JPH09215061A - System and method for cellular communication - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network dedicated to data without performing practical and overlapped investment to different cellular base stations or transceivers. SOLUTION: A shared cellular base station 28 is utilized for both a 2nd cellular data network 80 and a 1st cellular network 15. During the interval of cellular network speaking (idle period), a data speech controller 103 intermittently transmits cellular data network speech to any usable cellular channel. Thus, the shared cellular base station 28 selectively transmits/receives both cellular network speaking and cellular data network speaking.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cellular communication system and a cellular communication method in which a plurality of cellular base stations for transmitting and receiving multiple simultaneous calls between a central telephone switching center and a plurality of mobile cellular telephones are adopted. For more details,
Cellular communication system and cellular communication for increasing utilization of a cellular base station in the first cellular network by intermittently transmitting and receiving data packets through the second cellular network in an interval between calls of the first cellular network It is about the method.

[0002]

Cellular communication networks employ a large number of cellular base stations. Each cellular base station transmits and receives a low power radio signal within a specific service area (ie, cell).

The above-mentioned cellular base station is strategically provided in a jurisdiction (area) so that telephone calls can be made between cellular telephone subscribers. Each cellular base station in a cellular network includes a number of cellular transceivers.

Each cellular transceiver operates at a set of selected predetermined transmit / receive frequencies. This transmission frequency / reception frequency enables at least one two-way telephone call. According to current system design representatives, approximately 56-98 broadcast frequency (transmit frequency / receive frequency) pairs are assigned to each cellular base station.

Most transceivers in a cellular base station are assigned to carry subscriber calls. In contrast, one or two of the transceivers are assigned for controlling transmission and reception and for requesting service signals to identify new incoming cellular network calls.

In a cellular system designed for transmitting and receiving analog radio signals, each transceiver of a cellular base station provides a single cellular channel that enables bidirectional cellular network calls. In contrast, in a digital cellular system, each cellular network call is digitized and radio signal transmissions are encoded to provide multiple cellular channels for each radio frequency pair.

The conventional method for increasing the number of cellular channels by digitizing a cellular network call is referred to herein as time division multiplexing. With this time division multiplexing, the transmission of each radio signal takes place via several digitized cellular channels. Radio signals transmitted through the cellular channels are transmitted in different time slots, and each cellular channel is independently reproduced by a time-axis synchronous decoder (decoder).

[0008] One standard that exists for time division multiplexing is TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), which is a dual mode conformance criterion of mobile station-base station, to those skilled in the art. Is very familiar. For details of TDMA, see, for example, "T
Telecommunications Industry Association, Engineerin
g Department, 2001 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Wash
Washington, DC 20006 "Standard IS-54, Rev.
B, dated April 1992 ", or the latest version.

The number of simultaneous calls that can be handled with a given number of cellular transmit / receive frequencies will vary depending on whether multiplexing is employed and, if so, what multiplexing is employed. To do.

Both analog and digital systems provide multiple cellular channels for conducting multiple simultaneous cellular network calls. The term cellular channel as used herein refers to a two-way wireless communication link that allows cellular network calls between users of a cellular network.

Time division multiplexing using the current TDMA standard allows three independent separate telephone calls to be made simultaneously on a single radio frequency pair. Therefore, each transceiver in the cellular base station
Three separate cellular channels can be processed. In contrast, analog systems allow each transceiver to handle only one cellular channel.

In any cellular telecommunication network, cellular network calls are made through a central cellular telephone exchange (also called central exchange, or network exchange) to a plurality of cellular base stations located within a coverage area. , Transmitted. This cellular base station provides a radio link from a central cellular telephone exchange to mobile cellular subscribers.

When accessing a cellular network to talk to a telephone subscriber, a signal is sent throughout the coverage area to identify the cellular base station closest to the telephone subscriber. Another signal is then sent to the telephone of the mobile subscriber, instructing the telephone transceiver which transmit / receive frequency to tune in order to carry said call. Each mobile cellular telephone is designed to tune to any frequency pair of selected transmit / receive frequencies (transmit / receive frequencies used by cellular base stations in the cellular network).

The central cellular switching center tracks all cellular network calls in the cellular network and transmits the cellular network calls via the selected cellular base station. The choice of cellular base station is determined by the current location of the mobile cellular telephone user or telephone subscriber.

The cellular base stations in the cellular network are connected to a central cellular telephone exchange. This connection is made by continental communication lines, microwave links, or similar semi-permanent connections that extend within network service areas.

Cellular telephone subscribers are free to roam within the network coverage area during a single cellular network call. This is based on the fact that the cellular network call is handed over (handed off) from one cellular base station to another when the user leaves one cell and reaches the next cell. .

This takeover is performed by the cellular network which directs the subscriber's cellular telephone. This cellular network instructs the subscriber's cellular telephone to switch the transmit / receive frequency pair used by the transceiver of the cellular base station in the cell before the move to the new transmit / receive frequency pair. To do.

On the other hand, the central switching office simultaneously transmits the cellular network call to the appropriate cellular base station. Cellular networks are designed to take over cellular network calls without interrupting the cellular network call. The central telephone switching center takes over the cellular network call every time it is required to maintain the continuity of the wireless connection with the telephone subscriber.

The system that monitors the status of each cellular network call is the heart of the function of each cellular network. The cellular network needs to recognize whether or not each cellular channel is ready for transmission within each cellular base station. There is also a cellular communication system that employs base station control means (call switching control unit in each cellular base station) for monitoring the state of all cellular network calls in each cellular base station. Some cellular systems monitor each cellular network call of each cellular base station via a central switching office.

Regardless of where the cellular network call is monitored, a cellular channel monitoring system is provided somewhere in all cellular telephone networks to identify the status of each cellular network call in the cellular network. When each cellular network call ends at each cellular base station, and when each cellular channel is ready to carry a new cellular network call, the cellular channel monitoring system accesses various information related to the call status. . The transmission of new cellular network calls made over the cellular network is based on the various above-mentioned information relating to the call state.

At times, the demand for cellular channels may exceed the capacity and become overloaded on the network, resulting in poor quality of service for telephone subscribers. Most cellular networks and cellular base stations can be overloaded due to the limited spectrum of wireless channels and increasing cellular network traffic.

Therefore, there has been a continuing desire for improved techniques to increase the transmission capacity of the available radio channel spectrum. As the use of personal wireless communications increases substantially as expected and planned, there is still a need to use the broadcast spectrum more efficiently, even though the available radio channel spectrum is added.

Data calls between computers represent a layer of cellular telephone calls that is increasingly being transmitted by the cellular telephone network. Data calls are often discontinuous, requiring intermittent exchange of data separated by substantial intervals of blank time.

As a result, simply employing voice channels as the connection between computers is usually uneconomical and costly. Nevertheless, with the widespread use of portable computers, the demand for connecting telephone data to mobile portable computers is increasing.
In particular, it is necessary to find new ways to meet the demand for data transmission over cellular networks at low cost and without the system loading imposed when voice channels are used exclusively for data calls. Become.

Special data networks currently exist for transmitting data between computers in the form of data packets. This data packet is a burst in which data is compressed and encoded for a short period of time. Such data-only networks are much more economical for data transmission than traditional long distance telephone transmissions.

One of the well-known types of data networks is PSPDN (Public Switched Packet Data).
Network: Public Switched Packet Data Network), which is also called Public Packet Data Network (PPDN). This PSPDN is designed to packetize digital information and transmit it at a low cost through a dedicated line or intermittently at a considerably low cost compared to an analog long distance charge through a public telephone line. .

The development of the cellular equivalent technology of PSPDN is
At present, it is not good. Although not yet implemented in the cellular industry, one system has been proposed.
According to this system, a blank time is used between analog cellular network calls, and data packets are transmitted between customers who desire a digital call connection. This system is based on CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data Ser
vice: Cellular Digital Packet Data Service).

This CDPD utilizes the short delay between cellular network calls. In other words, CDPD is
At the end of one cellular network call and before the next new cellular network call is assigned,
Cellular channels take advantage of going idle.

Systems employing CDPD scan the cellular frequency to identify channels (ie, transmit / receive frequencies) that are momentarily idle. Then, if an empty channel is found, the system will move to a nearby C
The DPD base station is immediately turned on, and data is transmitted / received at the found empty frequency.

[0030]

However, in the case of the above-mentioned conventional CDPD, it is necessary to separately provide a dedicated cellular network including a plurality of cellular base stations and transceivers in order to perform data transmission between CDPD subscribers. Is. The CDPD simply shares the cellular frequency (transmit frequency / receive frequency) with the cellular telephone exchange.

The disadvantage of CDPD is that it requires the dedicated cellular network to be built in the service area in order to use the idle spectrum for a short period of time, and it is very expensive to maintain. Is. This dedicated cellular network includes a plurality of dedicated cellular base stations.

Another drawback of CDPD is that it looks for blank periods in the transmission spectrum and is therefore incompatible with time division multiplexing. This is because for CDPD, blank periods in the broadcast spectrum are searched. CD
The PD cannot identify the gap between the cellular network calls when multiple cellular network calls are transmitted on the same carrier frequency. With time division multiplexing, a transceiver becomes idle only when all the cellular channels transmitted by that transceiver are idle, and such a condition occurs very rarely.

The CDPD can perform its full function when used with an analog cellular system in which each channel is transmitted through a separate transceiver and the transceiver is immediately idle at the end of each call. CDPD has the problem that it is inconsistent with the direction of development in cellular communication since it is limited when analog cellular systems are used.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cellular network for the purpose of communication without duplicating core facilities of a cellular base station and transceivers (a plurality of both). To use the idle period between calls.

Another object of the present invention is utilized in a conventional cellular telephone network by transferring data packets between digital users through the same cellular base stations and transceivers used during voice calls. To increase the use of available radio spectrum.

Yet another object of the present invention is to increase the use of each transceiver within a cellular base station without compromising the processing of the first cellular network call normally performed by the transceiver.

Another object of the invention is (1) to have some or all of the same cellular base stations and transceivers used in the cellular network,
(2) Increase the use of cellular base stations on the cellular communication network by providing another cellular data network that makes data calls only during the intervals between calls, and more cellular base stations. It is to increase the capacity of a system that handles calls without the need for stations, transceivers, or radio frequencies.

[0038]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the cellular communication system of the invention according to claim 1
A plurality of transceivers each having at least one cellular channel, base station channel monitoring means for monitoring the cellular channel for each transceiver and identifying the idle cellular channel during a voice call, and an idle state of the selected transceiver At least some of the plurality of cellular base stations connected to a plurality of cellular base stations having a base station control means for performing a voice call with a cellular channel located at A cellular data network that is shared with a cellular network and that selectively transfers data packets between a public packet data network and a mobile cellular data station, each shared cellular base station further comprising: When a channel monitor means identifies an idle cellular channel between voice calls in a selected transceiver, data packet call control for selectively transmitting / receiving a data packet to be transmitted to / from the base station control means. Equipped with means.

According to the cellular communication system of the first aspect, the communication status of all the cellular channels is monitored for each transceiver by the base station channel monitoring means. As a result of this monitor, when the selected transceiver has a cellular channel in a state in which another voice call is possible (idle state), between the base station control means and the idle cellular channel,
A voice call is made. In this way, a voice call is made between the cellular base station and the cellular network via the cellular channel of the selected transceiver.

On the other hand, the data packet is transmitted between the cellular base station shared by the cellular network and the cellular data network and the cellular data network as follows.

That is, when the base station channel monitoring means specifies the idle cellular channel during the voice call, the data packet call control means and the base station control means in the shared cellular base station are connected. , Data packets to be transmitted are selectively exchanged. Then, data packets are exchanged between the base station control means and the cellular channel of the selected transceiver.

Thus, via the cellular channel of the selected transceiver, the transmission of data packets between the cellular base station and the cellular data network while the cellular channel is idle between voice calls. Done. As a result, in the cellular data network, data packets are transmitted between the public packet data network and the mobile cellular data station.

As described above, while the voice call is mainly performed between the shared cellular base station and the cellular network, the transceiver and the cellular channel used in this voice call are also used in the idle period between the voice calls. As a result, data packets are intermittently transmitted between the cellular base station and the cellular data network.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a cellular communication system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes (1) a plurality of transceivers each having at least one cellular channel, and monitoring the cellular channel for each transceiver. A base station channel monitoring means for identifying whether a network call has ended and another network call is in an idle state, and an idle state of a selected transceiver connected to the transceiver and the base station channel monitoring means. Connected to a plurality of cellular base stations having a base station control means for making a network call to and from a cellular channel in, having at least one cellular telephone exchange, a cellular network for mainly performing voice transmission,
(2) A cellular data network that shares at least some of the plurality of cellular base stations with the cellular network and that selectively transfers data packets between a public packet data network and a mobile cellular data station. ing.

