WO2019055833A1 - Système et procédé de transfert d'un appel actif entre des réseaux - Google Patents

Système et procédé de transfert d'un appel actif entre des réseaux Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019055833A1
WO2019055833A1 PCT/US2018/051158 US2018051158W WO2019055833A1 WO 2019055833 A1 WO2019055833 A1 WO 2019055833A1 US 2018051158 W US2018051158 W US 2018051158W WO 2019055833 A1 WO2019055833 A1 WO 2019055833A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
communications
tbi
reinforcer
cellular
channel
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Application number
PCT/US2018/051158
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English (en)
Inventor
Robert K. BUCKLE
Thomas HAFLEY
Original Assignee
Buckle Robert K
Hafley Thomas
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Buckle Robert K, Hafley Thomas filed Critical Buckle Robert K
Publication of WO2019055833A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019055833A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M7/00—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
    • H04M7/12—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal
    • H04M7/1205—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal where the types of switching equipement comprises PSTN/ISDN equipment and switching equipment of networks other than PSTN/ISDN, e.g. Internet Protocol networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/14—Relay systems
    • H04B7/15—Active relay systems
    • H04B7/185—Space-based or airborne stations; Stations for satellite systems
    • H04B7/1853—Satellite systems for providing telephony service to a mobile station, i.e. mobile satellite service
    • H04B7/18563—Arrangements for interconnecting multiple systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00—Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H04W36/14—Reselecting a network or an air interface
    • H04W36/144—Reselecting a network or an air interface over a different radio air interface technology
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00—Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H04W36/24—Reselection being triggered by specific parameters
    • H04W36/30—Reselection being triggered by specific parameters by measured or perceived connection quality data
    • H04W36/302—Reselection being triggered by specific parameters by measured or perceived connection quality data due to low signal strength
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/80—Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W84/00—Network topologies
    • H04W84/02—Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
    • H04W84/04—Large scale networks; Deep hierarchical networks
    • H04W84/06—Airborne or Satellite Networks

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to mobile phones, and more particularly to an apparatus, method, and system for integrating mobile and satellite telephone service anchored at a fixed switch.
  • satellite phones are well known, these types of devices possess a number of limitations regarding range of use, telephone number portability to non-satellite networks, extended development time, cost and the like.
  • the range of use of existing satellite phones is likewise limited as these devices will not transmit or receive phone calls if the operator is located indoors. Accordingly, an operator of a satellite phone must be located outdoors in order to access the satellite and to utilize the device for its intended purpose.
  • Non-satellite networks Existing satellite phones are further limited regarding telephone number portability to non-satellite networks. More specifically, telephone numbers assigned to a satellite handset device are generally not ported for use on non-satellite networks (e.g., public mobile networks). Conversely, mobile phones presently enjoy telephone number portability between different mobile networks.
  • mobile cellular devices Similar to satellite phones, mobile cellular devices likewise possess a number of limitations that constrict their usage. For example, the user must be in the vicinity of a cellular tower associated with the network in order to receive and place calls. Dropped phone calls may occur while switching between cellular towers. In particular, if the user is leaving coverage of one cell vendor, and entering coverage of another cell vendor which has a roaming agreement in place, attempts to handover the active call between vendors, a dropped call is inevitable. There is no established path to switch an ongoing call between vendors. Further, if the user is located in a remote location outside the range of a cellular tower, then the mobile cellular device will not function as a communications device.
  • a consumer in need of broad phone coverage would have to use both a cellular phone and a satellite phone, each having a separate phone number, and the ability to pass on ongoing call between cell vendors.
  • a prior system application PCT US2013/031746, published as WO2013142284 (hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) overcame some of these limitations, and used a portable mobile satellite transceiver, termed a reinforcer, that communicated via short range radio, such as WI-FI or Bluetooth, with a cellular communications device, such as a cell enabled tablet or cell phone.
  • the reinforcer as a mobile portable device, generally has its own battery, and can be designed to mate with a cell phone, such as a holster configured for a cell phone.
  • the reinforcer may be located in a fixed location (such as an automobile or building), or be a portable device. Electronic integration of the two devices allows the cellular device to have satellite communications capability, that is, the system allowed the cellular device to communicate over a satellite communications network (via a wireless link) through the reinforcer.
  • SIM cards store network-specific information used to authenticate and identify subscribers on the network.
  • the primary SIM card was generally described as being stored in a SIM bank containing multiple SIM cards, all in communication with a communications switch containing a processor and associated memory.
  • the communications switch (termed a Softswitch) could communicate with mobile cellular devices over the PSTN and, in some embodiments, over a mobile cellular network.
  • the Softswitch is also capable of communicating with mobile cellular devices via the Internet or over satellite communications systems. Alternatively, the Softswitch could be located at a satellite gateway rather than at a traditional carrier switching facility.
  • the Softswitch is similar to a telco switch.
  • the cellular device (sometimes referred to as a cell phone) had its carrier issued SIM card (the primary SIM card) stored in the SIM bank, for instance, at the Softswitch, and the secondary SIM card would be physically located at the cell phone.
  • SIM cards contain identifiers that allow the SIM card (and hence the associated cell phone) to be located and authenticated in cellular communications networks.
  • the primary SIM card would be the cell phone's carrier issued SIM card.
