Methods and apparatus for random backoff based access priority in a communications system

A method of access priority control in a base station of a wireless communications system, the method comprising the steps of:

• broadcasting backoff delays respectively associated with pre-established access priority classes;
• and
• transmitting an acknowledgement signal to a remote terminal in the wireless communications system from which an access request signal has been received.

Apparatus for access priority control in a wireless communications system, comprising:

• a remote terminal configured for selecting a backoff delay from backoff delays respectively associated with pre-established access priority classes after determining that a transmitted access request signal has not been received at a base station in the wireless communications system, and for transmitting a new access request signal on a selected logical access channel to the base station after the backoff delay.

Apparatus for access priority control in a wireless communications system, comprising:

• a base station configured for broadcasting backoff delays respectively associated with pre-established access priority classes and for transmitting an acknowledgement signal to a remote terminal in the wireless communications system from which an access request signal has been received.