Extending RF coverage areas for cellular telephones using base stations with ultra-wide band signaling

摘要

An exemplary method provides cellular communications for handsets capable of communications using a conventional RF communication mode and a second ultra-wide band RF communication mode. An RF voice communication link is established between the handset and a base station using the conventional communication mode. A decrease in signal strength of the RF link is detected to be at a level at which a hand-off should be made. No other base stations utilizing the conventional communication mode have an acceptable signal strength level with the handset to support a hand-off from the base station. Another base station using the ultra-wide band second communication mode has an acceptable signal strength level with the handset to support a hand-off from the current base station. A hand-off of the voice communication link with the handset is made from the current base station to the other base station, where the handset changes from using the conventional RF communication mode to the ultra-wide band RF communication mode.