JP5074210B2 - Communication method and communication system - Google Patents

Description

Related applications

This application is filed by the same inventor with the priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 643,829 filed January 14, 2005, entitled “TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS PROCESSING CONTROLLER”. Insist. US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 643,829, filed January 14, 2005, entitled "TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS PROCESSING CONTROLLER", is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. . This application is also incorporated by reference in this application, US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 031,498 filed Jan. 6, 2005, entitled “Automatic switching between mobile phone network and VoIP network”. a phone (tELEPHONE wITH AUTOMATIC SWITCHING BETWEEN CELLULAR aND VOIP NETWORKS) "continuation-in with. US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 031,498 is incorporated by reference in this application, US provisional application No. 60 / 534,466, filed Jan. 6, 2004, entitled “WI- claims priority FI signal strength value the mobile telephone network and WI-FI wireless telephone with automatic switching between networks using (rADIOTELEPHONE wITH aUTOMATIC sWITCHING bETWEEN cELLULAR aND WI-FI nETWORKS uSING WI-FI sIGNAL sTRENGTH vALUES) " .

The present invention relates to a communication method and a communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to seamless switching of communications among voice over internet (VoIP) networks , public mobile telephone networks and public circuit switched networks .

Currently, telephone communications, wireless mobile telephone network (wireless cellular network), for example GSM, CDMA and CDMA2000, Voice over Internet (VoIP), or batch line switching network, for example public switched telephone network: a (public switched telephone network PSTN) Is done through. With current technology, most telephones used in these networks are limited to use in one particular network. For example, cellular phones, operating in a mobile telephone network (cellular network), VoIP phone, operates in a VoIP network, fixed telephone operates at times line switching network. Such restrictions, mobile phone network, a VoIP network and times line exchange networks, without cutting the connection means can not be switched in progress the (in-progress) telephony seamlessly.

In such a wireless network, many users share a defined part of the radio spectrum. Cost of infrastructure wireless networks, because the size and complexity of the network equipment, relatively high. There are various performance differences between different wireless networks. For example, a conventional wireless cellular network covers a relatively large geographic area but has a low bandwidth. Other wireless networks, for example, CDMA2000-EV-DO / DV networks provide a wider bandwidth, extended data services, for example, and a web browsing. However , these networks also pack many users into a relatively narrow portion of the defined spectrum . Other types of wireless networks, high speed, by the coverage area (coverage area) is narrow, in order to increase the spectral efficiency, has been adopted. For example, IEEE 802.11x (i.e. WiFi) networks, direct sequence spread spectrum (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum: DSSS) using mode, transmits data at a rate of up to 11Mbps, or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing : OFDM) mode to transmit data at a maximum speed of 54 Mbps.

WiFi (e.g., IEEE802.11b) wireless access point of the network conforming to network covers a range of hundreds of feet in diameter. Access points each such network is greater than the network (e.g., Internet) are connected to. Such example is WiFiVoIP (Wireless Fidelity Voice over Internet Protocol ), the WiFiVoIP, the user of the communication device, IEEE 802. using a defined technology xx, on the internet, you can make a wireless telephone in a network access point. VoIP takes analog audio signal, a method of converting the digital data that can be transmitted over the Internet. VoIP network (e.g., Internet) VoIP network carrier Ru with using conventional VoIP telephony, you can make a call based on VoIP. VoIP enabled network and VoIP compatible network comprises a VoIP switch for proper routing and billing of the telephone-based VoIP.

To cover a larger geographical area, a relatively large number of IEEE 802.11x networks , eg access points , and relatively large wire-line back haul networks are required. For one, because of the relatively small geographical coverage area for each network access point, as a result, network-based IEEE802.11x may also Ru expensive too are to be placed. Furthermore, since the coverage area is small , there may be many “dead zones” in which the user of the mobile communication device cannot make a call using the VoIP network.

A conventional VoIP telephone that operates within a WiFi coverage area (hot spot) corresponding to a WiFi access point has a relatively low telephone communication fee. However, the availability of WiFi is limited due to the small geographic area that each WiFi access point supports.

Conventional mobile phone operating in the cell la coverage area within the cellular telephone network, a telephone communication fee is relatively high, multimedia capabilities are limited. The mobile phone network and its availability to the mobile phone network cover a very wide and wide geographical area.

Times line switching network, for example a conventional fixed telephone operating in a number of dwellings, large-capacity telephone communication function, for example, do not provide a video communication function. Further , such a fixed telephone does not provide the mobility possessed by a mobile communication device such as a VoIP telephone or a mobile telephone.

The present invention relates to a mobile communication device for voice communication, data communication and video communication between an interface server called a nomadic server and different types of wireless networks such as a WiFi network and a cellular network . A communication system that performs seamless roaming is provided. By using the nomadic server, to allow access to the mobile communication device from both the WiFi network and the mobile phone network, when possible, it is possible to switch the call to a VoIP network.

Nomadic server, the telephone communication currently in progress, to "maintain (hold)" without interruption, ongoing telephone communication (in-progress), of a WiFi access point and the mobile telephone network without cutting a telephone communication processing and exchange server roaming between. For example, telephone communication, by using the nomadic server can be switched seamlessly between a VoIP network and the mobile phone network. Nomadic server resources (Nomadic server resources) also interfaces with VoIP network and a mobile telephone network switching system for performing handoff between VoIP network and the mobile telephone network (VOIP and cellular network switches). This approach, a telephone communication over VoIP network, capable mule, can be switched to a telephone communication via either a WiFi network or cellular phone network.

