Abstract: A gateway (111, 200) and method for routing calls for a wireless communication unit (113) via a selected network (105, 124, 131) comprises an access point (217) supporting a wireless LAN and a modem (203, 229) for wireless connections to a wireless WAN and an interface 227 with a wired local loop (105). The methodology involves using a first network, such as a local loop if available and a second network, such as a packet data WAN 131 otherwise as well as maintaining the busy status of the first network via the second network.

Abstract: During operation a device (101) will utilize a wireless local-area network (206) when within the coverage area of the wireless local-area network, and will utilize wide-area network (207) when outside of the coverage area of the wireless local-area network. The device will also utilize both the local, and wide-area networks for soft handoff purposes when both systems are available for communication.

Abstract: A gateway (111, 200) and method for routing calls for a wireless communication unit (113) via a selected network (105, 124, 131) comprises an access point (217) supporting a wireless LAN and a modem (203, 229) for wireless connections to a wireless WAN and an interface 227 with a wired local loop (105). The methodology involves using a first network, such as a local loop if available and a second network, such as a packet data WAN 131 otherwise as well as maintaining the busy status of the first network via the second network.

Abstract: A system and method for locating a portable locator device in a communications network. The portable locator unit (PLU) (4) is activated either by an external signal (62) generated in response to remote activation source, such as a subscriber (6, 8) or PLU detector (106, 108), or by an internal activation signal triggered e.g. by the wearer. Once activated, the PLU (4) transmits a location signal (66). This location signal (66) is received by one or more network service nodes (20, 22, 24) which forward the information along with identifying service node information to a network location processor (26, 28). After having determined the location of the PLU (4) from the received information, the network location processor (26, 28) forwards this information to a designated source, such as the requesting subscriber or other authorized user (6, 8).

Abstract: Adjacent cellular systems (101-103) are interconnected to form a network providing telephone coverage to mobiles located throughout their combined coverage areas (111-113). Each networked cellular system (101-103) includes base sites (412, 414, 416) located in cells (402, 404, 406) and a control terminal (420) coupled by data and voice lines to the base sites, a telephone central office (422) and the other cellular systems. Each base site (402, 404, 406) includes a base site controller 950, a scanning receiver 910, signalling transceiver 912 and up to eight voice channel transceivers (901-908). As mobiles move about the networked coverage area (111-113), intrasystem handoffs are provided between cells of the same cellular system, and intersystem handoffs are provided between border cells of adjacent cellular systems if intrasystem capacity is not available. Mobiles are paged throughout the networked coverage area (111-113) starting in the coverage area (111-113) in which the mobile last registered.