Process for integrating cordless telephone networks into cellular mobile telephone networks

• US 6,600,925 B1
• Filed: 11/02/1998
• Issued: 07/29/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: T-Mobile Deutschland GmbH (Deutsche Telekom AG)
• Original Assignee: Deutsche Telekom AG
• Inventors: Rams, Wolfgang
• Primary Examiner(s): Maung, Nay
• Assistant Examiner(s): PERSINO, RAYMOND B
• Application Number:
  US09/180,133
• Time in Patent Office: 1,730 Days
• Field of Search: 455/432, 455/433, 455/435, 455/444, 455/445, 455/448, 455/456, 455/426, 455/462, 455/461, 455/552, 455/553, 455/555, 455/554, 455/560, 455/414, 455/417
• US Class Current: 455/445
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

A process for integrating cordless telephone networks into cellular mobile phone networks by using dual-system terminals which support communication over both a cordless telephone network and a mobile phone network. In the process, the mobile phone network assigns each cordless telephone network usable by a specific subscriber an own Location Area, to which a subscriber specific call number is allocated. A continuous check is made whether the subscriber is in the Location Area of the cordless telephone network available to him, and if so, then any call incoming via the mobile phone network is completed optionally or automatically by a mobile phone switching center using the call number assigned to the Location Area.

Claims

1. A method of integrating cordless telephone networks each capable of carrying a call independently of a cellular mobile network into the cellular mobile telephone networks, the cellular mobile telephone network using dual system mobile stations which support communication over the cordless telephone network as well as over the mobile telephone network, the cordless telephone network routing calling via a public network exchange and the mobile telephone network routing calls via mobile switching centers, the method comprising:

assigning, with the mobile telephone network, a characteristic location area to each cordless telephone network that can be used by each of a plurality of subscribers, each subscriber being qualified to use at least one cordless telephone network;

assigning a subscriber-specific calling number to each location area;

performing a check constantly to determine whether or not the subscriber is in the location area of a cordless telephone network which the subscriber is authorized to use;

initiating, by the mobile station in the mobile telephone network, a location update procedure if the mobile station is in a location serviced by one of the cordless telephone networks and the subscriber is entitled to use the respective network; and

establishing a connection automatically or by choice over either a cordless telephone network routed by a public switched telephone network or over the mobile telephone network when there are incoming calls over the mobile telephone network by a mobile services switching center on the basis of the calling number assigned to that location area.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein an instantaneous location of the subscriber is entered in the home location register of the mobile telephone network and is updated constantly.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mobile station selectively switches automatically or by choice from mobile wireless mode to cordless telephone mode after a successful location update.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the authorization of the subscriber in the cordless telephone network is checked by attempting to establish a connection or by appropriate system codes.

5. The method according to claim 3, and further comprising assigning a separate calling number to each cordless telephone network to which the subscriber is authorized to have access, said calling number being known to the mobile telephone network, so that the subscriber can be reached at that number in the respective cordless telephone network.

6. The method according to claim 3, and further comprising establishing a connection between a mobile telephone network and a cordless telephone network by means of the mobility management module of the mobile telephone network.

7. The method according to claim 3, wherein the mobile telephone network is a GSM mobile telephone network.

8. The method according to claim 3, wherein the cordless telephone network is a DECT cordless telephone network.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the authorization of the subscriber in the cordless telephone network is checked by attempting to establish a connection or by appropriate system codes.

10. The method according to claim 9, and further comprising assigning a separate calling number to each cordless telephone network to which the subscriber is authorized to have access, said calling number being known to the mobile telephone network, so that the subscriber can be reached at that number in the respective cordless telephone network.

11. The method according to claim 9, and further comprising establishing a connection between a mobile telephone network and a cordless telephone network by means of the mobility management module of the mobile telephone network.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2, and further comprising assigning a separate calling number to each cordless telephone network to which the subscriber is authorized to have access, said calling number being known to the mobile telephone network, so that the subscriber can be reached at that number in the respective cordless telephone network.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein incoming calls over the cordless telephone network are sent directly to the mobile station as long as the subscriber is within the service area of the cordless telephone network.

14. The method according to claim 12, and further comprising establishing a connection between a mobile telephone network and a cordless telephone network by means of the mobility management module of the mobile telephone network.

15. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein incoming calls over the cordless telephone network are sent directly to the mobile station as long as the subscriber is within the service area of the cordless telephone network.

16. The method according to claim 15, and further comprising establishing a connection between a mobile telephone network and a cordless telephone network by means of the mobility management module of the mobile telephone network.

17. The method according to claim 1 or 2, and further comprising establishing a connection between a mobile telephone network and a cordless telephone network by means of the mobility management module of the mobile telephone network.

18. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein there may be any desired number of possible integratable cordless telephone networks.

19. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mobile telephone network is a GSM mobile telephone network.

20. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cordless telephone network is a DECT cordless telephone network.