In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a method of communicating with the mobile communication device roaming between different types of wireless networks. Communication method by a mobile communication device, between a mobile communication device and the final destination device (end destination device), a first comprising a first wireless communication link between the mobile communication device and the first type of wireless network establishing a communications link, the mobile communications device, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring the signal strength of the first wireless communication link, when the signal strength falls below a predetermined threshold value, the mobile switching center, the interface server and the final between the destination devices, establishing a second communication link, the mobile switching center, the mobile communication device, and notifying to end the communication over the first communication link (Transmission), moving The switching center redirects the second communication link from the interface server to the mobile communication device, so that the mobile communication device and the second type are re-directed. Between the radio network classes, and a step of establishing a second wireless communication link. The first wireless communications link is a WiFi communication link, the first type of wireless network may include a WiFi network access point. The second type of wireless network may include a wireless cellular network . Establishing a first communication link may include routing through a VoIP network. Establishing a first communication link may include routing through the mobile telephone network (cellular network). Establishing a second communication link may include routing through a VoIP network. Establishing a second communication link may include routing through a cellular phone network.

Communication method between a mobile communication device is in the first coverage area (coverage area) within the first type of wireless network, by the mobile communication device, further the step of supplying connecting state (connectivity status) to the interface server You may have. Communication method associated routing described the association of the mobile communication device for an interface server (routing association), and may further have a step of supplying to the mobile switching center in the second type of wireless network. The communication method includes a step of routing termination communication for a mobile communication device from a mobile switching center to an interface server based on a routing association when a connection state is active , and termination communication. and a step of routing to a mobile communication device via a first type of wireless network from interface server may further have. The communication method may further comprise the step of deleting the routing association from the mobile switching center when the connection status is not supplied to the interface server. The communication method may further include a step of registering the mobile communication device with the mobile switching center in the second type wireless network when the signal strength falls below a predetermined threshold. The communication method may further include a step of setting up a second communication link with the final destination device and transmitting information regarding the second communication link to the interface server.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of communicating with the mobile communication device roaming between multiple WiFi coverage area. During the communication method, the mobile communication equipment, a mobile communication device, and associating the connected nomadic server to one or more of a WiFi access point, the mobile communication equipment, a mobile communication device and the first WiFi access point in the steps of establishing a first WiFi communication link, the mobile communication device, comprising the steps of supplying the IP address of the first WiFi access point nomadic server registers the mobile communication device to the nomadic server, the mobile switching by the station, the step of configuring (the configuring) based communication path to the mobile communication device via the nomadic server, the IP address and the first WiFi communication link first WiFi access point, the mobile communication device, the second WiFi access point coverage area Detecting movement of the mobile communication device to the rear, by the mobile communication device, a mobile communication device, the IP address of the second WiFi access point, and registering the nomadic server, by the mobile communications equipment, mobile between the communication device and the second WiFi access point, and establishing a second WiFi communication link, the nomadic server, the communication path, IP address, and a second WiFi communication link second WiFi access point based on, and a step of reconstructing (re-configuring). The communication method may further include the step of associating the mobile communication device with the nomadic server in the mobile switching center. Communication method, a routing association to associate the mobile communication device to interface server may further have a step of supplying to the mobile switching center in the mobile telephone network. The communication method includes a step of routing end communication for a mobile communication device from a mobile switching center to a nomadic server based on routing association , and a step of routing end communication from the nomadic server to a mobile communication device via a communication path. preparative may further have. The step of registering the mobile communication device to the nomadic server, while the mobile communication device is in a particular coverage area of the particular WiFi access point, the mobile communication device, including the step of supplying a connection state of the mobile communication device Also good.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a communication system for communicating with a mobile communication device roaming between different types of wireless networks. The communication system includes a plurality of different types of wireless networks, a mobile communication device that accesses the plurality of wireless networks, a first wireless coverage that is connected to the plurality of wireless networks, and the mobile communication device is related to the first type of wireless network. when roaming from the area the second wireless coverage area for a second type of wireless network, and an interface server to maintain a seamless communication link between the mobile communication device and the final destination device, the interface server, the A second communication link is established on the second type of wireless network while the first communication link between the mobile communication device on the first type of wireless network and the final destination device is active. , the second communication link is first set to send towards the interface server Thereafter, when the first communication link has ended, is routed to the mobile communication device, the interface server is connected to a first type of wireless network and the second type of wireless network, the mobile communication device, the first If the communication link falls below the threshold, the interface server is notified. The first communication link may include a first wireless communication link between the mobile communication device and the first type of wireless network. The first radio coverage area is a WiFi coverage area, the first wireless communication link may be a WiFi communication link between the mobile communication device and WiFi access point. The first communication link may include a routing path through the VoIP network. The first communication link may include a routing path through the mobile phone network . The second communication link may include a second wireless communication link between the mobile communication device and the second type of wireless network. The second radio coverage area is a cell la coverage area (cellular coverage area), a second wireless communication link, the mobile communication device and the mobile phone base station (cellular base station) during the wireless cellular communication link (wireless cellular communication link) . The second communication link may include a routing path through the VoIP network. The second communication link may include a routing path through the mobile phone network . The second type of wireless network may include a wireless mobile phone network .

