WLAN and WWAN connection migration methods and apparatus

摘要

Intra-enterprise wireless handset (WH) calls between WHs operating in a wireless local area network (WLAN) are established directly between the WHs via a call connection that is maintained within the LAN without being routed through the cellular network (CN). This eliminates the cost of placing and maintaining calls through the CN for intra-enterprise calls, and also enables use of capabilities that are available in the enterprise telecomm equipment. Upon detection of a trigger condition, if and when it is more likely that a complete vertical handover (VHO) may be needed, the call connection between the WHs in the LAN is replaced by one that is routed through the CN. Thereafter, a VHO may occur (if at all) upon detection of a radio handover condition.

主权项

1. A method for use in switching communication operations between a wireless local area network (WLAN) of a LAN and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) of a WAN which utilizes a Generic Access Network (GAN) or Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) controller, the method comprising:
causing a first call connection of a first call for communications to be established and maintained between a first communication device and a second communication device which are both connected in the LAN, the first call connection being maintained via a WLAN interface of the first communication device and contained within the LAN without being routed to the WAN via the GAN or UMA controller, wherein the WLAN and WWAN comprise networks selected from a list comprising: a Bluetooth-based network, an IEEE 802.11-based network, a WiMAX network, and a cellular telecommunications network; and in response to identifying a predetermined condition: causing a second call connection of a second call for continuing the communications to be established and maintained between the first and the second communication devices which remain connected in the LAN, the second call connection being maintained via the WLAN interface of the first communication device and routed through the LAN out to the WAN via the GAN or UMA controller.