  • the communications network would associate the cell phone primary SIM with the Softswitch, (the geo location of the Softswitch would be associated with the SIM cards in the SIM bank).
  • a user would dial the phone number associated with the primary SIM (the mobile subscriber's MSISDN). Hence, the call set up control communications would be directed to the primary SIM located at the Softswitch.
  • the Softswitch would detect (via its communications with the primary SIM), that a call set up is directed to the primary SIM.
  • the Softswitch has stored in memory the secondary SIM card identifiers (and the reinforcer identifier) that are associated with the primary SIM card.
  • the Softswitch will try to set up a conference call or three way call to the mobile device, one leg of the conference call will be directed to the cell device identified with the secondary SIM card via the cellular network, the other leg of the conference call will be directed over the satellite network to the reinforcer satellite identifier.
  • the mobile location of the cellular phone/secondary SIM is known by the network when the cell phone/secondary SIM card registers with a network, and the reinforcer location is also known via registration with a satellite system.
  • the cell device has the opportunity to answer the call via either the satellite network (via the reinforcer) or the cellular network.
  • the cellular device determines (using defined QoS parameters) that a switch or transfer is needed.
  • the cell device sends a notice communication to the Softswitch that acts as a request to transfer.
  • the notification communication can be directed to the primary SIM stored in the SIM bank.
  • the Softswitch will recognize the notice communication as originating with the cell/secondary SIM, such as when using caller ID technology.
  • the Softswitch will initiate or establish another leg of a conference call, either to the mobile network (if the existing ongoing call is active on the satellite network), or to the reinforcer (if the existing ongoing call is active on the cellular network).
  • Application software on the cellular device will recognize the request for call set up on the passive network, and join the two legs of the conference call. At this point, the ongoing call is active on both networks.
  • the system e.g. either the Softswitch or cellular device
  • a disadvantage of this system is that the primary SIM card for the cell device is located remotely from the cell device, at the Softswitch.
  • the secondary SIM card will have an associated MSISDN (e.g., a phone number) which is generally not known to third parties, and an application must be stored on the cellular device to enable communications to the reinforcer. Consequently, the Softswitch system must be active for a third party to contact the mobile device in this configuration. It would be beneficial to have a system that could transfer calls between a satellite and cellular network, where the cellular device can retain the carrier issued SIM card. Further, the reinforcer failed to address the handover of a cell call between cellular vendors.
  • MSISDN e.g., a phone number
  • the system and method invention uses a telco type switch device (referred to asthe transitional boundary interface switch or the TBI) to anchor most calls in the system.
  • TBI transitional boundary interface switch
  • all registered users of the system are "located" at the TBI.
  • the user will be issued with a new SIM card with the prior mobile number, but now ported.
  • the user may be given a new mobile number and be issued with a new SIM card by a TBI service provider that has mobile assets, where the new SIM card is assigned to the TBI.
  • the user may keep their original mobile number and retain their existing SIM card.
  • a Softswitch in conjunction with a reinforcer type device, manages communications to the user's device with the assistance of the TBI, where communications are anchored at the TBI.
  • Any Wi-Fi equipped device that is enabled for VOIP can be used without the need for a SIM card, that is, the system and method allows a non-cellular device to be given cellular and satellite capability.
  • Figure 1 depicts the system components and data flow paths used to establish and/or transfer calls between networks.
  • Figure 2 shows one flow embodiment of an inbound call to the subscriber in one embodiment of the system.
  • Figure 3 depicts one flow embodiment of an outbound call from a subscriber in one embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • cellular or mobile networks include mobile cellular communication devices (cell enabled devices) such as smart phones, that communicate wirelessly to cellular towers, which then route received calls to another communications device, using intervening networks, such as the PSTN or another mobile network.
  • a mobile cellular communications network is a radio enabled cellular network using assigned cellular frequency bands, where the mobile cellular device directly communicates though a cell which interfaces with the public switched telephone network, another cell network, or the internet.
  • a satellite communications network includes satellite communications devices, such as a satellite phone, that communicates directly to a satellite using designated satellite frequency bands, which then redirects the call to a satellite gateway for routing the satellite call via the internet or public switched telephone network to another communications device.
  • satellite communications devices such as a satellite phone
  • a systems diagram of an integrated wireless phone communications network is illustrated in Figure 1.
  • the 'integrated" wireless phone communications network made available via the modified reinforcer device herein, bridges the gap between cellular phone coverage via a network of cellular towers and mobile switching centers (MSCs) and satellite phone coverage via a network of satellites and gateways.
  • This "integrated" communications network includes a conventional satellite telecommunications network (depicted by the satellite) which communicates through satellite gateways to a core network which ultimately transfers information to the Internet or a public switched telephone network (or PSTN).
  • PSTN public switched telephone network
  • information is transmitted across the respective communications network digitally.
  • the processor in the phone converts the outgoing analog voice signal for transmission to a digital outgoing signal, and vice versa for incoming digital voice data.
  • this invention also enables any Wi-Fi enabled device to communicate via a mobile cellular communications network or over satellite communications network. It does not require the mobile device to have provision for a SIM card.
  • the system includes a modified reinforcer, a modified Softswitch, and a TBI.
  • the present system includes a Softswitch, or a Soft Handover Switch (SHOS), that coordinates communications to a modified reinforcer and to cellular communications devices (or wireless enabled devices) that are in communication with the reinforcer.
