Hierarchical data collection network supporting packetized voice communications among wireless terminals and telephones
First Claim
1. One or more circuits for a communication device supporting the communication of voice and data, the device comprising:
- at least one processor operably coupled to wireless communication circuitry for communicating with at least one access device of a communication network using a packet protocol, to circuitry for converting an electrical signal representative of sound into digital voice data for transmission as digital voice packets via the wireless communication circuitry and to circuitry for converting digital voice data from digital voice packets received via the wireless communication circuitry into an electrical signal representing sound, the at least one processor operable to, at least;
capture digital data into data packets for transmission via the wireless communication circuitry and receive data packets via the wireless communication circuitry, the contents of the received data packets used for reproducing digital data;
evaluate a message wirelessly received from the at least one access device;
send to the at least one access device an indication of a data rate based on the evaluation;
receive digital voice packets wirelessly at a data rate selected by the at least one access device, based upon the indication of a data rate; and
wherein digital voice packets wirelessly communicated by the communication device comprise destination information used for routing the digital voice packets through the communication network.
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Accused Products
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.
187 Citations
15 Claims
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1. One or more circuits for a communication device supporting the communication of voice and data, the device comprising:
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at least one processor operably coupled to wireless communication circuitry for communicating with at least one access device of a communication network using a packet protocol, to circuitry for converting an electrical signal representative of sound into digital voice data for transmission as digital voice packets via the wireless communication circuitry and to circuitry for converting digital voice data from digital voice packets received via the wireless communication circuitry into an electrical signal representing sound, the at least one processor operable to, at least; capture digital data into data packets for transmission via the wireless communication circuitry and receive data packets via the wireless communication circuitry, the contents of the received data packets used for reproducing digital data; evaluate a message wirelessly received from the at least one access device; send to the at least one access device an indication of a data rate based on the evaluation; receive digital voice packets wirelessly at a data rate selected by the at least one access device, based upon the indication of a data rate; and wherein digital voice packets wirelessly communicated by the communication device comprise destination information used for routing the digital voice packets through the communication network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification