WO2006062907A1

WO2006062907A1 - Open wireless communication system for seamless call transition between licensed and unlicensed wireless networks

Info

Publication number: WO2006062907A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/043955
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas F. Anglero
Original assignee: Telenor Asa
Priority date: 2004-12-06
Filing date: 2005-12-06
Publication date: 2006-06-15

Abstract

A method of changing an unlicensed wireless communication to a licensed wireless communication includes detecting a weak signal from a wireless access point and generating a transition signal, setting up the licensed wireless communication based on the transition signal, transitioning the unlicensed wireless communication to the licensed wireless communication, and terminating the unlicensed wireless communication. A system, apparatus and computer program product are also provided.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

OPEN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR SEAMLESS CALL TRANSITION BETWEEN LICENSED AND UNLICENSED WIRELESS NETWORKS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of wireless communications. More particularly, this invention relates to a system, a method and apparatus allowing a plurality of unlicensed communication service providers to seamlessly transition a mobile communication between an unlicensed network and a licensed network.

Discussion of the Background

Licensed communication networks use government licensed frequencies and relatively expensive base stations spread over a large area to provide users with a licensed mobile communication capability. These networks generally include a large capital investment, which results in a relatively high cost to the users for the licensed mobile communication capability. Licensed communication networks include public cellular telephone networks, satellite communication networks, personal communication systems (PCS), personal communication network (PCN) or other related systems, and these systems may communicate using one or more of various communication protocols or architectures, including but not limited to second generation (2G), third generation (3G), and fourth generation (4G) architectures that utilize global system for telecommunications (GSM), time division multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), wide-band code division multiple access (W-CDMA) or time-division synchronous code- division multiple access (TD-SCDMA), European radio messaging system (ERMES), cordless telephone standards (paging, CT2, CT3), digital communication service (DCS), digital European cordless telephone (DECT), future public land mobile telecommunication system (FPLMTS), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), and international mobile telecommunication (IMT-2000) for example. Throughout this application, a licensed communication network is described using an exemplary GSM network. However, the invention is not limited to GSM networks and one of skill in the art should interpret the invention to include all licensed communication networks: Unlicensed communication networks are typically less expensive to deploy and operate within a frequency range allocated for relatively unregulated use by the government. Thus, unlicensed networks are used by individuals or businesses to provide an unlicensed wireless communication capability, generally over a smaller region than a licensed communication network and an unlicensed wireless communication is generally available at a lower cost to a user because of the smaller capital investment required than in a licensed communication network. Unlicensed communication networks include wireless local area networks (WLAN) that communicate using a variety of protocols and architectures, including for example, IEEE 802.11 a/b/g (i.e., WiFi), WiMax, Bluetooth, and iMode. Unlicensed communication networks provide an unlicensed communication capability between a mobile calling device and a called device. The mobile calling device communicates with an unlicensed communication network wireless access point (WAP), which is connected to a communication network that is also connected to the called device. An unlicensed communication network service provider manages unlicensed communication capability.

It should be understood that an unlicensed wireless communication capability may include a variety of communication segments to provide a communication capability between a calling device and a called device. For example, an unlicensed wireless communication capability may include a communication segment that uses the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or a communication segment that uses a licensed communication network. Thus, an unlicensed communication capability is a communication capability in which at least one communication segment between the called device and the calling device is implemented using an unlicensed communication network.

Voice over internet protocol (VOIP) is an example of an unlicensed communication capability that exchanges audio frequency information between the calling device and the called device. The invention, however is not limited to voice or VOIP unlicensed communication capabilities, but also includes data communications.

Figure 1 IA illustrates an example of a background system providing voice over IP to voice over IP/home gateway calling service. In the background system according to Figure 1 IA, a calling device 1102 communicates with a wireless access point 1104 to make a VOIP call to a called PSTN device 1120. In particular the calling device 1102 sends VOIP call signaling 1124 and VOIP audio data 1122 to the wireless access point 1104 and from there to the internet 1106. A VOIP provider 1114 receives the VOIP call signaling 1124 and using a provisioning server 1110 and a subscriber database 1112, controls the operation of a gateway 1108 that provides VOIP call signaling 1124 through the internet 1106 to a home IP gateway 1118 and from there to a called PSTN device 1120. Further, the calling device 1102 sends VOIP audio data 1122 directly from the internet 1106 to the home IP gateway 1118 and from there to the called PSTN device 1120. Further, in the background method, the VOIP provider 14 bills the caller for services as shown in the VOIP provider bill to calling user 1154.