As a further aspect, the present invention is, when the mobile communication device roams from a first radio coverage area for the first type of wireless network to a second type of wireless network for a second radio coverage area, the mobile An interface server that maintains a seamless communication link between a communication device and a final destination device is provided, and the interface server has a first communication link between a mobile communication device and a final destination device on a first type wireless network. while it is effective, on the second type of wireless network, establishing a second communication link, the second communication link is first set to send towards the interface server, then when the first communication link has ended, it is routed to the mobile communication equipment, the relevant interface server, the first species Connected to a wireless network and the second type of wireless network, the mobile communication device (90), when the first communication link falls below a threshold, notifies to the interface server. Interface server may be further provided with a first interworking function block to maintain the current configuration information and state information associated with a first communications link (first inter-network function block) . The first radio coverage area is a WiFi coverage area, the first communication link may be a WiFi communication link between the mobile communication device and WiFi access point. The interface server may further comprise a second inter-network connection functional block that maintains current configuration information and status information associated with the second communication link. The interface server may further include a provisioning server that supplies configuration information to the mobile communication device.

According to the embodiment of the nomadic server, when it is in a VoIP access point, for example, a WiFi hotspot, it initiates telephone communication using VoIP, when it is in a cellular area and outside the VoIP access point It may initiate a telephone communication with a cellular telephone network (cellular network). When the calling party (caller) has roamed out of range of VoIP access point, nomadic server, while the switching is taking place from VoIP access point to the mobile telephone network, the current telephony to "maintain" To work . Similarly, when a caller roams within the range of a VoIP access point while performing telephone communication on the mobile phone network , the nomadic server will continue to switch between the mobile phone network and the VoIP access point . Functions to “maintain” telephone communication. Nomadic server maintains during switching from one network to another network, rests with that or a valid telephone communications. After the switch is complete , the nomadic server is released from telephone communication.

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary system of interconnected networks, here, nomadic server 80, the mobile telephone network (cellular network), a wireless IP network (wireless IP network), public switched telephone network (public switched telephone network: PSTN) is connected to the 60. Mobile telephone network shown in Figure 1, a public mobile communication network (public land mobile network: PLMN) and a mobile switching center 20 connected to 30, and a plurality of base stations 10 connected to the mobile switching center 20 . The mobile phone network shown in FIG. 1 is a simple mobile phone network architecture for clarity of explanation. For example, although the mobile phone network of FIG. 1 includes only one mobile switching center 20 , the mobile phone network may include a plurality of mobile switching centers . Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the functionality of the mobile switching center 20 may be incorporated into the base station 10 or other cellular network infrastructure, or nomadic server 80 . Thus, as used herein, the term mobile switching center shall refer to a mobile switching center or any suitable device that performs the functions of a mobile switching center within the infrastructure of a cellular network facility. FIG. 1 shows four base stations 10 connected to the mobile switching center 20. Alternatively, more or less than four base stations may be connected to each mobile switching center.

Wireless IP network shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of wireless IP access point 40 connected to the Internet 50. Wireless IP access point (hereinafter, also referred to as a WiFi access point.) Specific examples of 40, but are not limited to, a wireless or wired broadband termination element (wireless or wired broadband termination element) , a wireless or wired Modems, wireless or wired routers and WiFi access points are included.

In this embodiment, nomadic server 80, via the soft switch (softswitch) 70, is connected to PSTN60. Soft switch 70 provides a nomadic server 80 interface to a conventional network, eg, PSTN 60 .

The mobile communication device 90 is preferably a dual-mode telephone having a VoIP client function on WiFi network, a GSM / CDMA mobile phone function on the cellular phone network. The mobile communication device 90 may automatically switch the current communication from the mobile phone network to the radio IP network, or the current communication can be from the IP network automatically switch to the cellular phone network. Such a mobile communication device is disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 031,498, filed Jan. 6, 2005, incorporated herein by reference, entitled “Between mobile phone network and VoIP network”. in automatic switching phone having (tELEPHONE wITH aUTOMATIC sWITCHING BETWEEN CELLULAR aND VOIP NETWORKS) "is disclosed. Alternatives to mobile communication devices include, but are not limited to, laptop computers, music players / recorders, PDAs, telephones, or any conventional mobile communication device that can receive broadband content via a wireless connection. included.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified high-level block diagram of one embodiment of mobile communication device 90. The mobile communication device 90 includes a WiFi portion (WiFi portion) and a cell portion (cellular portion) . The cell part accesses the communication network provided by the nearest base station 10 using either GSM or CDMA. The WiFi unit starts and ends communication on the WiFi network using a VoIP client. The mobile communication device 90 automatically switches communication between the mobile phone network and the VoIP network. The mobile communication device 90 includes a cellular communication module (cellular communication module) 93 that is coupled to the cell la antenna 91, a WiFi communication module 94 connected to a WiFi antenna 92, an audio / video amplifier 95, a network switching unit 96 Timer unit 97, WiFi signal level intensity monitor 98, microphone 100, speaker 99, and display monitor 101. The mobile communication device 90, base station 10 establishes communication with a WiFi communication module 94 connected to (Figure 1) in according to the cellular communication module 93 connected and / or WiFi access point 40 (FIG. 1), is maintained. The cellular communication module 93 also includes a transceiver 102 that receives / transmits signals to / from the mobile phone network . The WiFi communication module 94 includes a transceiver 103 that receives / transmits signals to / from the IP network. Sent from a WiFi access point 40, depending on the level of the detected WiFi signal, a call initially established by the cellular communication module 93 may be switched to be processed by the WiFi communication module 94, also, WiFi call initially established by the communication module 94 may be switched to be processed by the cellular communication module 93.

