method for operation of a packet-sending entity as part of a packet communication system, the packet communication system including the packet-sending entity and a packet-receiving entity, the packet communication system using a plurality of parameter signaling channels (SCCH), and also using a plurality of shared data channels (SDCH), the packet communication system operating according to a protocol in which when packet data is to be transmitted from the packet-sending entity to the packet-receiving entity, the communication between the packet-sending entity and the packet-receiving entity occurs over one or more transmission time intervals (TTIs), the method comprising: a) a parameter transmitting step, having the packet-sending entity transmit to the packet-receiving entity at least some of the parameters for decoding some or all of the shared data channels using at least one of the parameter signaling channels; b) a data providing step, having the packet-sending entity provide to the packet-receiving entity the data to be communicated using at least one of the shared data channels according to the parameters provided on the at least one parameter signaling channel; and c) a further parameter transmitting step, having the packet-sending entity continue to use the same at least one parameter signaling channel to transmit parameters for decoding any additional data transmitted on at least one of the shared data channels for the same packet-receiving entity in the subsequent consecutive TTIs.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein in the parameter transmitting step, the packet-sending entity transmits to the packet-receiving entity within a TTI at least some of the parameters for decoding some or all of the shared data channels within the next TTI.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 2 , wherein in the data providing step, the packet-sending entity provides to the packet-receiving entity in the TTI immediately following the TTI in which the parameter signaling channel is transmitted the data to be communicated using at least one of the shared data channels according to the parameters provided on the at least one parameter signaling channel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
90 words
The method of claim 3 , further comprising, prior to the parameter transmitting step, the steps of: a) having the packet-sending entity indicate to the packet-receiving entity that a parameter signaling channel is being assigned to the packet-receiving entity for one or more consecutive TTIs sufficient in number to provide parameters for decoding the shared data channels until there is a cessation in the stream of data constituting the packet intended for the packet-receiving entity; and b) having the packet-sending entity assign to the packet-receiving entity a parameter signaling channel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
98 words
The method of claim 3 , further comprising, prior to the further parameter transmitting step, the steps of: a) having the packet-sending entity continue to indicate that the same parameter signaling channel is to be used to obtain parameters for decoding the data provided on the shared data channels in the next TTI; and b) prior to or in the last TTI in which a portion of the packet is transmitted over the shared data channels, having the packet-sending entity signal to the packet-receiving entity that the parameter signaling channel is no longer assigned to the packet-receiving entity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 4 , wherein the packet-sending entity assigns a parameter signaling channel via information conveyed over a dedicated paging channel (DPCH), the information being conveyed in the TTI prior to the first TTI in which at least a portion of the packet is conveyed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method as in claim 4 , wherein the packet-sending entity assigns a parameter signaling channel by indicating over a dedicated paging channel using a binary indicator that the packet-receiving entity is being assigned a parameter signaling channel, the binary indicator being first conveyed in the TTI immediately preceding the first TTI in which at least a portion of the packet is conveyed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method as in claim 7 , wherein, in combination with using a binary bit indicator in the dedicated paging channel, the packet-sending entity uses an error detection code for encoding the assigned parameter signaling channel, an error detection code that is in turn used exclusively by the packet-receiving entity for which the parameter signaling channel is being assigned.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method as in claim 7 , wherein, in combination with using a binary bit indicator in the dedicated paging channel, the packet-sending entity conveys an identifier of the packet-receiving entity being assigned a parameter signaling channel on the parameter signaling channel being assigned.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
65 words
A method as in claim 4 , wherein in the TTI immediately preceding the TTI in which at least a portion of the packet is first conveyed, the packet-sending entity uses an error detection code for encoding the assigned parameter signaling channel, an error detection code that is in turn used exclusively by the packet-receiving entity for which the parameter signaling channel is being assigned.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as in claim 4 , wherein in the TTI immediately preceding the TTI in which at least a portion of the packet is first conveyed, the packet-sending entity conveys, on the parameter signaling channel being assigned, an identifier of the packet-receiving entity being assigned a parameter signaling channel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
67 words