Figure 1 IB illustrates a further possible background approach for communicating a VOIP call from a calling device to a VOIP/LAN called IP device. In the background approach a calling device 1102 communicates with a called IP device 1120 similar to the approach shown in Figure 1 IA, however, a home IP gateway in Figure 1 IA is replaced by a LAN in Figure H(B) and the called IP device 1122 replaces the called PSTN device 1120. Figure 12A illustrates a background approach for transitioning a VOIP call to a GSM call by a dedicated GSM network provider with a dedicated VOIP to network handoff. In the background method of Figure 12A a calling mobile phone 1202 is configured to communicate with a wireless LAN 1204 and with a GSM network 1208. The wireless LAN 1204 is further connected to an internet 1206, which provides connection to the GSM network provider dedicated VOIP to network handoff 1208. The GSM network provider dedicated VOIP to network handoff 1208 bills a calling user with bill 1254. hi Figure 12B, a system similar to the background system of Figure 12 is depicted, however, a home gateway 1216 replaces a LAN of 1212 and a called PSTN device 1214 replaces a called IP device 1213.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method, system, apparatus and computer program product of changing an unlicensed wireless communication to a licensed wireless communication, includes detecting a weak signal from a wireless access point and generating a transition signal; setting up the licensed wireless communication based on the transition signal; transitioning the unlicensed wireless communication to the licensed wireless communication; and terminating the unlicensed wireless communication. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure Ia is a possible embodiment of the present invention configured to transition a VOIP-PSTN/GSM call to a GSM-PSTN/GSM call;

Figure 2 is another possible embodiment of the present invention configured to transition a VOIP-VOIP call to a GSM-VOIP call;

Figure 3 illustrates an example of three possible locations from which a mobile device may be operated with respect to neighboring WLAN and GSM signals;

Figure 4a illustrates a possible embodiment of a method of performing the present invention to transition a VOIP-GSM/PSTN call to a GSM-GSM/PSTN call using a redirect method;

Figure 4b illustrates another possible embodiment of a method of performing the present invention to transition a VOIP-GSM/PSTN call to a GSM-GSM/PSTN call using a conference method;

Figure 4c illustrates another possible embodiment of a method of performing the present invention to transition a VOIP- VOIP call to a GSM-VOIP call;

Figure 5 illustrates a possible embodiment of reserving a GSM import from a selected GSM provider;

Figure 6a illustrates redirecting called party audio data packets to a gateway interface according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6b illustrates another possible embodiment of redirecting called party audio data packets to a gateway interface;

Figure 6c illustrates another possible embodiment of redirecting called party audio data packets to a gateway interface;

Figure 6d illustrates another possible embodiment of redirecting called party audio data packets to a gateway interface;

Figure 6e illustrates another possible embodiment of redirecting calling party audio data packets to a gateway interface; Figure 6f illustrates another possible embodiment of redirecting called party audio data packets to a gateway interface;

Figure 6g illustrates another possible embodiment of redirecting called party audio data packets to a gateway interface;

Figure 7 illustrates a possible embodiment of a transition request according to the present invention;

Figure 8 illustrates a possible embodiment of a method of billing a user of a system according to the present invention;

Figure 9 illustrates a possible embodiment of an open network enabled mobile phone;

Figure 10 illustrates a possible embodiment of a computer used to implement an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 a is a block diagram of a background system;

Figure 1 Ib is a block diagram of another background system;

Figure 12a is a block diagram of another background system;

Figure 12b is a block diagram of another background system;

Figure 12c is a block diagram of another background system; and

Figure 12d is a block diagram of another background system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and more particularly to Figure 1 thereof, which shows a possible embodiment of an open communication system configured to allow a plurality of voice over IP (VOIP) service providers access to a licensed communication network (for example, a GSM cellular network, a CDMA cellular network, a 3 G communication network, a 4G communication network, a satellite communication network, or other licensed communication networks). The embodiment of Figure 1 illustrates an open network enabled calling mobile phone 102 that is configured to communicate with a called PSTN/GSM device 140. The calling phone 102 and the called device 140 communicate using a voice over internet protocol (VOIP) type call and a licensed network type call shown in this example as a GSM call. However, the present invention is not limited to GSM type calls for the licensed network calls and one of skill in the art will understand that the present invention includes calls made using other types of licensed networks. Thus, throughout the present application when a call is referred to as a GSM call or where GSM is referred to for other purposes, one of skill in the art should understand that other types of licensed networks are included as well. The open network enabled calling mobile phone 102 is configured to communicate with a wireless access point 106 using VOIP call signaling 150, VOIP audio data 130 and transition control 152. The wireless access point 106 may be implemented using any one of a number of possible unlicensed wireless access point technologies including but not limited to wireless access points according to IEEE 802.11 or WiMAX. The wireless access point in the present invention is further configured to communicate with the internet using the VOIP call signaling 150, the VOIP audio data 130 and the transition control 152. A VOIP service provider 118 is also connected to the internet and receives the VOIP call signaling 150, VOIP audio data 130 and transition control 152 from the internet 108. The VOIP provider includes a gateway 120, a provisioning server 122 and a subscriber database 124. The gateway 120 is configured to receive the VOIP audio data 130 and convert that into PSTN call 138, which is provided to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or GSM network and which then provides the PSTN call 138 to the called PSTN/GSM device 140. The provisioning server 122 is configured to receive VOIP call signaling 150 and using that signal as well as information stored in subscriber database 124, set up and control the operation of the gateway 120. Further, provisioning server 122 is used by the VOIP provider to generate a bill to a calling user 154 for the call. When it is determined that the call should be seamlessly transitioned from a VOIP type call on an unlicensed segment to a licensed call, for example, a GSM call, the open network enabled calling mobile phone 102 sends transition control 152 to the VOIP provider via the wireless access point and the internet, and the control 152 is received by the gateway 120. The transition control is also received by a switch 114 in the open GSM network 110. The open network enabled calling mobile phone 102 is connected to the GSM base station 112 in the open GSM network 110 by GSM audio data 156, GSM call signaling 158, and transition control 104. The gateway 120 of VOIP provider 118 communicates with the switch 114 using conference call control 132 and transition control 152 to coordinate the transition. After the transition is complete, audio data 134 is routed from the switch 114 to the gateway 120 to the PSTN/GSM 126 as PSTN call 138 and the audio data arrives at the called PSTN/GSM device 140.