  • SHOS communicates with a telco PSTN switch via a Transitional Boundary Interface or TBI Switch.
  • TBI may interface the conventional networks PSTN, cell and satellite, such as via PSTN, and also interfaces the Softswitch (preferably, interface with the Softswitch is through dedicated lines, to avoid delays that might affect call quality, such as increased call latency).
  • the TBI switch functionality can be incorporated into the Softswitch itself, or conversely, the Softswitch capability can be built into a PSTN switch or integrated into a satellite gateway.
  • the SHOS or Softswitch may be located remotely from the TBI switch, and preferably, to avoid latency delays, the TBI is located near an interfacing Softswitch.
  • the Softswitch retains the ability to interface the PSTN or internet directly (this in not required, and may place and receive calls much as a telco switch, in order to direct those calls to the reinforcer registered with the Softswitch, later described.
  • the Softswitch includes a processor and associated databases and other related equipment and communications capability, to allow the Softswitch to assist in routing of calls through the networks to users, particularly equipment for receiving and sending information over network signaling networks.
  • the Softswitch is in electronic communications with a TBI via a telco PSTN switch or a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) switch; in another embodiment, directly communicates with the TBI via dedicated lines
  • the Softswitch acts as a signal control point and passes instructions to the TBI switch for processing/routing calls.
  • the TBI then interfaces the networks, to locate and route communications to the cell channels associated with a reinforcer, or the satellite channel associated with a particular enforcer.
  • the TBI will instruct the networks to route the calls to the channel specified by the Softswitch via the temporary routing number obtained from the network, or perform routing itself. Calls in/from the system are anchored at the TBI switch.
  • the Softswitch may optionally also receive information for call routing, such as from the TBI or directly from a network control center or network switch, for instance, over an SS7 network (such as call status, subscriber status, etc.) for decision making on handling/routing of a call.
  • information for call routing such as from the TBI or directly from a network control center or network switch, for instance, over an SS7 network (such as call status, subscriber status, etc.) for decision making on handling/routing of a call.
  • a "call” is a communication over one or more networks between an originating party and a receiving or terminating party, and can be voice or data, including VoIP communications.
  • the TBI is in communication with the PSTN and/or Internet, and from the PSTN (or directly if the TBI also functions, for instance as a traditional Mobile Switching Center, which can communicate with a satellite communications network via PSTN.
  • the TBI operates much like a network exchange type of electronic switch device.
  • the Softswitch system uses a modified reinforcer (simply referenced as a reinforcer), which is a portable device that can access a satellite communication network directly through a satellite transceiver and, preferably, can also access (multiple) cellular networks directly.
  • the reinforcer interfaces with mobile devices (including only WI-FI enabled devices) via short range radio, such as WI-FI communications, to create a hybrid cellular/satellite communications link.
  • the Softswitch will co-ordinate call handoff and routing between networks to the reinforcer when the reinforcer service is active, as later described.
  • the Softswitch will access the mobile cellular networks and PSTN via the TBI (which accesses the PSTN) and the satellite networks and the Internet access can be accessed directly by the Softswitch (or alternatively indirectly via the TBI). For instance, the Softswitch may access a selected satellite gateway via a dedicated VPN tunnel.
  • the combined TBI and Softswitch (or an integrated TBI/Softswitch), operating in combination with the network communications (generally the PSTN), are referred to as a "TBI Exchange.”
  • the Softswitch does not have to be co-located with the telco switch or the TBI, and can be located remotely.
  • the Softswitch functionality can be implemented in a telco exchange type electronic switch device (e.g., an integrated Softswitch/TBI), or be a separate device.
  • the Softswitch could, for instance, be a separate device located at a satellite gateway.
  • a single remote Softswitch may be associated with one or several telco switches.
  • a single Softswitch and a separate TBI device, creating a TBI Exchange is described.
  • the invention is not so limited, and includes multiple Softswitch/telco exchanges within the scope of the invention, as well as the Softswitch functionality integrated into a telco switch, creating an integrated TBI/Softswitch Exchange.
  • the TBI The TBI
  • the TBI is a telco electronic exchange type switch and operates much like a telco central office (or alternatively as a MSC) and may connect to a mobile switching center (MSC) and to the PSTN.
  • the TBI is capable of communication to the PSTN, cellular networks (such as through the PSTN or directly), and satellite networks (such as through the PSTN).
  • the system subscribers are registered on a particular reinforcer for a particular session.
  • the TBI will query the associated Softswitch for routing information of calls to a subscriber registered on a TBI associated reinforcer (each TBI will be associated with at least one Softswitch (multiple TBIs could be associated with the same Softswitch, but this is not preferred).
  • a TBI may have multiple reinforcers associated with it at any given time.
  • a particular reinforcer may roam to different TBIs.
  • the "reinforcer service” is the service of handling a telecommunication to/from a mobile cellular device through a "reinforcer device.”
  • a mobile device such as a mobile "smart" phone or a cellular enabled tablet or other cellular enabled device, or a tablet lacking cell capability but possessing WI-FI, Bluetooth or other short range radio capability.
  • a smart phone include iPhone ® , Blackberry ® , Android ® or the like.
  • Other mobile devices may be a laptop, tablet, iPads or other device that can communicate wirelessly via WI-FI or Bluetooth.
