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

• US 7,899,007 B2
• Filed: 10/14/2008
• Issued: 03/01/2011
• 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): Kumar; Pankaj
• Assistant Examiner(s): Jones; Prenell P
• Application Number:
  US12/251,208
• Publication Number:
  US 20090034454A1
• Time in Patent Office: 868 Days
• Field of Search: 370/353, 370/522, 370/352, 370/389, 370/395, 370/401, 370/400, 370/322, 370/348, 370/468, 370/473, 370/328, 370/493, 370/497, 370/419, 370/336, 370/331, 370/223, 370/296, 370/342, 370/345, 370/335, 370/378, 370/436, 370/330, 379/201, 379/93, 379/88, 379/221, 379/232, 379/304, 709/228, 709/230, 709/223, 375/222, 375/356, 375/283, 375/240, 455/422, 455/574, 455/432, 455/411, 455/33, 455/426, 455/435, 455/404, 455/453, 455/465, 455/418, 455/509, 455/403, 455/466, 715/751, 342/352, 348/14, 710/119
• US Class Current: 370/328
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/0225 User interface arrangements, e.g. keyboard, display; Interfaces to other computer systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/0022 arrangements or provisious for transferring data to distant stations, e.g. from a sensing device "transfer between computer elements G06F13/00 "; data-transmission H04L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10702 Particularities of propagating elements, e.g. lenses, mirrors G06K7/10831 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10722 Photodetector array or CCD scanning
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10841 Particularities of the light-sensitive elements semiconductor devices H01L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10851 Circuits for pulse shaping, amplifying, eliminating noise signals, checking the function of the sensing device basic electronic circuitry H03
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10881 constructional details of hand-held scanners
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1098 the scanning arrangement having a modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/12 using a selected wavelength, e.g. to sense red marks and ignore blue marks
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/343 Cards including a counter
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/02 by keys or other credit registering devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/0045 with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader
• CPC Class Codes: H03C 3/0908 using a phase locked loop
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/04 Circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/1615 Switching on; Switching off, e.g. remotely battery saving circuits associated with selective call operation H04W52/00; details of power consumption reduction in a PLL, H03L7/0802, H03L7/14, H03L2207/08, H03L2207/18; muting amplifiers by gain control see H03G3/34
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0802 using antenna selection H04B7/0868 takes precedence; antenna beam directivity switching H01Q3/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/10 Polarisation diversity; Directional diversity
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0002 : by adapting the transmission rate
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0003 : by switching between different modulation schemes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0025 : Transmission of mode-switching indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0032 : Without explicit signalling
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1671 : the supervisory signal being transmitted together with control information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1685 : the supervisory signal being transmitted in response to a specific request, e.g. to a polling signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/12 : Modulator circuits; Transmitter circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/14 : Demodulator circuits; Receiver circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/156 : with demodulation using temporal properties of the received signal, e.g. detecting pulse width
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/00 : Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks routing or path finding in wireless networks H04W40/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/48 : Routing tree calculation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/00 : Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/103 : in the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/104 : in the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1069 : Session establishment or de-establishment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1083 : In-session procedures
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1095 : Inter-network session transfer or sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/80 : Responding to QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/18 : Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/32 : Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 : Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2535 : adapted for voice communication over an Internet Protocol [IP] network Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network equipment and services H04M7/006; implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP] H04L69/16
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/14 : including a card reading device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/006 : Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone service, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) , including next generation networks with a packet-switched transport layer H04L65/00 takes precedence; aspects not specific to the type of network H04M3/00; special services in those networks H04M3/42
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/14 : using intermediate storage
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/18 : Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/00 : Communication routing or communication path finding
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/02 : Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/18 : Selecting a network or a communication service
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0261 : managing power supply demand, e.g. depending on battery level
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/04 : TPC
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/38 : TPC being performed in particular situations
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/46 : in multi hop networks, e.g. wireless relay networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/12 : Wireless traffic scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 : Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/22 : Manipulation of transport tunnels
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 : Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/10 : Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/16 : Gateway arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/02 : Inter-networking arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

