Virtual private communications network
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A virtual private communications network comprising:
- a private communications network connected to a public wireless network and including a plurality of ports, each of said plurality of ports identified by a unique private communications network identification (ID) code, said plurality of ports including at least one virtual port;
a plurality of communications devices, each connected to one of said plurality of ports and networked together over said private communications network, each of said plurality of communications devices being contacted by selecting a respective said private communications network ID, ones of said plurality being directly connected to a respective one of said plurality of ports; and
at least one of said plurality of communications devices being a wireless communications device connected to a virtual port on said private communications network through said public wireless network.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A virtual private communications network (VPCN) and method of managing calls on the network. Communications devices are networked together over a private communications network. Each VPCN communications device has a unique private network identification (ID) code and can be contacted by dialing its respective ID. At least one of the VPCN communications devices is a wireless communications device, e.g., a cell phone, connected through a public wireless network to the private communications network. Calls to and from each such wireless device pass through the private communications network.
17 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A virtual private communications network comprising:
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a private communications network connected to a public wireless network and including a plurality of ports, each of said plurality of ports identified by a unique private communications network identification (ID) code, said plurality of ports including at least one virtual port; a plurality of communications devices, each connected to one of said plurality of ports and networked together over said private communications network, each of said plurality of communications devices being contacted by selecting a respective said private communications network ID, ones of said plurality being directly connected to a respective one of said plurality of ports; and at least one of said plurality of communications devices being a wireless communications device connected to a virtual port on said private communications network through said public wireless network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 19, 20)
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8. A virtual private communications network comprising:
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a private communications network connected to a public wireless network and including a plurality of ports, each of said plurality of parts identified by a unique private communications network identification (ID) code, said plurality of ports including at least one virtual port; a plurality of communications devices, each connected to one of said plurality of ports and networked together over said private communications network, each one of said plurality of communications devices contacting others of said plurality of communications devices by providing an abbreviated ID a communications network server managing said private communications network; at least one of said plurality of communications devices being a wireless communications device connected to a virtual part on said private communications network through a public wireless network; and a mobility server managing connection of each said wireless device through said private communications network. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of managing wireless calls, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) checking whether a call originates from a member of a selected group, members of said selected group being communications devices identified as virtual devices belonging to a private communications network; b) attaching a group code to form a VPCN number for each said call determined to originate from a group member; c) forwarding each call having a VPCN number to said private communications network as an in-network private communications network call; d) checking in-network private communications network calls for a VPCN number, any said in-network private communications network calls having a VPCN number being provided to a mobility server; and e) stripping said group code from said VPCN number and forwarding each stripped call to a called party. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method of managing private communications network calls, said private communications network including communications devices both directly connected to network ports and indirectly connected to virtual network ports, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) checking whether an in-network call is directed to a wireless device group member identified as a virtual device; b) providing each said call directed to one said wireless device group member to a mobility server; c) attaching a group code to form a VPCN number to each provided said call; d) forwarding every said call having a VPCN number to an identified private wireless communications service provider; and e) stripping said group code from said VPCN number at said identified private wireless communications service provider and forwarding each forwarded call to a respective indirectly connected virtual device identified with the called said wireless device group member.
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Specification