PROTOCOL CONVERTER AND ROUTER FOR MULTI-MODE WIRELESS DATA COMMUNICATIONS

摘要

The present invention encompasses an apparatus and method for supporting multiple wireless data communication networks between a wireless communicati ons device and a fixed communications device or another wireless communications device. Two network elements compose the physical apparatus, a protocol converter an d a router. Upon receiving packet data from a fixed communications device, a rou ter will locate a destination wireless communications device. The router will then co nvert the packet data to a format usable by the wireless data network that the wireles s communications device is currently using for wireless access. After conversi on, the router will perform actual transmission of the packet data to the correct de stination wireless network. Once the converted packet data is received by the wireless network base station, it will be transmitted via RF to the destination wireless comm unications device. The router will also perform reverse functions of receiving packet d ata from a wireless communications device across wireless data network and then perform necessary conversion to a format usable by fixed communications device. The router will then perform actual transmission of the converted packet data to the fixed communications device.