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

Claims

1. A system for voice communication over a plurality of networks, the system comprising:

at least one processor coupled to a user interface and to radio frequency (RF) circuitry that communicates over an RF link, the at least one processor arranged to, at least;

determine, in response to the user interface, a selection of one of a first network having a predetermined bandwidth and a second network having a variable bandwidth, the first and second networks operating substantially independent of one another;

enable formatting of digitized voice information for the selected one of the first and second networks;

cause the RF circuitry to communicate the formatted information over the RF link coupled to the selected one of the first network and the second network; and

wherein in at least a first mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct full-duplex voice communication over the first network, wherein in at least a second mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct half-duplex communication over the second network, and wherein in at least a third mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct full-duplex communication over the second network.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first network is a digital network.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first network is an analog voice communication network.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first network comprises a circuit-switched telephone network.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the circuit-switched telephone network comprises a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the RF circuitry communicates to both the first network and the second network utilizing the same wireless communication network base station.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the second network is a packet-switched network over which data packets are routed as bandwidth becomes available.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein in the second mode of operation, the system is arranged to provide an indication to a user that half duplex communication is being utilized.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein in at least one mode of operation, the system is arranged to multicast information to a plurality of recipients over the second communication network.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is arranged to couple to the second network through an intervening network having a predetermined allocated bandwidth.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor responds to user input initiating a communication to determine which of the first and second networks to select for the communication.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select by, at least in part, responding to user input during initiation of a communication that explicitly indicates selection of a network.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is arranged to prompt a user to select a communication network.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is arranged to provide information about the first and second networks to the user, said information comprising information comparing the first and second networks.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select independent of destination information entered by a user.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is arranged to determine queuing time for voice information during call setup.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is arranged to adjust queuing time for voice information during a voice call after set-up of the voice call.

18. A system for voice communication over a plurality of networks, the system comprising:

at least one processor coupled to a user interface and to radio frequency (RF) circuitry that communicates over an RF link, the at least one processor arranged to, at least;

determine, in response to the user interface, a selection of one of a first network having a predetermined bandwidth and a second network having a variable bandwidth, the first and second networks operating substantially independent of one another;

enable formatting of digitized voice information for the selected one of the first and second networks;

cause the RF circuitry to communicate the formatted information over the RF link coupled to the selected one of the first network and the second network; and

wherein the system is arranged to couple to the second network through an intervening network having a predetermined allocated bandwidth.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first network is a digital network.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the first network is an analog voice communication network.

21. The system of claim 18, wherein the first network comprises a circuit-switched telephone network.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the circuit-switched telephone network comprises a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

23. The system of claim 18, wherein the RF circuitry communicates to both the first network and the second network utilizing the same wireless communication network base station.

24. The system of claim 18, wherein the second network is a packet-switched network over which data packets are routed as bandwidth becomes available.

25. The system of claim 18, wherein:

in at least a first mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct full-duplex voice communication over the first network, and

in at least a second mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct half-duplex communication over the second network.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein in the second mode of operation, the system is arranged to provide an indication to a user that half duplex communication is being utilized.

27. The system of claim 18, wherein in at least one mode of operation, the system is arranged to multicast information to a plurality of recipients over the second communication network.

28. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least one processor responds to user input initiating a communication to determine which of the first and second networks to select for the communication.

29. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select by, at least in part, responding to user input during initiation of a communication that explicitly indicates selection of a network.

30. The system of claim 18, wherein the system is arranged to prompt a user to select a communication network.

31. The system of claim 18, wherein the system is arranged to provide information about the first and second networks to the user, said information comprising information comparing the first and second networks.

32. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select independent of destination information entered by a user.

33. The system of claim 18, wherein the system is arranged to determine queuing time for voice information during call setup.

34. The system of claim 18, wherein the system is arranged to adjust queuing time for voice information during a voice call after set-up of the voice call.

35. A system for voice communication over a plurality of networks, the system comprising:

at least one processor coupled to a user interface and to radio frequency (RF) circuitry that communicates over an RF link, the at least one processor arranged to, at least;

determine, in response to the user interface, a selection of one of a first network having a predetermined bandwidth and a second network having a variable bandwidth, the first and second networks operating substantially independent of one another;

enable formatting of digitized voice information for the selected one of the first and second networks;

cause the RF circuitry to communicate the formatted information over the RF link coupled to the selected one of the first network and the second network; and

wherein the system is arranged to determine queuing time for voice information during call setup.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the first network is a digital network.

37. The system of claim 35, wherein the first network is an analog voice communication network.

38. The system of claim 35, wherein the first network comprises a circuit-switched telephone network.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the circuit-switched telephone network comprises a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

40. The system of claim 35, wherein the RF circuitry communicates to both the first network and the second network utilizing the same wireless communication network base station.