Figure 2 illustrates an alternative possible embodiment of the present invention configured to transition a VOIP-VOIP call to a GSM-VOIP call. The embodiment of Figure 2 is similar to the embodiment of Figure 1, so features of Figure 2 that are similar to those of Figure 1 are not described below. In the present embodiment, before a transition and during a VOIP call, VOIP audio data 130 is communicated between the open network enabled calling mobile phone 102 and the called IP device 152 via the wireless access point 106, the internet 108 and the gateway 120. In particular, VOIP audio data 130 is received at the gateway 120 from the internet 108. The VOIP audio data 130 is then routed from the gateway 120 to the called IP device 152 via the internet 108 and to the called device as VOIP audio data (before and after) 142. After a transition, audio data 134 is received at the gateway from the switch 114 and the gateway 120 routes that audio data through the internet to called IP device 152 as VOIP audio data (before and after) 142.

Figure 3 illustrates three possible locations from which an open network enabled calling mobile phone may communicate with a system according to the present invention. Region 306 illustrates the range of a strong WLAN signal, region 312 illustrates the range of a weak WLAN signal, region 308 illustrates the range of a GSM base station from a first GSM provider and region 310 shows the range of a communication from a base station belonging to a second GSM provider. Location A 302 is an example of a location inside a WLAN strong range 306 and in which the open network enabled calling mobile phone is configured to operate using a communication to the wireless access point. Location B 304 is an example of a location outside the WLAN strong range 306 but inside the WLAN weak range 312 and in which the open network enabled calling mobile phone is configured to transition from operating using the wireless access point to one in which it communicates with a GSM base station. Location C 314 is an example of a location outside of the range of a WLAN weak or strong signal but within range of at least one GSM base station. In this example, Location C 314 is within range of two different GSM base stations: GSM 1 from a first provider and GSM 2 from a second provider.

Figure 4a illustrates a possible embodiment of a method of transitioning a VOIP- GSM/PSTN call to a GSM-GSM/PSTN call using a redirect methodology, hi the example of Figure 4A, a caller dials a call in Step 400 using an open network enabled calling mobile phone. Ih Step 402, it is determined whether or not the caller is within range of a WLAN signal. If the caller is within range, the method continues with Step 408. If the caller is not within WLAN range, that method continues with Step 404. Li Step 404, a call with a licensed network provider, for example a GSM network provider is set up and the user communicates with a called device using this call. Further, in Step 406, as long as the caller remains outside the range of a WLAN but inside the GSM range, the user continues to communicate using the GSM call. If the caller moves within range of a WLAN, for example if the user moves to Location A of Figure 3, then operation of the method proceeds with Step 408. hi Step 408, a voice over IP call is set up. Subsequently, in Step 410, a determination is made whether or not the called party is a subscriber of a VOIP service. If the called party is a subscriber, operation of the method continues with Step 412. If the called party is not a subscriber of the VOIP service, operation continues with Step 414. hi Step 412, the VOIP call is routed to an IP address of the called party. In Step 414, the voice call is routed to a PSTN gateway. Both Steps 412 and 414 continue with Step 416 in which it is determined whether or not the WLAN signal has become weak, for example if the user is in a location like Location B of Figure 3. If a weak WLAN signal is detected, the method continues with Step 418 in which a transition is requested by the open network enabled calling mobile phone. Then in Step S420, a GSM port is reserved from a selected GSM provider. In Step S422, a transition request is sent to the switch of the open GSM network, hi Step S424, a determination is made whether or not the GSM provider approves the transition. If the GSM provider approves the transition, operation continues with Step 426 in which it is determined whether or not the VOIP provider approves the transition. If the VOIP provider approves the transition, the method continues with Step S428. hi Step S428, the gateway is instructed to redirect the voice over IP call to the switch of the open GSM network, hi Step S430, the GSM provider stores call data in a database. In Step S432, the GSM provider sends a call data record (CDR) to the VOIP provider. In Step 434, the voice over IP provider stores call data in a database. Further in Step 436, the VOIP provider bills the calling user for services provided.

