Method and system for combining wireless phone jack and RF wireless communications

• US 6,778,817 B1
• Filed: 12/01/1998
• Issued: 08/17/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/01/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gula Consulting Limited Liability Company (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Phonex Broadband Corp.
• Inventors: Bullock, Scott R., Knab, John M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Maung, Nay
• Assistant Examiner(s): LELE, TANMAY S
• Application Number:
  US09/204,096
• Time in Patent Office: 2,086 Days
• Field of Search: 455/62, 455/401, 455/402, 455/403, 455/450, 455/462, 455/463
• US Class Current: 455/402
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/725 Cordless telephones user interfaces specially adapted therefor H04M1/724

Abstract

A system for communicating signals and data without the need for continuous telephone lines is described. This system provides a base unit connected to incoming signals, such as cable, satellite, PCS, cellular, fiber optics, XDSL, ISDN, etc, one or more extension units connected to the users telephone or electronics equipment and a communication link between the base unit and the one or more extension units. The preferred communication link employs a combination of an A/C power line carrier and a wireless RF channel. This system provides for the communication signals from a variety of sources through out a building or office without requiring either dedicated telephone lines or the availability of AC power outlets near the user'"'"'s telephone extension equipment. This invention, in its preferred embodiments, is specifically adapted to meet the technical requirements of A/C power line communications, while taking advantage of RF communication within buildings or facilities.

Claims

1. A system for the communication of signals and data, comprising:

(A) a base unit connected to an external telephone service, wherein said base unit is connected to an AC power line for communications;

(B) an extension unit connected to a users extension telephone equipment;

(C) a communication link connecting said base unit to said extension unit, wherein said communication link uses both power line carrier and RF channels;

(D) a signal booster electrically connected to said AC power line for communication with said base unit, wherein said signal booster further comprises a power supply adapted for direct connection with an AC power line for communication of telephone data from said base unit;

a transceiver electrically connected to said power supply;

a signal converter connected to said transceiver; and

an RF transmitter/receiver in communication with said signal converter;

(E) an RF antenna in electronic communication with said signal booster for transmitting and receiving an RF signal through the air; and

(F) an extension antenna electrically coupled to said extension unit for transmitting and receiving said RF signal through the air.

2. A system for the communication of signals and data, as recited in claim 1, wherein said base unit further comprises a line interface adapted to send and receive signals from a variety of telephone service connections.

3. A system for the communication of signals and data, as recited in claim 1, wherein said base unit further comprises an AC power line interface.

4. A system for the communication of signals and data, as recited in claim 1, wherein said extension unit is provided with an RF interface.

5. A system for the communication of signals and data, as recited in claim 1, wherein said communication link further comprises an AC power line channel which radiates RF signals for receipt by said extension unit.