A method as in claim 4 , wherein the packet-sending entity assigns a parameter signaling channel by indicating over a dedicated paging channel using a binary indicator that the packet-receiving entity is being assigned a parameter signaling channel, the binary indicator being first conveyed in the TTI immediately preceding the TTI immediately preceding the first TTI in which at least a portion of the packet is conveyed.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
66 words
A method as in claim 12 , wherein, in the TTI subsequent to the TTI in which the binary bit indicator is conveyed on the dedicated paging channel, the packet-sending entity uses an error detection code for encoding the assigned parameter signaling channel, an error detection code that is in turn used exclusively by the packet-receiving entity for which the parameter signaling channel is being assigned.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method as in claim 12 , wherein, in the TTI subsequent to the TTI in which the binary bit indicator is conveyed on the dedicated paging channel, the packet-sending entity conveys, on the parameter signaling channel being assigned, an identifier of the packet-receiving entity being assigned a parameter signaling channel.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
474 words
A method for having a packet-receiving entity receive a packet from a packet-sending entity using a packet communication system including a plurality of parameter signaling channels (SCCH) and a plurality of shared data channels (SDCH), the communication system operating according to a protocol in which, when a packet is to be transmitted from the packet-sending entity to a packet-receiving entity, the packet-sending entity provides an indication that the packet is to be communicated to the packet-receiving entity, the communication between the packet-sending entity and the packet-receiving entity occurring over one or more transmission time intervals, the method comprising the steps of: a) until the packet-sending entity assigns a parameter signaling channel to the packet-receiving entity, having the packet-receiving entity despread all the parameter signaling channels and decode a predetermined subset of the parameter signaling channels, wherein the predetermined subset of the parameter signaling channels is either all, one, or none of the parameter signaling channels; b) once a parameter signaling channel is first assigned to the packet-receiving entity, having the packet-receiving entity interpret the assignment to be an assignment of a parameter signaling channel for the current TTI, and having the packet-receiving entity despread and decode the assigned parameter signaling channel in the current TTI so as to obtain parameter data from the parameter signaling channel; c) having the packet-receiving entity use the parameter data in reading the content of the shared data channels in the subsequent TTI; d) having the packet-receiving entity monitor information communicated by the packet-sending entity so as to determine whether the next TTI includes at least a portion of the packet; e) in each TTI until the TTI prior to the last TTI in which a portion of the packet is transmitted over the data channels, having the packet-receiving entity despread only the assigned parameter signaling channel and also decode the assigned parameter signaling channel; and f) for the last TTI in which a portion of the packet is transmitted over the shared data channels, having the packet-receiving entity despread only the assigned parameter signaling channel and also buffer the assigned parameter signaling channel; thereby providing that once a parameter signaling channel is assigned to the packet-receiving entity for communicating a packet, the assigned parameter signaling channel is used by the packet-receiving entity in each subsequent TTI as long as there is at least a portion of the packet in the subsequent TTI, and when there is at least a portion of the packet in the subsequent TTI, for the subsequent TTI the packet-receiving entity despreads and decodes only one parameter signaling channel along with the data channels, and when there is not at least a portion of the packet in the subsequent TTI, for the subsequent TTI the packet-receiving entity despreads all the parameter signaling channels, and decodes either all, one, or none of the parameter signaling channels.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
474 words
A method for having a packet-receiving entity receive a packet from a packet-sending entity using a packet communication system including a plurality of parameter signaling channels (SCCH) and a plurality of shared data channels (SDCH), the communication system operating according to a protocol in which, when a packet is to be transmitted from the packet-sending entity to a packet-receiving entity, the packet-sending entity provides an indication that the packet is to be communicated to the packet-receiving entity, the communication between the packet-sending entity and the packet-receiving entity occurring over one or more transmission time intervals, the method comprising the steps of: a) until the packet-sending entity assigns a parameter signaling channel to the packet-receiving entity, having the packet-receiving entity despread all the parameter signaling channels and decode a predetermined subset of the parameter signaling channels, wherein the predetermined subset of the parameter signaling channels is either all, one, or none of the parameter signaling channels; b) once a parameter signaling channel is first assigned to the packet-receiving entity, having the packet-receiving entity interpret the assignment to be an assignment of a parameter signaling channel for the current TTI, and having the packet-receiving entity despread and decode the assigned parameter signaling channel in the current TTI so as to obtain parameter data from the parameter signaling channel; c) having