Abstract: One determines (101, 102) that a given wireless mobile two-way communications platform is updating its network location (using, for example, an 802.16(e)-compatible protocol) at a time when there is no downlink traffic to provide to the platform and at a time when the platform should conduct at least one of an authenticator relocation process and an Internet Protocol address renewal process. In response to such determinations, one then automatically provides (103) to the platform, as part of updating the network location for the platform, an indication (such as, for example, a downlink traffic pending (DTP) flag) that the platform has pending downlink traffic notwithstanding that there is, in fact, no downlink traffic to provide to the wireless mobile two-way communications platform. Subsequent to this, one can then automatically cause (104) the platform to effect at least one of the authenticator relocation process and the Internet Protocol address renewal process.

Abstract: A system, wireless device (306) and method determine that a wireless device (306) is detecting a triggering event. The triggering event includes detecting a WLAN border cell (210), detecting a first signal from an egress portal (302), or detecting a degradation in signal quality. The wireless device (306) then detects at least one signal from an egress portal (302), determines that the wireless device (306) is moving from the coverage area of a first communications system to the coverage area of a second communications system according to the order of signals received from the egress portal (302), initiates a registration sequence with the second wireless communication system in response to determining that the wireless device (306) is moving from the coverage area of the first communications system to the coverage area of the second communications system, and conducts present and subsequent calls via the second wireless communication system.

Abstract: One determines (101, 102) that a given wireless mobile two-way communications platform is updating its network location (using, for example, an 802.16(e)-compatible protocol) at a time when there is no downlink traffic to provide to the platform and at a time when the platform should conduct at least one of an authenticator relocation process and an Internet Protocol address renewal process. In response to such determinations, one then automatically provides (103) to the platform, as part of updating the network location for the platform, an indication (such as, for example, a downlink traffic pending (DTP) flag) that the platform has pending downlink traffic notwithstanding that there is, in fact, no downlink traffic to provide to the wireless mobile two-way communications platform. Subsequent to this, one can then automatically cause (104) the platform to effect at least one of the authenticator relocation process and the Internet Protocol address renewal process.

Abstract: A network controller (200, 300) corresponding communication device (400) and method for providing a caller identification to a called party comprises a receiver (202) for receiving a communication and a corresponding first identifier from a communication device (400), a controller for selecting a second identifier from a plurality of identifiers, each of the plurality of identifiers corresponding to the communications device (400), and a transmitter (204) coupled to the controller for providing the second identifier as the caller identification to the called party. The communication device (400) may be used to select the second identifier as well as signal a second communication infrastructure (300) to block calls before forwarding from the second communication infrastructure (300) to the first communication infrastructure (200).

Abstract: A system, computer readable medium, mobile subscriber device and method determine that the device (306), operating on a first communications system is detecting a triggering event, which may be the detection of a wireless local area network border cell (210) or a degradation in signal quality. The device (306) then initiates a registration sequence with a second wireless communication system if the device (306) has detected the triggering event, determines the speed and/or displacement of the device (306), and conducts any present and subsequent calls via the second wireless communication system if the speed and/or displacement of the device exceeds a predetermined threshold. The registration sequence may be aborted if at least one of the speed and displacement of the device (306) does not exceed predetermined thresholds. Movement of the device (306) may be determined by an accelerometer (314) or GPS chipset.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to update information within a first network (103) via a second network (102) when communication no longer exists with the first network. During operation the first network is accessed via a PSTN (108) message that is never answered by the first network. Based on the called number and caller-identification information, the first network updates its system information.

Abstract: A wireless communication unit (101, 200, 401), network switch (112, 300, 407) and corresponding methods facilitate retrieval, routing, and management of on-hold calls (FIG. 4-FIG. 7) within a first communication network (103) when the unit is operating in a second communication network (105) that is loosely coupled to the first. The communication unit comprises a transceiver (203) configured to support an air interface with the first and the second communication network; and a controller (209) arranged to cooperatively operate with the transceiver to retrieve an on-hold call from the first network via a call leg established to support a handout to and while the unit is operating in the second network. A user interface (211) and in band signaling over the call leg facilitates management, connecting, disconnecting, etc., of the on-hold calls by the communication unit.

Abstract: A communication unit (10) with dual-mode operating capability comprises: a receiver (203, 204) and a transmitter (207, 208) for supporting an initial connection with another communication unit (12) on a first wireless network (16, 18, 20); and a controller (205), coupled to and controlling the receiver and transmitter, to maintain the initial connection and receive messages from or send messages to the other communications unit to effectuate a new connection over a second wireless network (11). A corresponding method includes while participating in an initial connection (302) detecting availability of a new connection (304) and establishing the new connection by exchanging messages between the communication units over the initial connection (310, 312).