41. The system of claim 35, wherein the second network is a packet-switched network over which data packets are routed as bandwidth becomes available.

42. The system of claim 35, wherein:

in at least a first mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct full-duplex voice communication over the first network, and

in at least a second mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct half-duplex communication over the second network.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein in the second mode of operation, the system is arranged to provide an indication to a user that half duplex communication is being utilized.

44. The system of claim 35, wherein in at least one mode of operation, the system is arranged to multicast information to a plurality of recipients over the second communication network.

45. The system of claim 35, wherein the at least one processor responds to user input initiating a communication to determine which of the first and second networks to select for the communication.

46. The system of claim 35, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select by, at least in part, responding to user input during initiation of a communication that explicitly indicates selection of a network.

47. The system of claim 35, wherein the system is arranged to prompt a user to select a communication network.

48. The system of claim 35, wherein the system is arranged to provide information about the first and second networks to the user, said information comprising information comparing the first and second networks.

49. The system of claim 35, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select independent of destination information entered by a user.

50. The system of claim 35, wherein the system is arranged to adjust queuing time for voice information during a voice call after set-up of the voice call.

51. A system for voice communication over a plurality of networks, the system comprising:

at least one processor coupled to a user interface and to radio frequency (RF) circuitry that communicates over an RF link, the at least one processor arranged to, at least;

determine, in response to the user interface, a selection of one of a first network having a predetermined bandwidth and a second network having a variable bandwidth, the first and second networks operating substantially independent of one another;

enable formatting of digitized voice information for the selected one of the first and second networks;

cause the RF circuitry to communicate the formatted information over the RF link coupled to the selected one of the first network and the second network; and

wherein the system is arranged to adjust queuing time for voice information during a voice call after set-up of the voice call.

52. The system of claim 51, wherein the first network is a digital network.

53. The system of claim 51, wherein the first network is an analog voice communication network.

54. The system of claim 51, wherein the first network comprises a circuit-switched telephone network.

55. The system of claim 54, wherein the circuit-switched telephone network comprises a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

56. The system of claim 51, wherein the RF circuitry communicates to both the first network and the second network utilizing the same wireless communication network base station.

57. The system of claim 51, wherein the second network is a packet-switched network over which data packets are routed as bandwidth becomes available.

58. The system of claim 51, wherein:

in at least a first mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct full-duplex voice communication over the first network, and

in at least a second mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct half-duplex communication over the second network.

59. The system of claim 58, wherein in the second mode of operation, the system is arranged to provide an indication to a user that half duplex communication is being utilized.

60. The system of claim 51, wherein in at least one mode of operation, the system is arranged to multicast information to a plurality of recipients over the second communication network.

61. The system of claim 51, wherein the at least one processor responds to user input initiating a communication to determine which of the first and second networks to select for the communication.

62. The system of claim 51, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select by, at least in part, responding to user input during initiation of a communication that explicitly indicates selection of a network.

63. The system of claim 51, wherein the system is arranged to prompt a user to select a communication network.

64. The system of claim 51, wherein the system is arranged to provide information about the first and second networks to the user, said information comprising information comparing the first and second networks.

65. The system of claim 51, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select independent of destination information entered by a user.

66. A system for voice communication over a plurality of networks, the system comprising:

at least one processor coupled to a user interface;

at least one computer-readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of code sections that supports voice communication over the plurality of networks, the plurality of code sections executable by the at least one processor, the plurality of code sections, when executed, causing the at least one processor to perform operations comprising;

responding to the user interface;

determining, responsive to the user interface, a selection of one of a first network having a predetermined bandwidth and a second network having a variable bandwidth, the first and second networks operating substantially independent of one another;

enabling formatting of digitized voice information for the selected one of the first and second networks;

causing RF circuitry to communicate the formatted voice information over an RF link coupled to the selected one of the first network and the second network; and

wherein in at least a first mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct full-duplex voice communication over the first network, wherein in at least a second mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct half-duplex communication over the second network, and wherein in at least a third mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct full-duplex communication over the second network.

67. The system of claim 66, wherein the first network is a digital network.

68. The system of claim 66, wherein the first network is an analog voice communication network.

69. The system of claim 66, wherein the first network comprises a circuit-switched telephone network.

70. The system of claim 69, wherein the circuit-switched telephone network comprises a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

71. The system of claim 69, wherein the RF link couples to both the first network and the second network utilizing the same wireless communication network base station.