Each shared cellular base station is further
(a) a first network communication link means for connecting the shared cellular base station and the cellular network and making the network call with the cellular base station; and (b) the shared network Second network communication link means for connecting the cellular base station to the cellular data network and for exchanging the data packet with the cellular base station, and (c) the first network communication link means. First connection means for connecting the base station control means of the shared cellular base station and making the network call with the transceiver in the cellular base station, and (d) the second network communication link It is used when connecting the means and the base station control means of the shared cellular base station and making a network call in the above-mentioned cellular base station. And a second connection means for transmitting and receiving the data packet to and from the same transceiver, and (e) a shared cellular network connected to the base station control means and the second network communication link means. Data packet call control means for selectively transmitting and receiving data packets via the selected transceiver in the base station to and from the base station control means, wherein the base station control means is the selected transceiver. During the interval between network calls on the cellular channel transmitted by the transceiver, the transceiver and the cellular channel used by the shared cellular base station for transmitting the data packet through the transceiver are shared by the cellular channel. While the network primarily carries voice calls, these same transitions Server and cellular channel intermittently carry data packets from the cellular data network.

According to the cellular communication system of the second aspect, the base station channel monitoring means monitors the communication state of the cellular channel for each transceiver. As a result of this monitoring, when it is determined that the network call in progress through the cellular telephone switching center is terminated and the other network call becomes idle state, the cellular base station and the cellular network are first
Connected by network communication link means.

The first network communication link means is the first
Connected to the base station control means in the cellular base station by the connecting means, a network call is made with the idle cellular channel of the selected transceiver. In this way, a network call (voice call) is made between the cellular base station and the cellular network via the cellular channel of the selected transceiver.

On the other hand, the data packet is transmitted between the cellular base station shared by the cellular network and the cellular data network and the cellular data network as follows.

That is, when the base station channel monitoring means identifies the cellular channel that is in an idle state during a voice call, data packets to be transmitted and received are selectively exchanged within the shared base station. It is performed as follows between the control means and the base station control means.

The shared cellular base station and the cellular data network are connected by a second network communication link means. The second network communication link means is connected to the base station control means in the shared cellular base station by the second connecting means.

Thus, the base station control means and the data packet call control means are linked, and the exchange of data packets is shared during the interval between network calls on the cellular channel transmitted by the selected transceiver. And selectively via the selected transceiver in the cellular base station between the base station control means and the data packet call control means.

That is, while the transceivers and cellular channels used by the above-mentioned shared cellular base stations mainly carry voice calls by the above-mentioned cellular network, these same transceivers and cellular channels are transmitted from the above-mentioned cellular data network. Will be transmitted intermittently.

As described above, while the voice call is mainly performed between the shared cellular base station and the cellular network, the transceiver and the cellular channel used in this voice call are also used in the idle period between the voice calls. As a result, data packets are intermittently transmitted between the cellular base station and the cellular data network.

In order to solve the above problems, in the cellular communication system of the invention according to claim 3, in addition to the matters specifying the invention of claim 1 or 2, each shared cellular base station further Data packet from the public packet data network and temporarily storing the data packet, the data packet call control means transfers the data packet stored by the base station control means from the data buffer. In response to reading, the data packet is responsive to be transmitted to the cellular channel in the idle state.

According to the cellular communication system of claim 3, in addition to the operation of claim 1 or 2, the following operation is provided. That is, a plurality of data packets are sequentially transmitted from the public packet data network to the cellular base station. These data packets are temporarily stored in the data buffer.

When the idle cellular channel is specified during the voice call, the base station control means reads the stored data packet from the data buffer. The data packet call control means transmits the data packet read from the data buffer to the cellular channel in the idle state. As a result, the load on the base station control means is reduced, and a plurality of data calls can be made intermittently as appropriate, so that the use of the cellular base station is further increased.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a cellular communication system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the cellular communication system according to the third aspect, in addition to the matters specifying the invention according to the third aspect, wherein each of the cellular base stations shares the cellular network. In order for the transceiver to have the plurality of cellular channels, the plurality of cellular channels multiplexed in a predetermined cellular frequency band are provided, and each of the shared cellular base stations is further provided with the above data packet call. There is provided a multiplexing control means for transmitting the data packet stored in the data buffer through the idle cellular channel in cooperation with the control means.

According to the cellular communication system of claim 4, in addition to the operation of claim 3, each cellular channel is multiplexed and multiplexed in a predetermined cellular frequency band. Therefore, even when the cellular channel is transmitting another call, the multiplexing control unit cooperates with the data packet call control unit to multiplex the data packet stored in the data buffer in an idle state between the calls. It can be transmitted on a single cellular channel.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a cellular communication system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the matters for specifying the invention according to the third aspect, each of the cellular base stations in which the cellular network is shared. In order for the transceiver to have the plurality of cellular channels in different predetermined time slots, each of the shared cellular base stations that supplies a plurality of time division multiplexed cellular channels in a predetermined cellular frequency band further includes: The time slot control means for transmitting the data packet stored in the data buffer at the time slot through the idle cellular channel in cooperation with the data packet call control means.

According to the cellular communication system of claim 5, in addition to the operation according to claim 3, each cellular channel is time-division multiplexed in a predetermined cellular frequency band, so that the cellular channel is used for other calls. Even during transmission, the time slot control means cooperates with the data packet call control means to transfer the data packet stored in the data buffer on the multiplexed single cellular channel in the idle state between calls. Can be transmitted.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a cellular communication method of the invention according to claim 6 is a cellular communication method for carrying out a cellular network call from a cellular network and transmitting a data packet from the cellular data network. The process shown in FIG.

That is, the cellular communication method of the invention according to claim 6 comprises the step of connecting the cellular data network to a cellular base station shared with the cellular network,
Connecting the cellular network to the base station control means in each shared cellular base station and making a cellular network call with the transceiver in each shared cellular base station, and the same base used in the previous step Connect the cellular data network to the station control means,
Transmitting data packets to be transmitted via the cellular data network to and from a transceiver in each shared cellular base station, wherein the base station control means terminates the cellular network call and the next cellular network. Upon identifying the cellular channel in the idle period between the start of the network call and during the interval between the cellular network calls, the base station controller means to send data packets from the cellular data network to the idle cellular channel. Selectively transmits to a transceiver so that the transceivers and cellular channels within each shared cellular base station are primarily responsible for voice calls, and these same transceivers and cellular channels are from the cellular data network. And intermittently so as to transmit Tapaketto.

According to the cellular communication method of claim 6, when the cellular network is connected to the base station control means in each shared cellular base station, the cellular network is connected to the transceiver in each shared cellular base station. The call is made.

When the cellular data network is connected to the same base station control means used during the above-mentioned cellular network call, data packets are exchanged with the transceivers in each of the shared cellular base stations. It is transmitted via the data network.

When the base station control means in the shared cellular base station identifies the cellular channel in the idle period between the end of the cellular network call and the start of the next cellular network call, the interval between the cellular network calls During this time, the base station control means selectively transmits data packets from the cellular data network to the idle transceiver of the cellular channel.

As described above, the transceiver and the cellular channel in each of the shared cellular base stations mainly perform voice communication, and the same transceiver and cellular channel intermittently receive the data packet from the cellular data network in the idle period. Will be transmitted.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the cellular communication method of the invention according to claim 7 provides the shared cellular base station and the above-mentioned cellular data network in addition to the matters specifying the invention according to claim 6. At the time of connecting the data packet from the public packet data network, temporarily storing the data packet in the data buffer, and transmitting the data packet to the selected cellular channel by the base station control means. One data packet is selectively stored in the data buffer, and when the base station control means selectively transmits the data packet from the cellular data network to the transceiver of the cellular channel in the idle state, during the cellular network call. During the interval, the data stored in the data buffer An idle state reads Tapaketto adapted to transmit to the transceiver of the cellular channel.

According to the cellular communication method of claim 7, in addition to the operation according to claim 6, when the idle cellular channel is specified during the voice call, the base station control means stores the stored data. Read the packet from the data buffer. The data packet call control means transmits the data packet read from the data buffer to the cellular channel in the idle state. As a result, the load on the base station control means is reduced, and a plurality of data calls can be made intermittently as appropriate, so that the use of the cellular base station is further increased.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the cellular communication method of the invention according to claim 8 is such that, in addition to the matters specifying the invention according to claim 6, the cellular network is time-division multiplexed in a predetermined cellular frequency band. It supplies a plurality of cellular channels that have been converted, inserts the data packet for each cellular channel through which the data packet is transmitted, according to the time division described above, and the base station control means receives the data packet from the cellular data network. It is designed to be selectively transmitted.

According to the cellular communication method of claim 8, in addition to the operation according to claim 6, each cellular channel is
It is time division multiplexed in a predetermined cellular frequency band.
Therefore, data packets can be transmitted on a single multiplexed cellular channel in an idle state between calls even when the cellular channel is transmitting another call.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the cellular communication method of the invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that, in addition to the matters specifying the invention according to claim 6, the cellular network is multiplexed in a predetermined cellular frequency band. A plurality of cellular channels are provided, and for each cellular channel in which the data packet is transmitted, the data packet is inserted into the multiplexed and idle state of the cellular channel, and the base station control means operates from the cellular data network. The data packet is selectively transmitted.

According to the cellular communication method of claim 9, in addition to the operation according to claim 6, each cellular channel is
It is multiplexed in a predetermined cellular frequency band. Therefore, data packets are transmitted on a single cellular channel multiplexed in the blank period between calls even when the cellular channel is carrying another call.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a tenth aspect is provided.
In the cellular communication system of the invention according to claim 5, in addition to the matters specifying the invention of claim 5, the time slot control means stores the data in the data buffer via the cellular channel based on a predetermined priority. The generated data packet is transmitted in the above time slot.

According to the cellular communication system of claim 10, in addition to the operation according to claim 5, even when one or more cellular data network calls pass through the cellular base station at the same time, based on the predetermined priority order. Can be dealt with reliably.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 11
In the cellular communication system of the invention according to claim 10, in addition to the matters specifying the invention of claim 10, the priority is determined based on the length of the hold state of the data packet.

According to the cellular communication system of claim 11, in addition to the operation according to claim 10, since the data packet having the longest hold state is transmitted with the highest priority, the data packet is transmitted by the first-in first-out method. Be seen.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a twelfth aspect is provided.
In the cellular communication system of the invention according to claim 1, in addition to the matters specifying the invention of claim 10, the priority is determined based on the amount of data stored in the data buffer.

According to the cellular communication system of the twelfth aspect, in addition to the operation according to the tenth aspect, the data packets are transmitted in descending order of the amount of data stored in the data buffer. For example, even if a cellular data network call with a very large amount of data continues, data packets are transmitted in the order of the largest amount of data, so that overflow of the data buffer can be avoided.

[0079]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a cellular communication for transmitting and receiving cellular data network calls to and from a second cellular data network dedicated to data using short intervals between cellular network calls of a first cellular network. The present invention relates to a system and a cellular communication method.

The present invention uses built-in capabilities in the first cellular network to monitor and track each call, identify relatively short duration intervals between each call, and conflict with cellular network calls. Without pointing out exactly when a short burst of data from the second cellular data network can be transmitted.

The second cellular data network contains another telephone exchange. Some of the cellular base stations of the first cellular network are shared with the second cellular data network, which is a data-only network. Continental telecommunications lines and other connections link the data network exchanges with the shared cellular base stations.

The second cellular data network is preferably accessible via the public packet data network. The cellular data network call of the second cellular data network is transmitted to the shared cellular base stations and is inserted during a short interval between the cellular network calls. The cellular data network call provides a discontinuous virtual connection between users of a second cellular data network.

A feature of the present invention is that the cellular base station, the transceiver, and the assigned transmit / receive frequencies are allocated to the first cellular network without reducing the capacity of the first cellular network or intruding on the cellular network call. Sharing between the network and the second cellular data network. The present invention is applicable to analog and digital cellular networks that employ multiple access methods such as time division multiple access.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a cellular communication system of the present invention. The cellular communication system includes a first cellular network. The first cellular network is designed to selectively wirelessly connect a public telephone line and a plurality of mobile cellular telephones. The first cellular network is designed mainly for voice communication and conversational communication, but it can also be used for data communication by using a modem or the like.

The heart of the first cellular network described above is the first cellular telephone exchange 10. The first cellular telephone exchange 10 comprises a conventional cellular telephone exchange, and is for selectively switching a cellular network call between a plurality of cellular base stations and a public telephone line 12. The first cellular telephone exchange 10 is a first land-based telephone exchange.
) Is also called.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a functional trunk connection, which has a function of linking the first cellular telephone exchange 10 to the public telephone line 12. The public telephone line 12 is a conventional local utility network, and selectively switches and connects telephone calls among many users. In FIG. 1, the first cellular network is generally indicated at 15.

Reference numeral 18 in FIG. 1 represents a first cellular station. The first cellular station 18 is a cellular telephone. The first cellular station 18 is adapted to transmit wireless communications on the first cellular network 15 via the first cellular telephone exchange 10 in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

In general, the cellular network has a large number of telephone subscribers, each telephone subscriber having a first cellular station 18. Although only one first cellular station 18 is shown in FIG. 1, it is representative of a number of similar first cellular stations designed to communicate on the first network 15. Absent.

Each of the first cellular stations 18 carries out radio communication with one of the plurality of cellular base stations connected to the first cellular telephone exchange station 10. In FIG. 1, the terrestrial base lines 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29 represent the cellular base stations 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28, respectively.
Are connected to the first cellular telephone exchange 10. The terrestrial baseline can be replaced by microwaves or any other suitable multi-line call link.

