Communication channel selection apparatus and methods

An apparatus configured to communicate with a remote device, the apparatus comprising:

• at least one circuit configured to:
• determine a first indicator representative of a long-term availability for each of a plurality of channels for communication between the apparatus and the remote device;
• receive a communication request from the remote device;
• in response to the communication request, determine a second indicator representative of a short-term availability for each of the plurality of channels;
• and
• select a communication channel from the plurality of channels based on the first and second indicators.

A medical device comprising:

• an attenuator for receiving signals on a plurality of channels from the remote device;
• a channel filter for selectively receiving signals on a selected channel of the plurality of channels;
• and
• at least one circuit configured to:
• periodically scan and analyze the plurality of channels to determine a first indicator representative of a long-term availability for each of the plurality of channels;
• receive a communication request from the remote device;
• in response to the communication request, scan and analyze the plurality of channels to determine a second indicator representative of a short-term availability for each of the plurality of channels;
• generate, for each channel, a weighted short-term indicator by weighting the short-term indicator for the channel by the long-term indicator for the channel;
• and
• select a communication channel from the plurality of channels based on the weighted short-term indicators.