72. The system of claim 69, wherein the second network is a packet-switched network over which data packets are routed as bandwidth becomes available.

73. The system of claim 66, wherein in the second mode of operation, the system is arranged to provide an indication to a user that half duplex communication is being utilized.

74. The system of claim 66, wherein in at least one mode of operation, the system is arranged to multicast information to a plurality of recipients over the second communication network.

75. The system of claim 66, wherein the system is arranged to couple to the second network through an intervening network having a predetermined allocated bandwidth.

76. The system of claim 66, wherein the at least one processor responds to user input initiating a communication to determine which of the first and second networks to select for the communication.

77. The system of claim 66, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select by, at least in part, responding to user input during initiation of a communication that explicitly indicates selection of a network.

78. The system of claim 66, wherein the system is arranged to prompt a user to select a communication network.

79. The system of claim 66, wherein the system is arranged to provide information about the first and second networks to the user, said information comprising information comparing the first and second networks.

80. The system of claim 66, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select independent of destination information entered by a user.

81. The system of claim 66, wherein the system is arranged to determine queuing time for voice information during call setup.

82. The system of claim 66, wherein the system is arranged to adjust queuing time for voice information during a voice call after set-up of the voice call.

83. A system for voice communication over a plurality of networks, the system comprising:

at least one processor coupled to a user interface;

at least one computer-readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of code sections that supports voice communication over the plurality of networks, the plurality of code sections executable by the at least one processor, the plurality of code sections, when executed, causing the at least one processor to perform operations comprising;

responding to the user interface;

determining, responsive to the user interface, a selection of one of a first network having a predetermined bandwidth and a second network having a variable bandwidth, the first and second networks operating substantially independent of one another;

enabling formatting of digitized voice information for the selected one of the first and second networks;

causing RF circuitry to communicate the formatted voice information over an RF link coupled to the selected one of the first network and the second network; and

wherein the system is arranged to couple to the second network through an intervening network having a predetermined allocated bandwidth.

84. The system of claim 83, wherein the first network is a digital network.

85. The system of claim 83, wherein the first network is an analog voice communication network.

86. The system of claim 83, wherein the first network comprises a circuit-switched telephone network.

87. The system of claim 86, wherein the circuit-switched telephone network comprises a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

88. The system of claim 83, wherein the RF link couples to both the first network and the second network utilizing the same wireless communication network base station.

89. The system of claim 83, wherein the second network is a packet-switched network over which data packets are routed as bandwidth becomes available.

90. The system of claim 83, wherein:

in at least a first mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct full-duplex voice communication over the first network, and

in at least a second mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct half-duplex communication over the second network.

91. The system of claim 90, wherein in the second mode of operation, the system is arranged to provide an indication to a user that half duplex communication is being utilized.

92. The system of claim 83, wherein in at least one mode of operation, the system is arranged to multicast information to a plurality of recipients over the second communication network.

93. The system of claim 83, wherein the system is arranged to couple to the second network through an intervening network having a predetermined allocated bandwidth.

94. The system of claim 83, wherein the at least one processor responds to user input initiating a communication to determine which of the first and second networks to select for the communication.

95. The system of claim 83, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select by, at least in part, responding to user input during initiation of a communication that explicitly indicates selection of a network.

96. The system of claim 83, wherein the system is arranged to prompt a user to select a communication network.

97. The system of claim 83, wherein the system is arranged to provide information about the first and second networks to the user, said information comprising information comparing the first and second networks.

98. The system of claim 83, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select independent of destination information entered by a user.

99. The system of claim 83, wherein the system is arranged to determine queuing time for voice information during call setup.

100. The system of claim 83, wherein the system is arranged to adjust queuing time for voice information during a voice call after set-up of the voice call.

101. A system for voice communication over a plurality of networks, the system comprising:

at least one processor coupled to a user interface;

at least one computer-readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of code sections that supports voice communication over the plurality of networks, the plurality of code sections executable by the at least one processor, the plurality of code sections, when executed, causing the at least one processor to perform operations comprising;

responding to the user interface;

determining, responsive to the user interface, a selection of one of a first network having a predetermined bandwidth and a second network having a variable bandwidth, the first and second networks operating substantially independent of one another;

enabling formatting of digitized voice information for the selected one of the first and second networks;

causing RF circuitry to communicate the formatted voice information over an RF link coupled to the selected one of the first network and the second network; and

wherein the system is arranged to determine queuing time for voice information during call setup.

