Method and apparatus for transmission of analog and digital

• US 6,230,010 B1
• Filed: 08/31/1998
• Issued: 05/08/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/1989
• Status: Expired

• Current Assignee: Frances E. Morris
• Original Assignee: Walker C. Morris
• Inventors: Morris, Walker C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shankar, Vijay
• Application Number:
  US09/145,137
• Time in Patent Office: 981 Days
• Field of Search: 455/403, 455/426, 455/550, 455/556, 455/557, 379/88.24, 379/88.26, 379/56.3
• US Class Current: 455/426.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18567 Arrangements for providing additional services to the basic mobile satellite telephony service
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/18 Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/324 in the data link layer [OSI layer 2], e.g. HDLC
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/06 Simultaneous speech and data transmission, e.g. telegraphic transmission over the same conductors
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices

Abstract

A digital communications path-controller for auto switching and controlling the transmission and receiving of analog and error-free transmission of standard digital signals, fax digital signals and analog communications over telephone line service, radio frequency networks, satellite systems, as well as wireless telephone systems includes switches that receive control signals from the micro-controller for controlling and switching the analog or digital path of an internal analog board and the signals from a digital communications path to and from a radio frequency transceiver via a radio frequency transceiver interface/logic board, a wireless telephone transceiver via a wireless telephone transceiver interface, a telephone landline via a telephone line interface, a satellite system via a telephone landline through the telephone line interface. A method selects the telephone line interface which either connects to the telephone line, the satellite system or the wireless telephone, and another method bypasses the telephone line interface, selects and controls radio frequency telemetry modules or packet radios. The operation of the digital communications path-controller is divided into three modes comprising a command mode, a digital mode and an escape mode. The software is a set of digital communication protocols which provide error-free communication of digital and define a file transfer protocol at the application layer, the session protocol and the link protocol.

Claims

1. A modem for transmission data signals in a synchronous mode over a telephone landline, a wireless radio frequency network or a cellular telephone system without incurring errors in the transmitted data signals from a loss of carrier or a noisy transmission environment and for transmitting voice signals over the telephone landline, a wireless radio frequency network or a cellular telephone system, comprising:

a modem for converting received digital signals to analog signals and for converting received analog to digital signals;

a data access arrangement operatively connected to said modem and including a means to operatively connect to the telephone landline;

a microcontroller operatively connected to said modem;

a read-only-memory operatively connected to said microcontroller;

protocol software in said read-only-memory in the form of firmware for controlling the operation of the modem;

cellular telephone interface means for connected said microcontroller to a cellular telephone transceiver unit;

radio frequency radio interface/logic board means for connected said mictocontroller to a radio frequency transceiver unit;

a voice board means for providing hands-free communication using a microphone and speaker over a telephone landline, a wireless radio frequency network or a cellular telephone system;

analog switch means for receiving inputs from said voice board means, said radio frequency transceiver, said cellular telephone transceiver and said modem and providing outputs to said data access arrangement, said radio frequency transceiver, and said cellular telephone transceiver; and

means to connect data terminal equipment to said microcontroller through an interface.

2. The modem of claim 1 wherein said protocol software includes means for retrying the connection phase for a said number of tries.

3. The modem of claim 2 wherein said protocol software includes means for retransmitting data packets, after successful connection phase, for a said number of tries.

4. The modem of claim 3 wherein said protocol software includes means to suspend transmission from the modem to wait for the recovery of loss of carrier.

5. The modem of claim 4 wherein said protocol software includes means to switch the mode of operation of said modem from synchronous to asynchronous if carrier loss occurs during transmission in the synchronous mode of operation and to switch back to the synchronous mode upon recovery of the carrier.

6. A method and apparatus for the auto-selecting and auto-routing of either data or voice communication over a cellular telephone system, a radio frequency network, telephone line service or a combination of communication services from a sending modem-controller to a receiving modem, using an enhanced version of (MNP) protocol called the ITC Reliable Mode (ITC-RM), said method comprising the steps of:

analog switching to receive voice signals and data signals from a plurality of different predetermined input sources and to route the received voice signals and data signals to different predetermined selectable destinations;

automatically connecting between the sending modem-controller and the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service;

establishing desired communication configuration between the sending modem-controller and the receiving modem through handshaking over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service;

determining presence of carrier from receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service;

terminating the connection between the sending modem-controller and the receiving modem if a predetermined time has elapsed without determining presence of carrier over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service;

interrogating the receiving modem by sending appropriate link-connect packet from the sending modem-controller if presence of carrier is determined over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service;

determining if a correct link-connect packet is received at the sending modem-controller from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service; and

determining that the modified network protocol connection between the sending modem-controller and the receiving modem is successful if a correct link-connect packet is received at the sending modem-controller from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service.

