Hybrid protocol to support communications with multiple networks

• US 7,916,715 B2
• Filed: 10/23/2003
• Issued: 03/29/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/18/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Rezaiifar, Ramin, Agashe, Parag A., Bender, Paul E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sefcheck; Gregory B
• Application Number:
  US10/692,907
• Publication Number:
  US 20040120283A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,714 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 370/352
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0066 of control information between different types of networks in order to establish a new radio link in the target network
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/12 Inter-network notification
• 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

Systems and techniques are disclosed relating to wireless communications. The systems and techniques involve monitoring a first network in accordance with a first air interface, and receiving a message from a second network through the first air interface, the second network being associated with a second air interface different from the first air interface. Various registration and related techniques are also discussed for maintaining connectivity with both networks as the wireless communications device moves through different geographic coverage regions.

Claims

1. A method of wireless communications by a wireless communication device, comprising:

monitoring a first network in accordance with a first air interface on a first carrier frequency;

configuring a filtering mechanism to allow for one or more message format types associated with messages from a second network to be communicated through the first air interface, the second network being associated with a second air interface different from the first air interface and operating on a second carrier frequency different from the first carrier frequency;

receiving a message from the second network through the first air interface, if a message format type of the message is one of the one or more message format types configured to be allowed to be communicated through the first air interface;

wherein the first network comprises a circuit-switched network and the second network comprises a packet-switched network; and

wherein the second network comprises first and second geographic regions, the method further comprising detecting movement of the wireless communication device into the second geographic region from the first geographic region while monitoring the first network, and sending a request for an identifier to an access network in the second geographic region to support communications with the second network, the request being sent through the first air interface.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising maintaining a dormant connection with the second network while monitoring the first network.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more message format types comprises one or more types of pages, wherein the message from the second network comprises a page from the second network, the method further comprising communicating with the second network in response to the page in accordance with the second air interface.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising receiving a message from the first network when communicating with the second network, the message from the first network being sent through the second air interface.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the message from the first network comprises a first network page, the method further comprising terminating communications with the second network in response to the first network page, and communicating with the first network in accordance with the first air interface in response to the first network page.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising staying registered with the circuit-switched network upon detection of movement of the wireless communication device from the first geographic region to the second geographic region.

7. A method of wireless communications by a wireless communication device, comprising:

monitoring a first network in accordance with a first air interface on a first carrier frequency;

configuring a filtering mechanism to allow for one or more message format types associated with messages from a second network to be communicated through the first air interface, the second network being associated with a second air interface different from the first air interface and operating on a second carrier frequency different from the first carrier frequency;

receiving a message from the second network through the first air interface, if a message format type of the message is one of the one or more message format types configured to be allowed to be communicated through the first air interface;

wherein the first network comprises a circuit-switched network and the second network comprises a packet-switched network; and

wherein the first network comprises first and second geographic regions, the method further comprising detecting movement of the wireless communication device into the second geographic region from the first geographic region while monitoring the second network, and sending a registration request to an access network in the second geographic region to support communications with the first network, the registration request being sent through the second air interface.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising maintaining a dormant connection with the second network while monitoring the first network.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more message format types comprises one or more types of pages, wherein the message from the second network comprises a page from the second network, the method further comprising communicating with the second network in response to the page in accordance with the second air interface.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising receiving a message from the first network when communicating with the second network, the message from the first network being sent through the second air interface.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the message from the first network comprises a first network page, the method further comprising terminating communications with the second network in response to the first network page, and communicating with the first network in accordance with the first air interface in response to the first network page.

12. The method of claim 7, further comprising staying registered with the circuit-switched network upon detection of movement the wireless communication device from the first geographic region to the second geographic region.

