Hierarchical data collection network supporting packetized voice communications among wireless terminals and telephones

• US 7,894,423 B2
• Filed: 03/19/2010
• Issued: 02/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP PTE Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Broadcom Corporation (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Inventors: Morris, Michael D., Kubler, Joseph J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sheikh; Ayaz R
• Assistant Examiner(s): Moutaouakil; Mounir
• Application Number:
  US12/727,825
• Publication Number:
  US 20100232312A1
• Time in Patent Office: 340 Days
• Field of Search: 370/217, 370/218, 370/219, 370/238, 370/238.1, 370/310.1, 370/351, 370/352, 370/353, 370/354, 370/355, 370/356, 370/357, 370/389, 370/395.1, 370/395.72, 370/408, 370/419, 370/473, 370/474
• US Class Current: 370/352
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/0225 User interface arrangements, e.g. keyboard, display; Interfaces to other computer systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/0022 arrangements or provisious for transferring data to distant stations, e.g. from a sensing device "transfer between computer elements G06F13/00 "; data-transmission H04L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10702 Particularities of propagating elements, e.g. lenses, mirrors G06K7/10831 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10722 Photodetector array or CCD scanning
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10841 Particularities of the light-sensitive elements semiconductor devices H01L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10851 Circuits for pulse shaping, amplifying, eliminating noise signals, checking the function of the sensing device basic electronic circuitry H03
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10881 constructional details of hand-held scanners
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1098 the scanning arrangement having a modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/12 using a selected wavelength, e.g. to sense red marks and ignore blue marks
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/343 Cards including a counter
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/02 by keys or other credit registering devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/0045 with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader
• CPC Class Codes: H03C 3/0908 using a phase locked loop
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/04 Circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/1615 Switching on; Switching off, e.g. remotely battery saving circuits associated with selective call operation H04W52/00; details of power consumption reduction in a PLL, H03L7/0802, H03L7/14, H03L2207/08, H03L2207/18; muting amplifiers by gain control see H03G3/34
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0802 using antenna selection H04B7/0868 takes precedence; antenna beam directivity switching H01Q3/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/10 Polarisation diversity; Directional diversity
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0002 : by adapting the transmission rate
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0003 : by switching between different modulation schemes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0025 : Transmission of mode-switching indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0032 : Without explicit signalling
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1671 : the supervisory signal being transmitted together with control information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1685 : the supervisory signal being transmitted in response to a specific request, e.g. to a polling signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/12 : Modulator circuits; Transmitter circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/14 : Demodulator circuits; Receiver circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/156 : with demodulation using temporal properties of the received signal, e.g. detecting pulse width
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/00 : Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks routing or path finding in wireless networks H04W40/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/48 : Routing tree calculation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/00 : Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/103 : in the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/104 : in the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1069 : Session establishment or de-establishment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1083 : In-session procedures
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1095 : Inter-network session transfer or sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/80 : Responding to QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/18 : Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/32 : Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 : Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2535 : adapted for voice communication over an Internet Protocol [IP] network Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network equipment and services H04M7/006; implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP] H04L69/16
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/14 : including a card reading device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/006 : Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone service, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) , including next generation networks with a packet-switched transport layer H04L65/00 takes precedence; aspects not specific to the type of network H04M3/00; special services in those networks H04M3/42
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/14 : using intermediate storage
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/18 : Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/00 : Communication routing or communication path finding
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/02 : Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/18 : Selecting a network or a communication service
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0261 : managing power supply demand, e.g. depending on battery level
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/04 : TPC
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/38 : TPC being performed in particular situations
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/46 : in multi hop networks, e.g. wireless relay networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/12 : Wireless traffic scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 : Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/22 : Manipulation of transport tunnels
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 : Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/10 : Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/16 : Gateway arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/02 : Inter-networking arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A packet-based, hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user. A voice session and associate call setup simulates that of conventional telephone switching network, providing well-understood functionality common to any mobile, remote or stationary terminal, phone, computer, etc.

