Method and apparatus for implementing bi-directional soft handovers between wireless networks without carrier control
First Claim
1. A method for managing a communication network having an area of coverage, the communication network associated with a media gateway that communicates with a plurality of mobile stations, the method comprising the steps of:
- connecting a call between a mobile station and a remote station through the media gateway, the media gateway being connected to the mobile station via a first connection line and to the remote station via a second connection line;
determining that the mobile station entered a transition area of the area of coverage;
establishing a third connection line between the media gateway and the mobile station;
handing-over communication between the media gateway and the mobile station from the first connection line to the third connection line; and
disconnecting communication between the media gateway and the mobile station via the first connection line.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and apparatus that enables handover of a mobile station between a cellular network and a wireless network without control intervention from the cellular network and independent of employed air interface technology. The signaling and control of a switch, for example SS7 messaging, is not required to achieve the handovers implemented by the present invention. In particular, a call is connected (508) between a mobile station (202) and a remote station (204) through a media gateway (210). The media gateway is connected to the mobile station via a first connection line and to the remote station via a second connection line. When the mobile station has entered (514, 516) a transition area (302), a third connection line is established (518) between the media gateway and the mobile station. Communication between the media gateway and the mobile station then is handed-over (526, 528) from the first connection line to the third connection line and, thereafter, the first connection line is disconnected (530).
52 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method for managing a communication network having an area of coverage, the communication network associated with a media gateway that communicates with a plurality of mobile stations, the method comprising the steps of:
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connecting a call between a mobile station and a remote station through the media gateway, the media gateway being connected to the mobile station via a first connection line and to the remote station via a second connection line;
determining that the mobile station entered a transition area of the area of coverage;
establishing a third connection line between the media gateway and the mobile station;
handing-over communication between the media gateway and the mobile station from the first connection line to the third connection line; and
disconnecting communication between the media gateway and the mobile station via the first connection line. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A wireless communication system comprising:
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a mobile station capable of communication with a remote station;
a carrier network for enabling wireless communication between the mobile station and the remote station within a carrier area of coverage; and
a non-carrier network for enabling wireless communication between the mobile station and the remote station within a non-carrier area of coverage;
a media gateway associated with the non-carrier network for connecting a call between the mobile station and the remote station, the media gateway being capable of connecting a first connection line with the mobile station via one of either the carrier network and the non-carrier network, establishing a second connection line with the mobile station via the other of either the carrier network and the non-carrier network, and disconnecting the first connection line. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. The wireless communication system of claim II, wherein the media gateway receives a call from the mobile station that is directed to a predetermined number.
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22. A wireless communication system comprising:
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a mobile station capable of communication with a remote station;
a carrier network for enabling wireless communication between the mobile station and the remote station within a carrier area of coverage; and
a non-carrier network for enabling wireless communication between the mobile station and the remote station within a non-carrier area of coverage;
a media gateway associated with the non-carrier network for connecting a call between the mobile station and the remote station, the media gateway being capable of connecting a first connection line with the mobile station via the carrier network, determining that the mobile station entered the non-carrier area of coverage, establishing a second connection line with the mobile station via the non-carrier network, and disconnecting the first connection line via the carrier network. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
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25. A wireless communication system comprising:
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a mobile station capable of communication with a remote station;
a carrier network for enabling wireless communication between the mobile station and the remote station within a carrier area of coverage; and
a non-carrier network for enabling wireless communication between the mobile station and the remote station within a non-carrier area of coverage;
a media gateway associated with the non-carrier network for connecting a call between the mobile station and the remote station, the media gateway being capable of connecting a first connection line with the mobile station via the non-carrier network, determining that the mobile station exited the non-carrier area of coverage, establishing a second connection line with the mobile station via the carrier network, and disconnecting the first connection line via the non-carrier network. - View Dependent Claims (26)
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Specification