Method and apparatus for routing subscriber originated calls in a fixed wireless access system

• US 6,064,886 A
• Filed: 10/01/1997
• Issued: 05/16/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited (Nortel Networks Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Nortel Networks Corporation
• Inventors: Holur, Balaji Srinivas, Balachander, Ramanathan, Perez, Louis, Harms, Marcos
• Primary Examiner(s): LOOMIS, PAUL A
• Application Number:
  US08/942,231
• Time in Patent Office: 958 Days
• Field of Search: 455/432, 455/433, 455/434, 455/435, 455/436, 455/462, 455/463, 455/518, 455/519, 435/442, 435/443, 435/465, 435/554, 435/555
• US Class Current: 455/443
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/06 using multi-step notification by changing the notification area
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/14 WLL [Wireless Local Loop]; RLL [Radio Local Loop]

Abstract

A fixed wireless access system includes circuitry for routing a call for a subscriber having a directory number not only through the primary cell, but also through any secondary cell for a border cell subscriber. In each case, the primary and secondary cells borders a geographically located near the geographic location of the border cell subscriber. For calls that are being routed to the border cell subscriber, one of a plurality of subscriber features including call forward no-answer, call forward unconditional or multiple access directory numbers may be used to cause the switch to trigger one or more fixed wireless access controllers to generate page request signals to the base stations for the border cell subscriber. For calls originated by the border cell subscriber, the subscriber'"'"'s directory number is placed within the subscriber list for each base station whose cell borders are located geographically near the border cell subscribers geographic location. Accordingly, if the border cell subscriber unit locks onto a base station of a secondary border cell, the controller recognizes the subscriber unit and may process the call.

Claims

1. A fixed wireless access system for routing calls originated by a fixed wireless subscriber physically located near the edge of the coverage area for at least two base stations, said subscriber having a directory number, the system comprising, in combination:

a fixed wireless access controller coupled to a plurality of base stations, the fixed wireless access controller including a data store with a table therein linking the directory number of the subscriber to a primary base station and at least one secondary base station, each primary and secondary base station being located such that the coverage area thereof includes the location of the fixed wireless subscriber, said fixed wireless access controller completing a connection to the party being called by the fixed wireless subscriber whenever the call originated from the fixed wireless subscriber is detected at any said linked primary or secondary base station thereby permitting completion of the call even if interference would prevent connection via the primary base station.

2. The fixed wireless access system of claim 1 wherein said fixed wireless access controller only permits connection between fixed wireless subscribers and base stations that are specifically linked in said table.