  • VoIP transmitting devices Many of these devices, e.g., smart-phones, are capable of converting an analog voice signal into a VoIP data stream and sometimes will be referred to as "VoIP transmitting devices.”
  • the mobile device is referenced as a mobile or cellular phone for convenience, but the invention is not so limited.
  • the mobile cellular phone is capable of wireless communications via a public mobile cellular network.
  • the public mobile network includes a plurality of cell towers geographically positioned in order to provide cellular phone coverage within range of each cell tower.
  • a mobile phone number is normally associated with the mobile phone for identification purposes, as is conventionally deployed in a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card (for GSM networks) or Removable User Identify Module (RUIM) cards (for CDMA networks) (both referred to herein as "SIM” cards) or some other type of SIM-like device (all generically referred to herein as a "SIM card” in the following discussion).
  • SIM Subscriber Identity Module
  • RUIM Removable User Identify Module
  • the user's own mobile number is hosted at the TBI (hosting includes either SIM assigned SIM, ported number, or call forwarded number) within the TBI.
  • the mobile device may have an application software for communication, via WI-FI for instance, to the reinforcer.
  • the system also uses an adapter (the reinforcer) for one or more associated mobile devices.
  • the reinforcer includes one or more Mobile Network Interfaces (MNI, each including SIM cards) to interface multiple cellular networks of different vendors.
  • MNI Mobile Network Interfaces
  • the reinforcer is in operative communications with the mobile phone (or other mobile device) in a manner to be later described.
  • the reinforcer may optionally be configured as an interface for several mobile phones, that is, the reinforcer functions as a PBX type device, interfacing with multiple devices simultaneously.
  • the preferred configuration for a reinforcer used in the present invention includes a satellite transceiver for communication with a satellite communications network (such as the Globalstar satellite network) and one or more MNIs each equipped preferably with a multi-network SIM card (to communicate with multiple cellular communications networks).
  • the reinforcer preferably includes two or more SIM cards and associated cellular communications capability (MNI), to allow cellular communications to be established through the reinforcer using two different vendor mobile cellular networks or systems.
  • MNI cellular communications capability
  • each SIM is registered with a different carrier or cellular vendor (to avoid roaming charges).
  • all SIM cards can be registered to the same carrier, provided roaming agreements are in place with expected carriers to be encountered.
  • a preferred SIM card, for both (or additional) slots on the reinforcer is issued by Manx Telecom on the Isle of Mann, as Manx has the ability to tie to all carriers worldwide without incurring roaming charges.
  • These two reinforcer cellular communications channels may be simultaneously used tech tied to a different carrier cell, as later described.
  • the reinforcer may have the ability to multiple calls on each of the three channels (satellite, cell 1 and cell 2). Additionally, it is preferred that the reinforcer include a GPS receiver or other positioning system receiver. As used herein, a "channel" is used to identify a possible path to the reinforcer SIMs or satellite id or the original mobile device SIM to indicate that communication to the associated SIM, or satellite ID is available or not, and also used to refer to an established communications path to the SIM or satellite identifier. The reinforcer will have an identifier, to distinguish it for other reinforcers.
  • the reinforcer may include a microphone, speaker, and graphics interface or other user input or input screen, but these are not required.
  • Each reinforcer SIM card and cell capability is capable of communication with different/multiple cellular communications networks.
  • each of the two SIM cards independently scans for the best available networks, and register as "visitors" on the selected networks. The choice of networks may change if the reinforcer is moved, such as would occur if mounted in a vehicle.
  • the reinforcer includes a short-range radio transceiver, such as a WI-FI transceiver or blue-tooth radio transceiver, to communicate wirelessly with the associated mobile devices.
  • the short range communications sets up the reinforcer as an access point (such as a Wi-Fi access point), allowing multiple devices to register as "present” or “roaming" on the access point (e.g., the associated reinforcer), thereby allowing multiple devices to communicate through the reinforcer, and activate the reinforcer service, later described.
  • the reinforcer without the integrated SIM cards and cellular capability, has been described in WO2013142284, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, and is there described as a hardware/software portable device that interfaces the satellite network, and includes a suitable satellite antenna and radio satellite transceiver, a computer processor and memory, and may include a suitable satellite voice/data modem.
  • the voice/data modem of the reinforcer may be a Globalstar voice/data modem (model 1720 or 1700).
  • the reinforcer includes an air interface for wireless communication to the mobile device, and can utilize Wi-Fi communications, SIP communications, Bluetooth, or other local wireless communication with the mobile device.
  • the reinforcer interface may be an interface that communicates with the device via wired communications, such as provided by a USB port or Ethernet port, with the associated Ethernet or USB hardware needed for communications also located in the reinforcer.
  • the interface can be, but is not limited to a session initiation protocol (SIP) server.
  • SIP session initiation protocol
  • a SIP server is preferred to enable a SIP client (the mobile phone app) to use a standard high quality / high speed PCMU session with the reinforcer. Without the SIP server situated within the reinforcer, poor voice quality may be present as heavy compression could be required to fit a SIP stream into the non-transparent 7.2k data async channel.
  • the reinforcer With integrated SIP server, the mobile device is provided with satellite communications capability.
