Abstract: Computers that exchange data over communication networks frequently wait for responses to messages and therefor use timers to control the amount of time that the computer will wait for a response to a command issued over a network. Communication network responsiveness varies as traffic loading on the network changes. Fixed-value timers that don't take network loading into account can inadvertently terminate communications if a response is not timely received. Varying or adjusting data communication timers according to data network responsiveness can prevent erroneous data communication session termination.

Abstract: A method for voice activated dialing of a wireless voice communication terminal is provided. The method includes connecting the wireless voice communication terminal to an application server of a voice activated dialing service provider and collecting requested party information at the application server over a voice network. The method also includes providing a phone number of the requested party as data and delivering the requested party phone number data to the wireless voice communication terminal over a data network. A data assisted voice activated dialing system is provided which receives spoken requested party identification information from a user operated wireless voice communication terminal over a voice network. In response, the server provides the requested party phone number as data to the wireless voice communication terminal over a data network.

Abstract: A process and apparatus providing local hunting of a telecommunication trunk in response to a request coming from an external base station or switching unit. This process and apparatus by utilizing the capabilities of a local switching module or node saves communication time and processor time of the overall system. If the local trunk hunt at the local switching module is unsuccessful, the request is forwarded to a centralized processor that subsequently notifies another switching module to hunt a trunk and set-up communication with the requesting external base station or switching unit. In such a case, the centralized processor uses status table data to select a switching module that should have a trunk available to fulfill the request of the external base station or switching unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing cellular mobile telecommunication service in accordance with the requirements of the Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard. A modular switching system is provided which performs the functions of the mobile switching center plus those of a home location register, authentication center, visitor location register, and equipment identity register. The latter functions are advantageously spread among the modules of the switching system, thus avoiding the getting started cost of expensive dedicated data bases. A wireless global switching module advantageously switches mobile communications control messages among the modules of the system and between the modules and the base station systems, and terminates signaling links between the mobile switching center and the base station systems.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing cellular mobile telecommunication service in accordance with the requirements of the Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard. A modular switching system is provided which performs the functions of the mobile switching center plus those of a home location register, authentication center, visitor location register, and equipment identity register. The latter functions are advantageously spread among the modules of the switching system, thus avoiding the getting started cost of expensive dedicated data bases. A wireless global switching module advantageously switches mobile communications control messages among the modules of the system and between the modules and the base station systems, and terminates signaling links between the mobile switching center and the base station systems.

Abstract: Personalized telephone features are made available to subscribers away from their home base. A nationally accessible data base system stores feature data in association with personal identification numbers. A subscriber wishing to use personalized features while away from the home base dials a special code from a station connected to any exchange which has access to the data base and presents the personal identification number. The corresponding feature data is retrieved from the data base and stored in the exchange in association with the station from which the request was initiated and telephone service will be rendered in that exchange with the subscriber's personalized telephone features. A temporary office arrangement may be established in which the personalized features will be immediately available on incoming and outgoing calls for a period of time specified by the subscriber. In one embodiment the feature data is stored on a credit card and transmitted to the exchange by a card reader.