the packet-receiving entity use the parameter data in reading the content of the shared data channels in the subsequent TTI; d) having the packet-receiving entity monitor information communicated by the packet-sending entity so as to determine whether the next TTI includes at least a portion of the packet; e) in each TTI until the TTI prior to the last TTI in which a portion of the packet is transmitted over the data channels, having the packet-receiving entity despread only the assigned parameter signaling channel and also decode the assigned parameter signaling channel; and f) for the last TTI in which a portion of the packet is transmitted over the shared data channels, having the packet-receiving entity despread only the assigned parameter signaling channel and also buffer the assigned parameter signaling channel; thereby providing that once a parameter signaling channel is assigned to the packet-receiving entity for communicating a packet, the assigned parameter signaling channel is used by the packet-receiving entity in each subsequent TTI as long as there is at least a portion of the packet in the subsequent TTI, and when there is at least a portion of the packet in the subsequent TTI, for the subsequent TTI the packet-receiving entity despreads and decodes only one parameter signaling channel along with the data channels, and when there is not at least a portion of the packet in the subsequent TTI, for the subsequent TTI the packet-receiving entity despreads all the parameter signaling channels, and decodes either all, one, or none of the parameter signaling channels.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
228 words
A packet-sending entity for operation as part of a packet communication system, the packet communication system including the packet-sending entity and a packet-receiving entity, the packet communication system using a plurality of parameter signaling channels (SCCH), and also using a plurality of shared data channels (SDCH), the packet communication system operating according to a protocol in which when packet data is to be transmitted from the packet-sending entity to the packet-receiving entity, the communication between the packet-sending entity and the packet-receiving entity occurs over one or more transmission time intervals (TTIs), the packet sending-entity comprising: a) a parameter transmitting means, for having the packet-sending entity transmit to the packet-receiving entity at least some of the parameters for decoding some or all of the shared data channels using at least one of the parameter signaling channels; b) a data providing means, for having the packet-sending entity provide to the packet-receiving entity the data to be communicated using at least one of the shared data channels according to the parameters provided on the at least one parameter signaling channel; and c) a further parameter transmitting means, for having the packet-sending entity continue to use the same at least one parameter signaling channel to transmit parameters for decoding any additional data transmitted on at least one of the shared data channels for the same packet-receiving entity in the subsequent consecutive TTIs.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
228 words
A packet-sending entity for operation as part of a packet communication system, the packet communication system including the packet-sending entity and a packet-receiving entity, the packet communication system using a plurality of parameter signaling channels (SCCH), and also using a plurality of shared data channels (SDCH), the packet communication system operating according to a protocol in which when packet data is to be transmitted from the packet-sending entity to the packet-receiving entity, the communication between the packet-sending entity and the packet-receiving entity occurs over one or more transmission time intervals (TTIs), the packet sending-entity comprising: a) a parameter transmitting means, for having the packet-sending entity transmit to the packet-receiving entity at least some of the parameters for decoding some or all of the shared data channels using at least one of the parameter signaling channels; b) a data providing means, for having the packet-sending entity provide to the packet-receiving entity the data to be communicated using at least one of the shared data channels according to the parameters provided on the at least one parameter signaling channel; and c) a further parameter transmitting means, for having the packet-sending entity continue to use the same at least one parameter signaling channel to transmit parameters for decoding any additional data transmitted on at least one of the shared data channels for the same packet-receiving entity in the subsequent consecutive TTIs.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
47 words
The packet-sending entity of claim 16 , wherein the parameter transmitting means is operable so that the packet-sending entity transmits to the packet-receiving entity within a TTI at least some of the parameters for decoding some or all of the shared data channels within the next TTI.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
66 words
The packet-sending entity of claim 17 , wherein the data providing means is operable so that the packet-sending entity provides to the packet-receiving entity in the TTI immediately following the TTI in which the parameter signaling channel is transmitted the data to be communicated using at least one of the shared data channels according to the parameters provided on the at least one parameter signaling channel.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
86 words