  • the reinforcer also includes a processor (such as an ARM Core) and associated memory which provides the needed routing tables and which assists in managing communications between the mobile device, a satellite network, and cellular networks (accessed directly by the reinforcer).
  • the processor communicates with the air interface.
  • the reinforcer can include additional hardware and/or software to include integrated support for hosting one or more value added applications, such as SMS texting, email, internet web browsing, blue force tracking, or the like.
  • the reinforcer preferably includes a media changer which is communicably connected to the satellite transceiver and or voice/data modem and the processor.
  • the reinforcer media changer enables the reinforcer to format information for satellite transmission, cellular transmission, or receipt from satellite transmission or cellular transmission, for communication with the mobile device over the local wireless network, such as Wi-Fi.
  • the reinforcer generates the required information/handshaking and issues commands to cause the satellite modem or cellular modems to connect to the respective networks to establish the communications path to/from the reinforcer, to/from the networks, and to/from the cellular mobile device (such as through WI-FI).
  • the user's existing mobile device number is "ported" to the TBI.
  • a Local Routing Number (LRN) database or a Number Portability Database (NPDB) will be queried to determine the exchange (switch) to which the number has been moved to or "ported” to (the "ported exchange”).
  • the query of the LRN database can be undertaken by the exchange servicing the calling party, or the exchange initially assigned to the MSISDN (the "donor exchange") as is well known in the art.
  • the LRN assigned to the ported cellular mobile phone is associated with the ported or recipient exchange.
  • the ported exchange may be a specific central office or a specific mobile switching center exchange.
  • the LRN associated with the called mobile number will point to the TBI in the TBI Exchange (or a Telco exchange having TBI functionality). That is, the LRN is associated with a donor exchange (for instance a mobile switching center MSC) that is associated with a Softswitch, and together, this TBI Exchange will provide reinforcer service as the home location. Once the TBI Exchange is identified (via the LRN), control communications, routing and needed handshaking for call set up to the mobile device will be handled, in part, by the TBI in combination with directions from the associated Softswitch.
  • a user will be issued a new SIM card for their mobile device (e.g., cellular phone).
  • the ported phone number is associated with the TBI/Softswitch and is not the MSISDN of the original SIM card in the phone, which will be a number assigned by the reinforcer/TBI service provider. That is, the "phone number" resident on the mobile device is not the ported phone number. B. Issuing a new mobile number.
  • a user of the reinforcer service may be provided a new mobile number.
  • the user will be issued with a new SIM card for their phone.
  • the new phone number is associated with the TBI/Softswitch and is not the MSISDN of the replaced SIM card.
  • the subscriber keeps their existing SIM card in their mobile cellular device.
  • the User's cellular device When that device activates the reinforcer service and connects to the reinforcer (such as via Wi-Fi) (which is in communication with the Softswitch and associated TBI), the User's cellular device will be assigned a phone number through the reinforcer service, where the number provided is assigned to or hosted by the TBI/Softswitch (on registration, the reinforcer signals the TBI or Softswitch, and the TBI provides the TBI hosted phone number which is transmitted back to the reinforcer and he cellular mobile device.
  • An application in the mobile cellular device then initiates a call forward instruction to the mobile device's home registry to forward calls to the new mobile number allocated to the user that is hosted in the TBI/Softswitch.
  • the TBI or Softswitch may be configured to initiate call forwarding instructions. When the mobile cellular device disconnects from the reinforcer, the application on the mobile device will cancel or disable the call forward instruction.
  • TBI/Softswitch When connected to the reinforcer service, all subsequent inbound calls to this mobile device will be forwarded to the TBI/Softswitch (via call forward), which will, in turn, route the call to the mobile cellular device via the reinforcer, While connected to the reinforcer, all outbound calls will be routed via the reinforcer to the TBI/Softswitch.
  • the TBI will route the outbound call and the outbound call will carry the caller ID of the existing SIM card resident on the mobile device in the caller id.
  • a call incoming to and out from the mobile device (with the reinforcer service active) will be routed or anchored in the TBI or the TBI Exchange. Reinforcer Service Activation
  • Reinforcer service is available when the mobile device "registers" with an associated reinforcer - that is, the mobile device comes in range of a reinforcer, communicates with the reinforcer via the local wireless network (such as Wi-Fi) and the device "joins” or roams onto the reinforcer.
  • the reinforcer accesses the reinforcer through the local network (for instance, using the reinforcer as an access point)
  • the reinforcer in a preferred embodiment
  • the reinforcer then notifies the Softswitch (or the TBI and have the TBI notify the Softswitch) associated with the reinforcer that the mobile device is "present” on the reinforcer, (the reinforcer has previously "registered on the TBI/softswitch) enabling its MNIs and satellite interfaces to be associated with that Subscriber.
  • the Softswitch internally associates that subscriber mobile device with the reinforcer on when the mobile device is registered on the Softswitch.
  • the TBI will notify the home TBI of the subscriber that the subscriber is roaming on the serving reinforcer' s TBI, as next described.
  • Each call from a reinforcer to the TBI generally results in a communication between the TBI and the associated Softswitch for status or routing information.
  • the Softswitch is maintaining status of those reinforcers are present on this TBI, and their communication channels available, and the Softswitch will generally track the status of the channels as used by a particular subscriber, or available for use (e.g., SIM card one is available, satellite call channels is available, etc).