7. The method according to claim 6 further including the steps of:

retrying to interrogate the receiving modem a predetermined number of retry counts if the correct link-connect packet is not received from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service;

choosing between one of two possible modes if not successful in interrogating the receiving modem in the predetermined number of retry counts, said two possible modes being line disconnect or non-microcom networking protocol and a networking protocol, other than the microcom networking protocol operating mode over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service.

8. The method according to claim 7 wherein said predetermined number of retry counts is equal to six over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service.

9. The method according to claim 6 further including the steps of:

determining the presence of carrier from receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service;

automatically switching to asynchronous mode if presence of carrier is not determined and then switching to synchronous mode when presence of carrier is determined over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service;

readying data packet for transmission to recitation modem when carrier is present over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service;

transmitting data packet to receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service;

receiving positive acknowledgement from receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service; and

automatically repeating the five steps set forth above until a positive acknowledgement is not received from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service.

10. The method according to claim 9 further including the steps of:

checking if the retransmission timer has elapsed if a positive acknowledgement has not been received from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service;

checking if a negative a negative acknowledgement has been received from the receiving modem if the retransmission timer has not elapsed over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service;

retransmitting the data packet to the receiving modem if a negative acknowledgement has been received from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio-frequency network or a telephone line service;

automatically repeating the three steps set forth above until positive acknowledgement is received form the receiving modem or until the retransmission count reaches a predetermined number over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service; and

initiating a disconnect sequence if the retransmission count reaches said predetermined number before a positive acknowledgement is received form the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service.

11. The method according to claim 10 wherein said retransmission count is eighteen.

12. The method according to claim 9 further including the steps of:

checking if the retransmission timer has elapsed if a positive acknowledgement has not been received from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service;

retransmitting the data packet to the receiving modem if the retransmission timer has elapsed over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service;

automatically repeating the two steps set forth above until positive acknowledgement is received from the receiving modem or until the retransmission count reaches a predetermined number over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service; and

initiating a disconnect sequence if the retransmission count reaches said predetermined number before a positive acknowledgement is receiving from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service.

13. The method according to claim 12 wherein said retransmission count is eighteen.

14. A modem-controller for transmission data signals in a synchronous mode over ordinary telephone line service, radio frequency network or a cellular telephone system without incurring errors in the transmitted data signals from a loss of carrier or a noisy transmission environment and for transmitting voice signals over telephone line service, radio frequency networks and cellular telephone systems, comprising:

a modem for converting received digital signals to analog signals and for converting received analog to digital signals;

a data access arrangement operatively connected to said modem and including a means to operatively connect to a telephone line;

a microcontroller operatively connected to said modem;

a read-only-memory operatively connected to said microcontroller;

protocol software in said read-only-memory in the form of firmware for controlling the operation of the modem-controller;

cellular telephone interface means for connected said microcontroller to a cellular telephone unit;

radio frequency radio interface/logic board means for connected said microcontroller to radio frequency telemetry modules or packet radios;

a voice board means for providing hands-free communication using a microphone and speaker over a telephone line, a wireless radio frequency network or a cellular telephone system;

analog switch means for receiving inputs from said voice board means, said radio frequency telemetry modules or packet radios, said cellular telephone and said modem-controller and providing outputs to said modem, data access arrangement, said radio frequency telemetry modules or packet radios, and said cellular telephone;

first analog switch for receiving input from said voice board means or said modem and providing outputs to second analog switch;

second analog switch for receiving input from first analog switch and providing outputs to said data access arrangement or radio frequency radio interface/logic board;

third analog switch for receiving input from said data access arrangement and providing outputs to said cellular telephone interface to said cellular telephone;

fourth analog switch for receiving input from said data access arrangement and providing outputs to said telephone line;

fifth analog switch for receiving input from telephone line and providing outputs to said cellular telephone interface to said cellular telephone; and

means to connect data terminal equipment to said microcontroller through an interface.

15. The modem-controller of claim 14 wherein said protocol software includes means for retrying the connection phase for a total of six tries over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service.

16. The modem-controller of claim 15 wherein said protocol software includes means for retransmitting data packets, after successful connection phase, for a total of eighteen tries over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service.