The packet-sending entity of claim 18 , further comprising: a) means for having the packet-sending entity indicate to the packet-receiving entity that a parameter signaling channel is being assigned to the packet-receiving entity for one or more consecutive TTIs sufficient in number to provide parameters for decoding the shared data channels until there is a cessation in the stream of data constituting the packet intended for the packet-receiving entity; and b) means for having the packet-sending entity assign to the packet-receiving entity a parameter signaling channel.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
97 words
The packet-sending entity of claim 18 , further comprising: a) means for having the packet-sending entity continue to indicate that the same parameter signaling channel is to be used to obtain parameters for decoding the data provided on the shared data channels in the next TTI; and b) means for having the packet-sending entity signal to the packet-receiving entity that the parameter signaling channel is no longer assigned to the packet-receiving entity, the signaling being provided prior to or in the last TTI in which a portion of the packet is transmitted over the shared data channels.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
49 words
A packet-sending entity as in claim 19 , wherein the packet-sending entity assigns a parameter signaling channel via information conveyed over a dedicated paging channel (DPCH), the information being conveyed in the TTI prior to the first TTI in which at least a portion of the packet is conveyed.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
64 words
A packet-sending entity as in claim 19 , wherein the packet-sending entity assigns a parameter signaling channel by indicating over a dedicated paging channel using a binary indicator that the packet-receiving entity is being assigned a parameter signaling channel, the binary indicator being first conveyed in the TTI immediately preceding the first TTI in which at least a portion of the packet is conveyed.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
60 words
A packet-sending entity as in claim 22 , wherein, in combination with using a binary bit indicator in the dedicated paging channel, the packet-sending entity uses an error detection code for encoding the assigned parameter signaling channel, an error detection code that is in turn used exclusively by the packet-receiving entity for which the parameter signaling channel is being assigned.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
45 words
A packet-sending entity as in claim 22 , wherein, in combination with using a binary bit indicator in the dedicated paging channel, the packet-sending entity conveys an identifier of the packet-receiving entity being assigned a parameter signaling channel on the parameter signaling channel being assigned.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
66 words
A packet-sending entity as in claim 19 , wherein in the TTI immediately preceding the TTI in which at least a portion of the packet is first conveyed, the packet-sending entity uses an error detection code for encoding the assigned parameter signaling channel, an error detection code that is in turn used exclusively by the packet-receiving entity for which the parameter signaling channel is being assigned.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
51 words
A packet-sending entity as in claim 19 , wherein in the TTI immediately preceding the TTI in which at least a portion of the packet is first conveyed, the packet-sending entity conveys, on the parameter signaling channel being assigned, an identifier of the packet-receiving entity being assigned a parameter signaling channel.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
68 words
A packet-sending entity as in claim 19 , wherein the packet-sending entity assigns a parameter signaling channel by indicating over a dedicated paging channel using a binary indicator that the packet-receiving entity is being assigned a parameter signaling channel, the binary indicator being first conveyed in the TTI immediately preceding the TTI immediately preceding the first TTI in which at least a portion of the packet is conveyed.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
67 words
A packet-sending entity as in claim 27 , wherein, in the TTI subsequent to the TTI in which the binary bit indicator is conveyed on the dedicated paging channel, the packet-sending entity uses an error detection code for encoding the assigned parameter signaling channel, an error detection code that is in turn used exclusively by the packet-receiving entity for which the parameter signaling channel is being assigned.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
52 words
A packet-sending entity as in claim 27 , wherein, in the TTI subsequent to the TTI in which the binary bit indicator is conveyed on the dedicated paging channel, the packet-sending entity conveys, on the parameter signaling channel being assigned, an identifier of the packet-receiving entity being assigned a parameter signaling channel.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
473 words
A packet-receiving entity for receiving a packet from a packet-sending entity via a packet communication system including a plurality of parameter signaling channels (SCCH) and a plurality of shared data channels (SDCH), the communication system operating according to a protocol in which, when a packet is to be transmitted from the packet-sending entity to a packet-receiving entity, the packet-sending entity provides an indication that the packet is to be communicated to the packet-receiving entity, the communication between the packet-sending entity and the packet-receiving entity occurring over one or more transmission time intervals, the packet-receiving entity comprising: a) means for having the packet-receiving entity despread all the parameter signaling channels and decode a predetermined subset of the parameter signaling channels until the packet-sending entity assigns a parameter signaling channel to the packet-receiving entity, wherein the predetermined subset of the parameter signaling channels is either