As shown in FIG. 1, nomadic server 80, mobile communication device 90 roams from one WiFi coverage area (coverage area) to another WiFi coverage area, or be in the coverage area of the mobile phone network, WiFi coverage When roaming outside the area , it enables seamless handoff from one wireless IP access point to another wireless IP access point. Nomadic server 80, cellular interworking function: a (cellular inter-working function CIWF) block 82, between the WiFi network connection function (WiFi inter-working function: WIWF ) and block 84, the provisioning server (provisioning server: PS) 86 With. The nomadic server 80 and the mobile switching center 20 are “ tightly ” coupled or “ loosely ” coupled . When it is tightly coupled, nomadic server 80 and the mobile switching center 20 are each a local area network (local area network: LAN), wide area network (wide area network: WAN), or a dedicated or non-mobile switching center 20 Connected by other appropriate interface using dedicated interface . Thus, the nomadic server 80 can communicate with the mobile switching center 20 through these interfaces. When it is loosely coupled, nomadic server 80 and the mobile switching center 20, Integrated Services Digital Network (Integrated Services Digital Network: ISDN) with a trunk or soft switch or connected using other suitable interface, . In this context, the soft switch, media gateway controller, call agent used to control your Keru connected to a connection point between the network and the packet network, it is variously defined as gatekeeper.

Nomadic server 80, Ru Tei is connected to one or more mobile switching centers 20 for communicating signaling and media traffic. A point of interconnection (PoI) is formed between each mobile switching center 20 and the nomadic server 80. One or more nomadic servers 80 can be provided in a given network . Each mobile communication device 90, the home nomadic server, in this specific example is related to the nomadic server 80. Each nomadic server may be a home nomadic server for one or more mobile communication devices. The mobile switching center preferably interfaces to only one nomadic server and the home mobile switching center interfaces to the home nomadic server. In this way, the mobile communication device 90 is associated with the home mobile switching center . Alternatively , a plurality of mobile switching centers may be connected to a predetermined nomadic server.

When the mobile communication device 90 has started a call in WiFi coverage area, the nomadic server 80, WiFi communication link is established. With the nomadic server 80 , a call can be established via a mobile phone network or a VoIP network. If the call is established via the mobile telephone network , the call is routed via the mobile switching center 20 connected to the nomadic server 80. If the call is Ru established through the VoIP network, the call session initiation protocol (Session Initiation Protocol: SIP) or other suitable protocols, for example using H323, is routed by the soft switch 70 of the service provider. In other words, if the mobile communication device 90 is located within the WiFi coverage area , the first leg of the call is routed via the WiFi communications link and the remaining leg of the call is either a cellular network , a VoIP network or It is routed through PSTN 60.

In actual operation, an initial call is established by the mobile communication device 90 by first determining whether the mobile communication device 90 is within the WiFi coverage area . Such determination is preferably carried out by measuring the closest signal strength or other criteria WiFi access point 40, when the signal strength or other criteria is not smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the WiFi communication link Established. If the WiFi access point 40 is not available, the mobile communication device 90 establishes a cellular communications link (cellular communication link) to the nearest base station 10. When the mobile communication device 90 first establishes a WiFi communication link, the mobile communication device 90 establishes a communication link with the provisioning server 86 via the WiFi communication link. WiFi communication link, a WiFi access point 40, and Nde including the Internet 50. Provisioning server 86, the mobile communication device 90, the home nomadic server, in this specific example to supply the configuration information including the identification information of the nomadic server 80. The mobile communication device 90 preferably communicates with the provisioning server 86 via the Internet 50 using XML using SSL.

In addition, the mobile communication device 90 is registered in the nomadic server 80. In some embodiments, between mobile communication device 90 and the nomadic server 80, SIP Registration Act (SIP REGISTER method), or other suitable protocols with authentication, for example, H323 is used. Further, the nomadic server 80 maintains configuration information of the mobile switching center 20. The nomadic server 80 updates the mobile switching center 20 with the current position of the mobile communication device 90. This current location refers to the WiFi access point associated with the WiFi coverage area where the mobile communication device 90 is currently located. The nomadic server 80 updates the mobile switching center 20 with the position of the mobile communication device 90 in a specific cycle . As this, the mobile switching center 20, and maintains current location information of the mobile communication device 90. Using this position information, it received through the mobile phone network of the mobile communication device 90 calls, the nomadic server 80, is directed onto the WiFi communication link from the mobile switching center 20.

