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 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: The invention provides for path optimization for routing of a communication session in a network having a plurality of core networks coupled to a plurality of access networks. Both a core network and an access network perform the path optimization by determining a plurality of possible paths to a plurality of target access points to form a target matrix, determining a corresponding route preference factor for each possible path of the target matrix, and selecting, from the target matrix, a possible path having an optimal route preference factor. An overall or complete path, for routing of the communication session, is then determined either by combining the selected possible paths, or by selecting one possible path as a complete path.

Abstract: The invention provides for path optimization for routing of a communication session in a network having a plurality of core networks coupled to a plurality of access networks. Both a core network and an access network perform the path optimization by determining a plurality of possible paths to a plurality of target access points to form a target matrix, determining a corresponding route preference factor for each possible path of the target matrix, and selecting, from the target matrix, a possible path having an optimal route preference factor. An overall or complete path, for routing of the communication session, is then determined either by combining the selected possible paths, or by selecting one possible path as a complete path.

Abstract: A marketing device in the form of a container, which may be, for example, a bottle, contains a novelty item. The novelty item may be removed from the container by disengaging an engagement mechanism. The container containing a novelty item may be grouped with one or more like-shaped containers and marketed as a grouping such as, for example, a six-pack or case.

Abstract: A communication system (100) having packet and circuit switched networks (102 and 101) provides connection between at least a first and a second end users by establishing a call connection via a radio access network (105), establishing a control channel associated the call connection between radio access network (105) and packet switched network (102) through a first packet switched connection, selecting one of packet and circuit switched networks (101 and 102) for establishing a traffic channel associated with the call connection, and routing the traffic channel through said selected network while maintaining the control channel through packet switched network (102).