Figure 4B illustrates a possible embodiment of a method of the present invention to transition a VOIP-GSM/PSTN call to a GSM-GSM/PSTN call using a conference methodology. The method of Figure 4B is similar to the method of Figure 4A. Accordingly, steps that are similar are not described again. According to the present embodiment, in Step 428, the gateway is instructed to conference the GSM connection with the voice over IP call. Next, in Step 429, it is determined whether or not a GSM link is confirmed. If a GSM link is confirmed, the method proceeds with Step 431 in which the VOIP call is dropped.

Figure 4C illustrates a possible embodiment of the present invention configured to transition a VOIP-VOIP call to a GSM-VOIP call. The present embodiment is similar to the embodiments of Figures 4A and 4B, so only different features are described below. In Step 428 of the present embodiment, the calling party audio data packets are redirected to a switch of the GSM provider. In Step S438, calling party audio data packets are redirected to a gateway interface.

Figure 5 illustrates a possible embodiment of a method of Step 420 in the embodiments of Figures 4A-4C which reserves a GSM port from selected GSM provider. In particular, the embodiment of Figure 5 includes Step 502 to determine which GSM providers are in range of the current user position. Further, in Step 504, the method selects a GSM provider from among the providers that are in range. Finally, in Step 506, a base station port is reserved from the selected GSM provider.

Figures 6A-6F illustrate alternative possible embodiments of the method of Step 438. Figure 6 A illustrates a possible embodiment of redirecting called party audio data packets to a gateway interface including Step 602 in which a calling device receives an address of the gateway from a GSM base station, hi Step 604 the calling device sends the gateway address to the called device, and in Step 606 the calling device instructs the called device to set up a media stream to the gateway address.

Figure 6B illustrates an alternative possible embodiment of redirecting called party audio data packets to a gateway interface that is similar to the embodiment of Figure 6 A. However, in Figure 6B, Step 606 is replaced by Step 607 in which the calling device instructs the called device to redirect the media stream to the gateway address.

Figures 6C illustrates a further alternative possible embodiment of redirecting called party audio data packets to a gateway interface. In the embodiment of Figure 6C, Step 602 is performed as above, however, Step 602 is followed by Step 605 in which the calling device sends the gateway address to a provisioning server. In Step 608, the provisioning server sends the gateway address to the called device and is followed by Step 606 as described above.

Figure 6D illustrates a further possible alternative embodiment of redirecting called party audio data packets to a gateway interface. In the embodiment of Figure 6D, the method includes performing the Steps 602, 605, 608, and 607 as discussed above.

Figure 6E illustrates further possible embodiments of redirecting called party audio data packets to a gateway interface that includes performing Step 612 in which the calling device sends call info to the switch followed by Step 614 in which the switch sends the request to a positioning server. Step 614 is followed by any of the possible embodiments of Step 438 to redirect called party audio data packets to the gateway interface. Figure 6F illustrates a further possible embodiment of redirecting called party audio data packets to a gateway interface that includes first performing the Step 612 as discussed above and Step 614 as discussed above followed by Step 608 in which the provisioning server sends the gateway address to the called device. Further, in Step 620, a provisioning server instructs the called device to redirect media stream to the gateway address.

Figure 6G illustrates a further possible embodiment of redirecting called party audio data packets to a gateway interface including Steps 622 in which a provisioning server withdraws calling device IP address, Step 624 in which a provisioning server assigns an old calling device IP address to an NAT gateway, and Step S626 in which the NAT gateway redirects a called party media stream to a gateway.

Figure 7 shows a possible embodiment of a transition request 700 according to the present invention. The transition request is communicated between the open network enabled calling mobile phone and other devices in the system and forms a portion of the transition control 152 showing the embodiments of Figures IA and IB. The transition request 700 in the present embodiment includes a calling device phone number 702, a calling device address 704 which may include an DP address or another form of device address. The transition request 700 also includes a called device phone number, a called device address 708 which may include an IP address or another form of address of a called device. The transition request 700 also includes a gateway address 710 which may include an D? address or another form of address, and a VOIP provider identifier 712 which uniquely identifies a VOIP provider.

Figure 8 illustrates a method of billing users and other service providers for services provided according to the present invention. The method of the present embodiment includes Step 802 in which a VOD? service provider obtains a license for access to the open GSM network. Further, in Step 803, a user (e.g., calling user) subscribes to the VOD? service provider. In Step 804, user information is registered with GSM providers. In Step 805, user information is registered with VOIP providers. In Step 806, a calling user places a call using the services of the VOD? provider and the services of the GSM provider. In Step 807, the GSM provider sends call data records (CDR) to the YOTP provider, hi Step 808 the VOD? provider bills the caller per connection, hi Step 809 the VOIP provider bills the caller per minute used. Finally, in Step 810 the VOff provider bills the caller for a monthly subscription fee. Further, the VOD? provider and GSM providers may bill the users for additional services or may choose not to bill the users for a service listed above.

Figure 9 illustrates a possible embodiment of an open network enabled mobile phone 102 according to the present invention. The open network enabled phone 102 includes WLAN/GSM network detector section 904, transition request 906 and VOIP SOFTPHONE 908. The WLAN/GSM network detector 904 detects the presence and/or the quality of a signal from a wireless access point and a GSM base station. Transition requestor 906 generates a transition request, for example transition request 700. VOIP SOFTPHONE 908 includes a user interface and other functions for calling device operation. Further, the SOFTPHONE 908 is configured to seamlessly transition between WLAN and licensed network operation.