  • the TBI/Softswitch associated with the subscriber's home TBI Exchange may be different from that currently serving the reinforcer. For instance, if the subscriber's home TBI Exchange is in New York, USA, and the subscriber is in Europe, and accesses a Paris, France based reinforcer (associated with a TBI Exchange in Paris), then the Paris based TBI/Softswitch will notify the mobile device's associated TBI/Softswitch in New York of the identity of the reinforcer servicing the mobile device and provide a temporary routing number and may pass the Paris based reinforcer information (and may include, for instance, the reinforcer satellite transceiver and reinforcer cellular transceiver information, such as phone numbers) to the New York Softswitch.
  • the reinforcer satellite transceiver and reinforcer cellular transceiver information such as phone numbers
  • the French TBI Exchange is a "visited” Exchange
  • the New York TBI Exchange is the "home” TBI Exchange.
  • the visited TBI/Softswitch should inform the home TBI/Softswitch of the identity of the serving reinforcer to allow the home TBI/Softswitch to route calls to the roaming reinforcer, via the serving TBI as next described.
  • the serving reinforcer loses contact with the mobile device over the local network (e.g., Wi-Fi network) for a designated period of time, the device will be "de- registered" from reinforcer service, and the serving reinforcer' s communications links will be unavailable to the mobile device.
  • the home Softswitch/TBI will be informed to update the records to indicate that reinforcer service is not active to the mobile device (e.g., the reinforcer is no longer roaming).
  • the TBI/Softswitch When the TBI/Softswitch receives a routing information request to route an incoming call from a third party to a subscriber, the TBI will query the Softswitch to first determine if the called party is a reinforcer service subscriber in good standing (checking against a subscriber database), and if so, whether any communications links to the reinforcer (which had previously registered on the Softswitch) associated with subscriber are available (the links may be tied up on other calls, or the links or channels could be unusable for a variety of reasons). As described above, a subscriber is associated, or assigned to a TBI/Softswitch (e.g., hosted), and consequently, incoming calls to the mobile device are initially directed to the TBI for call set up.
  • a subscriber is associated, or assigned to a TBI/Softswitch (e.g., hosted), and consequently, incoming calls to the mobile device are initially directed to the TBI for call set up.
  • the TBI queries the Softswitch to determine the identity of called party (the subscriber with SIM hosted on the TBI).
  • the Softswitch maintains tables cross referencing reinforcer id.
  • Mobile device such as SIM 1 info
  • SIM card 2 and SIM card 3 information such as SIM 1 info
  • satellite channel information including sat phone number
  • other info on the reinforcer satellite channels and the status of each channel as available or not, and possible mobile device user selections for reinforcer service.
  • the reinforcer may include temporary routing numbers to each channel. Channels flagged as not unavailable are not passed to the TBI for routing (for instance, if SIM card 2 has failed to register with an alternative cell provider different from that associated with Sim card 1, or the existing capacity of cell channel 2 has been reached).
  • the reinforcer on registering with the TBI/Softswitch (for instance, as a roaming reinforcer) will pass the reinforcer information, including channel information (and updates thereto) to the Softswitch (directly or indirectly). As additional subscribers are registered on the reinforcer, or drop off the reinforcer, in one embodiment, the reinforcer will so notify the Softswitch (either directly or through the TBI). In this embodiment, the Softswitch monitors reinforcers served by the TBI and maintains information needed by the TBI for proper routing (there may be multiple reinforcers active in one TBI).
  • the Softswitch/TBI determines the current MSRN (Mobile Subscriber Roaming Number) of the SIM cards in the reinforcer on which the device is registered and the MSRN of the SIM card in the user's cellular mobile device (that is, have the network located the SIMs and provide the routing information). This can be accomplished by the Softswitch requesting the TBI to send a MAP ATI (Ant Time Interrogate) to the respective HLRs of the reinforcer SIMs and the HLR of the mobile cellular device's resident SIM cards.
  • MSRN Mobile Subscriber Roaming Number
  • call routing and set up can be accomplished from the third party to the mobile device via the reinforcer (either a satellite communication or a cellular communication, as later described). If no communication links to the reinforcer are available, call routing and set up for the third party call can be accomplished by the Softswitch informing the TBI to route the call to the SIM card resident in the subscriber's mobile cellular device, (assuming the resident SIM card is registered on a cellular network).
  • the reinforcer associated temporary routing numbers may change as the reinforcer moves, and such changes will be sent to the Softswitch. In other embodiments, the TBI determines the temporary routing numbers as needed to route a particular communication.
  • One of the main benefits of anchoring all calls through the TB I/Softswitch is that during a call routed to the resident SIM card, if the mobile device connects to a reinforcer and registers for service, the active anchored call can be soft handed over from the mobile device to the reinforcer. It will then benefit in accordance with the soft handover procedures later described. Hence, if the reinforcer is not active, the Softswitch will provide the SIM card information of the mobile device to the TBI, and the TBI will route directly to the mobile device.
  • the subscriber's home TBI Exchange on receiving a routing request from a third party calling the subscriber, if not serving the reinforcer on which the subscriber is registered, will pass routing information (a temporary roaming number) to the exchange of the calling party in order to route the third party call to the serving TBI Exchange (the TBI/softswitch associated with the reinforcer), and simultaneously, the serving TBI Exchange will also initiate a call to the serving reinforcer associated with the called mobile cellular device - that is, the TBI Exchange will attempt to contact the reinforcer over either the cellular network(s) associated with the reinforcer' s SIM cards, or over the satellite network, or both.