17. The modem-controller of claim 16 wherein said protocol software includes means to suspend transmission from the modem-controller to wait for the recovery of loss of carrier over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service.

18. The modem-controller of claim 17 wherein said protocol software includes means to switch the mode of operation-of said modem-controller from synchronous to asynchronous if carrier loss occurs during transmission in the synchronous mode of operation and to switch back to the synchronous mode upon recovery of the carrier over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service.

19. The present invention relates in general to the control, transmission and reception of standard data, fax data and voice signals. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, it relates to a distinct method and apparatus for the auto-selecting and auto-routing of either standard data, fax data or voice communication over a cellular telephone system, a radio frequency network, satellite system, telephone line service or a combination of communication services. The invention-may be installed internally in computers or data terminal equipment to communicate with any other computers or data terminal equipment;

directly through the computers or data terminal equipment or used as a stand alone method and apparatus;

connected externally to computers or data terminal equipment. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, using an enhanced and fine tuned version of (MNP) protocol called the ITC Reliable Mode (ITC-RM), it relates to a method and apparatus for transmission of standard data, fax data and voice over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service with emphasis upon the error-free transmission and reception of standard data and fax data in an error correcting mode, said method comprising the steps of;

analog switching means structured to receive voice signals and

standard or fax data signals from a plurality of different predetermined input sources and to route the received voice signals and standard or fax data signals to different predetermined selectable destinations, said routing being determined by control signals received by said analog switching means;

automatic connecting between the sending modem-controller and the

receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

establishing desired communication configuration between the sending modem-controller and the receiving modem through handshaking over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency-network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

determining presence of carrier from receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

terminating the connection between the sending modem-controller and the receiving modem if a predetermined time has elapsed without determining presence of carrier over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

interrogating the receiving modem by sending appropriate link-connect packet from the sending modem-controller if presence of carrier is determined over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

determining if a correct link-connect packet is received at the sending modem-controller from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service; and

determining that the modified network protocol connection between the sending modem-controller and the receiving modem is successful if a correct link-connect packet is received at the sendin g modem-controller from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service.

20. Th e method according to claim 19 further including the steps of:

retrying to interrogate the receiving modem a predetermined number of retry counts if the correct link-connect packet is not received from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

choosing between one of two possible modes if not successful in interrogating the receiving modem in the predetermined number of retry counts, said two possible modes being line disconnect or non-microcom networking protocol and a networking protocol, other than the microcom networking protocol operating mode over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service.

21. The method according to claim 20 wherein said predetermined number of retry counts is equal to six over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service.

22. The method according to claim 19 further including the steps of:

determining the presence of carrier from receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

automatic switching to asynchronous mode if presence of carrier is not determined and then switching to synchronous mode when presence of carrier is determined over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

readying a standard or fax data packet for transmission to recitation modem when carrier is present over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

transmitting a standard or fax data packet to receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

receiving positive acknowledgement from receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service; and

automatically repeating the five steps set forth above until a positive acknowledgement is not received from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service.

23. The method according to claim 22 further including the steps of:

checking if the retransmission timer has elapsed if a positive acknowledgement has not been received from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

checking if a negative a negative acknowledgement has been received from the receiving modem if the retransmission timer has not elapsed over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

retransmitting the standard or fax data packet to the receiving modem if a negative acknowledgement has been received from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

automatically repeating the three steps set forth above until positive acknowledgement is received form the receiving modem or until the retransmission count reaches a predetermined number over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service; and

initiating a disconnect sequence if the retransmission count reaches said predetermined number before a positive acknowledgement is received form the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service.

24. The method according to claim 23 wherein said retransmission count is eighteen.

25. The method according to claim 22 further including the steps of:

checking if the retransmission timer has elapsed if a positive acknowledgement has not been received from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

retransmitting the standard or fax data packet to the receiving modem if the retransmission timer has elapsed over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service;

automatically repeating the two steps set forth above until positive acknowledgement is received from the receiving modem or until the retransmission count reaches a predetermined number over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service; and

initiating a disconnect sequence if the retransmission count reaches said predetermined number before a positive acknowledgement is receiving from the receiving modem over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service.