13. A wireless communications device, comprising:

an analog circuit configured to recover information from a signal received in accordance with a first air interface on a first carrier frequency, the first air interface, being associated with a first network;

a filtering mechanism configured to allow one or more message format types associated with messages from a second network to be communicated through the first air interface, the second network being associated with a second air interface different from the first air interface and operating on a second carrier frequency different from the first carrier frequency; and

a processor configured to detect from the recovered information a message from the second network, if the filtering mechanism is configured to allow a message format type of the message to be communicated through the first air interface;

wherein the second network comprises first and second geographic regions, and wherein the processor is further configured to detect movement of the wireless communications device into the second geographic region from the first geographic region while the analog circuit is configured to recover information from the signal received in accordance with the first air interface, and wherein the processor is further configured to request an identifier from an access network in the second geographic region to support communications with the second network, the identifier request being sent through the first air interface.

14. The wireless communications device of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to maintain a dormant connection with the second network while the analog circuit is configured to recover the information from the signal received in accordance with the first air interface.

15. The wireless communications device of claim 13 wherein the one or more message format types comprises one or more types of pages, wherein the message from the second network comprises a page from the second network, the analog circuit being further configured to recover information from a second signal received in accordance with the second air interface in response to the page.

16. The wireless communications device of claim 15 wherein the processor is further configured to detect from the information recovered from the second signal a message from the first network.

17. The wireless communications device of claim 16 wherein the message from the first network comprises a first network page, and wherein the analog circuit is further configured to recover further information from the signal received in accordance with the first air interface in response to the first network page.

18. The wireless communications device of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to stay registered with the circuit-switched network when movement of the wireless communications device from the first geographic region to the second geographic region is detected.

19. A wireless communications device comprising:

an analog circuit configured to recover information from a signal received in accordance with a first air interface on a first carrier frequency, the first air interface being associated with a first network;

a filtering mechanism configured to allow one or more message format types associated with messages from a second network to be communicated through the first air interface, the second network being associated with a second air interface different from the first air interface and operating on a second carrier frequency different from the first carrier frequency;

a processor configured to detect from the recovered information a message from the second network, if the filtering mechanism is configured to allow a message format type of the message to be communicated through the first air interface; and

wherein the first network comprises first and second geographic regions, and wherein the processor is further configured to detect movement of the wireless communications device into the second geographic region from the first geographic region while the analog circuit is configured to recover information from the signal received in accordance with the first air interface, and wherein the processor is further configured to send a registration request to an access network in the second geographic region to support communications with the first network, the registration request being sent through the second air interface.

20. The wireless communications device of claim 19, wherein the processor is further configured to maintain a dormant connection with the second network while the analog circuit is configured to recover the information from the signal received in accordance with the first air interface.

21. The wireless communications device of claim 19, wherein the one or more message format types comprises one or more types of pages, wherein the message from the second network comprises a page from the second network, the analog circuit being further configured to recover information from a second signal received in accordance with the second air interface in response to the page.

22. The wireless communications device of claim 21, wherein the processor is further configured to detect from the information recovered from the second signal a message from the first network.

23. The wireless communications device of claim 22, wherein the message from the first network comprises a first network page, and wherein the analog circuit is further configured to recover further information from the signal received in accordance with the first air interface in response to the first network page.

24. The wireless communications device of claim 19, wherein the processor is further configured to stay registered with the circuit-switched network when movement of the wireless communications device is detected from the first geographic region to the second geographic region.

25. A wireless communications device, comprising:

means for recovering information from a signal received in accordance with a first air interface on a first carrier frequency, the first air interface being associated with a first network;

means for allowing one or more message format types associated with messages from a second network to be communicated through the first air interface, the second network being associated with a second air interface different from the first air interface and operating on a second carrier frequency different from the first carrier frequency;

means for detecting from the recovered information a message from the second network, if the means for allowing is configured to allow a message format type of the message to be communicated through the first air interface;

wherein the second network comprises first and second geographic regions, and wherein the means for detecting is further configured to detect movement of the wireless communications device into the second geographic region from the first geographic region while the means for recovering is configured to recover information from the signal received in accordance with the first air interface, and wherein the means for detecting is further configured to request an identifier from an access network in the second geographic region to support communications with the second network, the identifier request being sent through the first air interface.

26. The wireless communications device of claim 25 wherein the one or more message format types comprises one or more types of pages, wherein the message from the second network comprises a page from the second network, the wireless communications device further comprising means for communicating with the second network in response to the page in accordance with the second air interface.

