Use of common channels for cellular and cordless communications

摘要

multi-mode communication network (12) accommodates piloted cellular operation and pilotless cordless operation using a multi-mode handset (18). A common pool of channels (28) serves cellular and cordless operations. At least some channels from a cordless subset (32) of the pool of channels (28) are unused in cellular operations regardless of location. The handset (18) monitors forward portions of all cordless subset channels when the handset (18) is within the coverage area (16) of its cordless base station (22). Unused channels are indicated on a dormant channel list (70), which is passed to the handset's cordless base station (22) when the handset (18) registers for cordless operation. The cordless base station (22) makes an active channel list (62) based upon the dormant channel list (70). Cordless operation messages transmitted from either a handset (18) or cordless base station (22) use a channel selected from the active channel list (62).