Wireless handoffs between multiple wireless networks

• US 8,811,991 B2
• Filed: 04/28/2006
• Issued: 08/19/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Jain, Nikhil, Agrawal, Avneesh, Jalali, Ahmad, Bergan, Charles A.
• Primary Examiner(s): PATEL, MAHENDRA R
• Application Number:
  US11/413,355
• Publication Number:
  US 20060245395A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,035 Days
• Field of Search: 370/328, 370/331, 370/401, 370/259, 370/355, 370/338, 370/320, 370/456, 370/468, 455/403, 455/435.1, 455/412.2, 455/404.1, 455/404.2, 455/421, 455/417, 455/436, 455/430, 455/426.1, 455/450, 455/427, 455/456.2, 340/7.1, 379/29.04, 375/133, 375/222
• US Class Current: 455/436
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/1446 wherein at least one of the networks is unlicensed
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 80/00 Wireless network protocols or protocol adaptations to wireless operation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/042 Public Land Mobile systems, e.g. cellular systems
• 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 92/02 Inter-networking arrangements

Abstract

A wireless communications device is disclosed. The wireless communications device is configured to support a call over a cellular network or an IP network to a remote communications device. The wireless communications device is further configured to handoff the call between the cellular network and the IP network. An Interworking Function (IWF) is configured to maintain a call between a wireless communications device and a communications device as the wireless communications device is handed off between a cellular network and an IP network.

Claims

1. A wireless communications device, comprising:

a processor configured to support a call over a first network that uses a first access technology or a second network that uses a second access technology with a remote communications device, the processor being further configured to handoff the call between the first network and the second network in a way that is transparent to a user of the wireless communications device;

wherein the processor is further configured to handoff the call from the first network to the second network by establishing a connection to the second network to support the call with the remote communications device, answering a page in response to a caller identification message from a network entity that directs the wireless communications device to answer the page while currently engaged in the call over the first network, conferencing the wireless communications device into the call over the second network, and terminating a connection to the first network that was previously supporting the call with the remote communications device; and

wherein the processor is further configured to establish the connection to the second network in response to signaling from the network entity supporting a connection between the wireless communications device and the remote communications device over the first network, the signaling from the network entity configured by the network entity to request that the processor establish the connection.

2. The wireless communications device of claim 1 wherein the processor is further configured to support the call over both of the networks when the connection to the second network is established before the connection to the first network is terminated.

3. The wireless communications device of claim 1 wherein the processor is further configured such that it will not establish a connection to the second network if it receives a signal from any source other than the network entity.

4. The wireless communications device of claim 1 wherein the processor is further configured to establish the connection to the second network if a message is received by the processor indicating that the signaling is from the network entity.

5. The wireless communications device of claim 4 wherein the message comprises a caller identification message or a short message service message.

6. The wireless communications device of claim 1 wherein the processor is further configured to handoff the call by establishing a connection to the second network while supporting the call over the first network, the processor being further configured to use the connection to signal an interworking function, currently supporting a connection between the wireless and remote communication devices over the first network, to allow the wireless communications device to join the call over the second network.

7. The wireless communications device of claim 6 wherein the processor is further configured to establish the connection and signal the interworking function in response to a signal received over the first network.

52. The wireless communications device of claim 1, wherein the second network is an IP network, and wherein the wireless communications device connects to the internet protocol network via a local wireless area network.

8. A method of communicating from a wireless communications device, comprising:

supporting a call over a first network that uses a first access technology or a second network that uses a second access technology with a remote communications device; and

handing off the call from the first network to the second network by establishing a connection to the second network to support the call with the remote communications device, answering a page in response to a caller identification message from a network entity that directs the wireless communications device to answer the page while currently engaged in the call over the first network, conferencing the wireless communications device into the call over the second network, and terminating a connection to the first network that was previously supporting the call with the remote communications device;

wherein the connection to the second network is established in response to signaling from the network entity supporting a connection between the wireless and remote communication devices over the first network, the signaling from the network entity configured by the network entity to request that the wireless communications device establish the connection;

wherein the handoff of the call from the first network to the second network is transparent to a user on the call.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the handoff of the call further comprises supporting the call over both of the networks when the connection to the second network is established before the connection to the first network is terminated.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the connection to the second network is established in response to a message being received indicating that the signaling is from the network entity.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the message comprises a caller identification message or a short message service message.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein the handoff of the call comprises establishing a connection to the second network while supporting the call over the first network, and using the connection to signal an interworking function, currently supporting a connection between the wireless and remote communication devices over the first network, to allow the wireless communications device to join the call over the second network.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the connection is established and the interworking function is sent a signal in response to a signal received over the first network.