26. The method according to claim 25 wherein said retransmission count is eighteen.

27. A modem-controller for transmission of standard or fax data signals in a synchronous mode over ordinary telephone line service, radio frequency network, satellite system or a cellular telephone system without incurring errors in the transmitted standard or fax data signals from a loss of carrier or a noisy transmission environment and for transmitting voice signals over telephone line service, radio frequency networks and cellular telephone systems, comprising:

a modem for converting received digital signals to analog signals and for converting received analog to digital signals;

a data access arrangement operatively connected to said modem and including a means to operatively connect to a telephone line;

a microcontroller operatively connected to said modem;

a read-only-memory operatively connected to said microcontroller;

protocol software in said read-only-memory in the form of firmware for controlling the operation of the modem-controller;

cellular telephone interface means for connecting said microcontroller to a cellular telephone unit;

radio frequency radio interface means for connecting said microcontroller to a radio frequency telemetry module or packet radio unit;

a voice board means for providing hands-free communication using a microphone and speaker over a telephone line, a wireless radio frequency network, satellite system or a cellular telephone system;

analog switch means controlled by said microprocessor to control input and output of said voice board means or said data pump means to said radio frequency radio means and to said data access arrangement means to said cellular telephone means, said satellite system means and a remote device or infrared transceiver;

first analog switch for receiving input from said microprocessor means to control signal path from said voice board means or said data pump means to said radio frequency or data access arrangement select analog switch means;

second analog switch for receiving input from said microprocessor means to control signal path from said voice/modem select switch means to said radio frequency radio interface/logic board means radio or said data access arrangement;

third analog switch for receiving input from said data microprocessor means to control signal path from said data access arrangement to said cellular telephone interface to said cellular telephone;

fourth analog switch for receiving input from said microprocessor means to control signal path from said data access arrangement to a remote device or infrared transceiver through said telephone line or to said satellite system;

fifth analog switch for receiving input from said microprocessor means to control signal path from said remote device or infrared transceiver via said telephone line connected to said cellular telephone interface to said cellular telephone; and

means to connect said data terminal equipment to said microcontroller through said interface.

28. The modem-controller of claim 27 wherein said protocol software includes means for retrying the connection phase for a total of six tries over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service.

29. The modem-controller of claim 28 wherein said protocol software includes means for retransmitting data packets, after successful connection phase, for a total of eighteen tries over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service.

30. The modem-controller of claim 29 wherein said protocol software includes means to suspend transmission from the modem-controller to wait for the recovery of loss of carrier over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service.

31. The modem-controller of claim 30 wherein said protocol software includes means to switch the mode of operation of said modem-controller from synchronous to asynchronous if carrier loss occurs during transmission in the synchronous mode of operation and to switch back to the synchronous mode upon recovery of the carrier over a cellular telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service.

32. An apparatus for transmitting digital signals over a telephone landline or a wireless telephone system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone landline or the wireless telephone system, comprising:

a modem;

a telephone line interface;

a microcontroller;

a memory operatively connected to said microcontroller;

protocol software in said memory for controlling the operation of the apparatus;

a wireless telephone interface for operatively connecting to a wireless telephone;

means for providing analog communications for transmission over the telephone landline or the wireless telephone system;

a first analog switch operatively connecting a first terminal either to said means for providing analog communications or to said modem as decided by the microcontroller;

a second analog switch operatively connecting said telephone line interface and said wireless telephone interface or not as decided by the microcontroller; and

a third analog switch operatively connecting the first terminal of the first analog switch with said telephone line interface or not as decided by the microcontroller.

33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said protocol software includes means for retrying the connection phase for a total of six tries.

34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said protocol software includes means for retransmitting data packets, after successful connection phase, for a total of eighteen tries.

35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said protocol software includes means to suspend transmission to wait for the recovery of loss of carrier.

36. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said protocol software includes means to switch the mode of operation of said modem from synchronous to asynchronous if carrier loss occurs during transmission in the synchronous mode of operation and to switch back to the synchronous mode upon recovery of the carrier.

37. An apparatus for transmission digital signals over a telephone landline, a wireless radio frequency network or a wireless telephone system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone landline, the wireless radio frequency network or a wireless telephone system, comprising:

a modem;

a telephone line interface;

a microcontroller operatively connected to said modem;

a memory operatively connected to said microcontroller;

protocol software in said memory for controlling the operation of the apparatus;

a wireless telephone interface for operatively connecting to a wireless telephone;

a radio frequency interface for connecting to a radio frequency transceiver unit;

means for providing analog communication;

a first analog switch operatively connecting a first terminal either to said means for providing analog communications or to said modem as decided by the microcontroller;

a second analog switch operatively connecting said telephone line interface and said wireless telephone interface or not as decided by the microcontroller; and

a third analog switch operatively connecting the first terminal of the first analog switch with either said telephone line interface or said radio frequency interface as decided by the microcontroller.