102. The system of claim 101, wherein the first network is a digital network.

103. The system of claim 101, wherein the first network is an analog voice communication network.

104. The system of claim 101, wherein the first network comprises a circuit-switched telephone network.

105. The system of claim 104, wherein the circuit-switched telephone network comprises a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

106. The system of claim 101, wherein the RF link couples to both the first network and the second network utilizing the same wireless communication network base station.

107. The system of claim 101, wherein the second network is a packet-switched network over which data packets are routed as bandwidth becomes available.

108. The system of claim 101, wherein:

in at least a first mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct full-duplex voice communication over the first network, and

in at least a second mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct half-duplex communication over the second network.

109. The system of claim 108, wherein in the second mode of operation, the system is arranged to provide an indication to a user that half duplex communication is being utilized.

110. The system of claim 108, wherein in at least a third mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct full-duplex communication over the second network.

111. The system of claim 101, wherein in at least one mode of operation, the system is arranged to multicast information to a plurality of recipients over the second communication network.

112. The system of claim 101, wherein the system is arranged to couple to the second network through an intervening network having a predetermined allocated bandwidth.

113. The system of claim 101, wherein the at least one processor responds to user input initiating a communication to determine which of the first and second networks to select for the communication.

114. The system of claim 101, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select by, at least in part, responding to user input during initiation of a communication that explicitly indicates selection of a network.

115. The system of claim 101, wherein the system is arranged to prompt a user to select a communication network.

116. The system of claim 101, wherein the system is arranged to provide information about the first and second networks to the user, said information comprising information comparing the first and second networks.

117. The system of claim 101, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select independent of destination information entered by a user.

118. The system of claim 101, wherein the system is arranged to adjust queuing time for voice information during a voice call after set-up of the voice call.

119. A system for voice communication over a plurality of networks, the system comprising:

at least one processor coupled to a user interface;

at least one computer-readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of code sections that supports voice communication over the plurality of networks, the plurality of code sections executable by the at least one processor, the plurality of code sections, when executed, causing the at least one processor to perform operations comprising;

responding to the user interface;

determining, responsive to the user interface, a selection of one of a first network having a predetermined bandwidth and a second network having a variable bandwidth, the first and second networks operating substantially independent of one another;

enabling formatting of digitized voice information for the selected one of the first and second networks;

causing RF circuitry to communicate the formatted voice information over an RF link coupled to the selected one of the first network and the second network; and

wherein the system is arranged to adjust queuing time for voice information during a voice call after set-up of the voice call.

120. The system of claim 119, wherein the first network is a digital network.

121. The system of claim 119, wherein the first network is an analog voice communication network.

122. The system of claim 119, wherein the first network comprises a circuit-switched telephone network.

123. The system of claim 122, wherein the circuit-switched telephone network comprises a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

124. The system of claim 119, wherein the RF link couples to both the first network and the second network utilizing the same wireless communication network base station.

125. The system of claim 119, wherein the second network is a packet-switched network over which data packets are routed as bandwidth becomes available.

126. The system of claim 119, wherein:

in at least a first mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct full-duplex voice communication over the first network, and

in at least a second mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct half-duplex communication over the second network.

127. The system of claim 126, wherein in the second mode of operation, the system is arranged to provide an indication to a user that half duplex communication is being utilized.

128. The system of claim 126, wherein in at least a third mode of operation, the system is arranged to conduct full-duplex communication over the second network.

129. The system of claim 119, wherein in at least one mode of operation, the system is arranged to multicast information to a plurality of recipients over the second communication network.

130. The system of claim 119, wherein the system is arranged to couple to the second network through an intervening network having a predetermined allocated bandwidth.

131. The system of claim 119, wherein the at least one processor responds to user input initiating a communication to determine which of the first and second networks to select for the communication.

132. The system of claim 119, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select by, at least in part, responding to user input during initiation of a communication that explicitly indicates selection of a network.

133. The system of claim 119, wherein the system is arranged to prompt a user to select a communication network.

134. The system of claim 119, wherein the system is arranged to provide information about the first and second networks to the user, said information comprising information comparing the first and second networks.

135. The system of claim 119, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to determine which of the first and second networks to select independent of destination information entered by a user.