all, one, or none of the parameter signaling channels; b) means for having the packet-receiving entity interpret an assignment of a parameter signaling channel to be an assignment for the current TTI, and having the packet-receiving entity despread and decode the assigned parameter signaling channel in the current TTI so as to obtain parameter data from the parameter signaling channel; c) means for having the packet-receiving entity use the parameter data in reading the content of the shared data channels in the subsequent TTI; d) means for having the packet-receiving entity monitor information communicated by the packet-sending entity so as to determine whether the next TTI includes at least a portion of the packet; e) means for having the packet-receiving entity despread only the assigned parameter signaling channel and also decode the assigned parameter signaling channel in each TTI until the TTI prior to the last TTI in which a portion of the packet is transmitted over the data channels; and f) means for having the packet-receiving entity despread only the assigned parameter signaling channel and also buffer the assigned parameter signaling channel for the last TTI in which a portion of the packet is transmitted over the shared data channels; thereby providing a packet-receiving entity in which once a parameter signaling channel is assigned to the packet-receiving entity for communicating a packet, the assigned parameter signaling channel is used by the packet-receiving entity in each subsequent TTI as long as there is at least a portion of the packet in the subsequent TTI, and when there is at least a portion of the packet in the subsequent TTI, for the subsequent TTI the packet-receiving entity despreads and decodes only one parameter signaling channel along with the data channels, and when there is not at least a portion of the packet in the subsequent TTI, for the subsequent TTI the packet-receiving entity despreads all the parameter signaling channels, and decodes either all, one, or none of the parameter signaling channels.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
473 words
A packet-receiving entity for receiving a packet from a packet-sending entity via a packet communication system including a plurality of parameter signaling channels (SCCH) and a plurality of shared data channels (SDCH), the communication system operating according to a protocol in which, when a packet is to be transmitted from the packet-sending entity to a packet-receiving entity, the packet-sending entity provides an indication that the packet is to be communicated to the packet-receiving entity, the communication between the packet-sending entity and the packet-receiving entity occurring over one or more transmission time intervals, the packet-receiving entity comprising: a) means for having the packet-receiving entity despread all the parameter signaling channels and decode a predetermined subset of the parameter signaling channels until the packet-sending entity assigns a parameter signaling channel to the packet-receiving entity, wherein the predetermined subset of the parameter signaling channels is either all, one, or none of the parameter signaling channels; b) means for having the packet-receiving entity interpret an assignment of a parameter signaling channel to be an assignment for the current TTI, and having the packet-receiving entity despread and decode the assigned parameter signaling channel in the current TTI so as to obtain parameter data from the parameter signaling channel; c) means for having the packet-receiving entity use the parameter data in reading the content of the shared data channels in the subsequent TTI; d) means for having the packet-receiving entity monitor information communicated by the packet-sending entity so as to determine whether the next TTI includes at least a portion of the packet; e) means for having the packet-receiving entity despread only the assigned parameter signaling channel and also decode the assigned parameter signaling channel in each TTI until the TTI prior to the last TTI in which a portion of the packet is transmitted over the data channels; and f) means for having the packet-receiving entity despread only the assigned parameter signaling channel and also buffer the assigned parameter signaling channel for the last TTI in which a portion of the packet is transmitted over the shared data channels; thereby providing a packet-receiving entity in which once a parameter signaling channel is assigned to the packet-receiving entity for communicating a packet, the assigned parameter signaling channel is used by the packet-receiving entity in each subsequent TTI as long as there is at least a portion of the packet in the subsequent TTI, and when there is at least a portion of the packet in the subsequent TTI, for the subsequent TTI the packet-receiving entity despreads and decodes only one parameter signaling channel along with the data channels, and when there is not at least a portion of the packet in the subsequent TTI, for the subsequent TTI the packet-receiving entity despreads all the parameter signaling channels, and decodes either all, one, or none of the parameter signaling channels.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
494 words