Claims

1. A system for use in a wireless communication device, the system comprising:

at least one processor for operably coupling at least one memory to radio frequency circuitry for communicating packetized voice data over a communication network, the at least one processor operable to, at least;

store first voice data representative of a first voice signal in a queue in the at least one memory,

cause conversion of the first voice data from the queue to a first analog representation of the first voice signal,

receive second voice data converted from a second analog representation of a second voice signal,

depacketize received voice packets into the first voice data and packetize the second voice data into transmit voice packets;

adjust operation of the queue according to a propagation delay of a communication network, wherein adjusting operation of the queue comprises adjusting queuing time according to a measurement of propagation delay of the communication network.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the measurement of propagation delay is made during alerting of a called party.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein alerting comprises a period of audible ringing.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the measurement of propagation delay comprises measuring time between transmission of a packet and receipt of a response from the recipient of the transmitted packet.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the transmitted packet is designated as a test packet.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to, at least:

remove from the second voice signal represented by the second voice data, a portion of the first voice signal representative of the first voice data.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the voice data representative of the portion of the first voice data is delayed before removal.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the portion removed comprises undesirable components of the first voice signal present in the second voice signal.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises interface circuitry that enables operable coupling between the at least one processor and at least one user interchangeable circuit card.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the interface circuitry is compliant with a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card interface standard.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the radio frequency circuitry communicates using spread spectrum signals.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is operable to, at least, wirelessly transmit a request for information identifying a remote system accessible to the wireless communication device via the communication network, the remote system arranged to communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is operable to, at least, initiate a call connection through a remote system operable to, at least, communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network, using information identifying the remote system previously requested by the wireless communication device.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the wireless communication device begins communicating the transmit voice packets to the remote system for the subscriber on the public telephone system, upon receiving a message indicating establishment of a call connection with the subscriber.

15. A method for operating a wireless communication device comprising at least one processor, at least one memory, and radio frequency circuitry for communicating packetized voice data over a communication network, the method comprising:

storing first voice data representative of a first voice signal in a queue in the at least one memory,

causing conversion of the first voice data from the queue to a first analog representation of the first voice signal,

receive second voice data converted from a second analog representation of a second voice signal,

depacketizing received voice packets into the first voice data and packetize the second voice data into transmit voice packets;

adjusting operation of the queue according to a propagation delay of a communication network, wherein adjusting operation of the queue comprises adjusting queuing time according to a measurement of propagation delay of the communication network.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the measurement of propagation delay is made during alerting of a called party.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein alerting comprises a period of audible ringing.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the measurement of propagation delay comprises measuring time between transmission of a packet and receipt of a response from the recipient of the transmitted packet.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the transmitted packet is designated as a test packet.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:

removing from the second voice signal represented by the second voice data, a portion of the first voice signal representative of the first voice data.

21. The method according to claim 15, wherein the voice data representative of the portion of the first voice data is delayed before removal.

22. The method according to claim 15, wherein the portion removed comprises undesirable components of the first voice signal present in the second voice signal.

23. The method according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:

communicating with at least one user interchangeable circuit card operably coupled to the wireless communication device.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the interface circuitry is compliant with a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card interface standard.

25. The method according to claim 15, wherein the radio frequency circuitry communicates using spread spectrum signals.

26. The method according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:

wirelessly transmitting a request for information identifying a remote system accessible to the wireless communication device via the communication network, the remote system arranged to communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network.

27. The method according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:

initiating a call connection through a remote system operable to, at least, communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network, using information identifying the remote system previously requested by the wireless communication device.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the method further comprises:

beginning communication of the transmit voice packets to the remote system for the subscriber on the public telephone system, upon receiving a message indicating establishment of a call connection with the subscriber.

29. A system for use in a wireless communication device, the system comprising:

at least one processor for operably coupling to radio frequency circuitry for communicating packetized voice data over a communication network, the at least one processor operable to, at least,

determine a propagation delay of a call path of the communication network;

cause conversion of first voice data received via the call path of the communication network to a first analog voice signal, based upon the propagation delay,

packetize for transmission via the communication network, second voice data representative of a second voice signal, and

adjust operation of a voice data queue based upon the propagation delay, wherein adjusting operation of the voice data queue comprises adjusting queuing time according to a measurement of the propagation delay of the call path.

