Abstract:
A method and apparatus for a back channel implemented by a transmitting device in a half-duplex communication system includes monitoring for voice activity detection, indicative of an absence of human speech, while the transmitting device is transmitting on a half-duplex channel of the half-duplex communication system; transmitting a notification of a back channel opportunity to other devices on the half-duplex channel responsive to the voice activity detection; and switching to a receiving mode to receive data on the back channel while still maintaining control of the half-duplex channel. A method for a back channel implemented by a receiving device is also described.