The cellular base stations 20, 2 shown in FIG.
2, 24, 26, and 28 are merely representative of a number of cellular base stations connected to the first cellular telephone exchange 10. Connection lines 30, 32 and 3 shown in FIG.
4 is an infinite number of addable cellular base stations (not shown)
Is connected to the first cellular telephone exchange 10.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the total number of cellular base stations connected to a typical cellular network switching center will vary depending on the service area, its terrain, and many other factors. Cellular networks
It typically contains a large number of cellular base stations, and for very large networks, hundreds or more cellular base stations. For convenience of describing the present invention, cellular base stations 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28.
And the additional cellular base stations connected to the connecting lines 30, 32, and 34 shall be representative of the whole of the local cellular telephone network.

The first cellular telephone exchange 10 has the well-known features of conventional cellular telephone networks. The function of the first cellular telephone exchange 10 is to use the public telephone line 12
Receiving a cellular network call from and transmitting a cellular network call into the cellular telephone network. The latter involves transmitting the cellular network call exactly to the desired cellular base station and assigning the cellular network call to an available cellular channel.

The first cellular telephone exchange 10 also controls the allocation and reallocation of cellular network calls in the cellular telephone network. An important component in cellular telephone networks is the cellular channel monitoring system.

The cellular channel monitor system is
Monitor call status for all cellular channels in the cellular telephone network. This allows the cellular channel monitoring system to know when the cellular channel is empty to allow a new cellular network call to be allocated.

The cellular channel monitor system is
It may be provided in the cellular base station or in the first cellular telephone exchange 10. However, the first cellular telephone switching center 10 assigns the cellular network call to the available cellular channels by:
Finally, the channel availability information must be received and processed.

The information on channel availability is
Within the cellular network 15 is provided by what is referred to as a cellular channel monitor (see block 35 in FIGS. 1 and 2). The cellular channel monitor 35 monitors the call status on each cellular channel and communicates with the first cellular switching center 10 whenever the cellular channel is available to receive new cellular network calls. Communicate.

The cellular telephone network provides each cellular base station with circuitry for monitoring the cellular channels processed through the cellular base station (see FIGS. 1 and 2). There is also a cellular telephone network in which the first cellular telephone exchange 10 is provided with the function of monitoring the cellular channel for all cellular base stations on the network.

Importantly, the information relating to each cellular network call, the information indicating when the cellular network call is terminated and when each cellular channel is empty to receive a new cellular network call, is the first cellular phone. It is to be supplied to the exchange 10. Cellular Channel Monitor 3 of Figures 1 and 2
5 refers to the first cellular network 15 regardless of where the actual monitoring device (s) are located.
Represents the cellular channel monitor function in.

FIG. 1 shows, in a first cellular network 15, a single first cellular telephone switching center 10 connected to all of the illustrated cellular base stations.
If the first cellular network 15 or the coverage area is large enough or has a very large number of telephone subscribers, the first cellular network 15 can be divided into a plurality of first cellular networks.
A configuration including the cellular telephone exchange 10 may be used.

In a network having a plurality of cellular telephone exchanges, each cellular telephone exchange being connected to some of a plurality of cellular base stations, the various different exchanges are functionally linked to each other and they are Can be considered part of a link system. The block designated by 10 in FIG. 1 means a single or a plurality of functionally linked cellular telephone exchanges suitable for use in the first cellular network 15.

The cellular telephone exchange and the cellular base station used in the first cellular network 15 are conventional ones except for the components provided in the block 31 shown by the broken line in FIG. It is available from several manufacturers.

For example, Motorola offers a cellular base station, which is a base site controller.
site controller) and is called an electronic mobile switching center (Electr
onicMobile Exchange) package provided as part of a multi-channel wireless facility. The above electronic mobile switching center package is EMX100Plu.
s and EMX250, EMX500, EMX2500 are on the market, for example, Motorola Radio-
Telephone Systems Group (1501, W. Shure Drive, Ar
lington Heights, IL 60004).

Another example of a cellular base station of the type used with the first cellular network 15 of FIG. 1 is AUTOPL manufactured by AT & T Networks Systems.
EX System 1000 is mentioned. Yet another example is No
There is a cellular base station used with rthern Telecom's DMS MTX System, which is available from Northern Telecom, Richardson, Texas.

The cellular base station 28 of FIG. 1 is a typical cellular base station used by the first cellular network 15 and the communication system of the present invention. The parts of the cellular base station 28 other than the broken line block 31 have a known configuration including conventional cellular base stations.

The components of block 31, which will be described in detail below with particular reference to FIG. 2, relate to the cellular communication system and the cellular communication method of the present invention.
Each cellular base station connected to the first cellular telephone exchange 10 transmits and receives radio signals within a specific service area (or cell). During this transmission and reception, a plurality of low power transceivers 40 are used, of which four transceivers 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d are shown in FIG.

Most cellular base stations include over 100 transceivers (not shown). Each transceiver tunes to a selected predetermined transmit / receive frequency pair. These transmit / receive frequency pairs are
It is also used when transmitting and receiving radio signals to and from the subscriber's cellular telephone (first cellular station 18) located within the control of the cellular base station.

Each transceiver handles one or more different cellular channels. All transceivers
A radio signal is transmitted and received via the station antenna indicated by 52. The transceivers 40a-40d in the cellular base station 28 are functionally connected to and controlled by the base station controller 46.

The base station controller 46 has the known construction of a conventional cellular base station. One of the main functions of the base station controller 46 is to switch each cellular network call and each service request to the transceiver in the empty state. The base station controller 46 also has a call with the first cellular telephone switching office 10 and permits the first cellular telephone switching office 10 to monitor and transmit cellular network call assignments. At least one transceiver at each cellular base station is typically assigned to monitor service requests from nearby mobile cellular telephones.

A telephone subscriber who wishes to make a call by a cellular telephone turns on the cellular telephone and issues a signal (service request signal) requesting a cellular channel to be transferred to the nearest cellular base station. The service request signal arrives at the cellular base station and the base station controller 46
Assign the cellular network call to the transceiver 40 in the empty state (available state). Base station controller 46 sends instructions to the subscriber's cellular telephone. The instructed cellular telephone tunes to the particular transmit / receive frequency pair used by the transceiver assigned to handle the cellular network call.

A cellular network call from the first cellular switching center 10 to the cellular base station 28 is a transceiver 40 available by the base station controller 46.
Can be switched to. When a cellular network call from the first cellular exchange 10 reaches the cellular base station 28, the base station controller 46 assigns the cellular network call to an available transceiver,
Send an instruction to the mobile cellular telephone to switch to the transmit / receive frequency pair of the assigned transceiver.

[0112] Such transceiver allocation and frequency switching are performed even if the cellular network call from the first cellular switching center 10 is related to takeover from a neighboring cellular base station, or is newly transmitted. Even a cellular network call is performed.

As used herein, the term cellular channel means a two-way radio channel capable of carrying independent cellular network calls.

In an analog cellular system, each cellular channel is processed by a different transceiver. The transceiver transmits and receives continuous analog radio signals at a predetermined frequency assigned to each transceiver of the cellular base station.

In contrast, in a digital cellular telephone system, each transceiver uses time division multiplexing such as Code Division Multiple Access or other multiplexing to simultaneously transmit multiple cellular channels. To process.

Thus, in an analog cellular system, each transceiver can handle a single cellular channel, whereas in a digital cellular telephone system one transceiver can handle multiple cellular channels.

FIG. 5 shows a typical base station 28 with 3
FIG. 3 is a time diagram illustrating one cellular channel carrying a series of cellular network calls at the same time.
The illustrated cellular network call sequences and durations are typical of actual cellular network calls transmitted by one or more transceivers in a conventional cellular base station.

The three vertically extending time lines are used to represent a series of cellular network calls carried by three different cellular channels, channels A, B and C. The three cellular channels may be analog channels each transmitted by a separate transceiver 40 in the cellular base station 28, or digital cellular channels transmitted simultaneously by one or more transceivers using appropriate multiplexing. May be

Each channel can carry another cellular telephone call. On the other hand, the order of the cellular network call shown in FIG. 5 shows the case of the conventional cellular network, which is the background for explaining the operation of the data cellular network of the present invention.

First, for channel A, the time line 60 on the upper left side of FIG. 5 starts. At this time, channel A
Is used to carry the cellular network call A1. During the cellular network call A1, the transceiver transmitting channel A sends and receives signals to and from the subscriber's cellular telephone at the frequency assigned to the transceiver. Cellular network call A1
Ends at time 62 on timeline 60. This termination occurs when the telephone subscriber voluntarily terminates the cellular network call or when the telephone subscriber's cellular telephone moves out of range of the cellular base station 28 to another cellular base station. It is when the call is transferred automatically.

The next cellular network call on time line 60 is the cellular network call A beginning at time 64.
2. The interval between the end of the cellular network call A1 (time 62) and the start of the cellular network call A2 (time 64) corresponds to an idle period when channel A is unused.

The new cellular network call is the first
It is assigned to channel A by the cellular telephone exchange 10 or by the base station controller 46. Which is assigned depends on the architecture of the first cellular network.

When Channel A happens to be able to carry a new Cellular Network call immediately, the new Cellular Network call is assigned to Channel A. In FIG. 5, channel A becomes available at time 62 when the cellular network call A1 ends.

When the cellular network is in a typical call load condition, the idle period of channel A1 is about a few seconds between the time 62 when the cellular network call A1 ends and the time 64 when the cellular network call A2 starts. Continue.

The reason why the idle period between the first cellular network calls is required is that the cellular base station needs to send a message on the available (empty) channel A to the cellular network switching center. , And need to make time to switch new cellular network calls to the above available channels.

If the cellular network call is lightly loaded and the incoming cellular network call is infrequent, the transceiver will idle while waiting for a new cellular network call to be allocated (how long it is unspecified). .

As timeline 60 progresses, channel A continues after cellular network call A2 ends at time 66 until cellular network call A3 begins at time 68.
Becomes idle. Cellular network call A3
Ends at time 70. These cellular network calls take place on channel A and are respectively assigned to channel A in the same manner as cellular network call A1 described above. Channel A after A4
Although not shown in FIG. 5, the cellular network call of the above is also transmitted sequentially in this manner.

Time line 72 represents a cellular network call carried by channel B which is a separate communication channel from channel A and which carries a two-way telephone call.

Channels A and B may be transmitted by different transceivers, or may be transmitted by the same single transceiver, as long as signal multiplexing is performed.

The cellular network call on channel B occurs on channel B and is carried out in the same manner as the cellular network call on channel A above.
Respectively.

After the first cellular network call B1 on channel B ends at time 74, channel B goes idle. The next cellular network call B2 begins at time 76 and ends at time 78. Further subsequent cellular network call B3 begins at time 80 and ends at time 82. The time line 72 for channel B shown in FIG. 5 ends during the cellular network call B4.

Similarly, the time line 84 represents a cellular network call transmitted on channel C. After the first cellular network call C1 on channel C ends at time 86, channel C goes idle. The next cellular network call C2 is time 8
Starts at 8 and ends at time 90. Further subsequent cellular network call C3 begins at time 92 and continues thereafter, although not shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows the cellular base station 2 for convenience of explanation.
Although only three cellular channels processed by 8 are shown, in practice many hundreds or more of the cellular channels are processed by cellular base station 28.

For example, if the cellular base station is part of an analog cellular network and contains 100 transceivers, then a maximum of 100 different cellular channels will be available.

On the other hand, if the cellular base station is part of a digital cellular system that employs time division multiplexing, the total number of available cellular channels will be several times higher than in the analog case. Through a brief explanation, Time Division Multiple Access
One concept of the cellular transmission standard known as ss) that provides time division multiplexing is described below.

Using the time division multiple access transmission standard, sequential message frames are transmitted by each transceiver, along with the appropriate synchronization code. It takes 40 ms to transfer each digitized message frame, which is configured as shown in FIG.

Three separate cellular channels, designated X, Y and Z, are provided by one transceiver
It is transmitted in each of 6 different time slots (T / slot). Each of these six time slots has a duration of 6.67 ms.

Cellular channel X is processed in time slots 0 and 3, cell channel Y is processed in time slots 1 and 4, and time slot 2 is processed.
And 5 processes the cellular channel Z. Digitized cellular network calls are transmitted and received in their assigned time slots.

The time division multiple access transmission standard is designed to switch the transmission of 6 different channels in 6 time slots. During normal operation, if the transceiver in the cellular base station 28 is transmitting multiple cellular network calls using the time division multiple access format, then the transceiver in the cellular base station 28 will be one of three cellular network calls. Transmission of the plurality of cellular network calls is maintained as long as it is transmitted on at least one channel.

When one of the channels becomes idle, at the assigned time slot until a new cellular network call is initiated by that channel, such as channel A time 62 in FIG. , No message is forwarded.

The present invention uses a transceiver or a cellular channel in a cellular base station to transmit digital information in the form of data packets during an idle period (or idle interval) between network calls, thereby allowing the cellular base station in the cellular network to receive the digital information. Systems and methods are provided to increase station utilization, respectively.