38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said protocol software includes means for retrying the connection phase for a said number of tries.

39. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said protocol software includes means for retransmitting data packets, after successful connection phase, for a said number of tries.

40. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said protocol software includes means to suspend transmission to wait for the recovery of loss of carrier.

41. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said protocol software includes means to switch the mode of operation of said modem from synchronous to asynchronous if carrier loss occurs during transmission in the synchronous mode of operation and to switch back to the synchronous mode upon recovery of the carrier.

42. An apparatus for transmission of digital signals over ordinary telephone line service or a wireless telephone system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone line service, the radio frequency or the wireless telephone system, comprising:

a modem;

a telephone line interface operatively connected to said modem;

a microcontroller operatively connected to said modem;

a memory operatively connected to said microcontroller;

protocol software in said memory for controlling the operation of the apparatus;

a wireless telephone interface for connecting to a wireless telephone unit;

radio frequency interface for connecting to radio frequency telemetry modules or packet radios;

means for providing analog communication;

a first analog switch operatively connecting a first terminal either to said means for providing analog communications or to said modem as decided by the microcontroller;

a second analog switch operatively connecting said telephone line interface and said wireless telephone interface or not as decided by the microcontroller;

a third analog switch operatively connecting the first terminal of the first analog switch either to said telephone line interface or to said radio frequency interface as decided by the microcontroller; and

a fourth analog switch operatively connecting a remote device to said telephone line interface or not as decided by the microcontroller.

43. The apparatus of claim 42 wherein said protocol software includes means for retrying the connection phase for a total of six tries over a wireless telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service.

44. The apparatus of claim 43 wherein said protocol software includes means for retransmitting data packets, after successful connection phase, for a total of eighteen tries over a wireless telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service.

45. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein said protocol software includes means to suspend transmission from the apparatus to wait for the recovery of loss of carrier over a wireless telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service.

46. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein said protocol software includes means to switch the mode of operation of said apparatus from synchronous to asynchronous if carrier loss occurs during transmission in the synchronous mode of operation and to switch back to the synchronous mode upon recovery of the carrier over a wireless telephone system, radio frequency network or a telephone line service.

47. An apparatus for transmission of standard or fax digital signals over ordinary telephone line service, radio frequency network, satellite system or a wireless telephone system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone line service, the radio frequency network, the satellite system and the wireless telephone system, comprising:

a modem;

a telephone line interface;

a microcontroller operatively connected to said modem;

a read-only memory operatively connected to said microcontroller;

protocol software in said read-only memory in the form of firmware for controlling the operation of the apparatus;

a wireless telephone interface for connecting said microcontroller to a wireless telephone unit;

a radio frequency interface for connecting said microcontroller to a radio frequency telemetry module or packet radio unit;

means for providing analog communication over the telephone line, the wireless radio frequency network, the satellite system or the wireless telephone system;

a first analog switch operatively connecting a first terminal either to said means for providing analog communications or to said modem as decided by the microcontroller;

a second analog switch operatively connecting said telephone line interface and said wireless telephone interface or not as decided by the microcontroller;

a third analog switch operatively connecting the first terminal of the first analog switch either to said telephone line interface or to said radio frequency interface as decided by the microcontroller; and

a fourth analog switch operatively connecting said satellite system to said telephone line interface or not as decided by the microcontroller.

48. The apparatus of claim 47 wherein said protocol software includes means for retrying the connection phase for a total of six tries over a wireless telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service.

49. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein said protocol software includes means for retransmitting data packets, after successful connection phase, for a total of eighteen tries over a wireless telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service.

50. The apparatus of claim 49 wherein said protocol software includes means to suspend transmission from the apparatus to wait for the recovery of loss of carrier over a wireless telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service.

51. The apparatus of claim 50 wherein said protocol software includes means to switch the mode of operation of said apparatus from synchronous to asynchronous if carrier loss occurs during transmission in the synchronous mode of operation and to switch back to the synchronous mode upon recovery of the carrier over a wireless telephone system, radio frequency network, satellite system or a telephone line service.