30. The system according to claim 29, wherein the measurement of propagation delay is made during alerting of a called party.

31. The system according to claim 30, wherein alerting comprises a period of audible ringing.

32. The system according to claim 29, wherein the measurement of propagation delay comprises measuring time between transmission of a packet and receipt of a response from the recipient of the transmitted packet.

33. The system according to claim 32, wherein the transmitted packet is designated as a test packet.

34. The system according to claim 29, further comprising:

removing from the second voice signal represented by the second voice data, a portion of the first voice signal representative of the first voice data.

35. The system according to claim 29, wherein the portion removed comprises undesirable components of the first voice signal present in the second voice signal.

36. The system according to claim 29, wherein the system further comprises interface circuitry that enables operable coupling between the at least one processor and at least one user interchangeable circuit card.

37. The system according to claim 36, wherein the interface circuitry is compliant with a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card interface standard.

38. The system according to claim 29, wherein the radio frequency circuitry communicates using spread spectrum signals.

39. The system according to claim 29, wherein the at least one processor is operable to, at least, wirelessly transmit a request for information identifying a remote system accessible to the wireless communication device via the communication network, the remote system arranged to communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network.

40. The system according to claim 29, wherein the at least one processor is operable to, at least, initiate a call connection through a remote system operable to, at least, communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network, using information identifying the remote system previously requested by the wireless communication device.

41. The system according to claim 40, wherein the wireless communication device begins communicating the transmit voice packets to the remote system for the subscriber on the public telephone system, upon receiving a message indicating establishment of a call connection with the subscriber.

42. A method for operating a wireless communication device in a communication network, the method comprising:

determining a propagation delay of a call path of the communication network;

causing conversion of first voice data received via the call path of the communication network to a first analog voice signal, based upon the propagation delay,

packetizing for transmission via the communication network, second voice data representative of a second voice signal, and

adjusting operation of a voice data queue based upon the propagation delay, wherein adjusting operation of the voice data queue comprises adjusting queuing time according to a measurement of the propagation delay of the call path.

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein the measurement of propagation delay is made during alerting of a called party.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein alerting comprises a period of audible ringing.

45. The method according to claim 42, wherein the measurement of propagation delay comprises measuring time between transmission of a packet and receipt of a response from the recipient of the transmitted packet.

46. The method according to claim 45, wherein the transmitted packet is designated as a test packet.

47. The method according to claim 42, further comprising:

removing from the second voice signal represented by the second voice data, a portion of the first voice signal representative of the first voice data.

48. The method according to claim 42, wherein the portion removed comprises undesirable components of the first voice signal present in the second voice signal.

49. The method according to claim 42, wherein the method further comprises:

communicating with at least one user interchangeable circuit card operably coupled to the wireless communication device.

50. The method according to claim 49, wherein the interface circuitry is compliant with a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card interface standard.

51. The method according to claim 42, wherein the radio frequency circuitry communicates using spread spectrum signals.

52. The method according to claim 42, wherein the method further comprises:

wirelessly transmitting a request for information identifying a remote system accessible to the wireless communication device via the communication network, the remote system arranged to communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network.

53. The method according to claim 42, wherein the method further comprises:

initiating a call connection through a remote system operable to, at least, communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network, using information identifying the remote system previously requested by the wireless communication device.

54. The method according to claim 53, wherein the method further comprises:

beginning communication of the transmit voice packets to the remote system for the subscriber on the public telephone system, upon receiving a message indicating establishment of a call connection with the subscriber.

55. A system for use in a wireless communication device, the system comprising:

at least one processor for operably coupling at least one memory to radio frequency circuitry for communicating packetized voice data over a communication network, the at least one processor operable to, at least,

store first voice data representative of a first voice signal in a queue in the at least one memory,

transmit the first voice data from the queue for conversion to a first analog representation of the first voice signal,

receive second voice data converted from a second analog representation of a second voice signal,

depacketize received voice packets into the first voice data and packetize the second voice data into transmit voice packets, and

adjust operation of the queue according to a propagation delay of a call path of the communication network, wherein adjusting operation of the voice data queue comprises adjusting queuing time according to a measurement of the propagation delay of the call path.