The present invention provides a second cellular data network 80, shown generally on the right side of FIG. The second cellular data network 80 is a public switched packet data network.
et data network) 81, also intended to be used as part of a public packet data network.

Public Switched Packet Data Network 81
Is a public telephone exchange for data-only calls.
The public switched packet data network 81 provides users with a low cost alternative to using public telephone lines for data calls.

The basis for adopting a public switched packet data network is that data calls are packetized into short-duration data packets via a public telephone line or a dedicated public switched packet data network line.
It is based on the ability to send this data packet in short intermittent bursts.

As used herein, the term data packet is made up of only short bursts of digital information that can be encoded and decoded according to a predetermined protocol. Data packets can transfer large amounts of information over communication lines at minimal cost.

The second cellular data network 80 is
It is designed to make data calls between computers and the like, preferably in the form of data packets (or referred to as packet data). The computer 79 can communicate with another computer 83 by dialing an address code or access number via the public switched packet data network 81.

Public Switched Packet Data Network 81
Connects a computer 79 to a cellular data telephone switching center 93 which is part of the second cellular data network 80 of the present invention. First cellular telephone exchange 10 is first
The cellular data telephone switching center 93 performs the same function in the second cellular data network 80 as it does in the cellular network 15.

The cellular data telephone exchange 93 is connected to one or more of the cellular base stations used by the first cellular network 15. In FIG. 1, the cellular base stations 20, 22, 24, 26 and 2 are shown.
8 are continental communication lines 87, 88, 89, 90 and 91.
Each is shown as being connected to a cellular data telephone exchange 93 via a microwave (or similar connection).

[0149] These cellular base stations are also connected to the first cellular telephone exchange station 10 and shared with the first cellular telephone exchange station 10. The cellular data telephone exchange 93 may be connected to other cellular base stations (not shown) via connection lines 92, 94 and 96. The additional cellular base stations connected to the connecting lines 92, 94 and 96 may be the same as the cellular base stations connected to the first cellular switching center 10 by connecting lines 30, 32, 34, or First Cellular Telephone Switching Office 10
May be different cellular base stations that are not connected to.

Like the first cellular network 15,
The total number of cellular base stations connected to the cellular data telephone switching center 93 will vary depending on the size, terrain, number of customers, and other characteristics of the service area served by the second cellular data network 80.

The second cellular data network 80 is
For example, it may be provided in the same service area as the first cellular network 15, or may be provided in a service area larger or smaller than the first cellular network 15. The present invention contemplates sharing some of the cellular base stations between the two networks 15.80. Of course, it may be contemplated to share all of the cellular base stations between the two networks.

For example, in this embodiment, the cellular base stations 20, 22, 2 are connected between the two networks 15 and 80.
4, 26 and 28 are shared. The second cellular data network 80 may be provided so as to partially overlap with one or more adjacent cellular networks (eg, the first cellular network 15), and some cellular base stations. May be shared with each network. Regardless of the configuration of the second cellular data network 80, the cellular base station 28
Is a shared cellular base station used by both networks.

1 and 2 show a second cellular data network 80 and a shared cellular base station 2
8 shows the various components making up each of the eight.

The cellular network call from the first cellular telephone exchange 10 reaches the cellular base station 28 via the first port 101. The cellular network call is sent to the base station controller 46. Base station controller 46 includes transceiver switch 106 (see FIG. 2).
This transceiver switch 106 switches multiple parallel circuits between transceivers of various cellular base stations and transmits a cellular network call with the first cellular switching center 10.

The transceiver switch 106 is functionally connected to the switching control circuit 107, and the switching control circuit 10
7. The switch control circuit 107 is controlled by the first cellular switching center 10 and directs the interconnection of transceivers necessary to complete a cellular network call.

Each cellular network call is assigned to a selected transceiver. The transceiver selection is then based on whether the transceiver has an idle cellular channel capable of carrying a cellular network call.

The first cellular network 15 employs time division multiplexing, and the cellular network call is time division encoded at the cellular telephone exchange (broken line block 108 in FIG. 2) or the cellular base station. It is either time-division coded at the station (broken line block 109 in FIG. 2). In FIG. 2, the broken line block 108 described above is used.
Is Time Division Multiple Access
However, the present invention is not so limited and other suitable encoding protocols may be used.

In FIG. 2, the block 109 within the cellular base station 28 is represented as a multiplexer and serves several functions in a network employing digital multiplexing such as time division access.

The multiplexer 109 is a time slot monitor functioning integrally with the transceiver switch 106, and guarantees the next processing. That is, it is guaranteed that the cellular network call will be inserted into or extracted from the correct time slot of the cellular channel assigned to carry each cellular network call. .

The multiplexer 109 is also called a time slot controller. Although a normal encoding / decoding function is provided in each transceiver in the cellular base station, the multiplexer 109 as a time slot controller encodes / decodes a cellular network call prior to a call with the transceiver. Contains the circuit.

For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 1 and FIG.
Although each transceiver is not shown as having a separate multiplexer, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each transceiver in the network performs digital multiplexing, multi-channel encoding, and decoding. Is.

The function of the block 109 is to perform multiplexing for all cellular network calls passing through the cellular base station 28, and the cellular base station 2
8 monitoring the time slots of all cellular channels processed by. Coding/
The physical layout of the compounding circuit may be anywhere suitable within the cellular base station.

A cellular data network call from the cellular data telephone exchange 93 arrives at the cellular base station 28 via the second port 102 and is sent to a second controller, called the data call controller 103.

The function of the data call controller 103 is to instruct to temporarily store the data packet (second network call information) until the cellular channel becomes available. Indicating to make a transmission and directing a cellular data network call to the correct channel and transceiver.

The data call controller 103 is functionally connected to the switching control circuit 107 of the base station controller 46. The data call controller 103 is functionally connected to the cellular channel monitor 35 via a communication line 111.

The cellular channel monitor 35 provides information about when the cellular network call ends and at what time during each interval between the cellular network calls the cellular channel can carry a new cellular network call. To do. The data call controller 103 also includes a data buffer 130,
Functionally connected to 132.

The data buffer 130 receives a data packet from a cellular data network call that arrives at the cellular base station from the public switched packet data network 81 via the cellular data telephone switching center 93, and temporarily stores the data packet. Finally, the insertion / extraction circuit 104 (hereinafter,
The insertion circuit 104) is functionally connected to the transceiver switch 106 via a data call insertion / extraction communication line 115.

The insertion circuit 104 is a switching device, and the communication line 136 from the data buffers 130 and 132.
To the transceiver switch 106 in the base station controller 46 for a short period of time. Transceiver switch 10
6 and the insertion circuit 104 selectively insert or extract a data packet into the transceiver call bus 105.

The transceiver call bus 105 transmits a cellular network call with the transceivers 40a-40d in the cellular base station. Data buffers 130 and 132 and transceiver switch 106
Upon completion of the short connection between and, data packets are exchanged with the selected transceiver 40.

The operation of the insertion circuit 104 is controlled by the data communication controller 103 via the communication line 129 based on the information regarding the empty state of the cellular channel. The insertion circuit 104 includes a transceiver switch 106.
It is designed to exchange data with and.

In a cellular network that employs multiplexing of calls such as time division access, the insertion circuit 104
Operates in cooperation with multiplexer 109 via transceiver switch 106. As a result, the data packets transmitted to and from the data buffers 130 and 132 are accurately assigned to the time slots of the empty cellular channel assigned for transmission of the cellular data network call.

The mobile cellular station 85 is also referred to as the mobile telephone subscriber unit for the cellular data network and is shown schematically in FIG.

Mobile cellular station 85 is a cellular telephone designed to send and receive cellular data network calls from telephone subscriber computers 83. In fact, the mobile cellular station 85 may be a cellular telephone connected to a suitable modem 77, or it may be a dedicated unit for cellular data network calls only.

When used on a cellular data network employing time division multiplexing, an appropriate time division multiple access encoding / decoding circuit 142 or a system used on the second cellular data network 80 Another type of multiplexer that is compatible may be included in mobile cellular station 85. The time division multiple access unit is depicted by the dashed block in FIG.
Data from the telephone subscriber's computer 83 is sent and received via the mobile antenna 85 via the station antenna 133.

The following description of the operation of the second cellular data network 80 will be given in the first cellular network 15
Assume that each transceiver at each cellular base station is an analog cellular network carrying a single two-way telephone call.

Here, the cellular data network call on the second cellular data network 80 is assumed to occur by the user of the computer 79, who directs the cellular data network call to the telephone subscriber computer 83. The user enters the appropriate address code for the mobile cellular station 85. The cellular data network call is transmitted to the cellular data telephone switching center 93 via the public switched packet data network 81. The cellular data telephone switching center 93 searches for the mobile cellular station 85 within the range of the cellular base station 28 and locates it.

Land-based computer 79
And the mobile telephone subscriber's computer 83,
Once the data path is established via the cellular base station 28, the cellular data network call is complete. On the second cellular data network 80,
The actual flow of a cellular data network call is intermittent, but the cellular data telephone exchange 93 tracks the intermittent connection via the second cellular data network 80.

When data flows from the computer 79 to the telephone subscriber's computer 83, the data first passes through the public switched packet data network 81 where it is packetized. The data packet is then transmitted to the cellular data telephone switching center 93, where it is transmitted to the cellular base station 28. Each data packet arrives at the cellular base station 28 via the second port 102. During the interval between cellular network calls transmitted by the cellular base station 28, each data packet is stored in the data buffer 130 until the cellular channel is empty and available.

The base station controller 46 monitors the status of all cellular channels of the first cellular network 15 until the cellular channel monitor 35 detects the end of the cellular network call. At the end of the cellular network call, the cellular channel is ready to carry the cellular data network call.
There is a delay of several seconds between the termination of the cellular network call on the cellular channel and the assignment of a new cellular network call to that cellular channel.

A new cellular network call is communicated to the first cellular telephone exchange 10 to inform that the cellular channel is available and empty and to place a new cellular network call.
In order to transmit to 8 and switch to the transceiver 40 in the empty state, a first cellular network 15 identifying the cellular channel in the empty state is required.

Prior to the new cellular network call being assigned to the transceiver, the data call controller 103 reads the stored data packet from the data buffer 130 and sends it through the insertion circuit 104 to the available transceivers. The insertion circuit 104 is
The communication line 136 from the data buffer 130 is connected to the transceiver switch 106. The data call controller 103 instructs the transceiver to turn on,
The data packet is transmitted to the mobile cellular station 85 via the station antenna 52.

The circuitry for instructing the transceiver to transmit the data packet may be provided within the selected transceiver or elsewhere.
Once the data packet has been transmitted, the mobile cellular station 8
5 receives the data packet via the station antenna 133 and transmits it to the telephone subscriber's computer 83. At the same time, the data packets travel from the telephone subscriber's computer 83 to the computer 79 via the second cellular data network 80, assuming that data is being exchanged in both directions.

The cellular data network call originating from the telephone subscriber's computer 83 first passes through the mobile cellular station 85, where the service request signal is transmitted via the station antenna 133. Cellular base station 2
Assuming that 8 is the closest cellular base station, station antenna 52 receives the service request signal on the appropriate channel reserved for that purpose.

The message is sent to a logic circuit, where a transceiver is assigned to carry the cellular data network call. This logic is provided either in the cellular base station 28 or in the first cellular telephone exchange 10. The available transceivers are then assigned to carry the cellular data network call.

The mobile cellular station 85 is instructed to its transceiver to tune to the appropriate transmit / receive frequency. The cellular data network call is not assigned to any transceiver until the cellular channel is capable of carrying the cellular data network call. The base station controller 46 is typically equipped with a transceiver control circuit for controlling the operation of a plurality of transceivers provided, and a cellular channel monitor 35 for identifying each interval between cellular network calls. Is specified.

When an interval is detected on a transceiver, that transceiver is immediately turned on,
It is instructed to receive a data packet from the mobile cellular station 85. An instruction to tune to the transceiver transmit / receive frequencies is sent to the mobile cellular station 85 and the data packet is forwarded to the assigned transceiver via the station antenna 52.

The inserting circuit 104 immediately starts the communication line 136.
The transceiver is connected to the data buffer 132 via. As soon as one or more data packets have been extracted, the insertion circuit 104 returns the connection at the transceiver switch 106 to the normal position. If this connection is in the normal position, then the next cellular network call is ready for transmission.

The data buffer 132 is the cellular base station 2
8 is a data buffer for input provided in which data packets from mobile subscribers are temporarily stored. Providing the data buffer 132 is optional. Because, the cellular data telephone exchange 93
And a continental communication line or other connecting means for connecting between the cellular base station 28 and the computer 79 via the public switched packet data network 81 is usually provided.

In other words, a data packet arriving at the cellular base station 28 via the station antenna 52 is typically
Immediately it can be transferred to the recipient's computer 79. However, it is desirable to have a data buffer 132 in order to synchronize with the exchange of data packets that are input and output to the cellular base station 28.

If the first cellular network 15 employs time division multiplexing, each cellular channel is accessed by addressing both the selected transceiver and timeslot, which corresponds to an available channel.