27. The wireless communications device of claim 26 further comprising means for receiving a message from the first network when communicating with the second network, the message being sent through the second air interface.

28. The wireless communications device of claim 27 wherein the message from the first network comprises a first network page, the wireless communications device further comprising means for terminating communication with the second network in response to the first network page, and means for further communicating with the first network in accordance with the first air interface in response to the first network page.

29. A computer-program product comprising a computer readable medium having instructions thereon, the instructions comprising:

code for monitoring a first network in accordance with a first air interface on a first carrier frequency;

code for configuring a filtering mechanism to allow for one or more message format types associated with messages from a second network to be communicated through the first air interface, the second network being associated with a second air interface different from the first air interface and operating on a second carrier frequency different from the first carrier frequency; and

code for receiving a message from the second network through the first air interface, if a message format type of the message is one of the one or more message format types configured to be allowed to be communicated through the first air interface;

wherein the first network comprises a circuit-switched network and the second network comprises a packet-switched network; and

wherein the second network comprises first and second geographic regions, the computer program product further comprising code for monitoring the first network while detecting movement of a wireless communication device into the second geographic region from the first geographic region, and code for sending a request for an identifier to an access network in the second geographic region to support communications with the second network, the request being sent through the first air interface.

30. The computer-program product of claim 29, wherein the code for configuring further comprises configuring to allow one or more message format types comprising one or more types of pages, and wherein the code for receiving further comprises receiving if the message format type comprises a type of page configured to be allowed to be communicated through the first air interface.

31. A method of wireless communications, comprising:

receiving, at a second controller of a second wireless communications region, a request to support packet communications from a mobile station through a first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the request comprises a first unique address identifier of the mobile station corresponding to an established session for a dormant packet switched connection in a first wireless communications region assigned by a first controller of the first wireless communications region;

retrieving, by the second controller from the first controller, session information corresponding to the session for the dormant packet switched connection of the mobile station based on the first unique address identifier;

establishing a new packet switched connection for the mobile station in the second region based on the retrieved session information to maintain the session in the second region, wherein the new packet switched connection comprises a new unique address identifier for the second region; and

sending the new unique address identifier for the second region to the mobile station via the first air interface for circuit switched communications.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein receiving the request from the mobile station is based on detection of the mobile station crossing a sub-network boundary between the first wireless communications region and the second wireless communications region.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein receiving the request from the mobile station is based on the mobile station adding a target base station from the second wireless communications region to an active set of base stations.

34. The method of claim 31, wherein receiving the request from the mobile station corresponds to a handoff of the mobile station from a source base station in the first wireless communications region to a target base station in the second wireless communications region.

35. The method of claim 31, further comprising releasing the dormant packet switched connection after establishing the new packet switched connection.

36. The method of claim 31, further comprising transmitting a page to the mobile station via the first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the page corresponds to the session and causes the mobile station to tune from a first frequency of the first air interface for circuit switched communications to a second frequency of a second interface for packet switched communications.

37. A module for wireless communications, the module residing in a storage medium, comprising:

information executable by a processor for receiving, at a second controller of a second wireless communications region, a request to support packet communications from a mobile station through a first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the request comprises a first unique address identifier of the mobile station corresponding to an established session for a dormant packet switched connection in a first wireless communications region assigned by a first controller of the first wireless communications region;

information executable by the processor for retrieving, by the second controller from the first controller, session information corresponding to the session for the dormant packet switched connection of the mobile station based on the first unique address identifier;

information executable by the processor for establishing a new packet switched connection for the mobile station in the second region based on the retrieved session information to maintain the session in the second region, wherein the new packet switched connection comprises a new unique address identifier for the second region; and

information executable by the processor for sending the new unique address identifier for the second region to the mobile station via the first air interface for circuit switched communications.

38. The module of claim 37, wherein the information for receiving the request from the mobile station is based on the mobile station crossing a sub-network boundary between the first wireless communications region and the second wireless communications region.