Figure 10 illustrates a computer system 1001 upon which an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented. The computer system 1001 includes a bus 1002 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor 1003 coupled with the bus 1002 for processing the information. The computer system 1001 also includes a main memory 1004, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), and synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)), coupled to the bus 1002 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 1003. hi addition, the main memory 1004 may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions by the processor 1003. The computer system 1001 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 1005 or other static storage device (e.g., programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), and electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM)) coupled to the bus 1002 for storing static information and instructions for the processor 1003.

The computer system 1001 also includes a disk controller 1006 coupled to the bus 1002 to control one or more storage devices for storing information and instructions, such as a magnetic hard disk 1007, and a removable media drive 1008 (e.g., floppy disk drive, read-only compact disc drive, read/write compact disc drive, compact disc jukebox, tape drive, flash memory drive, and removable magneto-optical drive). The storage devices maybe added to the computer system 1001 using an appropriate device interface (e.g., small computer system interface (SCSI), integrated device electronics (IDE), enhanced- IDE (E-IDE), direct memory access (DMA), or ultra-DMA).

The computer system 1001 may also include special purpose logic devices (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) or configurable logic devices (e.g., simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)).

The computer system 1001 may also include a display controller 1009 coupled to the bus 1002 to control a display 1010, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), for displaying information to a computer user. The computer system includes input devices, such as a keyboard 1011 and a pointing device 1012, for interacting with a computer user and providing information to the processor 1003. The pointing device 1012, for example, may be a mouse, a trackball, or a pointing stick for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor 1003 and for controlling cursor movement on the display 1010. In addition, a printer may provide printed listings of data stored and/or generated by the computer system 1001.

The computer system 1001 performs a portion or all of the processing steps of the invention in response to the processor 1003 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in a memory, such as the main memory 1004. Such instructions may be read into the main memory 1004 from another computer readable medium, such as a hard disk 1007 or a removable media drive 1008. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 1004. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

As stated above, the computer system 1001 includes at least one computer readable medium or memory for holding instructions programmed according to the teachings of the invention and for containing data structures, tables, records, or other data described herein. Examples of computer readable media are compact discs, hard disks, floppy disks, tape, magneto-optical disks, PROMs (EPROM, EEPROM, flash EPROM), DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, or any other magnetic medium, compact discs (e.g., CD-ROM), or any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, or other physical medium with patterns of holes, a carrier wave (described below), or any other medium from which a computer can read.

Stored on any one or on a combination of computer readable media, the present invention includes software for controlling the computer system 1001, for driving a device or devices for implementing the invention, and for enabling the computer system 1001 to interact with a human user (e.g., print production personnel). Such software may include, but is not limited to, device drivers, operating systems, development tools, and applications software. Such computer readable media further includes the computer program product of the present invention for performing all or a portion (e.g., locally portion of distributed processing) of the processing performed in implementing the invention.

The computer code devices of the present invention may be any interpretable or executable code mechanism, including but not limited to scripts, interpretable programs, dynamic link libraries (DLLs), Java classes, and complete executable programs. Moreover, parts of the processing of the present invention may be distributed or centralized for better performance, reliability, and/or cost.

The term "computer readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to the processor 1003 for execution. A computer readable medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non- volatile media includes, for example, optical, magnetic disks, flash memory, and magneto-optical disks, such as the hard disk 1007 or the removable media drive 1008. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as the main memory 1004. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that make up the bus 1002. Transmission media also may also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying out one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor 1003 for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions for implementing all or a portion of the present invention remotely into a dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the computer system 1001 may receive the data on the telephone line and use an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector coupled to the bus 1002 can receive the data carried in the infrared signal and place the data on the bus 1002. The bus 1002 carries the data to the main memory 1004, from which the processor 1003 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by the main memory 1004 may optionally be stored on storage device 1007 or 1008 either before or after execution by processor 1003.

The computer system 1001 also includes a communication interface 1013 coupled to the bus 1002. The communication interface 1013 provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link 1014 that is connected to, for example, a local area network (LAN) 1015, or to another communications network 1016 such as the Internet. For example, the communication interface 1013 may be a network interface card to attach to any packet switched LAN. As another example, the communication interface 1013 may be an asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) card, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of communications line. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, the communication interface 1013 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

