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

• US 8,018,907 B2
• Filed: 05/05/2004
• Issued: 09/13/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Avago Technologies International Sales Pte Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Broadcom Corporation (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Inventors: Morris, Michael D., Kubler, Joseph J.
• Primary Examiner(s): HSU, ALPUS
• Application Number:
  US10/839,373
• Publication Number:
  US 20050013266A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,687 Days
• Field of Search: 370/338, 370/352, 370/401, 375/130, 375/220, 455/73, 455/422.1
• US Class Current: 370/338
• 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 multi-mode data communication system comprising:

a communication terminal capable of selectively communicating data wirelessly to a wired network via a first wireless communication network, the communication terminal comprising identifying information;

a first transceiver operably coupled to the communication terminal, the first transceiver capable of selectively communicating data wirelessly with a second transceiver, the first and second transceivers forming a second wireless communication network adapted to communicate data wirelessly within a premises;

at least one processor operably coupled to the second transceiver, the at least one processor capable of communicating data between the second transceiver and the wired network; and

the communication terminal selecting communication of data via one of the first and second wireless communication networks based upon at least one operating condition of one of the first and second wireless communication networks.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the identifying information comprises a unique number.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication terminal comprises a cellular telephone.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the first wireless communication network comprises a cellular communication network.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the wired network comprises a packet network.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the wired network comprises the Internet.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the second wireless communication network comprises a wireless local area network.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the second wireless communication network operates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the second wireless communication network uses a spread spectrum communication technique.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the spread spectrum communication technique comprises a direct sequence spread spectrum technique.

11. The system of claim 9 wherein the spread spectrum communication technique comprises a frequency hopped spread spectrum technique.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one operating condition comprises the first and second transceivers being within a predefined communication range.

13. A method of multi-mode data communication employing a communication terminal capable of operating on either a first wireless communication link or a second wireless communication link to communicate with an access device capable of wireless communication with the communication terminal over the first wireless communication link and the second communication link, the access device communicatively coupled to a destination on a wired network, the method comprising:

establishing wireless communication between the communication terminal and the access device via the first wireless communication link operating according to a first wireless communication link protocol and having a first coverage area, if at least one predefined operating condition exists;

communicating data between the communication terminal and the destination on the wired network via the access device using the first wireless communication link, if the at least one predefined operating condition exists;

establishing wireless communication between the communication terminal and the destination on the wired network via the second wireless communication link operating according to a second wireless communication link protocol different from the first wireless communication link protocol and having a second coverage area that contains the first coverage area, if the at least one predefined operating condition does not exist; and

automatically arranging communication of data between the communication terminal and the destination on the wired network via one of the first and the second wireless communication links depending at least upon whether or not the at least one predefined operating condition exists.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the communication terminal comprises a cellular telephone.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein one or both of the first wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link comprise a cellular communication network.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein the wired network comprises a packet network.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein the wired network comprises the Internet.

18. The method of claim 13 wherein one or both of the first wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link comprise a wireless local area network.

19. The method of claim 13 wherein one or both of the first wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link operates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

20. The method of claim 13 wherein one or both of the first wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link uses a spread spectrum communication technique.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the spread spectrum communication technique comprises a frequency hopped spread spectrum technique.

22. The method of claim 20 wherein the spread spectrum communication technique comprises a direct sequence spread spectrum technique.

23. The method of claim 13 wherein the at least one operating condition comprises the communication terminal and access device being within a predefined communication range.

24. The method of claim 13 wherein the at least one operating condition comprises the cost of communication via the first wireless communication link being less than the cost of communication via the second wireless communication link.

25. The method of claim 13 comprising:

requesting identification of a network route from the communication terminal to a destination device on the wired network using the first wireless communication link, if at least one operating condition exists, wherein the communication terminal uses the requested network route to communicate data with the destination on the wired network.

26. The method of claim 13 comprising:

requesting identification of a network route from the communication terminal to a destination on the wired network using the first wireless communication link, if the at least one operating condition does not exist, wherein the communication terminal uses the requested network route to communication data with the destination on the wired network.

27. A multi-mode data communication system comprising:

a communication terminal capable of wirelessly communicating data to a wired network using a first wireless communication network;

at least one processor capable of communicating data via the wired network;

at least two transceivers, a first of the at least two transceivers operably coupled to the communication terminal and a second of the at least two transceivers operably coupled to the at least one processor, each of the first and second transceivers capable of direct wireless communication of data with the other, the first and second transceiver forming a second wireless communication network; and

one or both of the first and second transceivers functioning to detect communication signals of the other of the first and second transceivers, the system automatically establishing communication of data between the communication terminal and the wired network via one of the first and second wireless communication networks based upon at least one predetermined parameter.

28. The system of claim 27 wherein the communication terminal comprises a cellular telephone.

29. The system of claim 27 wherein the first wireless communication network comprises a cellular communication network.

30. The system of claim 27 wherein the wired network comprises a packet network.

31. The system of claim 27 wherein the wired network comprises the Internet.

32. The system of claim 27 wherein the second wireless communication network comprises a wireless local area network.

33. The system of claim 27 wherein one or both of the first and second wireless communication networks operates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

34. The system of claim 27 wherein one or both of the first and second wireless communication networks uses a spread spectrum communication technique.

35. The system of claim 34 wherein the spread spectrum communication technique comprises a frequency hopping spread spectrum technique.

36. The system of claim 34 wherein the spread spectrum communication technique comprises a direct sequence spread spectrum technique.

37. The system of claim 27 wherein the at least one predetermined parameter comprises a communication range.

38. The system of claim 27 wherein the at least one predetermined parameter comprises a cost of communication via one or both of the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network.

