TIERED WIRELESS, MULTI-MODAL ACCESS SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

A wireless, multi-modal access device and system adapted to integrate a number of communications networks operating in differing communication modes to facilitate transfer of communication links during a communication session to promote efficient use of the communication networks. The system includes a plurality of Universal Multi-Modal Access Devices UMMAD that are capable of operating at different frequencies and different protocols (TDMA, AMPS, CDMA, GSM, PCS etc) to communicate with any one of a number of Wide Bandwidth Gateways (WBG), which are each capable of communication using one or more of the protocols. The communication links may be switched from one WBG to another or from one protocol to another during a communication session to continue the session under the control of a Universal System Traffic Controller. Numerous other applications of the UMMADs for unique identification and e-commerce are disclosed.

主权项

1. A network device comprising:
a receiver configured to receive, via a wireless network to which a portable wireless device is currently connected, first information regarding a capability of the portable wireless device to independently switch wireless networks; a processor configured to generate second information regarding at least one available wireless network; and a transmitter configured to transmit the second information regarding the at least one available wireless network, to the portable wireless device via the wireless network to which the portable wireless device is currently connected, to enable the portable wireless device to independently switch to an available wireless network based on the information regarding the at least one available wireless network.