The network link 1014 typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, the network link 1014 may provide a connection to another computer through a local network 1015 (e.g., a LAN) or through equipment operated by a service provider, which provides communication services through a communications network 1016. The local network 1014 and the communications network 1016 use, for example, electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams, and the associated physical layer (e.g., CAT 5 cable, coaxial cable, optical fiber, etc). The signals through the various networks and the signals on the network link 1014 and through the communication interface 1013, which carry the digital data to and from the computer system 1001 maybe implemented in baseband signals, or carrier wave based signals. The baseband signals convey the digital data as unmodulated electrical pulses that are descriptive of a stream of digital data bits, where the term "bits" is to be construed broadly to mean symbol, where each symbol conveys at least one or more information bits. The digital data may also be used to modulate a carrier wave, such as with amplitude, phase and/or frequency shift keyed signals that are propagated over a conductive media, or transmitted as electromagnetic waves through a propagation medium. Thus, the digital data may be sent as unmodulated baseband data through a "wired" communication channel and/or sent within a predetermined frequency band, different than baseband, by modulating a carrier wave. The computer system 1001 can transmit and receive data, including program code, through the network(s) 1015 and 1016, the network link 1014 and the communication interface 1013. Moreover, the network link 1014 may provide a connection through a LAN 1015 to a mobile device 1017 such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) laptop computer, or cellular telephone.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

CLAMS:

1. A method for communicating, comprising: transmitting a signal including at least one of audio, video or data signals from a first telephone device to a second telephone device via a first connection to a short-range wireless access point, said first telephone device being configured for short-range wireless communications and at least one of cellular and satellite communications,said signal configured to be relayed from said short-range wireless access point via a first path over a network via a VOIP protocol to said second telephone device through a gateway connecting the network to a PSTN or a wireless network; and switching, at said first telephone device, from said first connection to a second connection, said second connection connecting the first telephone device directly to a cellular or satellite network, said step of switching occurring when a signal strength associated with said first connection falls below a predetermined threshold and without termination of the communications between the first and second telephone devices.

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein said signal strength is measured by said first telephone device.

3. The method of Claim 1, wherein said first connection is a IEEE 802.11 or WiMAX connection.

4. The method of Claim 1, wherein said step of switching comprises: sending a transition control signal from said first telephone device to the gateway via the wireless access point and the network.

5. The method of Claim 4, wherein said transition control signal is configured to be relayed from said gateway to a switch in the PSTN or wireless network; and to cause said switch to switch from the first path to a second path connecting the first telephone device and the second telephone device, said second path including said second connection.

6. The method of Claim 5, wherein said step of switching comprises: relaying conference call control information and transition control information to coordinate a transition from the first path to the second path.

7. The method of Claim 1, wherein each of said first and second paths includes a network segment connecting directly to said second telephone device via VOIP.

8. The method of Claim 1, wherein said step of switching comprises one of: switching from said first path to said second path without confirming that communications between the first and second telephone devices over said second path meet a predetermined quality parameter; and conferencing across the first and second path until confirming that communications between the first and second telephone devices over said second path meet said predetermined quality parameter.

9. The method of Claim 1, further comprising: collecting use statistics and billing information associated with a use of PSTN, wireless or satellite assets before, during and after said step of switching; and billing an operator of said short-range wireless access point in accordance with said use statistics and billing information.

10. The method of Claim 9, further comprising: receiving said use statistics and billing information.

11. A method for communicating, comprising: receiving a signal including at least one of audio, video or data signals from a first telephone device via a first connection at a short-range wireless access point, said first telephone device being configured for short-range wireless communications and at least one of cellular and satellite communications, said audio or video signals being one of digitized or analog signals; relaying said signal from said short-range wireless access point via a first path over a network via a VOIP protocol to a second telephone device through a gateway connecting the network to a PSTN or a wireless network; and relaying a transition control signal along said first path, said transition control signal indicating that said first telephone device will switch from said first connection to a second connection, said second connection connecting the first telephone device directly to a cellular or satellite network, said transition control signal sent when a signal strength associated with said first connection falls below a predetermined threshold, said switching occuring without termination of the communications between the first and second telephone devices.

12. The method of Claim 11, wherein said signal strength is measured by said first telephone device.

13. The method of Claim 11, wherein said first connection is a IEEE 802.11 or WiMAX connection.

14. The method of Claim 11, wherein said step of relaying comprises: relaying conference call control information and transition control information to coordinate a transition from the first path to the second path.

15. The method of Claim 11, wherein each of said first and second paths includes a network segment connecting directly to said second telephone device via VOIP.

16. The method of Claim 11, wherein said step of relaying comprises one of: redirecting said signal from said first path to said second path without confirming that communications between the first and second telephone devices over said second path meet a predetermined quality parameter; and conferencing across the first and second path until confirming that communications between the first and second telephone devices over said second path meet said predetermined quality parameter.

17. The method of Claim 11, further comprising: receiving use statistics and billing information associated with a use of PSTN, wireless or satellite assets before, during and after said step of relaying.

18. The method of Claim 17, further comprising: relaying said use statistics and billing information to a payment agent associated with said first telephone device.

19. A method for communicating, comprising: receiving a signal including at least one of audio, video or data signals relayed from a first telephone device via a first connection at a short-range wireless access point over a network via a VOIP protocol, said first telephone device being configured for short-range wireless communications and at least one of cellular and satellite communications, said audio or video signals being one of digitized or analog signals; relaying said signal via a first path to a second telephone device from a gateway connecting the network to a PSTN or a wireless network; and switching at a switch in the PSTN or wireless network from said first path to a second path in coordination with a switching at said first telephone device from said first connection to a second connection, said second connection connecting the first telephone device directly to a cellular or satellite network, said step of switching occurring when a signal strength associated with said first connection falls below a predetermined threshold and without termination of the communications between the first and second telephone devices.