39. The system of claim 27 wherein the communication terminal comprises a unique numeric identifier.

40. At least one circuit for use in a communication device for use in a multi-mode data communication system, the multi-mode data communication system having at least a first transceiver adapted to selectively communicate data in a first wireless communication network, a second transceiver adapted to selectively communicate data wirelessly with the first transceiver of the first wireless communication network, and at least one processor operably coupled to the second transceiver and capable of communicating data between the second transceiver and a wired network, the at least one circuit operational to, at least:

store identifying information;

selectively communicate data wirelessly to the wired network over a second wireless communication network;

operatively couple to the first transceiver of the multi-mode data communication system; and

communicate at least one signal with the multi-mode data communication system, the at least one signal comprising characteristics to cause the multi-mode data communication system to select wireless communication of data between the communication device and the wired network using one of the first and the second wireless communication networks, based upon at least one operating condition of one or both of the first and second wireless communication networks.

41. The at least one circuit of claim 40, where the identifying information comprises a unique number.

42. The at least one circuit of claim 40, where the communication device comprises a cellular telephone.

43. The at least one circuit of claim 40, where the second wireless communication network comprises a cellular communication network.

44. The at least one circuit of claim 40, where the wired network comprises a packet network.

45. The at least one circuit of claim 40, where the wired network comprises the Internet.

46. The at least one circuit of claim 40, where the first wireless communication network comprises a wireless local area network.

47. The at least one circuit of claim 40, where one or both of the first and second wireless communication networks operates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

48. The at least one circuit of claim 40, where one or both of the first and second wireless communication networks uses a spread spectrum communication technique.

49. The at least one circuit of claim 48, where the spread spectrum communication technique comprises a direct sequence spread spectrum technique.

50. The at least one circuit of claim 48, where the spread spectrum communication technique comprises a frequency hopped spread spectrum technique.

51. The at least one circuit of claim 40, where the at least one operating condition comprises the first and second transceivers being within a predefined communication range.

52. In at least one circuit for use in a communication device capable of operating on either a first wireless communication link or a second wireless communication link with an access device over the first wireless communication link or the second communication link, a method of multi-mode data communication, the method comprising:

establishing wireless communication with the access device via the first wireless communication link operating according to a first wireless communication link protocol and having a first coverage area, if at least one predefined operating condition exists, where the access device is communicatively coupled to a wired network;

communicating data with a destination on the wired network via the access device using the first wireless communication link, if the at least one predefined operating condition exists;

establishing wireless communication with the destination on the wired network via the second wireless communication link operating according to a second wireless communication link protocol different from the first wireless communication link protocol and having a second coverage area that contains the first coverage area, if the at least one predefined operating condition does not exist; and

automatically arranging communication of data with the destination on the wired network via one of the first and second wireless communication links depending at least upon whether or not the at least one predefined operating condition exists.

53. The method of claim 52, where the communication device comprises a cellular telephone.

54. The method of claim 52, where one or both of the first wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link comprises a cellular communication network.

55. The method of claim 52, where the wired network comprises a packet network.

56. The method of claim 52, where the wired network comprises the Internet.

57. The method of claim 52, where one or both of the first wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link comprises a wireless local area network.

58. The method of claim 52, where one or both of the first wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link operates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

59. The method of claim 52, where one or both of the first wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link uses a spread spectrum communication technique.

60. The method of claim 59, where the spread spectrum communication technique comprises a frequency hopped spread spectrum technique.

61. The method of claim 59, where the spread spectrum communication technique comprises a direct sequence spread spectrum technique.

62. The method of claim 52, where the at least one operating condition comprises the communication terminal and access device being within a predefined communication range.

63. The method of claim 52, where the at least one operating condition comprises the cost of communication via the first wireless communication link being less than the cost of communication via the second wireless communication link.

64. At least one circuit for use in a communication device for use in a multi-mode data communication system, the multi-mode data communication system having at least one processor capable of communicating data with a wired network, and having at least two transceivers comprising a first transceiver and a second transceiver, where the second transceiver is operatively coupled to the at least one processor and is capable of direct wireless communication of data with the first transceiver over a first wireless communication network, and where one or both of the first and second transceivers functions to detect communication signals of the other of the first and second transceivers, the at least one circuit operational to, at least:

selectively communicate data wirelessly to the wired network over a second wireless communication network;

operatively couple to the first transceiver; and

communicate at least one signal with the multi-mode data communication system, the at least one signal comprising characteristics to cause the communication system to automatically establish communication of data between the communication device and the wired network via one of the first and second wireless communication networks, based upon at least one predetermined parameter.

65. The at least one circuit of claim 64, where the communication terminal comprises a cellular telephone.

66. The at least one circuit of claim 64, where the second wireless communication network comprises a cellular communication network.

67. The at least one circuit of claim 64, where the wired network comprises a packet network.

68. The at least one circuit of claim 64, where the wired network comprises the Internet.

69. The at least one circuit of claim 64, where the first wireless communication network comprises a wireless local area network.

70. The at least one circuit of claim 64, where one or both of the first and second wireless communication networks operates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

71. The at least one circuit of claim 64, where one or both of the first and second wireless communication networks uses a spread spectrum communication technique.

72. The at least one circuit of claim 71, where the spread spectrum communication technique comprises a frequency hopping spread spectrum technique.

73. The at least one circuit of claim 71, where the spread spectrum communication technique comprises a direct sequence spread spectrum technique.

74. The at least one circuit of claim 64, where the at least one predetermined parameter comprises a communication range.

75. The at least one circuit of claim 64, where the at least one predetermined parameter comprises a cost of communication via one or both of the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network.

76. The at least one circuit of claim 64, where the communication terminal comprises a unique numeric identifier.