Method and apparatus for providing seamless call handoff between networks that use dissimilar transmission methods

摘要

Call handoff from an 802.1x network to a cellular network, and vice versa. A wireless device that has both cellular and 802.1x capability detects the strength of a cellular signal and of an 802.1x signal. If a call is taking place over the 802.1x network and the strength of the 802.1x signal drops below a particular level and the strength of the cellular signal is above a certain level, the call is handed off from the 802.1x network to the cellular network. If a call is taking place over the cellular network and the cellular signal strength drops below a certain level while the 802.1x signal strength is above a certain level, the call is handed off from the cellular network to the 802.1x network. In addition, the user of the wireless device can manually initiate the handoff by actuating a handoff selector of the wireless device.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving, by a processor, a first signal strength associated with a first connection between a wireless device and a cellular network, a second signal strength associated with a second connection between the wireless device and an 802.1 x network, and a value associated with a selector of the wireless device; determining, by the processor, if the second signal strength exceeds a sum of the first signal strength and the value; if a determination is made that the second signal strength exceeds the sum of the first signal strength and the value, causing, by the processor, the wireless device to communicate via the second connection; and if a determination is made that the second signal strength does not exceed the sum of the first signal strength and the value, causing, by the processor, the wireless device to communicate via the first connection.