Abstract: A method and communications network is provided that directly routes a call from a calling party to a called mobile party using an IP network. More specifically, the method includes the step of determining at the IP network as to whether the called mobile party is currently roaming outside a home mobile network. In response to an affirmative determination, an address of a destination mobile network currently occupied by the called mobile party is obtained at the IP network, and the call between the calling party and the called mobile party is connected using the IP network and the destination mobile network while bypassing the home mobile network. In response to a negative determination, an address of the home mobile network is obtained at the IP network, and the call between the calling party and the called mobile party is connected using the IP network and the home mobile network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a TCP packet connection between a remote host on a first network and a mobile station on a mobile network is disclosed. The process initially involves performing a three-way handshake routine between the remote host and a gateway packet mobile switching center of the mobile network to establish the validity of a TCP packet connection request. During the handshake routine transmissions from the remote host are buffered by the gateway packet mobile switching center. A second three-way handshake routine is then carried out between the gateway packet mobile switching center and the mobile station using the buffered transmissions to complete a TCP connection between the mobile station and the remote host.