14. A wireless communications device, comprising:

means for supporting a call over a first network that uses a first access technology or a second network that uses a second access technology with a remote communications device; and

means for handing off the call from the first network to the second network by establishing a connection to the second network to support the call with the remote communications device, answering a page in response to a caller identification message from a network entity that directs the wireless communications device to answer the page while currently engaged in the call over the first network, conferencing the wireless communications device into the call over the second network, and terminating a connection to the first network that was previously supporting the call with the remote communications device;

wherein the connection to the second network is established in response to signaling from the network entity supporting a connection between the wireless and remote communication devices over the first network, the signaling from the network entity configured by the network entity to request that the processor establish the connection;

wherein the handoff of the call from the first network to the second network is transparent to a user on the call.

15. The wireless communications device of claim 14 wherein the means for handing off the call is further configured to support the call over both of the networks when the connection to the second network is established before the connection to the first network is terminated.

16. The wireless communications device of claim 14 wherein the means for handing off the call is further configured such that it will not establish a connection to the second network if it receives a signal from any source other than the network entity.

17. The wireless communications device of claim 14 wherein the means for handing off the call is further configured to establish the connection to the second network if a message is received by the wireless communications device indicating that the signaling is from the network entity.

18. The wireless communications device of claim 17 wherein the message comprises a caller identification message or a short message service message.

19. The wireless communications device of claim 14 wherein the means for handing off the call is further configured to handoff the call by establishing a connection to the second network while supporting the call over the first network, the wireless communications device being further configured to use the connection to signal an interworking function, currently supporting a connection between the wireless and remote communication devices over the first network, to allow the wireless communications device to join the call over the second network.

20. The wireless communications device of claim 19 wherein the means for handing off the call is further configured to establish the connection and signal the interworking function in response to a signal received over the first network.

21. A processor, configured to:

support a call involving a wireless communications device over a first network that uses a first access technology or a second network that uses a second access technology with a remote communications device; and

handoff the call from the first network to the second network by establishing a connection to the second network to support the call with the remote communications device, answering a page in response to a caller identification message from a network entity that directs the wireless communications device to answer the page while currently engaged in the call over the first network, conferencing the wireless communications device into the call over the second network, and terminating a connection to the first network that was previously supporting the call with the remote communications device;

wherein the connection to the second network is established in response to signaling from the network entity supporting a connection between the wireless and remote communication devices over the first network, the signaling from the network entity configured by the network entity to request that the processor establish the connection;

wherein the handoff of the call from the first network to the second network is transparent to a user on the call.

22. The processor of claim 21 further configured to support the call over both of the networks when the connection to the second network is established before the connection to the first network is terminated.

23. The processor of claim 21 further configured such that it will not establish a connection to the second network if it receives a signal from any source other than the network entity.

24. The processor of claim 21 further configured to establish the connection to the second network if a message is received by the processor indicating that the signaling is from the network entity.

25. The processor of claim 24 wherein the message comprises a caller identification message or a short message service message.

26. The processor of claim 21 further configured to handoff the call by establishing a connection to the second network while supporting the call over the first network, the processor being further configured to use the connection to signal an interworking function, currently supporting a connection between the wireless and remote communication devices over the first network, to allow the wireless communications device to join the call over the second network.

27. The processor of claim 26 further configured to establish the connection and signal the interworking function in response to a signal received over the first network.

28. A non-transitory computer-readable storage media containing a set of instructions for a processor to:

support a call involving a wireless communications device over a first network that uses a first access technology or a second network that uses a second access technology with a remote communications device; and

handoff the call from the first network to the second network by establishing a connection to the second network to support the call with the remote communications device, answering a page in response to a caller identification message from a network entity that directs the wireless communications device to answer the page while currently engaged in the call over the first network, conferencing the wireless communications device into the call over the second network, and terminating a connection to the first network that was previously supporting the call with the remote communications device;

wherein the connection to the second network is established in response to signaling from the network entity supporting a connection between the wireless and remote communication devices over the first network, the signaling from the network entity configured by the network entity to request that the processor establish the connection;

wherein the handoff of the call from the first network to the second network is transparent to a user on the call.

29. The non-transitory computer readable storage media of claim 28 wherein the handoff of the call further comprises supporting the call over both of the networks when the connection to the second network is established before the connection to the first network is terminated.

30. The non-transitory computer readable storage media of claim 28, wherein the connection to the second network is established in response to a message being received indicating that the signaling is from the network entity.

31. The non-transitory computer readable storage media of claim 30 wherein the message comprises a caller identification message or a short message service message.

32. The non-transitory computer readable storage media of claim 28 wherein the handoff of the call comprises establishing a connection to the second network while supporting the call over the first network, and using the connection to signal an interworking function, currently supporting a connection between the wireless and remote communication devices over the first network, to allow the wireless communications device to join the call over the second network.

33. The non-transitory computer readable storage media of claim 32 wherein the connection is established and the interworking function is sent a signal in response to a signal received over the first network.