While the mobile communication device 90 maintains the WiFi communication link between the wireless IP access point 40, regardless of the coverage area of the cellular telephone network, mobile communication equipment 90, the home nomadic server, in this case, nomadic server 80 is registered. Next, nomadic server 80, the mobile switching center 20 is updated with the current location of the mobile communication device 90. Signal strength or other criteria WiFi communication link, when falls below a predetermined threshold, the mobile communication device 90 notifies the nomadic server 80. In response to this, the nomadic server 80 stops sending the location update to the mobile switching center 20. Furthermore, the mobile communication device 90 stops sending the SIP registration to the nomadic server 80 , and the mobile communication device 90 starts registration with the nearest mobile switching center. Thus, subsequent calls emitted from a mobile communication device 90 or the mobile communication device 90 destined for being processed by the mobile switching center 20. The closest mobile switching center may be the home mobile switching center of the mobile communication device 90, or another mobile switching center called a visitor mobile switching center in the mobile telephone network .

While the first call via a WiFi communication link is still established, the mobile communication device 90, the second call to the same final destination as the first call that is currently established over the WiFi communication link set, thereby, a cellular communication link is established. If cellular communication link Ru Tei is established by the home mobile switching center, the second call by PoI between the home mobile switching center and the nomadic server 80, are routed to the nomadic server 80. In response, the nomadic server 80 determines whether the first call over the WiFi communication link is still in progress. If applicable, access, Ru is switched from the WiFi communication link to a cellular communication link.

On the other hand, if the cellular communication link is established via the visitor mobile switching center , the visitor mobile switching center transmits a second call to the visitor nomadic server connected to the visitor mobile switching center . Since the visitor nomadic server can not determine the state of the first call on the WiFi communication link, the visitor nomadic server switches the second call to the final destination. At the same time, the home nomadic server that has previously received a notification regarding the disconnection of the WiFi communication link from the mobile communication device 90 waits for a connection request from the home mobile switching center to establish the second call. However, since the second call is being processed by the visitor nomadic server , the home nomadic server does not receive such a connection request. Thus, the home nomadic server stops the first call on the WiFi communication link (drops), the second call is maintained by the mobile communication device 90 over a cellular communications link.

Once a cellular communication link is established between the mobile communication device 90 and the nearest mobile switching center , the mobile communication device 90 does not attempt to establish another WiFi communication link even if it reenters the WiFi coverage area. . Mobile communication devices 90, when Tsu return to the idle state, attempts to access the WiFi communication link.

When the mobile communication device roams from the first coverage area to the second coverage area , the transition step varies depending on the type of the second coverage area and the original call configuration . Roaming from the first coverage area to the second coverage area is typically based on one of five different scenarios , each scenario including an associated transition step.

The first scenario is a scenario in which the mobile communication device roams from the first WiFi coverage area to the second WiFi coverage area . The first WiFi coverage area is associated with the first WiFi access point, and the second WiFi coverage area is associated with the second WiFi access point. Each WiFi access point has an IP address. When the mobile communication device is in the first WiFi coverage area, the mobile communication device via the first WiFi access point, and registers with its home nomadic server. Home nomadic server, the home mobile switching center of the mobile communication devices, and updates the position of the mobile communication device. For incoming calls destined for the mobile communication device, the home mobile switching center routes these calls to the home nomadic server based on the latest location information.

The mobile communication device detects a transition when the mobile communication device roams to the second WiFi coverage area . The mobile communication device acquires an IP address from the second WiFi access point, and transmits the change of the IP address to the provisioning server of the home nomadic server. Also, the mobile communication device transmits a SIP register message having a new IP address to the home nomadic server. In response, the home nomadic server redirects all incoming calls to the IP address of the second WiFi access point. Position of Tei Ru mobile communication device is maintained by the home mobile switching center is still valid.

The second scenario is that the mobile communication device 90 initiates a call within the first WiFi coverage area , sets up the call on the VoIP network , and from the first WiFi coverage area , the home mobile switching center of the mobile communication device 90 by a scenario that roam into cell la coverage area (cellular coverage area) that is supported. In this second scenario, the mobile communication device 90 is roaming from the first WiFi coverage area to the non-WiFi coverage area . Initiated the first call, when set, a mobile communication device, between a first WiFi access point associated with a first WiFi coverage area, WiFi communication link is established. When the mobile communication device is in the first WiFi coverage area, the mobile communication device via the first WiFi access point, and registers with its home nomadic server. The first call is routed from the first WiFi access point via a VoIP network, eg, the Internet.

Mobile communication devices, monitors the signal strength or other criteria WiFi communication link. When the signal strength or other criteria falls below a predetermined threshold value, the mobile communication device, the nearest mobile switching center, in this second scenario is registered in the home mobile switching center of the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device also transmits a call setup request for the second call having the same final destination as the first call to the home mobile switching center . The second call is set up by the home mobile switching center and routed to the CIWF block in the home nomadic server. The CIWF block determines from the WIWF block whether a first call is in progress. If the first call is in progress, the CIWF block sends an acknowledgment message to the home mobile switching center. The home mobile switching center then sends an acknowledgment message to the mobile communication device.

Mobile communication devices, in response to receiving the acknowledgment message, stop media streaming over WiFi communication link, turn off the WiFi unit. Then, the CIWF block changes the registration of the mobile communication device in the WIWF block to the IP address of the CIWF block. CIWF block, re-invite message that represents the media switching to IP addresses CIWF block from the IP address of the first WiFi access point (media switchover) the (re-invite message), and transmits the WIWF block. The media streaming associated with the first call is then redirected to the CIWF block and the media streaming is switched to the home mobile switching center. Media associated with the first call, in turn, is associated with the second call, the media, in turn, from the VoIP network, WIWF block, CIWF block, the home mobile switching center, is streamed to the mobile communication device. Here, the migration based on the second scenario is completed. After that, if the second call has been disconnected by the mobile communication device, the corresponding call disconnection processing (call breakdown process) is indicated by the CIWF block. Thereafter, the second call when cleaved by the final destination device, the corresponding call disconnect process is indicated by both WIWF block and CIWF block.

The third scenario, a mobile communication device, the first to start a call in WiFi coverage area, and set the call backend (back end The) on the mobile phone network, the first WiFi coverage area, moving a scenario that roaming is supported by the home mobile switching center of the communication device Tei Roussel la coverage area. In this third scenario, the mobile communication device is roaming from the first WiFi coverage area to the non-WiFi coverage area . Initiated the first call, when set, a mobile communication device, between a first WiFi access point associated with a first WiFi coverage area, WiFi communication link is established. When the mobile communication device is in the first WiFi coverage area, the mobile communication device via the first WiFi access point, and registers with its home nomadic server. First call from a first WiFi access point, mobile phone network, for example a mobile switching center, are routed through the PLMN or PSTN.

Mobile communication devices, monitors the signal strength or other criteria WiFi communication link. When the signal strength or other criteria falls below a predetermined threshold value, the mobile communication device, the nearest mobile switching center, in this third scenario is registered in the home mobile switching center of the mobile communication device. In addition, the mobile communication device transmits a call setup request for the second call having the same final destination as the first call to the home mobile switching center. The second call is set up by the home mobile switching center and routed to the CIWF block in the home nomadic server. The CIWF block determines from the WIWF block whether a first call is in progress. If the first call is in progress, the CIWF block sends an acknowledgment message to the home mobile switching center. The home mobile switching center then sends an acknowledgment message to the mobile communication device.

Mobile communication devices, in response to receiving the acknowledgment message, stop media streaming over WiFi communication link, turn off the WiFi unit. Then, the CIWF block changes the registration of the mobile communication device in the WIWF block to the IP address of the CIWF block. The CIWF block sends a re-invite message to the WIWF block representing a media switch from the IP address of the first WiFi access point to the IP address of the CIWF block. The media streaming associated with the first call is then redirected to the CIWF block and the media streaming is switched to the home mobile switching center. Media stream associated with the first call, in turn, is associated with the second call, the media stream, in turn, from the mobile phone network, CIWF block, the home mobile switching center is directed to a mobile communication device. Here , the migration based on the third scenario is completed. After that, if the second call has been disconnected by the mobile communication device, the corresponding call disconnect process is indicated by CIWF block and the home mobile switching center. Thereafter, when the second call is disconnected by the final destination device , the corresponding call disconnect processing is instructed by the CIWF block .

The fourth scenario, a mobile communication device initiates a call in the first WiFi coverage area existing outside the cell la coverage area supported by the home mobile switching center of the mobile communication equipment, the back end of the call set on VoIP network, from the first WiFi coverage area, a scenario that roaming is supported by the visitor mobile switching center Tei Roussel la coverage area. In this fourth scenario, the mobile communication device is roaming from the first WiFi coverage area to the non-WiFi coverage area . Initiated the first call, when set, a mobile communication device, between a first WiFi access point associated with a first WiFi coverage area, WiFi communication link is established. When the mobile communication device is in the first WiFi coverage area, the mobile communication device via the first WiFi access point, and registers with its home nomadic server. In this way, the WIWF block of the home nomadic server monitors the position of the mobile communication device. The first call is routed from the mobile communication device via the WiFi communication link to the first WiFi access point, the WIWF block of the visitor nomadic server associated with the visitor mobile switching center, and the VoIP network.

Mobile communication devices, monitors the signal strength or other criteria WiFi communication link. When the signal strength or other criteria falls below a predetermined threshold value, the mobile communication device, the nearest mobile switching center, in this fourth scenario is registered in the visited mobile switching center of the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device notifies the WIWF block in its home nomadic server that the signal strength or other criteria is below a predetermined threshold . In addition, the mobile communication device transmits a call setup request for the second call having the same final destination as the first call to the visitor mobile switching center. Visited mobile switching center, a call setup request, to transfer the CIWF block in the visitor nomadic server. CIWF block visitor nomadic the server, from WIWF block determines whether the first call is in progress. Since the mobile communication device registers itself with its home nomadic server rather than the visitor nomadic server, the WIWF block in the visitor nomadic server does not have a record of the first call in progress. In response, the visitor nomadic server sets up the second call on the cellular network . At the same time, the home nomadic server tears down the first call on the VoIP network.

The fifth scenario, a mobile communication device initiates a call in the first WiFi coverage area existing outside the cell la coverage area supported by the home mobile switching center of the mobile communication equipment, the back end of the call set on a mobile phone network, the first WiFi coverage area, a scenario that roaming is supported by the visitor mobile switching center Tei Roussel la coverage area. In this fifth scenario, the mobile communication device is roaming from the first WiFi coverage area to the non-WiFi coverage area . Initiated the first call, when set, a mobile communication device, between a first WiFi access point associated with a first WiFi coverage area, WiFi communication link is established. First call from the mobile communications device, via the WiFi communication link, the first WiFi access point, CIWF block visitor nomadic server, visited mobile switching center, is routed to the mobile telephone network.