39. An apparatus for wireless communications, comprising:

means for receiving, at a second controller of a second wireless communications region, a request to support packet communications from a mobile station through a first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the request comprises a first unique address identifier of the mobile station corresponding to an established session for a dormant packet switched connection in a first wireless communications region assigned by a first controller of the first wireless communications region;

means for retrieving, by the second controller from the first controller, session information corresponding to the session for the dormant packet switched connection of the mobile station based on the first unique address identifier;

means for establishing a new packet switched connection for the mobile station in the second region based on the retrieved session information to maintain the session in the second region, wherein the new packet switched connection comprises a new unique address identifier for the second region; and

means for sending the new unique address identifier for the second region to the mobile station via the first air interface for circuit switched communications.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the means for receiving the request from the mobile station further comprises means for receiving based on detection of the mobile station crossing a sub-network boundary between the first wireless communications region and the second wireless communications region.

41. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the request from the mobile station is based on the mobile station adding a target base station from the second wireless communications region to an active set of base stations.

42. An apparatus for wireless communications, comprising:

a memory comprising computer-readable instructions for;

receiving, at a second controller of a second wireless communications region, a request to support packet communications from a mobile station through a first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the request comprises a first unique address identifier of the mobile station corresponding to an established session for a dormant packet switched connection in a first wireless communications region assigned by a first controller of the first wireless communications region;

retrieving, by the second controller from the first controller, session information corresponding to the session for the dormant packet switched connection of the mobile station based on the first unique address identifier;

establishing a new packet switched connection for the mobile station in the second region based on the retrieved session information to maintain the session in the second region, wherein the new packet switched connection comprises a new unique address identifier for the second region; and

sending the new unique address identifier for the second region to the mobile station via the first air interface for circuit switched communications; and

a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the computer-readable instructions.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the request from the mobile station is based on detection of the mobile station crossing a sub-network boundary between the first wireless communications region and the second wireless communications region.

44. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the request from the mobile station corresponds to a handoff of the mobile station from a source base station in the first wireless communications region to a target base station in the second wireless communications region.

45. The apparatus of claim 42, further comprising computer-readable instructions for releasing the dormant packet switched connection after establishing the new packet switched connection.

46. The apparatus of claim 42, further comprising computer-readable instructions for transmitting a page to the mobile station via the first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the page corresponds to the session and causes the mobile station to tune from a first frequency of the first air interface for circuit switched communications to a second frequency of a second interface for packet switched communications.

47. A method of wireless communications, comprising:

establishing, by a mobile station, a session for a first packet switched connection in a first wireless communications region assigned by a first controller of the first wireless communications region;

receiving, by the mobile station from the first controller, a first unique address identifier of the mobile station for the first packet switched connection;

establishing, by the mobile station, a first air interface for circuit switched communications in the first wireless communications region;

transmitting a request to support packet communications from the mobile station to a second controller of the second wireless communications region through the first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the request comprises the first unique address identifier, wherein the request is based on detection of movement of the mobile station from the first wireless communications region to a second wireless communications region while the first packet switched connection is in a dormant state; and

receiving, from the second controller, a new unique address identifier of the mobile station for the second region via the first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the new unique address identifier corresponds to a new packet switched connection in the second region to maintain the session for the mobile station, wherein the new packet switched connection is established by the second controller based on session information retrieved from the first controller according to the first unique address identifier, wherein the session information corresponds to the session for the dormant packet switched connection of the mobile station.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein transmitting the request is further based on detection of the mobile station crossing a sub-network boundary between the first wireless communications region and the second wireless communications region.

49. The method of claim 47, wherein transmitting the request is further based on the mobile station adding a target base station from the second wireless communications region to an active set of base stations.

50. The method of claim 47, wherein transmitting the request corresponds to a handoff of the mobile station from a source base station in the first wireless communications region to a target base station in the second wireless communications region.

51. The method of claim 47, further comprising releasing the dormant packet switched connection after establishing the new packet switched connection.

52. The method of claim 47, further comprising receiving a page at the mobile station via the first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the page corresponds to the session and causes the mobile station to tune from a first frequency of the first air interface for circuit switched communications to a second frequency of a second interface for packet switched communications.