34. A network entity, comprising:

a processor configured to maintain a call between a wireless communications device and a communications device as the wireless communications device is handed off between a first network that uses a first access technology and a second network that uses a second access technology, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a three-way conference call functionality, the processor further being configured to support the handoff of the wireless device by sending a caller identification message that directs the wireless communications device to answer a page while currently engaged in the existing call and conferencing into the existing call over one of the networks while the wireless communications device is connected through the other network.

35. The network entity of claim 34 wherein the processor is further configured to support the handoff of the wireless device by terminating a connection over the other network to the wireless communications device.

36. The network entity of claim 35 wherein the processor is further configured to suppress traffic over said one of the networks while the three way conference call is maintained.

37. A network entity, comprising:

means for supporting handing off a wireless device between a first network that uses a first access technology and a second network that uses a second access technology; and

means for maintaining a call between a wireless communications device and a communications device as the wireless communications device is handed off between the first network and the second network, wherein the means for maintaining further comprise means for providing three way conference call functionality to maintain the call between the wireless communications device and the communications device as the wireless communications device is handed off between the first network and the second network, the three way conferencing means being configured to support the handoff of the wireless device by sending a caller identification message that directs the wireless communications device to answer a page while currently engaged in the existing call and conferencing into the existing call over one of the networks while the wireless communications device is connected through the other network.

38. The network entity of claim 37 wherein the means for supporting the handoff is further configured to support the handoff of the wireless device by terminating a connection over the other network to the wireless communications device.

39. The network entity of claim 38 further comprising means for suppressing traffic over said one of the network while the three way conference call is maintained.

40. A processor for a network entity configured to:

support handing off a wireless device between a first network that uses a first access technology and a second network that uses a second access technology;

maintain a call between a wireless communications device and a communications device as the wireless communications device is handed off between the first network and the second network; and

provide three way conference call functionality, wherein the processor is further configured to support the handoff of the wireless device by sending a caller identification message that directs the wireless communications device to answer a page while currently engaged in the existing call and conferencing into the existing call over one of the networks while the wireless communications device is connected through the other network.

41. The processor of claim 40 further configured to support the handoff of the wireless device by terminating a connection over the other network to the wireless communications device.

42. The processor of claim 41 further configured to suppress traffic over said one of the network while the three way conference call is maintained.

43. A method of supporting communications from a network entity, comprising:

supporting handing off a wireless device between a first network that uses a first access technology and a second network that uses a second access technology;

maintaining a call between a wireless communications device and a communications device as the wireless communications device is handed off between the first network and the second network; and

providing three way conference call functionality, wherein the supporting the handoff of the wireless device further comprises sending a caller identification message that directs the wireless communications device to answer a page while currently engaged in the existing call and conferencing into the existing call over one of the networks while the wireless communications device is connected through the other network.

44. The method of claim 43 wherein the handoff of the wireless device is supported by terminating a connection over the other network to the wireless device.

45. The method of claim 44 further comprising suppressing traffic over said one of the networks while the three way conference call is maintained.

46. A non-transitory computer-readable storage media containing a set of instructions which, when executed by a processor at a network entity, cause the network entity to:

support handing off a wireless device between a first network that uses a first access technology and a second network that uses a second access technology;

maintain a call between a wireless communications device and a communications device as the wireless communications device is handed off between the first network and the second network; and

provide three way conference call functionality, wherein the supporting the handoff of the wireless device further comprises sending a caller identification message that directs the wireless communications device to answer a page while currently engaged in the existing call and conferencing into the existing call over one of the networks while the wireless communications device is connected through the other network.

47. The non-transitory computer readable storage media of claim 46 wherein the handoff of the wireless device is supported by terminating a connection over the other network to the wireless communications device.

48. The non-transitory computer readable storage media of claim 47 wherein the method further comprises suppressing traffic over said one of the network while the three way conference call is maintained.

49. A method of communicating from a wireless communications device, comprising:

supporting a call over a first network that uses a first access technology or a second network that uses a second access technology to a remote communications device; and

responsive to a request to handoff from the first network to the second network, handing off the call by establishing a connection to the second network to support the call with the remote communications device, answering a page in response to a caller identification message from a network entity that directs the wireless communications device to answer the page while currently engaged in the call over the first network, conferencing the wireless communications device into the call over the second network, and terminating a connection to the first network that was previously supporting the call with the remote communications device;

wherein the handoff of the call from the first network to the second network is transparent to a user on the call.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the request to handoff from the first network to the second network is sent from a media gateway to a network-side interworking function, and the interworking function initiates the connection establishment by calling the wireless communications device over the target network for the handoff.

51. The method of claim 49, wherein the request to handoff from the first network to the second network is received at the wireless communications device from a media gateway, and the wireless communications device initiates the connection establishment responsive to the handoff request.