52. An apparatus for transmitting digital signals over a telephone landline or a wireless telephone system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone landline or the wireless telephone system, comprising:

a modem;

a telephone line interface;

a wireless telephone interface for operatively connecting to a wireless telephone;

means for providing analog communications for transmission over the telephone landline or the wireless telephone system;

a first analog switch operatively connecting a first terminal to either said means for providing analog communications or said modem;

a second analog switch selectively operatively connecting said telephone line interface and said wireless telephone interface; and

a third analog switch selectively operatively connecting the first terminal of the first analog switch with said telephone line interface.

53. An apparatus for transmission digital signals over a telephone landline, a wireless radio frequency network or a wireless telephone system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone landline, the wireless radio frequency network or a wireless telephone system, comprising:

a modem;

a telephone line interface;

a wireless telephone interface for operatively connecting to a wireless telephone;

a radio frequency interface for connecting to a radio frequency transceiver unit;

means for providing analog communication;

a first analog switch operatively connecting a first terminal either to said means for providing analog communications or to said modem;

a second analog switch for selectively operatively connecting said telephone line interface and said wireless telephone interface; and

a third analog switch operatively connecting the first terminal of the first analog switch either to said telephone line interface or to said radio frequency interface.

54. An apparatus for transmission of digital signals over ordinary telephone line service or a wireless telephone system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone line service, the radio frequency or the wireless telephone system, comprising:

a modem;

a telephone line interface operatively connected to said modem;

a wireless telephone interface for connecting to a wireless telephone unit;

radio frequency interface for connecting to radio frequency telemetry modules or packet radios;

means for providing analog communication;

a first analog switch operatively connecting a first terminal either to said means for providing analog communications or to said modem;

a second analog switch for selectively operatively connecting said telephone line interface and said wireless telephone interface;

a third analog switch operatively connecting the first terminal of the first analog switch either to said telephone line interface or to said radio frequency interface; and

a fourth analog switch for selectively operatively connecting a remote device to said telephone line interface.

55. An apparatus for transmission of standard or fax digital signals over ordinary telephone line service, radio frequency network, satellite system or a wireless telephone system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone line service, the radio frequency network, the satellite system and the wireless telephone system, comprising:

a modem;

a telephone line interface operatively connected to said modem;

a wireless telephone interface for connecting to a wireless telephone unit;

a radio frequency interface for connecting to a radio frequency telemetry module or packet radio unit;

means for providing analog communication over the telephone line, the wireless radio frequency network, the satellite system or the wireless telephone system;

a first analog switch operatively connecting a first terminal either to said means for providing analog communications or to said modem;

a second analog switch for selectively operatively connecting said telephone line interface and said wireless telephone interface;

a third analog switch operatively connecting the first terminal of the first analog switch either to said telephone line interface or to said radio frequency interface; and

a fourth analog switch for selectively operatively connecting said satellite system to said telephone line interface.

56. A system for transmitting digital signals over a telephone landline or a wireless communication system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone landline or the wireless communication system, comprising:

a telephone line interface;

an interface for operatively connecting to a wireless communication device;

a digital communications path for transmitting over the telephone landline or the wireless communication system;

an analog communications path for transmitting over the telephone landline or the wireless communication system;

a first switch for operatively connecting a first terminal either to said analog communications path or to said digital communications path;

a second switch for operatively connecting said telephone line interface and said wireless communication device interface; and

a third switch for operatively connecting the first terminal of the first switch with said telephone line interface.

57. A system for transmitting digital signals over a telephone landline, a wireless radio frequency network or a wireless telephone system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone landline, the wireless radio frequency network or a wireless telephone system, comprising:

a digital communications path;

a telephone line interface;

an interface for operatively connecting to a wireless telephone;

a radio frequency interface for connecting to a radio frequency transceiver unit;

an analog communications path;

a first switch for operatively connecting a first terminal either to said analog communications path or to said digital communications path;

a second switch for operatively connecting said telephone line interface and said wireless telephone interface; and

a third switch for operatively connecting the first terminal of the first switch with either said telephone line interface or said radio frequency interface.

58. A system for transmitting digital signals over an ordinary telephone line service, a radio frequency or a wireless telephone system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone line service, the radio frequency or the wireless telephone system, comprising:

a digital communications path;

a telephone line interfact opcrativcly connected to said digital communications path;

an interface for connecting to a wireless telephone unit;

radio frequency interface for connecting to radio frequency telemetry modules or packet radios;

an analog communications path;

a first switch for operatively connecting a first terminal either to said analog communications path or to said digital communications path;

a second switch for operatively connecting said telephone line interface and said wireless telephone interface;

a third switch for operatively connecting the first terminal of the first switch either to said telephone line interface or to said radio frequency interface; and

a fourth switch for operatively connecting a remote device to said telephone line interface.

59. A system for transmitting standard digital signals or fax digital signals over ordinary telephone line service, radio frequency network, satellite system or a wireless telephone system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone line service, the radio frequency network, the satellite system and the wireless telephone system, comprising:

a digital communications path;

a telephone line interface;

an interface for connecting said microcontroller to a wireless telephone unit;

a radio frequency interface for connecting said microcontroller to a radio frequency telemetry module or packet radio unit;

an analog communications path;

a first switch for operatively connecting a first terminal either to said analog communications path or to said digital communications path;

a second switch for operatively connecting said telephone line interface and said wireless telephone interface;

a third switch for operatively connecting the first terminal of the first switch either to said telephone line interface or to said radio frequency interface; and

a fourth switch for operatively connecting said satellite system to said telephone line interface.

60. A system for transmitting digital signals over a telephone landline or a wireless communication system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone landline or the wireless communication system, comprising:

a digital communications path;

a telephone line interface;

an interface for operatively connecting to a wireless communication device;

an analog communications path;

a first switch for operatively connecting a first terminal to either said analog communications path or said digital communications path;

a second switch operatively connecting said telephone line interface and said wireless communication device interface; and

a third switch operatively connecting the first terminal of the first switch with said telephone line interface.

61. A system for transmitting digital signals over a telephone landline, a wireless radio frequency network or a wireless telephone system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone landline, the wireless radio frequency network or the wireless telephone system, comprising:

a digital communications path;

a telephone line interface;

an interface for operatively connecting to a wireless telephone;

a radio frequency interface for connecting to a radio frequency transceiver unit;

an analog communications path; and

a plurality of switches connected in at least a two level tree for selectively connecting said analog communications path or said digital communications path to said telephone line interface or to said wireless telephone interface or to said radio frequency interface.

62. A system according to claim 61 wherein the plurality of switches comprises at least three switches.

63. A system for transmitting digital signals over a telephone line service, a radio frequency or a wireless telephone system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone line service, the radio frequency or the wireless telephone system, comprising:

a digital communications path;

a telephone line interface operatively connected to said digital communications path;

an interface for connecting to a wireless telephone unit;

radio frequency interface for connecting to radio frequency telemetry modules or packet radios;

an analog communications path; and

a plurality of switches connected in at least a two level tree for selectively connecting said analog communications path or said digital communications path to said telephone line interface or said wireless telephone interface or to said radio frequency interface or for connecting a remote device to said telephone line interface.

64. A system according to claim 63 wherein the plurality of switches comprises at least four switches.

65. A system for transmitting standard digital signals or fax digital signals over a telephone line service, radio frequency network, satellite system or a wireless telephone system and for transmitting analog signals over the telephone line service, the radio frequency network, the satellite system and the wireless telephone system, comprising:

a digital communications path;

a telephone line interface operatively connected to said digital communications path;

an interface for connecting to a wireless telephone unit;

a radio frequency interface for connecting to a radio frequency telemetry module or packet radio unit;

an analog communications path over the telephone line, the wireless radio frequency network, the satellite system or the wireless telephone system;

a plurality of switches connected in at least a two level tree for selectively connecting said analog communications path or said digital communications path to said telephone line interface or said wireless telephone interface or to said radio frequency interface or for connecting the satellite system to said telephone line interface.

66. A system according to claim 65 wherein the plurality of switches comprises at least four switches.

67. A system for transmitting data signals over a telephone landline or a wireless communication system or for transmitting voice signals over a telephone landline or a wireless communication system, comprising in combination:

an interface for operatively connecting to a telephone landline;

an interface for operatively connecting to a wireless communication system;

a modem for transmitting over the telephone landline or the wireless communication system;

voice circuitry for transmitting over the telephone landline or the wireless communication system; and

switching circuitry for coupling either the modem or the voice circuitry to either the telephone landline interface or the wireless communication system interface.

68. A system for transmitting data signals over a telephone landline or a satellite system or for transmitting voice signals over a telephone landline or a satellite system, comprising in combination:

an interface for operatively connecting to a telephone landline;

an interface for operatively connecting to a satellite system;

a modem for transmitting over the telephone landline or the satellite system;

voice circuitry for transmitting over the telephone landline or the satellite system; and

switching circuitry for coupling either the modem or the voice circuitry to either the telephone landline interface or the satellite system interface.