53. A module for wireless communications, the module residing in a storage medium, comprising:

information executable by a processor at a mobile station for establishing a session for a first packet switched connection in a first wireless communications region assigned by a first controller of the first wireless communications region;

information executable by the processor for receiving, from the first controller, a first unique address identifier of the mobile station for the first packet switched connection;

information executable by the processor for establishing a first air interface for circuit switched communications in the first wireless communications region;

information executable by the processor for transmitting a request to support packet communications from the mobile station to a second controller of the second wireless communications region through the first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the request comprises the first unique address identifier, wherein the request is based on detection of movement of the mobile station from the first wireless communications region to a second wireless communications region while the first packet switched connection is in a dormant state; and

information executable by the processor for receiving, from the second controller, a new unique address identifier of the mobile station for the second region via the first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the new unique address identifier corresponds to a new packet switched connection in the second region to maintain the session for the mobile station, wherein the new packet switched connection is established by the second controller based on session information retrieved from the first controller according to the first unique address identifier, wherein the session information corresponds to the session for the dormant packet switched connection of the mobile station.

54. The module of claim 53, wherein the information for transmitting the request from the mobile station is based on the mobile station crossing a sub-network boundary between the first wireless communications region and the second wireless communications region.

55. A mobile station for wireless communications, comprising:

means for establishing a session for a first packet switched connection in a first wireless communications region assigned by a first controller of the first wireless communications region;

means for receiving, from the first controller, a first unique address identifier of the mobile station for the first packet switched connection;

means for establishing a first air interface for circuit switched communications in the first wireless communications region;

means for transmitting a request to support packet communications from the mobile station to a second controller of the second wireless communications region through the first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the request comprises the first unique address identifier, wherein the request is based on detection of movement of the mobile station from the first wireless communications region to a second wireless communications region while the first packet switched connection is in a dormant state; and

means for receiving, from the second controller, a new unique address identifier of the mobile station for the second region via the first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the new unique address identifier corresponds to a new packet switched connection in the second region to maintain the session for the mobile station, wherein the new packet switched connection is established by the second controller based on session information retrieved from the first controller according to the first unique address identifier, wherein the session information corresponds to the session for the dormant packet switched connection of the mobile station.

56. The mobile station of claim 55, wherein the means for transmitting the request from the mobile station is based on detection of the mobile station crossing a sub-network boundary between the first wireless communications region and the second wireless communications region.

57. A mobile station for wireless communications, comprising:

a memory comprising computer-readable instructions for;

establishing a session for a first packet switched connection in a first wireless communications region assigned by a first controller of the first wireless communications region;

receiving, from the first controller, a first unique address identifier of the mobile station for the first packet switched connection;

establishing a first air interface for circuit switched communications in the first wireless communications region;

transmitting a request to support packet communications from the mobile station to a second controller of the second wireless communications region through the first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the request comprises the first unique address identifier, wherein the request is based on detection of movement of the mobile station from the first wireless communications region to a second wireless communications region while the first packet switched connection is in a dormant state; and

receiving, from the second controller, a new unique address identifier of the mobile station for the second region via the first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the new unique address identifier corresponds to a new packet switched connection in the second region to maintain the session for the mobile station, wherein the new packet switched connection is established by the second controller based on session information retrieved from the first controller according to the first unique address identifier, wherein the session information corresponds to the session for the dormant packet switched connection of the mobile station; and

a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the computer-readable instructions.

58. The mobile station of claim 57, wherein the request is further based on detection of the mobile station crossing a sub-network boundary between the first wireless communications region and the second wireless communications region.

59. The mobile station of claim 57, wherein the request is further based on the mobile station adding a target base station from the second wireless communications region to an active set of base stations.

60. The mobile station of claim 57, wherein the request corresponds to a handoff of the mobile station from a source base station in the first wireless communications region to a target base station in the second wireless communications region.

61. The mobile station of claim 57, wherein the memory further comprises computer-readable instructions for releasing the dormant packet switched connection after establishing the new packet switched connection.

62. The mobile station of claim 57, further comprising a receiver for receiving a page via the first air interface for circuit switched communications, wherein the page corresponds to the session and causes the mobile station to tune from a first frequency of the first air interface for circuit switched communications to a second frequency of a second interface for packet switched communications.