20. The method of Claim 19, wherein said signal strength is measured by said first telephone device.

21. The method of Claim 19, wherein said first connection is a IEEE 802.11 or WiMAX connection.

22. The method of Claim 19, wherein said step of switching comprises: receiving a transition control signal from said first telephone device at the gateway.

23. The method of Claim 22, wherein said step of switching further comprises: relaying said transition control signal from said gateway to the switch in the PSTN or wireless network.

24. The method of Claim 23, wherein said step of relaying said transition control signal from said gateway to the switch in the PSTN or wireless network comprises: relaying conference call control information and transition control information to coordinate a transition from the first path to the second path.

25. The method of Claim 19, wherein each of said first and second paths includes a network segment connecting directly to said second telephone device via VOEP.

26. The method of Claim 19, wherein said step of switching comprises one of: redirecting said signal from said first path to said second path without confirming that communications between the first and second telephone devices over said second path meet a predetermined quality parameter; and conferencing across the first and second path until confirming that communications between the first and second telephone devices over said second path meet said predetermined quality parameter.

27. The method of Claim 19, further comprising: collecting use statistics and billing information associated with a use of PSTN, wireless or satellite assets before, during and after said step of switching; and billing an operator of said short-range wireless access point in accordance with said use statistics and billing information.

28. The method of Claim 27, further comprising: relaying said use statistics and billing information to a payment agent associated with said first telephone device.

29. A mobile telephone device, comprising: a transmitter unit configured to transmit a signal including at least one of audio, video or data signals to a second telephone device via a first connection to a short-range wireless access point, said mobile telephone device being configured for short-range wireless communications and at least one of cellular and satellite communications, said signal configured to be relayed from said short-range wireless access point via a first path over a network via a VOIP protocol to said second telephone device through a gateway connecting the network to a PSTN or a wireless network; and a switch configured to switch, at said mobile telephone device, from said first connection to a second connection, said second connection connecting the first telephone device directly to a cellular or satellite network, said step of switching occurring when a signal strength associated with said first connection falls below a predetermined threshold and without termination of the communications between the first and second telephone devices.

30. The device of Claim 29, comprising: a measurement unit configured to measure said signal strength.

31. The device of Claim 29, wherein said first connection is a IEEE 802.11 or WiMAX connection.

32. The device of Claim 29, comprising: a transition control unit configured to send a transition control signal from said mobile telephone device to the gateway via the wireless access point and the network.

33. The device of Claim 32, wherein said transition control signal is configured to be relayed from said gateway to a switch in the PSTN or wireless network; and to cause said switch to switch from the first path to a second path connecting the first telephone device and the second telephone device, said second path including said second connection.

34. The device of Claim 33, comprising: a conferencing unit configured to relay conference call control information and transition control information to coordinate a transition from the first path to the second path.

35. The device of Claim 29, wherein each of said first and second paths includes a network segment connecting directly to said second telephone device via VOIP.

36. The device of Claim 29, wherein said switch comprises one of a switch configured to switch from said first path to said second path without confirming that communications between the mobile telephone device and the second telephone device over said second path meet a predetermined quality parameter; and a switch configured to enable conferencing across the first and second path until confirming that communications between the first and second telephone devices over said second path meet said predetermined quality parameter.

37. A VOIP Communications system, comprising: a receiver configured to receive a signal including at least one of audio, video or data signals from a first telephone device via a first connection at a short-range wireless access point, said first telephone device being configured for short-range wireless communications and at least one of cellular and satellite communications, said audio or video signals being one of digitized or analog signals; a relay configured to relay said signal from said short-range wireless access point via a first path over a network via a VOIP protocol to a second telephone device through a gateway connecting the network to a PSTN or a wireless network; and a relay configured to relay a transition control signal along said first path, said transition control signal indicating that said first telephone device will switch from said first connection to a second connection, said second connection connecting the first telephone device directly to a cellular or satellite network, said transition control signal sent when a signal strength associated with said first connection falls below a predetermined threshold, said switching occurring without termination of the communications between the first and second telephone devices.

38. The system of Claim 37, wherein said signal strength is measured by said first telephone device.

39. The system of Claim 37, wherein said first connection is a IEEE 802.11 or WiMAX connection.

40. The system of Claim 37, wherein said relay comprises: a relay configures to relay conference call control information and transition control information to coordinate a transition from the first path to the second path.

41. The system of Claim 37, wherein each of said first and second paths includes a network segment connecting directly to said second telephone device via VOIP.

42. The system of Claim 37, comprising one of: a redirector configured to redirect said signal from said first path to said second path without confirming that communications between the first and second telephone devices over said second path meet a predetermined quality parameter; and a conferencing unit configured to conference across the first and second path until confirming that communications between the first and second telephone devices over said second path meet said predetermined quality parameter.