Mobile communication devices, monitors the signal strength or other criteria WiFi communication link. When the signal strength or other criteria falls below a predetermined threshold value, the mobile communication device, the nearest mobile switching center, in this fifth scenario is registered in the visited mobile switching center of the mobile communication device. When the mobile communication device is in the first WiFi coverage area, the mobile communication device via the first WiFi access point, and registers with its home nomadic server. In this way, the WIWF block of the home nomadic server monitors the position of the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device notifies the WIWF block in its home nomadic server that the signal strength or other criteria is below a predetermined threshold . In addition, the mobile communication device transmits a call setup request for the second call having the same final destination as the first call to the visitor mobile switching center. Visited mobile switching center, a call setup request, to transfer the CIWF block in the visitor nomadic server. CIWF block visitor nomadic the server, from WIWF block determines whether the first call is in progress. Since the mobile communication device registers itself with its home nomadic server rather than the visitor nomadic server, the WIWF block in the visitor nomadic server does not have a record of the first call in progress. In response, the visitor nomadic server sets up the second call on the cellular network . At the same time, the home nomadic server aborts the first call on the cellular network and the first WiFi communication link.

Note that the five scenarios described above are not exhaustive , that is , not comprehensive, for all scenarios, but the mobile communication device roams from the first coverage area to the second coverage area with the support of the nomadic server. it is possible. Also, other scenarios may be envisaged.

Further, in some embodiments, nomadic server 80 communicates via another nomadic servers and the Internet, the call routing and completing with VoIP. The server - server communication (server-to-server communication) is a mobile phone - can be used for all calls, including mobile phone between calls (cellular to cellular calls). In this situation, the mobile phone communication (cellular telephone communication) is sent from the originating mobile telephone (initiating cellular telephone) to the appropriate base station. From this base station, the communication, appropriate nomadic server 80, are routed to the nomadic server 80 closest to some of the incoming base station in the embodiment (receiving base station) 10. Then, the outgoing nomadic server 80 transmits the communication to the nomadic server 80 closest to the appropriate base station 10 corresponding to the position of the incoming mobile phone via the Internet. The incoming nomadic server 80 transmits the communication to the incoming base station 10, and the incoming base station 10 transmits the communication to the incoming mobile phone. Thus, the transmission of the portion to be communicated on the mobile telephone network, and the first segment from the originating mobile phone to the appropriate base station, only the last segment of the appropriate base station to the incoming mobile phone. The remaining middle part of the transmission is communicated over the Internet between the appropriate nomadic servers , which makes the call more efficient than if the call was completely transmitted over the cellular network as is conventional. Can be completed automatically . As will be apparent to those skilled in the art , in order to complete a call between an originating telephone and an incoming telephone , communications are made between the first and last part of the transmission routed over the cellular network and between the nomadic server 80 and the Internet 50. this method and a remaining intermediate portion to be routed through and directed in both directions.

In order to facilitate an understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention, the invention has been described using specific embodiments including various details. Such specific embodiments and details thereof are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments selected can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system of an interconnection network in which a nomadic server is connected to a cellular telephone network , a wireless IP network, and a public switched telephone network. FIG. 2 is a simplified high-level block diagram of one embodiment of a mobile communication device.

Claims (37)