63. A method of wireless communications, comprising:

determining, by a serving controller of an interface with a packet data serving node, that a mobile station having an active packet switched connection and an established circuit switched connection has moved from a first wireless communications region to a second wireless communications region;

transmitting a request to register for circuit switched communications to the mobile station via a first air interface for the packet switched connection based on determining that the mobile station has moved to the second wireless communications region;

receiving a registration message over the first air interface from the mobile station via a target base station in response to the mobile station receiving the request, wherein the target base station comprises an identifier; and

transmitting a location update request to a target gateway to the circuit switched network determined based on the target base station identifier to maintain the circuit switched connection in the second wireless communications region.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein transmitting the location update request further comprises transmitting via a reflector element connectable with the target gateway if the target gateway cannot be directly reached.

65. The method of claim 64, further comprising:

appending, by the reflector element, a cellular identifier to the location update request, wherein the cellular identifier is bound to the reflector element;

receiving, by the target gateway, a circuit switched network page for the mobile station; and

forwarding the page to the serving controller via the reflector element according to the cellular identifier.

66. The method of claim 63, wherein transmitting the request to register further comprises including an authentication mechanism, wherein receiving the registration message further comprises an identification mechanism using the authentication mechanism, and further comprising verifying an identity of the mobile station based on the identification mechanism and the authentication mechanism before transmitting the location update request.

67. A module for wireless communications, the module residing in a storage medium, comprising:

information executable by a processor for determining, by a serving controller of an interface with a packet data serving node, that a mobile station having an active packet switched connection and an established circuit switched connection has moved from a first wireless communications region to a second wireless communications region;

information executable by the processor for transmitting a request to register for circuit switched communications to the mobile station via a first air interface for the packet switched connection based on determining that the mobile station has moved to the second wireless communications region;

information executable by the processor for receiving a registration message over the first air interface from the mobile station via a target base station in response to the mobile station receiving the request, wherein the target base station comprises an identifier; and

information executable by the processor for transmitting a location update request to a target gateway to the circuit switched network determined based on the target base station identifier to maintain the circuit switched connection in the second wireless communications region.

68. The module of claim 67, wherein the information for transmitting the request to register further comprises information for including an authentication mechanism, wherein the registration message further comprises an identification mechanism using the authentication mechanism, and further comprising information executable by the processor for verifying an identity of the mobile station based on the identification mechanism and the authentication mechanism before transmitting the location update request.

69. An apparatus for wireless communications, comprising:

means for determining, by a serving controller of an interface with a packet data serving node, that a mobile station having an active packet switched connection and an established circuit switched connection has moved from a first wireless communications region to a second wireless communications region;

means for transmitting a request to register for circuit switched communications to the mobile station via a first air interface for the packet switched connection based on determining that the mobile station has moved to the second wireless communications region;

means for receiving a registration message over the first air interface from the mobile station via a target base station in response to the mobile station receiving the request, wherein the target base station comprises an identifier; and

means for transmitting a location update request to a target gateway to the circuit switched network determined based on the target base station identifier to maintain the circuit switched connection in the second wireless communications region.

70. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the means for transmitting the request to register further comprises means for including an authentication mechanism, wherein the registration message further comprises an identification mechanism using the authentication mechanism, and further comprising means for verifying an identity of the mobile station based on the identification mechanism and the authentication mechanism before transmitting the location update request.

71. An apparatus for wireless communications, comprising:

a memory comprising computer-executable instructions for;

determining, by a serving controller of an interface with a packet data serving node, that a mobile station having an active packet switched connection and an established circuit switched connection has moved from a first wireless communications region to a second wireless communications region;

transmitting a request to register for circuit switched communications to the mobile station via a first air interface for the packet switched connection based on determining that the mobile station has moved to the second wireless communications region;

receiving a registration message over the first air interface from the mobile station via a target base station in response to the mobile station receiving the request, wherein the target base station comprises an identifier; and

transmitting a location update request to a target gateway to the circuit switched network determined based on the target base station identifier to maintain the circuit switched connection in the second wireless communications region; and

a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the computer-readable instructions.

72. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein the instructions for transmitting the location update request further comprise instructions for transmitting via a reflector element connectable with the target gateway if the target gateway cannot be directly reached.

73. The apparatus of claim 72, further comprising computer-readable instructions for:

appending, by the reflector element, a cellular identifier to the location update request, wherein the cellular identifier is bound to the reflector element;

receiving, by the target gateway, a circuit switched network page for the mobile station; and

forwarding the page to the serving controller via the reflector element according to the cellular identifier.

74. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein the instructions for transmitting the request to register further comprise instructions for including an authentication mechanism, wherein the registration message further comprises an identification mechanism using the authentication mechanism, and further comprising instructions for verifying an identity of the mobile station based on the identification mechanism and the authentication mechanism before transmitting the location update request.

75. A method of wireless communications, comprising:

establishing, by a mobile station, a first air interface for a first packet switched connection in a first wireless communications region controlled by a first controller;

establishing, by the mobile station, a circuit switched connection in the first wireless communications region;

determining, in correspondence with detection of movement of the mobile station to a second wireless communications region, that a pilot signal strength of a target base station in the second wireless communications region exceeds a threshold;

receiving a request to register for circuit switched communications to maintain the circuit switched connection in the second wireless communications network, wherein the request is received via the first air interface for the packet switched connection from the first controller based on the detection of movement of the mobile station to a second wireless communications region while having an active packet switched connection and the established circuit switched connection; and

transmitting a registration message to the target base station in response to the mobile station receiving the request in order to maintain the circuit switched connection in the second wireless communications network.

76. The method of claim 75, further comprising receiving a circuit switched network page via the first air interface from the target base station, and tuning to a second air interface for the circuit switched connection in response to receiving the page.

77. The method of claim 75, wherein receiving the request to register further comprises receiving an authentication mechanism, wherein transmitting the registration message further comprises transmitting an identification mechanism using the authentication mechanism, wherein the registration, message is configured for verifying an identity of the mobile station based on the identification mechanism and the authentication mechanism.

78. A module for wireless communications, the module residing in a storage medium, comprising:

instructions executable by a processor for establishing, by a mobile station, a first air interface for a first packet switched connection in a first wireless communications region controlled by a first controller;

instructions executable by the processor for establishing, by the mobile station, a circuit switched connection in the first wireless communications region;

instructions executable by the processor for determining, in correspondence with detection of movement of the mobile station to a second wireless communications region, that a pilot signal strength of a target base station in the second wireless communications region exceeds a threshold;

instructions executable by the processor for receiving a request to register for circuit switched communications to maintain the circuit switched connection in the second wireless communications network, wherein the request is received via the first air interface for the packet switched connection from the first controller based on the detection movement of the mobile station to a second wireless communications region while having an active packet switched connection and the established circuit switched connection; and

instructions executable by the processor for transmitting a registration message to the target base station in response to the mobile station receiving the request in order to maintain the circuit switched connection in the second wireless communications network.

79. The module of claim 78, wherein the request to register further comprises an authentication mechanism, wherein the instructions for transmitting the registration message further comprise instructions for transmitting an identification mechanism using the authentication mechanism, wherein the registration message is configured for verifying an identity of the mobile station based on the identification mechanism and the authentication mechanism.

80. A mobile station for wireless communications, comprising:

means for establishing, by a mobile station, a first air interface for a first packet switched connection in a first wireless communications region controlled by a first controller;

means for establishing, by the mobile station, a circuit switched connection in the first wireless communications region;

means for determining, in correspondence with detection of movement of the mobile station to a second wireless communications region, that a pilot signal strength of a target base station in the second wireless communications region exceeds a threshold;

means for receiving a request to register for circuit switched communications to maintain the circuit switched connection in the second wireless communications network, wherein the request is received via the first air interface for the packet switched connection from the first controller based on the detection of movement of the mobile station to a second wireless communications region while having an active packet switched connection and the established circuit switched connection; and

means for transmitting a registration message to the target base station in response to the mobile station receiving the request in order to maintain the circuit switched connection in the second wireless communications network.