Abstract: A method (FIG. 11) and corresponding wireless communication unit (102, FIG. 5) and mobility manager (116, FIG. 6) for facilitating a handover from one communication network (106) to another communication network (108) of an ongoing communication (120, 122) between a wireless communication unit (102) and a peer communication unit (114, 714). The method including obtaining call information (1103) corresponding to the ongoing communication where the ongoing communication uses the first communication network; and ascertaining a handover number (1105) for use by the wireless communication unit to originate a handover call (1107) via the second network (108), the handover number terminating within the first communication network for use in facilitating the handover of the ongoing communication to the second communication network.

Abstract: A dual-band wireless subscriber unit (SU) (112) having an enterprise address of E1 and a cellular address of C1, corresponding method (200), software program (310–320), and WLAN (104) determines (202) that the SU is about to leave a wireless local area network (WLAN) (104). In response, when the SU is involved in a call on E1, the SU sends (212, 208) to the WLAN a SIP message, for example a Refer message with a “Refer To” field of C1 if an ongoing call or a SIP Redirect message with a contact address of C1 if a new call is attempting to begin on E1. In response to receiving either message, the WLAN seamlessly transfers (210, 214) the call to C1.

Abstract: Circular call forwarding loops are prevented for a communications unit (12) capable of operating in a first communications network (14) and a second communications network (16) within a loosely coupled network (16), and respectively having a first network number and a second network number, as well as a first network voice mail. A call directed to the first network number (50) of the communications unit is forwarded to the second network number (52) of the communications unit when the communications unit is not operating in the first network. A first network voice mail number (P3) may be associated with calls so that calls are forwarded directly to the first network voice mail (56) when received again at the first network (54).

Abstract: A system and method switches between an active call and a call on hold when handing off a mobile station (204) from a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (202). A Handover Starting message is received from a mobile station. The Handover Starting message includes at least one first identifier. A Notification message is also received. The Notification message includes a second identifier. The at least one first identifier is compared to the second identifier and a handover of the mobile station (204) proceeds when a match is determined. Subsequently, the mobile station (204) switches from an active call to a call on hold.

Abstract: A wireless communication unit (200) and corresponding method (500) selectively routes calls originated in one wireless communication network (105) through another wireless communication network (104, 108, 110). The communication unit comprises a transceiver (203) suitable to support an air interface with a first wireless communication network and with a second wireless communication network; a user interface (211) operable to initiate a call to a number of a target unit; and a controller (209), coupled to the transceiver and the user interface, and operable, responsive to the call initiation and when the wireless communication unit is operating in the second wireless communication network, to selectively hairpin the call through the first communication network.

Abstract: A communication unit (10) with dual-mode operating capability comprises: a receiver (203, 204) and a transmitter (207, 208) for supporting an initial connection with another communication unit (12) on a first wireless network (16, 18, 20); and a controller (205), coupled to and controlling the receiver and transmitter, to maintain the initial connection and receive messages from or send messages to the other communications unit to effectuate a new connection over a second wireless network (11). A corresponding method includes while participating in an initial connection (302) detecting availability of a new connection (304) and establishing the new connection by exchanging messages between the communication units over the initial connection (310, 312).

Abstract: A network controller (200, 300) corresponding communication device (400) and method for providing a caller identification to a called party comprises a receiver (202) for receiving a communication and a corresponding first identifier from a communication device (400), a controller for selecting a second identifier from a plurality of identifiers, each of the plurality of identifiers corresponding to the communications device (400), and a transmitter (204) coupled to the controller for providing the second identifier as the caller identification to the called party. The communication device (400) may be used to select the second identifier as well as signal a second communication infrastructure (300) to block calls before forwarding from the second communication infrastructure (300) to the first communication infrastructure (200).

Abstract: A method and apparatus that process messages within a wireless communications system based on originator priority and recipient priority is accomplished when a server (12, 52) receives a message from an originating party (50). The message includes identity of the receiving party (54), originator priority information, and message content. Upon identifying the receiving party, the server retrieves recipient priority information of the receiving party. The server then merges the originator priority information with the recipient priority information to produce a message priority. In addition, the server generates a recipient index, which identifies an address for subsequent retrieval of the message content. Next, the server provides notice of the message to the receiving party based on the message priority. The notice of the message may be sent to the receiving party's pager, cellular telephone, e-mail account, facsimile machine, wireline telephone, or answering service.

Abstract: A method of handling data retrieval requests is provided. A data server (108) receives a message, which message at least identifies a particular data set (202). The data server (108) determines whether the particular data set represents a complete data set, i.e., a complete and current version of the data (204). When the particular data set does represent a complete data set, the data server (108) confirms that the particular data set represents a complete data set (208). When the particular data set does not represent a complete data set, the data server (108) sends at least some additional data to facilitate the formation of a complete data set (206).