69. A system for transmitting data signals over a telephone landline or an infrared system or for transmitting voice signals over a telephone landline or an infrared system, comprising in combination:

an interface for operatively connecting to a telephone landline;

an interface for operatively connecting to an infrared system;

a modem for transmitting over the telephone landline or the infrared system;

voice circuitry for transmitting over the telephone landline or the infrared system; and

switching circuitry for coupling either the modem or the voice circuitry to either the telephone landline interface or the infrared system interface.

70. A system for transmitting data signals over a satellite system or a wireless communication system or for transmitting voice signals over a satellite system or a wireless communication system, comprising in combination:

an interface for operatively connecting to a satellite system;

an interface for operatively connecting to a wireless communication system;

a modem for transmitting over the satellite system or the wireless communication system;

voice circuitry for transmitting over the satellite system or the wireless communication system; and

switching circuitry for coupling either the modem or the voice circuitry to either the satellite system interface or the wireless communication system interface.

71. A system for transmitting data signals over an infrared system or a wireless communication system or for transmitting voice signals over an infrared system or a wireless communication system, comprising in combination:

an interface for operatively connecting to an infrared system;

an interface for operatively connecting to a wireless communication system;

a modem for transmitting over the infrared system or the wireless communication system;

voice circuitry for transmitting over the infrared system or the wireless communication system; and

switching circuitry for coupling either the modem or the voice circuitry to either the infrared system interface or the wireless communication system interface.

72. A system for transmitting data signals over an infrared system or a satellite system or for transmitting voice signals over an infrared system or a satellite system, comprising in combination:

an interface for operatively connecting to an infrared system;

an interface for operatively connecting to a satellite system;

a modem for transmitting over the infrared system or the satellite system;

voice circuitry for transmitting over the infrared system or the satellite system; and

switching circuitry for coupling either the modem or the voice circuitry to either the infrared system interface or the satellite system interface.

73. A system for transmitting data signals over a telephone landline or a wireless communication system or an infrared system or for transmitting voice signals over a telephone landline or a wireless communication system or an infrared system, comprising in combination:

an interface for operatively connecting to a telephone landline;

an interface for operatively connecting to a wireless communication system;

an interface for operatively connecting to an infrared system;

a modem for transmitting over the telephone landline or the wireless communication system or the infrared system;

voice circuitry for transmitting over the telephone landline or the wireless communication system or the infrared system; and

switching circuitry for coupling either the modem or the voice circuitry to the telephone landline interface or to the wireless communication system interface or to the infrared system interface.

74. A system for transmitting data signals over a telephone landline or a wireless communication system or a satellite system or for transmitting voice signals over a telephone landline or a wireless communication system or a satellite system, comprising in combination:

an interface for operatively connecting to a telephone landline;

an interface for operatively connecting to a wireless communication system;

an interface for operatively connecting to a satellite system;

a modem for transmitting over the telephone landline or the wireless communication system or the satellite system;

voice circuitry for transmitting over the telephone landline or the wireless communication system or the satellite system; and

switching circuitry for coupling either the modem or the voice circuitry to the telephone landline interface or to the wireless communication system interface or to the satellite system interface.

75. A system for transmitting data signals over a telephone landline or an infrared system or a satellite system or for transmitting voice signals over a telephone landline or an infrared system or a satellite system, comprising in combination:

an interface for operatively connecting to a telephone landline;

an interface for operatively connecting to an infrared system;

an interface for operatively connecting to a satellite system;

a modem for transmitting over the telephone landline or the infrared system or the satellite system;

voice circuitry for transmitting over the telephone landline or the infrared system or the satellite system; and

switching circuitry for coupling either the modem or the voice circuitry to the telephone landline interface or to the infrared system interface or to the satellite system interface.

76. A system for transmitting data signals over a wireless communication system or an infrared system or a satellite system or for transmitting voice signals over a wireless communication system or an infrared system or a satellite system, comprising in combination:

an interface for operatively connecting to a wireless communication system;

an interface for operatively connecting to an infrared system;

an interface for operatively connecting to a satellite system;

a modem for transmitting over the wireless communication system or the infrared system or the satellite system;

voice circuitry for transmitting over the wireless communication system or the infrared system or the satellite system; and

switching circuitry for coupling either the modem or the voice circuitry to the wireless communication system interface or to the infrared system interface or to the satellite system interface.