In a communication method for communicating with a mobile communication device that roams between a plurality of different types of wireless networks,
a. Establishing, by the mobile communication device, a first communication link including a first wireless communication link between the mobile communication device and a first type of wireless network between the mobile communication device and a final destination device; When,
b. Monitoring the signal strength of the first wireless communication link by the mobile communication device;
c. When the signal strength drops below a predetermined threshold, the mobile communication device registers with the nearest mobile switching center;
Establishing a second communication link by the mobile switching center between the interface server and the final destination device;
d. Notifying the mobile communication device by the mobile switching center of a message indicating that the first communication link is in progress to terminate communication on the first communication link;
e. By connecting the second communication link to the mobile communication device via the mobile switching center by the interface server, the second communication link is connected between the mobile communication device and a second type of wireless network. Establishing a wireless communication link.   The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless communication link is a WiFi communication link, and the first type of wireless network includes a WiFi network access point.   3. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein the second type of wireless network includes a wireless mobile phone network.   2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the step of establishing the first communication link includes routing through a VoIP network.   2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the step of establishing the first communication link includes routing via a mobile telephone network.   2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the step of establishing the second communication link includes routing through a VoIP network.   2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the step of establishing the second communication link includes routing via a mobile telephone network.   The communication method according to claim 1, further comprising: supplying a connection state to the interface server by the mobile communication device while the mobile communication device is in a first coverage area of the first type of wireless network. .   9. The communication method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of supplying a routing association describing the association of the mobile communication device to the interface server to the mobile switching center in the second type of wireless network. Routing the end communication for the mobile communication device from the mobile switching center to the interface server based on the routing association when the connection state is valid;
The communication method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of routing the end communication from the interface server to the mobile communication device via the first type of wireless network.   The communication method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of deleting the routing association from the mobile switching center when the connection state is not supplied to the interface server.   The communication method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of registering the mobile communication device with a mobile switching center in the second type of wireless network when the signal strength falls below a predetermined threshold.   13. The communication method according to claim 12, wherein the second communication link between the interface server and the final destination device is established by the mobile switching center in response to a request from the mobile communication device. In a communication method for communicating with a mobile communication device that roams between a plurality of WiFi coverage areas,
a. Associating, by the mobile communication device, the mobile communication device with a nomadic server connected to one or more WiFi access points;
b. Establishing, by the mobile communication device, a first WiFi communication link between the mobile communication device and a first WiFi access point;
c. Supplying the IP address of the first WiFi access point to the nomadic server by the mobile communication device and registering the mobile communication device with the nomadic server;
d. Configuring by the mobile switching center a communication path to the mobile communication device via the nomadic server based on the IP address of the first WiFi access point and the first WiFi communication link;
e. Detecting, by the mobile communication device, movement of the mobile communication device to a coverage area of a second WiFi access point;
f. Registering the mobile communication device and the IP address of the second WiFi access point in the nomadic server by the mobile communication device;
g. Establishing, by the mobile communication device, a second WiFi communication link between the mobile communication device and the second WiFi access point;
h. Reconfiguring the communication path by the nomadic server based on the IP address of the second WiFi access point and the second WiFi communication link.   The communication method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of associating the mobile communication device with the nomadic server in the mobile switching center.   15. The communication method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of supplying a routing association that associates the mobile communication device with the nomadic server to the mobile switching center in a mobile telephone network. Routing the end communication for the mobile communication device from the mobile switching center to the nomadic server based on the routing association;
The communication method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of routing the end communication from the nomadic server to the mobile communication device via the communication path. The step of registering the mobile communication device with the nomadic server includes:
15. The communication according to claim 14, further comprising the step of supplying a connection state of the mobile communication device by the mobile communication device while the mobile communication device is within a specific coverage area of a specific WiFi access point. Method. In a communication system communicating with a mobile communication device roaming between a plurality of different types of wireless networks,
a. Several different types of wireless networks,
b. The mobile communication device accessing the plurality of wireless networks;
c. When connected to the plurality of wireless networks and the mobile communication device roams from within the first wireless coverage area for the first type of wireless network into the second wireless coverage area for the second type of wireless network; An interface server for maintaining a seamless communication link between the mobile communication device and the final destination device;
While the first communication link between the mobile communication device and the final destination device on the first type of wireless network is valid, the interface server performs a second operation on the second type of wireless network. Establish a communication link for
The second communication link is initially set towards the interface server, and then routed to the mobile communication device when the first communication link is terminated,
The interface server is connected to the first type of wireless network and the second type of wireless network;
The mobile communication device notifies the interface server when the first communication link falls below a threshold value.   20. The communication system according to claim 19, wherein the first communication link includes a first wireless communication link between the mobile communication device and the first type of wireless network.   The communication according to claim 20, wherein the first wireless coverage area is a WiFi coverage area, and the first wireless communication link is a WiFi communication link between the mobile communication device and a WiFi access point. system.   21. The communication system according to claim 20, wherein the first communication link includes a routing path through a VoIP network.   21. The communication system according to claim 20, wherein the first communication link includes a routing path through a mobile phone network.   20. The communication system according to claim 19, wherein the second communication link includes a second wireless communication link between the mobile communication device and the second type of wireless network.   25. The second wireless coverage area is a cellular coverage area, and the second wireless communication link is a wireless cellular communication link between the mobile communication device and a mobile phone base station. Communication system.   25. The communication system of claim 24, wherein the second communication link includes a routing path through a VoIP network.   25. The communication system according to claim 24, wherein the second communication link includes a routing path through a mobile phone network.   20. The communication system according to claim 19, wherein the second type of wireless network is a wireless mobile phone network. When the mobile communication device roams from within the first radio coverage area for the first type of radio network to the second radio coverage area for the second type of radio network, between the mobile communication device and the final destination device An interface server that maintains a seamless communication link,
The interface server performs a second operation on the second type wireless network while the first communication link between the mobile communication device and the final destination device on the first type wireless network is valid. Establish a communication link for
The second communication link is initially set towards the interface server, and then routed to the mobile communication device when the first communication link is terminated,
The interface server is connected to the first type wireless network and the second type wireless network,
The mobile communication device notifies the interface server when the first communication link falls below a threshold value.   30. The interface server of claim 29, further comprising a first inter-network connection functional block that maintains current configuration information and status information associated with the first communication link.   31. The interface server according to claim 30, wherein the first wireless coverage area is a WiFi coverage area, and the first communication link is a WiFi communication link between the mobile communication device and a WiFi access point. .   31. The interface server of claim 30, further comprising a second inter-network connection functional block that maintains current configuration information and status information associated with the second communication link.   The interface server according to claim 32, further comprising a provisioning server for supplying the configuration information to the mobile communication device.   30. The interface server according to claim 29, wherein the interface server communicates with the mobile communication device via a mobile switching center.   The interface server according to claim 34, wherein the interface server is tightly coupled to the mobile switching center by a network.   35. The interface server according to claim 34, wherein the interface server is loosely coupled to the mobile switching center by one of a trunk interface or a soft switch.   35. The interface server according to claim 34, wherein the interface server communicates with the mobile switching center according to an interface protocol established by the mobile switching center.

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