In FIG. 2, the transceiver switch 106 includes a multiplexer 109. The multiplexer 109 is designed to function integrally with the transceiver switch 106 in a cellular system that employs time division multiplexing. The multiplexer 109 functions as a time slot monitor device in the cellular base station 28.

That is, the multiplexer 109 monitors the multiple channels processed by each of the transceivers 40a-40d. As part of the base station controller 46, the multiplexer 109 provides for the cellular channel to which the cellular network call is assigned,
It guarantees that the cellular network call will be inserted at the correct time slot. Within the transceiver switch 106, the multiplexer 109 provides multiple synchronization capabilities for cellular data network calls processed by the data call controller 103.

Reference numeral 125 shown by a broken line in FIG.
4 and the functional connections provided between the multiplexers 109 are shown. This dashed functional connection 125 causes the insertion circuit 104 to work in conjunction with the multiplexer 109 to ensure that the cellular data network call is assigned to the cellular channel to be inserted at the correct time slot. .

The functional connection represented by 125 is actually the data call controller 103 and the switching control circuit 10.
7 and the transceiver switch 106 and the connection illustrated by the communication line 129 between the data call controller 103 and the insertion circuit 104. The function of the functional connection 125 is to ensure that the cellular data network call is assigned to the cellular channel to be assigned in the correct timeslot, whatever the actual connection.

In a time division multiplexed network, each mobile cellular station 85 has its own time division multiple access unit, or network multiplexer / encoder.
Includes another consistent multiplexer multiplexer / decoder circuit 142 synchronized to the decoder circuit. This ensures that
Each data packet is reproduced correctly and the computer 79
Is forwarded to In FIG. 2, the multiplexer encoding / decoding circuit 142, which is a time division multiple access unit, is used.
Are shown in dashed lines and are used only for digital cellular networks that employ multiple calls.

FIG. 4 shows how one cellular data network call may be transmitted intermittently over three different cellular channels without infringing the cellular network call. The illustrated cellular network call is the same as shown and previously described with respect to FIG.

The illustrated cellular data network call 150 is illustrated as a series of discrete, intermittent processes performed over three different cellular channels A, B, and C. Cellular data network call 1
50 is never a cellular network call A1, A2, A3, B transmitted over the same cellular channel.
It does not conflict with 1, B2, B3, C1 and C2.

As in the case of FIG. 5, the cellular channels A, B and C are transmitted by separate transceivers as in the case of analog cellular networks, or by time division transmitted by another transceiver or the same transceiver. 5 represents a cellular channel carried by another channel in a multiplex network.

At the top of FIG. 4, the cellular data network call 150, shown in dashed lines, is in the hold state, waiting for the cellular channel to become available and empty. While in the hold state, cellular data network calls sent from the computer 79 to the cellular base station 28 are stored in the data buffer 130 until the cellular channel is empty and available.

Cellular data network calls sent from the telephone subscriber's computer 83 to the cellular base station 28 are in the telephone subscriber's computer 83 or in the mobile cellular station 85 until the cellular channel is empty. Must be stored in an appropriate buffer (not shown) in. Cellular data network calls made between the computer 79 and the telephone subscriber's computer 83 are intermittently exchanged and transmitted only when the cellular channel is available and empty.

In the example of FIG. 4, channel A becomes available and empty as soon as the cellular network call A1 ends at time 62. Between times 62 and 64, channel A is normally idle. The base station controller 46 and the cellular channel monitor 35 send a message to the data call controller 103 after recognizing the end of the cellular network call A1 at time 62, and the channel A is in the interval between the cellular network calls. To notify.

The data call controller 103 reads the data packet stored for the cellular data network call 150 to the data buffer 130, and the communication line 136, the insertion circuit 104, the transceiver switch 106, and the transceiver call bus 105. To send to the transceiver associated with channel A via. Time 6 on channel A
Data packets are exchanged with the telephone subscriber's computer 83, as indicated by the timeline 60 at 2a.

At the end of the short interval 62b beginning at time 62a, channel A returns to the idle state. The interval between time 62a and time 62b is
It should be less than 5 seconds, preferably less than about 2 seconds. Such intervals are shorter than the usual idle periods between cellular network calls.

One of the reasons why the data call controller 103 inserts a short cellular data network call on channel A is one of the reasons why the first cellular network 15 can make a new cellular network call on channel A in a shorter time. Base station 28
The data packet stored in the data buffer 130 is promptly reproduced and transmitted by the data call controller 103.

It takes more time for the base station controller 46 to notify the first cellular exchange 10 that the channel is available. This is because the base station controller 46 prepares a message to the first cellular switching center 10 and confirms that a new cellular network call has been assigned to the cellular base station before the cellular network call is available. This is because it is necessary to switch to an empty channel. The time difference due to this is not large,
Sufficient time is required for the transmission and reception of a plurality of data packets to be carried out quickly and without interfering with the transmission of cellular network calls.

A data packet is sent, at time 62b
Then, after being received as part of the cellular data network call 150, channel A is put on hold again until another channel is available and empty.

In FIG. 4, three channels A,
The idle period when B and C are next available empty is at time 74 on channel B. Time 7
At 4, the base station controller 46 (see FIG. 2) notifies the data call controller 103 that channel B is idle.

The data call controller 103 reads the stored plurality of data packets associated with the cellular data network call 150 from the data buffer 130 and transmits them to the appropriate transceiver transmitting channel B in the appropriate time slot. The second data packet transfer for the cellular data network call 150 occurs between times 74a and 74b.

After data packets are exchanged between time 62a and time 62b on channel A, channel B becomes idle at time 74b. The cellular data network call 150 is put on hold again, and the data call controller 103 is again placed on the cellular data network call 15 to the data buffer 130 until another channel is empty.
Instruct to add the storage of the data packet associated with 0.

In the example of FIG. 4, at time 86, channel C
At, the next available empty state arrives. Channel C is ready to carry a cellular data network call between times 86a and 86b. The third data packet exchange for the cellular data network call 150 occurs over channel C between times 86a and 86b.

The above procedure is repeated, and the series of data packets shown in FIG. 4 are exchanged. The channel B can exchange data packets from time 78a to time 78b. The fourth data packet transfer for the cellular data network call 150 is
It occurs on channel B between time 78a and time 78b.

On channel A, time 66a to time 66
Data packets can be exchanged up to b. The fifth data packet transmission / reception regarding the cellular data network call 150 is performed via the channel A between the time 66a and the time 66b. Similarly, channel C
Can exchange data packets between time 90a and time 90b. The sixth data packet exchange relating to the cellular data network call 150 takes place via channel C between time 90a and time 90b. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the cellular data network call 150 ends on channel C at the same time that the sending and receiving of data packets is completed between time 90a and time 90b.

The base station controller 46 and the data call controller 103 can transmit the cellular data network call to any of the transceivers 40 in the cellular base station 28, and at the same time, the cellular data network call can be transmitted by time division multiplexing. It can also be transmitted by slot.

Multiple simultaneous data calls are handled by having the data call controller 103 and base station controller 46 track each data call. Because each data call is transmitted over multiple cellular channels.

Since one or more cellular data network calls may pass through the cellular base station 28 at the same time, the data call controller 103 prioritizes the time slots when the timeslot becomes available. You need to decide.

For example, the longest hold state can be set as the highest priority cellular data network call. In other words, the priority order is determined based on the first-in first-out method.

Alternatively, the priority order may be determined in descending order of the amount of data stored in the data buffer 130.
For example, if a very active cellular data network call continues, resulting in an overflow of the data buffer 130, the data call controller 10
3 may signal the computer 79 to instruct it to suspend data transmission until the data buffer 130 is cleared. For any cellular data network call, the data buffer 1
The overflow condition in 30 gives priority to such calls that can then be transferred.

Alternatively, the call priority may be determined based on the fee paid by the user according to the desired service level. In such a priority determination method,
The cellular data network call that pays the highest rate will win the highest priority.

These priority determination options are examples showing how multiple simultaneous data calls may be handled within a cellular base station, and the present invention is not limited thereto but based on other priorities. And may handle multiple simultaneous data calls.

While each cellular data network call has a series of discontinuities, such as the transmission and reception of intermittent data packets, the cellular data network is not suitable for high quality voice or analog calls, while it is suitable for computer data links. Is ideal. Of course, very low quality voice calls are possible over the cellular data network.

Since data calls between computers often have long intervals due to non-use,
A continuous connection is unnecessary, wasteful and expensive. On the contrary, since the data call is transmitted as a series of data packets at intervals of about several seconds, the user feels like a continuous call and a virtual connection between the users is established.

The invention also relates to a first cellular network 1 designed mainly for voice or speech communication.
In a cellular communication system such as No. 5, etc., a communication method for sharing a plurality of cellular channels is provided.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication method is such that a plurality of cellular base stations (cellular base stations 20, 22, 24,
26, 28, etc., which are also functionally connected to cellular base stations connected to communication lines 30, 32 and 34).

[0224] The cellular base stations respectively transmit and receive radio signals in a limited service area at a selected predetermined frequency, and carry out a cellular network call with the first cellular station 18, which is a cellular telephone. To provide a plurality of cellular channels for.

[0225] The communication method of the present invention optionally includes the step of sharing at least some cellular base stations with a cellular data network designed to provide intermittent cellular communication. 1 and 2, the cellular base stations 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 are shared between the cellular network (first cellular network 15) and the cellular data network. In the present embodiment, the cellular data network is the second cellular data network 80.
It is represented by

The second cellular data network 80 is
Public packet data network and mobile cellular station 8
5 is designed to provide cellular communication with data network subscribers that own it. In FIG. 1, the public packet data network is represented by the public switched packet data network 81.

The above-mentioned sharing process is based on the continental communication lines 87, 8
Shared cellular base stations 22, 2 with the cellular data telephone exchange 93 via 8, 89, 90 and 91.
This is accomplished by functionally interconnecting 4, 26 and 28. Then, in the next step, transmission / reception (transmission / reception) of the cellular data call is performed in the shared cellular base station.

The transmission and reception of data packets uses the circuit shown in block 31 of FIG. 1 as previously described with reference to FIG. 4 during the interval between selected cellular network calls. It is done over the cellular channels of a one-cell network. According to this communication method, an intermittent cellular data channel is provided. The cellular data channel carries the cellular data call using the same predetermined frequency as the cellular channel used by the first cellular network in the first cellular network.

[0229] The above communication method preferably includes the step of transmitting a cellular data call from a plurality of transceivers provided in each shared cellular base station to a plurality of selected transceivers. These transceivers send and receive radio signals transmitted via the plurality of cellular channels of the first cellular network.

When the first cellular network transmits and receives analog signals and each transceiver has a single cellular channel, the above communication method provides a plurality of selected plurality of intervals during a plurality of intervals between the first network calls. Preferably transmitting the selected cellular data call to the transceiver. These intervals occur when the transceiver is in an idle state in which it can transmit data packets without compromising the cellular network call.

If the first cellular network employs time division multiplexing, the step of transmitting and receiving data packets from the cellular data call may also be accurate for the cellular channel for each cellular channel of the first cellular network. It preferably includes inserting a data packet in a time slot. This step is processed by the data call controller 103, the switch control circuit 107, the multiplexer 109, and the insertion circuit 104, as previously described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0232] The above communication method preferably includes the step of temporarily storing the data packet from each cellular data call in the data buffer prior to the step of transmitting and receiving the data packet. As shown in FIG. 2, in one of the plurality of cellular channels of the first cellular network, data packets from each cellular data call are stored in the data buffer 130 until an interval occurs between the cellular network calls. Is stored. Then, during the interval, the selected stored data packets are read and transferred via the cellular channel of the first cellular network.

Intermittent data transfer between computers via the cellular data network establishes virtual connections between users of the cellular data network. This virtual connection is an intermittent, discontinuous connection,
Continuous connection is the opposite.

The communication method of the present invention also includes the step of completing the call over the cellular data network in the form of discontinuous and intermittent data packets transmitted and received between computers or between other digital devices. It is preferable.

The following system is also within the scope of the present invention. The system is, for example, a system that provides the time division multiplexing shown in FIG. 2, and the time division multiplexing is
Any multiplexing suitable for use in the present invention may be used. Techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as Code Division Multiple Access and other multiplexing, also provide multiple channels for each cellular frequency with individual channels capable of transmitting and receiving cellular calls. give.

As described above, although the above description has been made with respect to a specific time division multiplexing, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a cellular network adopting other types of digital multiplexing. Applicable.

If other multiplexing systems are used, some of the components in FIG. 2 will require minor modifications. For example, the first
If the cellular network 15 employs code division multiple access or other multiplexing, then the second cellular data network 80 must use the same or consistent multiplexing.

As a result, if other multiplexing is employed in the first cellular network 15 of FIG. 1, the dashed block 108 of FIG. 2 (time division multiple access encoding / decoding circuit at the cellular data telephone exchange 93). ) And 104 (time division multiple access encoding / decoding circuit in mobile cellular station 85) will be replaced by an appropriate multiplexer encoding / decoding circuit.