56. The system according to claim 55, wherein the measurement of propagation delay is made during alerting of a called party.

57. The system according to claim 56, wherein alerting comprises a period of audible ringing.

58. The system according to claim 55, wherein the measurement of propagation delay comprises measuring time between transmission of a packet and receipt of a response from the recipient of the transmitted packet.

59. The system according to claim 55, wherein the transmitted packet is designated as a test packet.

60. The system according to claim 55, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to, at least:

remove from the second voice signal represented by the second voice data, a portion of the first voice signal representative of the first voice data.

61. The system according to claim 55, wherein the voice data representative of the portion of the first voice data is delayed before removal.

62. The system according to claim 55, wherein the portion removed comprises undesirable components of the first voice signal present in the second voice signal.

63. The system according to claim 55, wherein the system further comprises interface circuitry that enables operable coupling between the at least one processor and at least one user interchangeable circuit card.

64. The system according to claim 63, wherein the interface circuitry is compliant with a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card interface standard.

65. The system according to claim 55, wherein communication via the radio frequency network uses spread spectrum signals.

66. The system according to claim 55, wherein the at least one processor is operable to, at least, wirelessly transmit a request for information identifying a remote system accessible to the wireless communication device via the communication network, the remote system arranged to communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network.

67. The system according to claim 55, wherein the at least one processor is operable to, at least, initiate a call connection through a remote system operable to, at least, communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network, using information identifying the remote system previously requested by the wireless communication device.

68. The system according to claim 67, wherein the wireless communication device begins communicating the transmit voice packets to the remote system for the subscriber on the public telephone system, upon receiving a message indicating establishment of a call connection with the subscriber.

69. A method for operating a wireless communication device comprising at least one processor, at least one memory, and radio frequency circuitry for communicating packetized voice data over a communication network, the method comprising:

storing first voice data representative of a first voice signal in a queue in the at least one memory,

transmitting the first voice data from the queue for conversion to a first analog representation of the first voice signal,

receiving second voice data converted from a second analog representation of a second voice signal,

depacketizing received voice packets into the first voice data and packetizing the second voice data into transmit voice packets, and

adjusting operation of the queue according to a propagation delay of a call path of the communication network, wherein adjusting operation of the voice data queue comprises adjusting queuing time according to a measurement of the propagation delay of the call path.

70. The method according to claim 69, wherein the measurement of propagation delay is made during alerting of a called party.

71. The method according to claim 70, wherein alerting comprises a period of audible ringing.

72. The method according to claim 69, wherein the measurement of propagation delay comprises measuring time between transmission of a packet and receipt of a response from the recipient of the transmitted packet.

73. The method according to claim 69, wherein the transmitted packet is designated as a test packet.

74. The method according to claim 69, wherein the method further comprises:

removing from the second voice signal represented by the second voice data, a portion of the first voice signal representative of the first voice data.

75. The method according to claim 69, wherein the voice data representative of the portion of the first voice data is delayed before removal.

76. The method according to claim 69, wherein the portion removed comprises undesirable components of the first voice signal present in the second voice signal.

77. The method according to claim 69, wherein the method further comprises:

communicating with at least one user interchangeable circuit card operably coupled to the wireless communication device.

78. The method according to claim 77, wherein the interface circuitry is compliant with a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card interface standard.

79. The method according to claim 69, wherein communication via the radio frequency network uses spread spectrum signals.

80. The method according to claim 69, wherein the method further comprises:

wirelessly transmitting a request for information identifying a remote system accessible to the wireless communication device via the communication network, the remote system arranged to communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network.

81. The method according to claim 69, wherein the method further comprises:

initiating a call connection through a remote system operable to, at least, communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network, using information identifying the remote system previously requested by the wireless communication device.

82. The method according to claim 81, wherein the method further comprises:

beginning communication of the transmit voice packets to the remote system for the subscriber on the public telephone system, upon receiving a message indicating establishment of a call connection with the subscriber.