81. The mobile station of claim 80, wherein the request to register further comprises an authentication mechanism, wherein the means for transmitting the registration message further comprises means for transmitting an identification mechanism using the authentication mechanism, wherein the registration message is configured for verifying an identity of the mobile station based on the identification mechanism and the authentication mechanism.

82. A mobile station for wireless communications, comprising:

a memory comprising computer-executable instructions for;

establishing, by a mobile station, a first air interface for a first packet switched connection in a first wireless communications region controlled by a first controller;

establishing, by the mobile station, a circuit switched connection in the first wireless communications region;

determining, in correspondence with detection of movement of the mobile station to a second wireless communications region, that a pilot signal strength of a target base station in the second wireless communications region exceeds a threshold;

receiving a request to register for circuit switched communications to maintain the circuit switched connection in the second wireless communications network, wherein the request is received via the first air interface for the packet switched connection from the first controller based on the detection of movement of the mobile station to a second wireless communications region while having an active packet switched connection and the established circuit switched connection; and

transmitting a registration message to the target base station in response to the mobile station receiving the request in order to maintain the circuit switched connection in the second wireless communications network; and

a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the computer-executable instructions.

83. The mobile station of claim 82, further comprising a receiver configured for receiving a circuit switched network page via the first air interface from the target base station, and a transmitter configured for tuning to a second air interface for the circuit switched connection in response to receiving the page.

84. The mobile station of claim 82, wherein the request to register further comprises an authentication mechanism, wherein the registration message further comprises an identification mechanism using the authentication mechanism, wherein the registration message is configured for verifying an identity of the mobile station based on the identification mechanism and the authentication mechanism.

85. A wireless communications device, comprising:

means for recovering information from a signal received in accordance with a first air interface on a first carrier frequency, the first air interface being associated with a first network;

means for allowing one or more message format types associated with messages from a second network to be communicated through the first air interface, the second network being associated with a second air interface different from the first air interface and operating on a second carrier frequency different from the first carrier frequency;

means for detecting from the recovered information a message from the second network, if the means for allowing is configured to allow a message format type of the message to be communicated through the first air interface; and

wherein the first network comprises first and second geographic regions, and wherein the means for detecting is further configured to detect movement of the wireless communications device into the second geographic region from the first geographic region while the means for recovering is configured to recover information from the signal received in accordance with the first air interface, and further comprising a means for sending a registration request to an access network in the second geographic region to support communications with the first network, the registration request being sent through the second air interface.

86. The wireless communications device of claim 85, wherein the one or more message format types comprises one or more types of pages, wherein the message from the second network comprises a page from the second network, the wireless communications device further comprising means for communicating with the second network in response to the page in accordance with the second air interface.

87. The wireless communications device of claim 86, further comprising means for receiving a message from the first network when communicating with the second network, the message being sent through the second air interface.

88. The wireless communications device of claim 87, wherein the message from the first network comprises a first network page, the wireless communications device further comprising means for terminating communication with the second network in response to the first network page, and means for further communicating with the first network in accordance with the first air interface in response to the first network page.

89. A computer-program product comprising a computer readable medium having instructions thereon, the instructions comprising:

code for monitoring a first network in accordance with a first air interface on a first carrier frequency;

code for configuring a filtering mechanism to allow for one or more message format types associated with messages from a second network to be communicated through the first air interface, the second network being associated with a second air interface different from the first air interface and operating on a second carrier frequency different from the first carrier frequency; and

code for receiving a message from the second network through the first air interface, if a message format type of the message is one of the one or more message format types configured to be allowed to be communicated through the first air interface;

wherein the first network comprises a circuit-switched network and the second network comprises a packet-switched network; and

wherein the first network comprises first and second geographic regions, the computer program product further comprising code for monitoring the second network while movement of a wireless communication device into the second geographic region from the first geographic region is detected, and code for sending a registration request to an access network in the second geographic region to support communications with the first network, the registration request being sent through the second air interface.

90. The computer-program product of claim 89, wherein the code for configuring further comprises configuring to allow one or more message format types comprising one or more types of pages, and wherein the code for receiving further comprises receiving if the message format type comprises a type of page configured to be allowed to be communicated through the first air interface.