  • routing information a temporary roaming number
  • the available channel information (phone numbers) for the reinforcer channels may be obtained from the associated Softswitch by the TBI, by querying the Softswitch of information associated with the first SIM card (which can be the subscriber phone number or called number). Once obtained, the TBI will locate the reinforcer by querying the network for temporary routing number for the cellular or satellite channels or the mobile devices original SIM card channel (or variations, depending on the system configuration or subscriber preferences). Calls to the reinforcer can be placed over the terrestrial networks via the reinforcer SIM cards, or over the satellite network, or both. Calls can also be placed directly to the mobile device if no reinforcer channels are available.
  • Calls can be placed to both the reinforcer SIM card cellular channels and satellite channel in (i) a sequential order, allowing each sim/satellite call to ring X number of seconds before trying the next (the order can be user specified or other specified order, for instance based on costs); (ii) calls can be placed simultaneously to see which one connects first. Alternatively calls may be placed over only one of the reinforcer channels, for instance, the user may have specified a select only channel noted in the Softswitch.
  • the reinforcer (or the mobile device) will determine which of these calls to "answer.” For instance, based on timing and signal strength, the reinforcer may select one of the incoming cellular calls to pass to the mobile cellular device via the Wi-Fi network. Alternatively, the reinforcer may notify the mobile cellular device of each pending call, and let the mobile device determine which call to "answer.” Once the mobile device answers the call (e.g., goes off hook) on a particular communication.
  • the communication path is established on one leg of the call, between the reinforcer and the TBI Exchange (e.g., the mobile device, to the reinforcer then to TBI).
  • the TBI then completes the remaining leg of device call, from the TBI to the third party, and bridges or joins these two legs to complete the communications channel between the reinforcer and the called/calling party, call.
  • a single call is established, from the reinforcer to the calling party, through the TBI.
  • the reinforcer status data on the Softswitch is updated, once the call is completed either by the TBI or the reinforcer, depending on the embodiment.
  • TBI will obtain reinforcer routing (a selected channel) to the reinforcer (e.g., query the Softswitch and receive the requested info), and the TBI locates the channel to be called (e.g., finds the temporary routing number to the selected SIM card or satellite channel from the network), calls the reinforcer (where the caller ID is that of the calling party). Again, the call is established through the TBI.
  • reinforcer routing a selected channel
  • the reinforcer e.g., query the Softswitch and receive the requested info
  • the TBI locates the channel to be called (e.g., finds the temporary routing number to the selected SIM card or satellite channel from the network), calls the reinforcer (where the caller ID is that of the calling party). Again, the call is established through the TBI.
  • the reinforcer provides routing information of the available reinforcer channels (or the mobile channel) to the TBI. All incoming calls to the mobile device are anchored though the TBI Exchange. In one embodiment, the multiple simultaneous or sequential calls to the cellular device do not have to be placed as conference calls, as in the prior system (but this is an option in one embodiment). C. Routing Outgoing calls - Reinforcer inactive
  • the reinforcer is not active (for instance, the subscriber is not in range of a reinforcer, or the subscriber has turned the service off), when the user of the mobile device places an outgoing cellular call, that call will originate from the mobile phone MSISDN associated with the SIM card resident on the cellular device.
  • the home exchange of the mobile device is the home TBI Exchange (the TBI switch).
  • TBI home network
  • the visited network will query the home network (TBI) for the ability to roam and the home TBI will be provided a temporary routing number to the visited network.
  • TBI home network
  • CAMEL mobile networks enhanced logic
  • the reinforcer is activated when an authorized subscriber connects to a reinforcer via short range radio link and registers with the reinforcer/Softswitch.
  • the mobile cellular phone then makes all subsequent outgoing calls via the reinforcer.
  • the reinforcer determines the preferred network over which to place the call (either the satellite channel or one of the cellular networks via one of the two SIM cards resident on the reinforcer) based on predetermined criteria (such as signal strength, geographic location, or rate preference for cellular over satellite, etc.).
  • the reinforcer directs all outbound calls to the TBI Exchange over the selected network. For instance, the reinforcer may "dial" the mobile device, which will direct the call to the TBI. The TBI will recognize this "self-referencing" call as an outgoing call from the mobile device through the reinforcer. The TBI will then initiate an outbound call to the called party over the PSTN network generally. If answered, the TBI then completes the call from the reinforcer, and bridges or joins the two legs or calls, establishing a single communication path from the reinforcer, to the TBI and then to the called party (with possible intermediate routing points). Alternatively, a single call is established once the call to the third party is answered, routed through the TBI. The outbound call will have the caller id as that of the subscriber, obtained preferably from the Softswitch, which may be different from that on the first SIM card. E. Soft call handover - reinforcer.
  • the reinforcer may request "hand off of an active call from one reinforcer channel to another reinforcer channel (for instance, from one cell service via one of the reinforcer SIM cards to another cell service via the second reinforcer SIM cards, or from the satellite channel to a cellular channel via one of the reinforcer SIM cards or vice versa).