83. A system for use in a wireless communication device, the system comprising:

at least one processor for operably coupling to radio frequency circuitry for communicating packetized voice data over a communication network, the at least one processor operable to, at least,

determine a propagation delay of a call path of the communication network;

transmit first voice data received via the communication network for conversion to a first analog voice signal, based upon the propagation delay,

packetize for transmission via the communication network, second voice data representative of a second voice signal, and

adjust operation of a voice data queue based upon the propagation delay, wherein adjusting operation of the voice data queue comprises adjusting queuing time according to a measurement of the propagation delay of the call path.

84. The system according to claim 83, wherein the measurement of propagation delay is made during alerting of a called party.

85. The system according to claim 84, wherein alerting comprises a period of audible ringing.

86. The system according to claim 83, wherein the measurement of propagation delay comprises measuring time between transmission of a packet and receipt of a response from the recipient of the transmitted packet.

87. The system according to claim 86, wherein the transmitted packet is designated as a test packet.

88. The system according to claim 83, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to, at least:

remove from the second voice signal represented by the second voice data, a portion of the first voice signal representative of the first voice data.

89. The system according to claim 88, wherein the portion removed comprises undesirable components of the first voice signal present in the second voice signal.

90. The system according to claim 83, wherein the system further comprises interface circuitry that enables operable coupling between the at least one processor and at least one user interchangeable circuit card.

91. The system according to claim 90, wherein the interface circuitry is compliant with a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card interface standard.

92. The system according to claim 83, wherein communication via the radio frequency network uses spread spectrum signals.

93. The system according to claim 83, wherein the at least one processor is operable to, at least, wirelessly transmit a request for information identifying a remote system accessible to the wireless communication device via the communication network, the remote system arranged to communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network.

94. The system according to claim 83, wherein the at least one processor is operable to, at least, initiate a call connection through a remote system operable to, at least, communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network, using information identifying the remote system previously requested by the wireless communication device.

95. The system according to claim 94, where the wireless communication device begins communicating the transmit voice packets to the remote system for the subscriber on the public telephone system upon receiving a message indicating establishment of a call connection with the subscriber.

96. A method for operating a wireless communication device in a communication network, the method comprising:

determining a propagation delay of a call path of the communication network;

transmitting first voice data received via the communication network for conversion to a first analog voice signal, based upon the propagation delay,

packetizing for transmission via the communication network, second voice data representative of a second voice signal, and

adjusting operation of a voice data queue based upon the propagation delay, wherein adjusting operation of the voice data queue comprises adjusting queuing time according to a measurement of the propagation delay of the call path.

97. The method according to claim 96, wherein the measurement of propagation delay is made during alerting of a called party.

98. The method according to claim 97, wherein alerting comprises a period of audible ringing.

99. The method according to claim 96, wherein the measurement of propagation delay comprises measuring time between transmission of a packet and receipt of a response from the recipient of the transmitted packet.

100. The method according to claim 99, wherein the transmitted packet is designated as a test packet.

101. The method according to claim 96, further comprising:

removing from the second voice signal represented by the second voice data, a portion of the first voice signal representative of the first voice data.

102. The method according to claim 101, wherein the portion removed comprises undesirable components of the first voice signal present in the second voice signal.

103. The method according to claim 96, wherein the method further comprises:

communicating with at least one user interchangeable circuit card operably coupled to the wireless communication device.

104. The method according to claim 103, wherein the interface circuitry is compliant with a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card interface standard.

105. The method according to claim 96, wherein communication via the radio frequency network uses spread spectrum signals.

106. The method according to claim 96, wherein the method further comprises:

wirelessly transmitting a request for information identifying a remote system accessible to the wireless communication device via the communication network, the remote system arranged to communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network.

107. The method according to claim 96, wherein the method further comprises:

initiating a call connection through a remote system operable to, at least, communicatively couple the wireless communication device to a subscriber on a public telephone network, using information identifying the remote system previously requested by the wireless communication device.

108. The method according to claim 107, where the method further comprises:

beginning communication of the transmit voice packets to the remote system for the subscriber on the public telephone system upon receiving a message indicating establishment of a call connection with the subscriber.