Similarly, the multiplexer 109 in the cellular base station 28 needs to be the same type of multiplex controller used in the first cellular network.

Regardless of the type of multiplexing used in the cellular network, the communication system of the present invention inserts data packets in the intervals between cellular network calls. According to FIG. 2, the insertion circuit 104 in a typical shared cellular base station 28, regardless of time division multiplex controller or other type of multiplex controller.
Operates in cooperation with a multiplexer 109 in a cellular base station, including those in other shared cellular base stations of the present invention.

In summary, multiple access multiplexing (multip
If the le access multiplexing methodology is used in the first cellular network to define the individual cellular channels, the data packets of the second cellular data network will use consistent multiplexing between the cellular network calls. Must be inserted into the available multiplexed cellular channels. The present invention is not limited to this, and those skilled in the art will be within the scope of the present invention.

As described above, the cellular communication system and the cellular communication method of the present embodiment minimize the degree of duplication of the components necessary for the cellular network to supply the cellular communication network dedicated to the data of the existing service area. To

The cellular data network of this embodiment uses its own terrestrial base telephone switching center, but almost all uses the same cellular base station and transceiver as used in the first cellular network. As a result, it is possible to provide a second cellular data network (data-only network) without making substantial and redundant investment in separate cellular base stations and transceivers. Another advantage of the present invention is that the second cellular data network does not require additional radio spectrum.

As described above, the present embodiment can provide a cellular communication system capable of increasing the use of cellular base stations. The cellular communication system includes a first cellular network having one or more cellular telephone exchanges operably connected to a plurality of cellular base stations located in a service area.
Each cellular base station in the first cellular network transmits and receives radio signals within a limited area at a selected predetermined frequency. This provides a plurality of cellular channels for carrying cellular network calls with the mobile cellular telephone.

The first cellular network also includes a cellular channel monitor, at which time the cellular network call ends at each cellular base station, and during each interval between cellular network calls, at which time the cellular channel is a new cellular network call. Is determined to have become available and can be transmitted.

In this embodiment, the second cellular data network is included. It is functionally connected to the first cellular network and shares several cellular base stations connected to the first cellular network.

The second cellular data network is also selectively connected to the public packet data network to send and receive cellular data network calls to mobile cellular stations. The second cellular data network includes a cellular data telephone exchange that is functionally connected to one or more of the cellular base stations used in the first cellular network. A shared cellular base station refers to a cellular base station that is shared between a first cellular network and a second cellular data network and that carries both cellular network calls and cellular data network calls.

A data call controller (data packet call controller) is provided in each shared cellular base station. The data call controller is functionally connected to the cellular channel monitor of the first cellular network and monitors the status of all cellular data network calls processed by the cellular base station.

The data call controller transmits the cellular data network call intermittently to the available cellular channels during the intervals between the cellular network calls. As a result, the shared cellular base station selectively sends and receives both cellular network calls and cellular data network calls.

In the preferred embodiment, a data buffer is provided within each cellular base station. The data buffer is functionally connected to the data call controller of the cellular base station and is adapted to receive and temporarily store data from a cellular data network call arriving at the cellular base station via the cellular data telephone exchange. To function. The data buffer cooperates with the data call controller to transmit the selected data to an available cellular channel of the cellular base station during the selected interval between cellular network calls after the selected data has been read from the data buffer. It

Each shared cellular base station is provided with a data call insertion circuit, which is functionally connected to the data call controller. The data call insertion circuit establishes an intermittent functional connection between the data buffer and the selected transceiver at the cellular base station. This intermittent functional connection is used when data packets are sent from the data buffer to the transceiver during the intervals between cellular network calls.

In this embodiment, through time division multiplexing,
It is also applicable to a first cellular network of the type that provides multiple cellular channels at a selected predetermined cellular frequency. In such a system, each transceiver of a shared cellular base station transmits multiple cellular channels in different predetermined time slots. To access these timeslots, the data call insertion circuit is functionally connected to the data call controller and the timeslot monitor in the cellular base station, respectively.

As a result, the data packet from the data buffer in the cellular base station is inserted into the available cellular channel in the correct time slot. Data packets are inserted during the interval between cellular network calls on the cellular channel over which the cellular network call is transmitted.

Further, the present embodiment is designed mainly for voice communication and is functionally connected to a plurality of cellular base stations that respectively transmit and receive radio signals at a predetermined frequency selected in a limited area. A communication method of the type including a first cellular network is provided. The wireless signal provides the cellular channels of the first cellular networks. These cellular channels are for sending and receiving cellular network calls to and from mobile cellular phones.

The cellular communication method of the present embodiment is designed to selectively perform cellular communication between a public packet data network and one or more network subscribers who own a mobile cellular station. Between the cellular data network and the first cellular network,
There is the step of sharing at least some cellular base stations.

This sharing step also includes the step of functionally connecting the shared cellular base station and the second cellular data network. The above-described cellular communication method further includes the step of transmitting and receiving data packets from the cellular data network call via the selected first cellular network cellular channel in each shared cellular base station.

Transmission and reception (transmission and reception) of data packets is performed during the interval between cellular network calls.
This can provide an intermittent cellular data channel for transmitting a cellular data call using the same predetermined frequency within the first cellular network as that used by the first cellular network.

In the preferred embodiment, each shared cellular base station used includes a plurality of cellular transceivers for transmitting and receiving radio signals, whereby cellular network calls are transmitted. Further, it preferably includes the step of temporarily storing in the data buffer the data packet from each cellular data network call that reaches the cellular base station. For each cellular data network call, storing at least one or more data packets until the selected interval between cellular network calls occurs on the cellular channel of the first cellular network, and then the stored data Preferably, the method further comprises, after reading the packet, transmitting to a cellular channel of the first cellular network during a selected interval between cellular network calls.

The preferred embodiment described above can also be applied to the first cellular network that employs time division multiplexing.
This time division multiplexing provides multiplexing of the cellular channels of the first cellular network at one or more selected predetermined cellular frequencies.
In such a network, the step of transmitting and receiving data packets from a cellular data network call includes, for each cellular channel of the first cellular network, a time slot of the cellular channel used to carry the cellular network call. Preferably, the method includes the step of inserting a data packet.

According to the present embodiment, as described above, the use of the cellular base station is increased by supplying a plurality of data communication channels during the interval between calls of the cellular network. Therefore, a plurality of intermittent virtual connections between telephone subscribers are established without redundantly providing a cellular base station and a transceiver (that is, a radio frequency) in the cellular base station separately.

As described above, the first cellular communication system of the present invention has a first cellular telephone switching center functionally connected to a plurality of cellular base stations arranged in a service area. Having one cellular network, each cellular base station transmits and receives a plurality of radio signals at a plurality of selected frequencies within a limited area, thereby transmitting and receiving a plurality of first network calls to the mobile cellular. Providing a plurality of cellular channels to and from the telephone, the first cellular network at each cellular base station at which time the first network call ends and during each interval between the first network calls,
It has a cellular channel monitor to identify when the cellular channel is ready for use,
A cellular communication system that increases the use of cellular base stations.

The first cellular communication system described above is the first
A cellular data network is provided which shares at least some cellular base stations with a cellular network and is selectively connected to a public packet data network for transmitting and receiving cellular data calls with mobile cellular stations, The cellular data network has a cellular data telephone exchange that is operably connected to a shared cellular base station.

The first cellular communication system is provided in each shared cellular base station, is functionally connected to the cellular channel monitor, and monitors the status of all data calls processed by the cellular base station. A data call controller is further provided for selectively transmitting the data call to the intermittently available cellular channel during the interval between the first network calls.

According to the above first cellular communication system, the shared cellular base station can selectively transmit and receive both the first network call and the cellular data network data call.

As described above, the second cellular communication system of the present invention is functionally connected to the above-mentioned data call controller in each shared cellular base station in addition to the configuration of the above-mentioned first cellular communication system. The data call controller further comprises a data buffer for receiving and temporarily storing the data call reaching the cellular base station via the cellular data telephone exchange, the data call controller being selected during a first network call. Data is selectively read from the data buffer and transmitted to an available cellular channel during an interval.

As described above, in the third cellular communication system of the present invention, in the above-mentioned configuration of the second cellular communication system, the data transmitted by the cellular data network has a form of a data packet, and each data call On the other hand, when the data buffer in each cellular base station receives an instruction from the data call controller, it continuously receives and stores at least one data packet and transfers it to an available cellular channel in the cellular base station. .

As described above, in the fourth cellular communication system of the present invention, in the configuration of the third cellular communication system, each shared cellular base station includes a plurality of cellular transceivers, and at least one transceiver is selected. Providing at least one cellular channel operating at a predetermined frequency and transmitting a first network call, each shared cellular base station having data call insertion means functionally connected to the data call controller, The data call inserting means establishes a functional connection between the data buffer and the selected transceiver when a data packet is sent from the data buffer to the transceiver during the first network call.

As described above, in the fifth cellular communication system of the present invention, in the configuration of the above-mentioned fourth cellular communication system, the above-mentioned first cellular network is at a predetermined selected cellular frequency through multiplexing. Providing multiple cellular channels, whereby each transceiver in each shared cellular base station carries multiple cellular channels, said data call insertion means being provided in each shared cellular base station and providing data packets from said data buffer Operates in cooperation with a multiplex controller for inserting the F.

As described above, in the sixth cellular communication system of the present invention, in the configuration of the above-mentioned fourth cellular communication system, the above-mentioned first cellular network is a predetermined cellular selected through time division multiplexing. It provides multiple cellular channels in frequency, whereby each transceiver in each shared cellular base station transmits a plurality of cellular channels in different predetermined time slots, and said data call insertion means is provided in each shared cellular base station. , Cooperating with a timeslot controller for inserting data packets from the data buffer into the cellular channels available in the timeslot.

As described above, the seventh cellular communication system of the present invention has the first cellular network having a plurality of cellular base stations, and each cellular base station has a predetermined area selected within a limited area. Providing a plurality of cellular channels for transmitting and receiving radio signals on a frequency and for transmitting a first network call to and from a mobile cellular telephone, the first cellular network being a first in each cellular base station.
It includes a cellular channel monitor that detects when a network call has ended and during each interval of the first network call when the cellular channel is available to carry new calls.

The seventh cellular communication system described above is a cellular data network functionally connected to a public packet data network and functionally connected to some or all of the cellular base stations used by the first cellular network. And the cellular base station is functionally connected to both the first cellular network and the second cellular data network sharing the cellular base station.

Each of the above-mentioned shared cellular base stations further comprises a data buffer for receiving and temporarily storing a data packet transmitted from the above-mentioned public packet data network to the cellular base station by the upper cellular data network.

Each shared cellular base station described above has a data call controller functionally connected to the cellular channel monitor and functionally connected to the data buffer, the data call controller being selective. In addition, while reading the data packet from the data buffer, during the selected interval between the first network call, the cellular channel in the cellular base station is used to intermittently transmit and receive the data packet,
This allows the cellular channel to transmit the cellular data network call intermittently without conflicting with the first network call.

As described above, in the eighth cellular communication system of the present invention, in the configuration of the seventh cellular communication system, each shared cellular base station has a plurality of cellular transceivers, and each transceiver has one or more. Each shared cellular base station supplies one or more cellular channels operating at a selected predetermined frequency to transmit a cellular call, and each shared cellular base station has a data call insertion means functionally connected to the data call controller and the transceiver. The data call inserting means is functional between the data buffer and the selected transceiver based on an instruction from the data call controller during a selected interval between the first network calls. Establishes a connection, which allows the data packet to be read out and the transceiver to It is transmitted to.

As described above, in the ninth cellular communication system of the present invention, in the above-mentioned seventh cellular communication system, the first cellular network is provided with a predetermined frequency selected through time division multiplexing. In this way, each transceiver in the shared cellular base station transmits a plurality of cellular channels in different predetermined time slots, and the data call inserting means is provided in each shared cellular base station for use. Functionally connected to a time slot monitor that inserts data packets from the data buffer during the intervals at the time slots of the possible cellular channels.

[0276] The tenth cellular communication system of the present invention comprises:
As described above, it has at least one cellular telephone switching center which is connected to a plurality of cellular base stations and is functionally connected to a plurality of cellular base stations arranged in the service area, and is mainly used for voice transmission. Of the first cellular network, wherein each of the above-mentioned cellular base stations comprises a plurality of first cellular networks.
There is a network transceiver, the first network transceiver operating at one or more predetermined frequencies, each transceiver providing at least one cellular channel for transmitting a first network call to and from a mobile cellular telephone.

The above-mentioned tenth cellular communication system specifies, for each transceiver, when a certain first network call ends and whether the channel is in an idle state capable of transmitting another first network call. It has a base station channel monitor.

The above tenth cellular communication system is functionally connected to the transceiver and the base station channel monitor means, and is a base station control means for transmitting an input first network call to an idle channel. And each cellular channel has at least an idle state between the end of the first network call and the start of the next first network call.

The tenth cellular communication system is a communication device for transmitting packetized data using the base station and transceiver of the first cellular network, and is functional for the plurality of base stations. Connected to the first cellular network and sharing at least some base stations and transceivers with the first cellular network as described above, the data packet being selectively connected between the public packet data network and the mobile cellular data station. Equipped with a cellular data network to transfer to.

