Abstract: A location independent personal telecommunications system is presented that utilizes an out-of-band bi-directional burst data communications network to assist in the routing of personal communications via an in-band voice and data communications network. Access to the out-of-band network for communication is regulated by a multiple access communications protocol. Each user is synchronized with the other users of the network to the protocol and will access the network only during certain time periods that are reserved by the protocol for message traffic between network users. A collision avoidance scheme is included in the protocol to resolve instances of simultaneous transmission of message traffic by multiple users during the same time period.

Abstract: The location independent personal telecommunications system of the present invention enables a subscriber to have a single personal telephone directory number. When that personal telephone number is dialed, the system uses the existing public and cellular communication systems and a service node all comprising parts of the personal telecommunications system to route the call to the present, or last known location of the subscriber. The location of the subscriber is determined by the personal telecommunications system through a radio tracking system comprised of a number of radio base stations that monitor the subscriber's location by communicating with a personal communicator carried by the subscriber. The subscriber location information is transmitted from the base stations to the service node for storage and subsequent access when a call is placed to the subscriber's personal telephone number.

Abstract: A unique combination of frequency and time division multiplexed communications is presented to enable bi-directional burst communications between a substantial number of users over a single radio frequency communications channel. A service area for communications is divided into a number of cells, with the cells arranged into clusters. Cells in each cluster are similarly numbered with no two adjacent cells across the service area having the same number. The clusters are also numbered in the same manner. A cellular time division multiplexed waveform is used by the network to carry communications with each cell number and cluster number assigned a time slot. During the time slot corresponding to the cell or cluster number, all cells or clusters having that number will be simultaneously transmitting. This networking technique enables time slots to be reused across the service area.

Abstract: The invention relates to upgrading existing telephone central offices having 1ESS or 1AESS switching equipment to utilize the SS7 protocol. In particular, the 1ESS and 1AESS switching equipment is provided with the capability of controlling the connection, management, and disconnection of telephone circuits using Signaling System Number 7 (SS7), a national and international standard set of protocols for providing such circuit control and providing and receiving information via the SS7 protocol for enabling enhanced service in the switching equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to upgrading existing telephone central offices which utilize electromechanical or electronic switching equipment to include the capability of processing calls in the ISDN protocol. In particular, it relates to providing said switching equipment with the capability of controlling the connection, management, and disconnection of telephone circuits using Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), a national and international standard set of protocols for providing such circuit control and providing and receiving information via the ISDN protocol for enabling enhanced service in the switching equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to upgrading existing telephone central offices which utilize electromechanical or electronic switching equipment incapable of using the SS7 protocol. In particular, it relates to providing the switching equipment with the capability of controlling the connection, management, and disconnection of telephone circuits using Signaling System Number 7, a national and international standard set of protocols for providing such circuit control and providing and receiving information via the SS7 protocol for enabling enhanced service in the switching equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for providing extended subscriber features, e.g., equal access, to otherwise non-conforming central offices of a telephone switching system. According to the invention, a register module is interposed between the subscriber line and an input of the central office for intercepting digits from the subscriber line intended for the central office and for receiving subscriber information from the central office identifying the subscriber line. The register module includes a memory having a plurality of address locations and a control circuit for analyzing the intercepted digits to determine whether processing of the subscriber call requires an extended subscriber feature. If so, the intercepted digits are processed to generate a coded signal, the coded signal including the address location where the stored digits and the subscriber information resides in the memory.