43. The system of Claim 37, further comprising: a receiver configured to receive use statistics and billing information associated with a use of PSTN, wireless or satellite assets before, during and after said step of relaying; and a billing unit configured to bill a billing agent associated with said short-range wireless access point in accordance with said use statistics and billing information.

44. The method of Claim 43, further comprising: a relay configured to relay said use statistics and billing information to a payment agent associated with said first telephone device.

45. A communications system, comprising: a receiver configured to receive a signal including at least one of audio, video or data signals relayed from a first telephone device via a first connection at a short-range wireless access point over a network via a VOIP protocol, said first telephone device being configured for short-range wireless communications and at least one of cellular and satellite communications, said audio or video signals being one of digitized or analog signals; a relay configured to relay said signal via a first path to a second telephone device from a gateway connecting the network to a PSTN or a wireless network; and a switch in the PSTN or wireless network configured to switch from said first path to a second path in coordination with a switching at said first telephone device from said first connection to a second connection, said second connection connecting the first telephone device directly to a cellular or satellite network, said step of switching occurring when a signal strength associated with said first connection falls below a predetermined threshold and without termination of the communications between the first and second telephone devices.

46. The system of Claim 45, wherein said signal strength is measured by said first telephone device.

47. The system of Claim 45, wherein said first connection is a IEEE 802.11 or WiMAX connection.

48. The system of Claim 45, comprising: a receiver configured to receive a transition control signal from said first telephone device at the gateway.

49. The system of Claim 48, comprising: a relay configured to relay said transition control signal from said gateway to the switch in the PSTN or wireless network.

50. The system of Claim 49, comprising: a relay configured to relay conference call control information and transition control information to coordinate a transition from the first path to the second path.

51. The system of Claim 45, wherein each of said first and second paths includes a network segment connecting directly to said second telephone device via VOIP.

52. The system of Claim 45, comprising one of: a redirector configured to redirect said signal from said first path to said second path without confirming that communications between the first and second telephone devices over said second path meet a predetermined quality parameter; and a conferencing unit configured to conference across the first and second path until confirming that communications between the first and second telephone devices over said second path meet said predetermined quality parameter.

53. The system of Claim 45, further comprising: a collector configured to collect use statistics and billing information associated with a use of PSTN, wireless or satellite assets before, during and after said step of switching; and a bill forwarding unit configured to forward to an operator of said wireless access point a bill in accordance with said use statistics and billing information.

54. The system of Claim 53, further comprising: a use statistic forwarding unit configured to forward said use statistics and billing information to a payment agent associated with said first telephone device.

55. A computer program product comprising instructions configured to cause a computing device to execute the method recited in one of Claims 1-10.

56. A computer program product comprising instructions configured to cause a computing device to execute the method recited in one of Claims 11-18.

57. A computer program product comprising instructions configured to cause a computing device to execute the method recited in one of Claims 19-28.

58. A system for communicating, comprising: means for transmitting a signal including at least one of audio, video or data signals from a first telephone device to a second telephone device via a first connection to a short- range wireless access point, said first telephone device being configured for short-range wireless communications and at least one of cellular and satellite communications,said signal configured to be relayed from said short-range wireless access point via a first path over a network via a VOIP protocol to said second telephone device through a gateway connecting the network to a PSTN or a wireless network; and means for switching, at said first telephone device, from said first connection to a second connection, said second connection connecting the first telephone device directly to a cellular or satellite network, said means for switching executing when a signal strength associated with said first connection falls below a predetermined threshold and without termination of the communications between the first and second telephone devices.

59. A system for communicating, comprising: means for receiving a signal including at least one of audio, video or data signals from a first telephone device via a first connection at a short-range wireless access point, said first telephone device being configured for short-range wireless communications and at least one of cellular and satellite communications, said audio or video signals being one of digitized or analog signals; means for relaying said signal from said short-range wireless access point via a first path over a network via a VOIP protocol to a second telephone device through a gateway connecting the network to a PSTN or a wireless network; and means for relaying a transition control signal along said first path, said transition control signal indicating that said first telephone device will switch from said first connection to a second connection, said second connection connecting the first telephone device directly to a cellular or satellite network, said transition control signal sent when a signal strength associated with said first connection falls below a predetermined threshold, said switching occuring without termination of the communications between the first and second telephone devices.

60. A system for communicating, comprising: means for receiving a signal including at least one of audio, video or data signals relayed from a first telephone device via a first connection at a short-range wireless access point over a network via a VOIP protocol, said first telephone device being configured for short-range wireless communications and at least one of cellular and satellite communications, said audio or video signals being one of digitized or analog signals; means for relaying said signal via a first path to a second telephone device from a gateway connecting the network to a PSTN or a wireless network; and means for switching at a switch in the PSTN or wireless network from said first path to a second path in coordination with a switching at said first telephone device from said first connection to a second connection, said second connection connecting the first telephone device directly to a cellular or satellite network, said means for switching executing when a signal strength associated with said first connection falls below a predetermined threshold and without termination of the communications between the first and second telephone devices.