The above-mentioned shared cellular base station connects (1) the above-mentioned shared cellular base station and the above-mentioned first network, and performs the first network call with the above-mentioned cellular base station. Network communication link means,
(2) Second network communication link means for connecting the shared cellular base station and the cellular data network and exchanging the data packet with the cellular base station, and (3) First functional connection means for connecting the first network communication link means and the base station control means of the shared cellular base station to perform the first network call with the transceiver in the cellular base station. (4) The same as that used when the second network communication link means is connected to the base station control means of the shared cellular base station and the first network call is made in the cellular base station. Second functional connection means for transmitting and receiving the data packet to and from the transceiver; (5) the base station control means and the second network communication link means And a data packet call controller for selectively sending and receiving data packets to and from the base station control means via a selected transceiver in a shared cellular base station.

According to the tenth cellular communication system, the base station control means transmits the data packet to the transceiver during the interval between network calls on the cellular channel transmitted by the selected transceiver. While the transceivers and cellular channels used by the above-mentioned shared cellular base station for transmission via the first cellular network are mainly used for transmitting voice calls, the same transceivers and cellular channels are used for the same. Data packets from the cellular data network are transmitted intermittently.

The eleventh cellular communication system of the present invention is
As described above, in addition to the configuration of the tenth cellular communication system described above, in each shared cellular base station, the cellular base station is functionally connected to the data packet call controller, and the cellular base station is connected via the cellular data telephone exchange. Further comprising a data buffer for receiving and temporarily storing the data packet call arriving at, the data packet call controller responsive to the cellular base station for a selected interval between first network calls. Meanwhile, the data is selectively read from the data buffer and transmitted to an available cellular channel.

The twelfth cellular communication system of the present invention is
As described above, in the configuration of the tenth cellular communication system, the first cellular network provides multiple cellular channels at a selected predetermined cellular frequency through multiplexing, whereby each shared channel is provided. Each transceiver in the cellular base station transmits a plurality of cellular channels, each shared cellular base station further comprises a multiplex controller, the data packet call controller is provided in each shared cellular base station, the data from the data buffer It works in cooperation with the multiplex controller for inserting packets into the available cellular channels.

The thirteenth cellular communication system of the present invention is
As described above, in the configuration of the tenth cellular communication system, the first cellular network provides multiple cellular channels at a selected predetermined cellular frequency via time division multiplexing, thereby providing each shared channel. Each transceiver in the cellular base station transmits a plurality of cellular channels in different predetermined time slots, each shared cellular base station further comprises a time slot controller, the data packet call controller is provided in each shared cellular base station, Operates in cooperation with the time slot controller for inserting data packets from the data buffer in the time slots of the available cellular channel during the interval between the first network calls.

As described above, the first cellular communication method of the present invention is a method of sharing a cellular channel in a cellular communication system including the first cellular network,
The first cellular network described above is primarily designed for voice communication and is functionally connected to a plurality of cellular base stations, each cellular base station within a limited area at a selected predetermined frequency. First to send and receive wireless signals
Providing a plurality of first network cellular channels for transmitting network calls to and from a mobile cellular telephone.

The first cellular communication method is the same as the first cellular communication method.
A cellular device designed to selectively provide at least some of the cellular base stations functionally connected to the network for cellular communication between a public packet data network and a data network subscriber owning a mobile cellular station. The process includes sharing with the data network.

The sharing step includes the step of functionally connecting the shared cellular base station to the cellular data network, wherein each shared cellular base station is selected to transmit and receive a data packet from a cellular data call. Intermittent cellular that further comprises the step of performing during the interval between the first network calls over the network cellular channel, thereby transmitting the cellular data call at the same predetermined frequency using the same first network cellular channel. Supply a data channel.

As described above, the second cellular communication method of the present invention is the above-mentioned first cellular communication method, wherein the cellular base station is functionally connected to the first cellular network, and the shared cellular base station is Each shared cellular base station includes a plurality of cellular transceivers for transmitting and receiving radio signals transmitted through the plurality of first network cellular channels, and transmits and receives data packets from a cellular data call. The step of using the plurality of transceivers to select a plurality of intervals between the first network calls when the plurality of transceivers are available to transmit data packets without infringing the first network call. Between,
It includes a step of exchanging data packets.

[0289] As described above, the third cellular communication method of the present invention, in the above-mentioned first cellular communication method, performs communication from each cellular data call before transmitting / receiving data packets at each shared cellular base station. Temporarily store the data packets in the data buffer, and for each cellular data call, one or more data packets until a selected interval between the first network calls occurs on the first network cellular channel. Is stored, the stored data packet on the first network channel is reproduced and transferred during the interval.

As described above, in the fourth cellular communication method of the present invention, in the above-mentioned first cellular communication method, the above-mentioned first cellular network uses multiplex first network cellular channels by using time division multiplexing. The step of transmitting and receiving data packets from a cellular data call provided at a selected predetermined frequency includes inserting data packets for each first network cellular channel in the time division of the cellular channel. There is.

As described above, the fifth cellular communication method of the present invention is the same as the above-mentioned first cellular communication method, wherein the above-mentioned first cellular network selects multiple first network cellular channels by using multiplexing. The above steps of transmitting and receiving data packets from a cellular data call provided at a predetermined frequency include inserting data packets into the available multiple cellular channels for each first network cellular channel.

As described above, the sixth cellular communication method of the present invention shares the cellular channel of the first cellular network mainly for voice transmission with the packetized data cellular call transmitted via the cellular data network. A method, wherein said cellular data network is connected to a public packet data network, said public packet data network, via said cellular data network, between a user of a public packet data network and a user of a mobile cellular data station. In between, the data packet is selectively transmitted.

The first cellular network described above has a plurality of cellular base stations, each cellular base station having a plurality of transceivers operating at one or more frequencies, each transceiver having a first and a second mobile cell phone. Providing at least one cellular channel for transmitting one network call, each cellular base station transmits an input first network call to an idle channel transmitted by a selected transceiver in the cellular base station. Each cellular channel is idle at least between the end of the first network call and the start of the next first network call.

The sixth cellular communication method described above links some of the cellular base stations used by the first cellular network to the cellular data network, the cellular data network and the first cellular network being linked together. And providing a shared cellular base station used by and.

In each shared cellular base station, (1) first
Operably connecting the cellular network to the base station controller, the base station controller transmitting a first network call with a transceiver in the cellular base station; and (2) preceeding the cellular data network. Functionally connected to the same base station controller used in the process, the base station controller transmitting data packets transmitted over the cellular data network to and from a transceiver in the cellular base station; (3) The cellular base station transmits the first network call from the first cellular network and the data packet from the cellular data network to a cellular channel transmitted by a selected transceiver in the cellular base station. It includes the step of transmitting.

According to the sixth cellular communication method, when the base station controller specifies an idle state on the channel between the end of the first network call and the start of the next first network call, One or more data packets from the above cellular data network
During the interval between network calls, one or more data packets are transmitted to and received by the transceiver associated with the channel, so that the transceiver and the cellular channel used by the shared cellular base station primarily transmit voice calls as described above. The data packets from the cellular data network are transmitted intermittently over the same cellular channel and transceiver as well as over the cellular network.

As described above, the seventh cellular communication method of the present invention uses the first cellular data network in each shared cellular base station in the sixth cellular communication method.
As a part of the step of functionally connecting to the cellular base station used for transmission of the network call, the above-mentioned cellular base station is functionally connected to the above-mentioned cellular data network, and the data packet from the cellular data call is received. Providing a data buffer for temporary storage, and selectively storing one or more data packets until the cellular base station transmits one or more data packets to a selected cellular channel Is included.

[0298] In the seventh cellular communication method, in the step of selectively transmitting one or more data packets from a cellular data network to a transceiver associated with a selected channel, the one step from the data buffer is performed.
The process includes reading the stored data packet and transmitting it in the interval between the first network calls.

As described above, the eighth cellular communication method of the present invention is the same as the sixth cellular communication method, except that the first cellular network employs time division multiplexing to perform the first multiplexing.
The step of providing a network cellular channel at a selected predetermined frequency and the base station controller selectively transmitting one or more data packets from the cellular data network to the transceiver comprises the first network into which the data packets are inserted. For a cellular channel, the step of inserting this data packet into the time division of the cellular channel is included.

According to the ninth cellular communication method of the present invention, as described above, in the sixth cellular communication method, the first cellular network employs multiplexing to select the first network cellular channel. And the base station controller selectively transmits one or more data packets from the cellular data network to the transceiver for the first network cellular channel into which the data packets are inserted. It includes the step of inserting the data packet into the available multiplexed cellular channels.

[0301]

As described above, the cellular communication system according to the first aspect of the present invention monitors a plurality of transceivers each having at least one cellular channel, and monitors the cellular channel for each transceiver, and makes an idle state between voice calls. Connected to a plurality of cellular base stations having a base station channel monitoring means for specifying the cellular channel which has become, and a base station control means for performing a voice call between the idle cellular channels of the selected transceiver, A cellular network mainly transmitting voice and at least some of the plurality of cellular base stations are shared with the cellular network, and data packets are selectively transferred between a public packet data network and a mobile cellular data station. Cellularde Each of the shared cellular base stations, each of which is equipped with a data network, further includes a data packet to be transmitted when an idle cellular channel is identified between voice calls in the selected transceiver by the base station channel monitoring means. And a data packet call control means for selectively exchanging with the base station control means.

Therefore, since at least some of the cellular base stations are shared between the cellular network and the cellular data network, the utilization of the cellular base stations can be significantly increased.

Moreover, since the voice call and the data packet transmission can be performed through the same transceiver and the same cellular channel in the shared cellular base station, the conventional cellular base station for voice transmission and the cellular base station for data transmission as in the conventional case. Compared with the case where basic facilities such as transceivers and control means are separately overlapped with the base station, the configuration of the system can be significantly simplified, and the cost required for system construction can be significantly reduced. The utilization of available radio spectrum can be increased and the capacity of the system for handling calls can be increased.

Moreover, there is an effect that the use of each transceiver in the cellular base station can be increased without interrupting the processing of the cellular network call normally performed by the transceiver.

As described above, the cellular communication system according to the second aspect of the present invention (1) monitors a plurality of transceivers each having at least one cellular channel, and monitors the cellular channel for each transceiver, and when a network call is made, Connected to the base station channel monitoring means for identifying whether it has ended and is in an idle state where another network call is possible, and the transceiver and the base station channel monitor means to place a network call in an idle state of the selected transceiver. A cellular network that is connected to a plurality of cellular base stations having a base station control means that performs between a certain cellular channel and has at least one cellular telephone switching center, and a cellular network for mainly performing voice transmission, and (2) above. Few of the multiple cellular base stations Both some with shared with the cellular network, and a cellular data network for selectively transferring data packets between the public packet data network and a mobile cellular data station.

Each shared cellular base station is further
(a) a first network communication link means for connecting the shared cellular base station and the cellular network and making the network call with the cellular base station; and (b) the shared network Second network communication link means for connecting the cellular base station to the cellular data network and for exchanging the data packet with the cellular base station, and (c) the first network communication link means. First connection means for connecting the base station control means of the shared cellular base station and making the network call with the transceiver in the cellular base station, and (d) the second network communication link It is used when connecting the means and the base station control means of the shared cellular base station and making a network call in the above-mentioned cellular base station. And a second connection means for transmitting and receiving the data packet to and from the same transceiver, and (e) a shared cellular network connected to the base station control means and the second network communication link means. Data packet call control means for selectively transmitting and receiving data packets via the selected transceiver in the base station to and from the base station control means, wherein the base station control means is the selected transceiver. During the interval between network calls on the cellular channel transmitted by the transceiver, the transceiver and the cellular channel used by the shared cellular base station for transmitting the data packet through the transceiver are shared by the cellular channel. While the network primarily carries voice calls, these same transitions The server and the cellular channel are adapted to intermittently carry data packets from the cellular data network.

Therefore, since at least some of the cellular base stations are shared between the cellular network and the cellular data network, the utilization of the cellular base stations can be significantly increased.

Moreover, since the voice call and the data packet transmission can be performed through the same transceiver and the cellular channel in the shared cellular base station, the cellular base station for the voice transmission and the cellular base station for the data transmission as in the conventional case. Compared with the case where basic facilities such as transceivers and control means are separately overlapped with the base station, the configuration of the system can be significantly simplified, and the cost required for system construction can be significantly reduced. The utilization of available radio spectrum can be increased and the capacity of the system for handling calls can be increased.

Moreover, there is an effect that it is possible to increase the use of each transceiver in the cellular base station without interrupting the processing of the cellular network call normally performed by the transceiver.

In the cellular communication system of the invention according to claim 3, as described above, in addition to the matters specifying the invention of claim 1 or 2, each shared cellular base station is further provided with the above-mentioned public packet data. A data buffer for receiving a data packet from the network and temporarily storing the data packet is provided, and the data packet call control means is responsive to the base station control means for reading the stored data packet from the data buffer. And responds to the data packet for transmission to the idle cellular channel.