  • the reinforcer selects the desired channel to transfer the call (e.g., a cellular network or the satellite network), and the reinforcer initiates a call to the TBI Exchange (such as a self-referencing call to the mobile device).
  • the call to the TBI Exchange is generally placed over the channel desired for the handover, but may be initiated on other reinforcer channels.
  • the TBI switch will query the Softswitch as usual, to check status of the user as a current active subscriber.
  • the Softswitch aware of an active call already in progress from this subscriber through the reinforcer, informs the TBI to "answer" this call, and bridge the new channel communications onto the existing channel communications, so the communication is now active on two channels simultaneously between the TBI and the reinforcer.
  • the reinforcer is able to initiate a "make-before-brake" handover.
  • either the reinforcer or the TBI switch may drop the previous call leg between the TBI switch and the reinforcer.
  • system calls can be made as legs of a conference call.
  • a second leg of the conference call is established through one of the available alternative reinforcer channels - (satellite or second cellular SIM), and the two legs of the call will be joined by the TBI, and the poorly performing channel is dropped.
  • Status information on the Softswitch is updated.
  • the reinforcer may signal the TBI Exchange that a handover is desired (and the reinforcer may specify the desired channel for handover, or allow the TBI Exchange to select a channel) and allow the TBI switch to place a call to the reinforcer over the specified channel and allow the reinforcer to "pick up" or answer the call.
  • the reinforcer may then drop the previous channel communication between the reinforcer and the TBI switch, leaving only one communications path active.
  • the reinforcer will usually make the handover decision based on the predetermined criteria, such as signal strength, error rate, location, and rates associated with each available communication channel. Placing calls as conference calls may be used as an alternative embodiment.
  • G. Soft handover -mobile device may signal the TBI Exchange that a handover is desired (and the reinforcer may specify the desired channel for handover, or allow the TBI Exchange to select a channel) and allow the TBI switch to place a call to the reinforcer over the specified channel and allow the reinforcer to "pick up" or answer the call.
  • the mobile phone itself may instigate the soft handover.
  • the reinforcer may notify the TBI/Softswitch of the need for a handover (e.g., the signal level between the reinforcer and the mobile phone is dropping).
  • the TBI switch would then place call over the mobile cellular network to the SIM card resident on the mobile device, and subsequently bridge the two calls. Status information on the Softswitch is updated.
  • FIG 1 depicts the network and general hardware involved in the present system. Where the Softswitch is shown isolated from the networks.
  • Figure 2 depicts a particular embodiment of an inbound call and soft hand-over.
  • the Softswitch shown is associated with the TBI switch to which the mobile device has been ported (and collectively, corresponds to the TBI Exchange described above (with either the Softswitch in communication with the TBI switch, or the Softswitch capability programed into the TBI switch).
  • the reinforcer makes the decision to handover a call based on signal strength, and initiates a second call back to the TBI (preferably via the TBI switch via CAMEL 2 call back).
  • the TBI/SHOS e.g., the TBI Exchange
  • FIG 3. Similarly, one embodiment of an outbound call using soft-handover is shown in figure 3.
  • much of the intelligence needed to use the system resides in the reinforcer and Softswitch.
  • the handset or mobile device does need the ability to join an access point, but this is common across most device smart phones.
  • the mobile device can register for outgoing call service by interfacing with the reinforcer to register as a subscriber device.
  • This registration can include registration for use of the subscriber service (such as a guest) as well as registration with the associated reinforcer/Softswitch.
  • Registration may include a broadcast by the reinforcer of the offer to register, during which the mobile device may download (if not already present) application software to support interfacing with reinforcer functionality for purposes of "call" or data transfer set up.
  • the Softswitch will assign a temporary identifier (such as a phone number) for use with non-cellular device to track usage, handover, etc.
  • the non-cellular device may be assigned a unique identifier, such as a phone number, that is associated with the TB I/Softswitch.
  • a third party aware of the assigned TB I/Softswitch number, can place an incoming call to that assigned number.
  • the Softswitch would check to see if the non-cellular device associated with the assigned number is currently registered on a reinforcer, and if so, may route calls to the non-cellular device to the associated reinforcer. In this fashion, cell quality ability for both incoming and outgoing calls can be provided to a non-cellular device.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé de transfert d'un appel actif à travers un dispositif de communication mobile cellulaire. Le dispositif mobile comprend une première carte SIM, la première carte SIM étant hébergée au niveau d'un commutateur d'interface de limite transitoire (TBI switch), un renforçateur en communication avec le dispositif mobile par l'intermédiaire de liaisons radio à courte portée, possédant une deuxième et une troisième cartes SIM et pouvant également communiquer sur un canal de communication par satellite. Un échange TBI est utilisé qui comprend le commutateur TBI et un commutateur logiciel. Le commutateur TBI achemine des communications électroniques ancrées entre le renforçateur et les réseaux. Le procédé comprend l'étape de réception, au niveau du TBI, d'une communication à partir du renforçateur. Le TBI communique avec le commutateur logiciel, et déclenche un second canal de communication avec le renforçateur, à l'aide de l'un des canaux de communication passifs. Le TBI relie le canal de communication actif au second canal de communication lorsque le second canal de communication est établi.
PCT/US2018/051158 2017-09-15 2018-09-14 Système et procédé de transfert d'un appel actif entre des réseaux WO2019055833A1 (fr)

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