Data handoff method between wireless local area network and wireless wide area network

摘要

A method and associated system enables seamless data roaming and handoff between the wireless local area network (WLAN) and the wireless wide-area network (WWAN). This method enables a mobile device to originate a data connection in the WLAN and have this data connection be automatically handed off to the WWAN without losing the connection when the user goes outside the range of the WLAN. Similarly, it enables a mobile device to originate a data connection in the WWAN and have this data connection be automatically handed off to the WLAN without losing the connection when the user loses the signal of the WWAN. This solution assumes that the user has subscribed to data services from a cellular carrier that will authenticate the user before permitting the handoff.