A system, comprising: a) a packet-sending entity, and b) a packet-receiving entity, for receiving a packet from the packet-sending entity via a packet communication system including a plurality of parameter signaling channels (SCCH) and a plurality of shared data channels (SDCH), the communication system operating according to a protocol in which, when a packet is to be transmitted from the packet-sending entity to a packet-receiving entity, the packet-sending entity provides an indication that the packet is to be communicated to the packet-receiving entity, the communication between the packet-sending entity and the packet-receiving entity occurring over one or more transmission time intervals; wherein the packet-receiving entity comprises: a1) a parameter transmitting means, for having the packet-sending entity transmit to the packet-receiving entity at least some of the parameters for decoding some or all of the shared data channels using at least one of the parameter signaling channels; a2) a data providing means, for having the packet-sending entity provide to the packet-receiving entity the data to be communicated using at least one of the shared data channels according to the parameters provided on the at least one parameter signaling channel; and a3) a further parameter transmitting means, for having the packet-sending entity continue to use the same at least one parameter signaling channel to transmit parameters for decoding any additional data transmitted on at least one of the shared data channels for the same packet-receiving entity in the subsequent consecutive TTIs; and further wherein the packet-receiving entity comprises: b1) means for having the packet-receiving entity despread all the parameter signaling channels and decode a predetermined subset of the parameter signaling channels until the packet-sending entity assigns a parameter signaling channel to the packet-receiving entity, wherein the predetermined subset of the parameter signaling channels is either all, one, or none of the parameter signaling channels; b2) means for having the packet-receiving entity interpret an assignment of a parameter signaling channel to be an assignment for the current TTI, and having the packet-receiving entity despread and decode the assigned parameter signaling channel in the current TTI so as to obtain parameter data from the parameter signaling channel; b3) means for having the packet-receiving entity use the parameter data in reading the content of the shared data channels in the subsequent TTI; b4) means for having the packet-receiving entity monitor information communicated by the packet-sending entity so as to determine whether the next TTI includes at least a portion of the packet; b5) means for having the packet-receiving entity despread only the assigned parameter signaling channel and also decode the assigned parameter signaling channel in each TTI until the TTI prior to the last TTI in which a portion of the packet is transmitted over the data channels; and b6) means for having the packet-receiving entity despread only the assigned parameter signaling channel and also buffer the assigned parameter signaling channel for the last TTI in which a portion of the packet is transmitted over the shared data channels.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
494 words
A system, comprising: a) a packet-sending entity, and b) a packet-receiving entity, for receiving a packet from the packet-sending entity via a packet communication system including a plurality of parameter signaling channels (SCCH) and a plurality of shared data channels (SDCH), the communication system operating according to a protocol in which, when a packet is to be transmitted from the packet-sending entity to a packet-receiving entity, the packet-sending entity provides an indication that the packet is to be communicated to the packet-receiving entity, the communication between the packet-sending entity and the packet-receiving entity occurring over one or more transmission time intervals; wherein the packet-receiving entity comprises: a1) a parameter transmitting means, for having the packet-sending entity transmit to the packet-receiving entity at least some of the parameters for decoding some or all of the shared data channels using at least one of the parameter signaling channels; a2) a data providing means, for having the packet-sending entity provide to the packet-receiving entity the data to be communicated using at least one of the shared data channels according to the parameters provided on the at least one parameter signaling channel; and a3) a further parameter transmitting means, for having the packet-sending entity continue to use the same at least one parameter signaling channel to transmit parameters for decoding any additional data transmitted on at least one of the shared data channels for the same packet-receiving entity in the subsequent consecutive TTIs; and further wherein the packet-receiving entity comprises: b1) means for having the packet-receiving entity despread all the parameter signaling channels and decode a predetermined subset of the parameter signaling channels until the packet-sending entity assigns a parameter signaling channel to the packet-receiving entity, wherein the predetermined subset of the parameter signaling channels is either all, one, or none of the parameter signaling channels; b2) means for having the packet-receiving entity interpret an assignment of a parameter signaling channel to be an assignment for the current TTI, and having the packet-receiving entity despread and decode the assigned parameter signaling channel in the current TTI so as to obtain parameter data from the parameter signaling channel; b3) means for having the packet-receiving entity use the parameter data in reading the content of the shared data channels in the subsequent TTI; b4) means for having the packet-receiving entity monitor information communicated by the packet-sending entity so as to determine whether the next TTI includes at least a portion of the packet; b5) means for having the packet-receiving entity despread only the assigned parameter signaling channel and also decode the assigned parameter signaling channel in each TTI until the TTI prior to the last TTI in which a portion of the packet is transmitted over the data channels; and b6) means for having the packet-receiving entity despread only the assigned parameter signaling channel and also buffer the assigned parameter signaling channel for the last TTI in which a portion of the packet is transmitted over the shared data channels.