Therefore, in addition to the effects according to claim 1 or 2, since a plurality of data packets successively transmitted from the public packet data network to the cellular base station are temporarily stored in the data buffer, The load of the base station control means is reduced, and a plurality of data calls can be intermittently performed as appropriate, and the utilization of the cellular base station can be further increased.

As described above, in the cellular communication system of the invention according to claim 4, in addition to the matters specifying the invention of claim 3, each of the transceivers of the cellular base station in which the cellular network is shared has a plurality of the transceivers. , A plurality of multiplexed cellular channels in a predetermined cellular frequency band so that each shared cellular base station further idles in cooperation with the above data packet call control means. There is provided multiplexing control means for transmitting the data packet stored in the data buffer via the cellular channel in the state.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 3,
Since each cellular channel is multiplexed and multiplexed in a predetermined cellular frequency band, the multiplexing control means cooperates with the data packet call control means even when the cellular channel is transmitting another call. Thus, the data packet stored in the data buffer can be transmitted on the multiplexed single cellular channel in the idle state between calls.

As described above, in the cellular communication system of the invention according to claim 5, in addition to the matters specifying the invention of claim 3, each of the transceivers of the cellular base station in which the cellular network is shared has the plurality of transceivers. Each of the shared cellular base stations further provides a plurality of time-division multiplexed cellular channels in a predetermined cellular frequency band so that each of the shared cellular base stations further has the above-mentioned data packet call. A time slot control means for cooperating with the control means to transmit the data packet stored in the data buffer through the idle-state cellular channel in the time slot is provided.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 3,
Since each cellular channel is time-division multiplexed in a predetermined cellular frequency band, the time slot control means cooperates with the data packet call control means even when the cellular channel is transmitting another call. In addition, it is possible to transmit the data packet stored in the data buffer on the multiplexed single cellular channel in the idle state between calls.

As described above, the cellular communication method of the invention according to claim 6 connects the cellular data network to the cellular base station shared with the cellular network, and the base station control in each shared cellular base station. Connecting the cellular network to the means, making a cellular network call with the transceiver in each shared cellular base station, and connecting the cellular data network to the same base station control means used in the previous step. Transmitting a data packet transmitted via the cellular data network to and from a transceiver in each shared cellular base station,
When the base station control means specifies a cellular channel in an idle period between the end of the cellular network call and the start of the next cellular network call, during the interval between the cellular network calls, the base station control means The data packet from the cellular data network is selectively transmitted to the transceiver of the cellular channel in the idle state, so that the transceiver and the cellular channel in each of the shared cellular base stations mainly carry out the voice call and the same. Transceivers and cellular channels are adapted to intermittently transmit data packets from the cellular data network.

Therefore, since at least some of the cellular base stations are shared between the cellular network and the cellular data network, the utilization of the cellular base stations can be significantly increased.

Moreover, since the voice call and the data packet transmission can be performed through the same transceiver and the same cellular channel in the shared cellular base station, the conventional cellular base station for voice transmission and the cellular base station for data transmission can be used as in the conventional case. Compared to the case where transmission is performed separately from the base station, the process can be significantly simplified, the cost required for the process processing can be significantly reduced, and the utilization of available radio spectrum can be increased. , Can significantly increase the capacity of the system that handles calls.

In addition, it is possible to increase the use of each transceiver in the cellular base station without interrupting the processing of the cellular network call normally performed by the transceiver.

As described above, in the cellular communication method of the invention according to claim 7, in addition to the matters specifying the invention of claim 6, when the shared cellular base stations are connected to the cellular data network described above. At least one data packet is received from the public packet data network, temporarily stored in a data buffer, and transmitted by the base station control means to the selected cellular channel. Selectively storing in the data buffer, the base station control means selectively transmitting data packets from the cellular data network to an idle cellular channel transceiver during the interval between cellular network calls. The data packet stored in the above data buffer Heading and is adapted to transmit to the transceiver of the cellular channels in the idle state.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 6,
Since the data packet call control means transmits the data packet read from the data buffer to the cellular channel in the idle state, the load on the base station control means is reduced, and a plurality of data calls can be intermittently made as appropriate. The effect that the use of the cellular base station can be further increased is also obtained.

As described above, in the cellular communication method of the invention according to claim 8, in addition to the matters for specifying the invention of claim 6, the cellular network comprises a plurality of cells which are time-division multiplexed in a predetermined cellular frequency band. Cellular channel for which the data packet is transmitted, and the data packet is inserted according to the above time division for each cellular channel through which the data packet is transmitted, and the above base station control means selectively transmits the data packet from the cellular data network. It is supposed to do.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 6,
Since each cellular channel is time-division multiplexed in a given cellular frequency band, data packets are idle between calls while the cellular channel is carrying another call. It also has the effect of being able to transmit on a cellular channel.

As described above, in the cellular communication method of the invention according to claim 9, in addition to the matters for specifying the invention of claim 6, the cellular network comprises a plurality of cellular cells multiplexed in a predetermined cellular frequency band. A channel is supplied, and for each cellular channel through which the data packet is transmitted, the data packet is inserted into the multiplexed and idle cellular channel, and the base station control means selects the data packet from the cellular data network. It is supposed to be transmitted.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 6,
Since each cellular channel is multiplexed and multiplexed in a predetermined cellular frequency band, even if the cellular channel is transmitting another call, data packets are multiplexed in a blank period between calls. It also has the effect of being able to transmit on one cellular channel.

As described above, in the cellular communication system according to the invention of claim 10, in addition to the matters specifying the invention according to claim 5, the time slot control means sets the cellular channel based on a predetermined priority. The data packet stored in the data buffer is transmitted via the time slot.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 5,
It also has an effect of reliably transmitting even when one or more cellular data network calls pass through the cellular base station at the same time.

As described above, in the cellular communication system according to the invention of claim 11, the priority is determined based on the length of the hold state of the data packet, in addition to the matters specifying the invention of claim 10. It has become so.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the tenth aspect, since the data packet having the longest hold state is transmitted with the highest priority, the effect that the data packet can be transmitted by the first-in first-out method is also provided. Play.

In the cellular communication system according to the twelfth aspect of the invention, in addition to the matters specifying the invention according to the tenth aspect, the priority is determined based on the amount of data stored in the data buffer. ing.

Therefore, since the data packets are transmitted in the order of the large amount of data stored in the data buffer, even if a cellular data network call with a very large amount of data continues, the data packets are sorted in the order of large amount of data. And the effect that the data buffer overflow can be avoided in advance.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system of the present invention that includes a cellular network and a cellular data network.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of the cellular data network of FIG. 1 and showing additional elements of a shared cellular base station used for both the cellular network and the cellular data network.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating time division multiple access.

FIG. 4 is a timing diagram showing how a cellular data network call is transmitted without violating the cellular network call.

[Figure 5] Cellular network calls such as voice and conversation
3 is a conventional timing diagram showing how they are simultaneously transmitted over three cellular channels.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 First Cellular Telephone Switching Office 12 Public Telephone Line 15 First Cellular Network 28 Cellular Base Station 35 Cellular Channel Monitor 40a Transceiver 46 Base Station Controller 77 Modem 79 Computer 81 Public Switched Packet Data Network 85 Mobile Cellular Station 93 Cellular Data Telephone Switching Office 103 data call controller 104 insertion / extraction circuit 106 transceiver switch 107 switching control circuit 108 time division access 109 multiplexer 142 encoding / decoding circuit 130 data buffer 132 data buffer

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of transceivers each having at least one cellular channel, and base station channel monitor means for monitoring the cellular channel for each transceiver and identifying the idle cellular channel during a voice call. And a cellular network mainly connected to a plurality of cellular base stations having a base station control means for making a voice call with a cellular channel in an idle state of the transceiver, and a cellular network mainly transmitting voice, Each of the shared cellular base stations comprises: a cellular data network which shares at least some with the cellular network and which selectively transfers data packets between the public packet data network and the mobile cellular data station; When the idle cellular channel is identified in the selected transceiver during the voice call by the base station channel monitor means, transmission / reception of a data packet to be transmitted is selectively performed with the base station control means. A cellular communication system comprising a data packet call control means for performing. 2. A plurality of transceivers each having at least one cellular channel, and monitoring the cellular channel for each transceiver to identify when a network call has ended and another network call is idle. A plurality of cellular units having a base station channel monitoring unit and a base station control unit connected to the transceiver and the base station channel monitoring unit for making a network call with an idle cellular channel of the selected transceiver. A cellular network, which is connected to the base station and has at least one cellular telephone switching center, and which mainly performs voice transmission, shares at least some of the plurality of cellular base stations with the cellular network, and And a cellular data network for selectively transferring packets between a public packet data network and a mobile cellular data station, wherein each shared cellular base station further comprises: A first network communication link means for connecting to a network and for making the network call with the cellular base station; connecting the shared cellular base station with the cellular data network; The second network communication link means for exchanging the data packet with the station, the first network communication link means, and the base station control means of the shared cellular base station are connected, and the cellular base is connected. A first connecting means for making the above network call with a transceiver in the station; The second network communication link means described above and the base station control means of the shared cellular base station are connected to each other, and the same transceiver is used between the same transceiver used when making a network call in the cellular base station. Of the data packet via the selected transceiver in the shared cellular base station, which is connected to the second connection means for transmitting and receiving the data packet, the base station control means and the second network communication link means. A data packet call control means for selectively transmitting and receiving to and from the base station control means, wherein the base station control means is an interval between network calls on the cellular channel transmitted by the selected transceiver. While transmitting the data packet through the transceiver, the shared cellular group While the transceivers and cellular channels used by the ground stations primarily carry voice calls over the cellular network described above, these same transceivers and cellular channels carry data packets from the cellular data network intermittently. Characterized cellular communication system. 3. Each shared cellular base station further comprises a data buffer for receiving a data packet from said public packet data network and temporarily storing this data packet, said data packet call control means comprising: 2. The base station control means, in response to reading the stored data packet from the data buffer, responding so that the data packet is transmitted to the cellular channel in an idle state. Or the cellular communication system according to 2. 4. The cellular network supplies a plurality of multiplexed cellular channels in a predetermined cellular frequency band so that each transceiver of the shared cellular base station has the plurality of cellular channels, and the shared cellular channels are shared. Each cellular base station further comprises a multiplexing control means for transmitting the data packet stored in the data buffer through an idle cellular channel in cooperation with the data packet call control means. The cellular communication system according to claim 3, characterized in that 5. The cellular network is time-division multiplexed in a predetermined cellular frequency band so that each transceiver of the shared cellular base stations has the plurality of cellular channels in different predetermined time slots. The shared cellular base station further supplies the data packet stored in the data buffer through the idle cellular channel in cooperation with the data packet call control means. 4. The cellular communication system according to claim 3, further comprising time slot control means for transmitting in time slots. 6. A cellular communication method for performing a cellular network call from a cellular network and transmitting a data packet from the cellular data network, the method comprising the step of connecting the cellular data network to a cellular base station shared with the cellular network. And a step of connecting the cellular network to the base station control means in each shared cellular base station and making a cellular network call with the transceiver in each shared cellular base station, and the one used in the previous step. Connecting the cellular data network to the same base station control means, and transmitting a data packet transmitted via the cellular data network to and from a transceiver in each shared cellular base station, Base station control means is cellular Upon identifying the cellular channel in the idle period between the end of one network call and the start of the next cellular network call, during the interval between this cellular network call, the base station control means collects data packets from the cellular data network. It selectively transmits to the transceiver of the cellular channel in the idle state, whereby the transceiver and the cellular channel in each of the shared cellular base stations mainly perform voice communication, and these same transceiver and cellular channel are also used in the cellular data network. A cellular communication method characterized by intermittently transmitting data packets from a mobile phone. 7. The selected cellular base station receives a data packet from the public packet data network and temporarily stores it in a data buffer when connecting each shared cellular base station to the cellular data network. At least one data packet is selectively stored in the data buffer until the base station control means transmits the data packet to the channel, and the base station control means idles the data packet from the cellular data network. During selective transmission to a cellular channel transceiver, the data packet stored in the data buffer is read and transmitted to the idle cellular channel transceiver during the interval between cellular network calls. Characterized by Cellular communication method according to claim 6, wherein that. 8. The cellular network supplies a plurality of time division multiplexed cellular channels in a predetermined cellular frequency band, and for each cellular channel in which a data packet is transmitted,
7. The cellular communication method according to claim 6, wherein a data packet is inserted according to the time division, and the base station control means selectively transmits the data packet from the cellular data network. 9. The cellular network supplies a plurality of cellular channels multiplexed in a predetermined cellular frequency band, and for each cellular channel in which a data packet is transmitted,
7. Cellular communication according to claim 6, characterized in that a data packet is inserted into the multiplexed and idle cellular channel and the base station control means selectively transmits the data packet from the cellular data network. Method. 10. The time slot control means transmits the data packet stored in the data buffer via the cellular channel in the time slot based on a predetermined priority. A cellular communication system as described. 11. The cellular communication system according to claim 10, wherein the priority is determined based on a length of a hold state of a data packet. 12. The cellular communication system according to claim 10, wherein the priority is determined based on the amount of data stored in the data buffer.