Abstract: A telecommunications system uses a packet switched network to provide communications capabilities to mobile devices. Base transceiver stations (BTSs) on the network communicate with mobile devices in their respective coverage areas. User media exchanged between the mobile devices and the BTSs are encoded in the mobile devices' native formats. The BTSs encapsulate the user media in a packet-based representation and send it to the other endpoint of the session via the network. A media gateway interfaces with telephone networks and converts media between the native formats of the mobile devices and the native formats of the telephone networks. A softswitch provides session processing and media connection signaling and switching via control signals encoded in a packet-based representation and sent to the BTSs and/or media gateways via the packet switched network.

Abstract: A softswitch at a network operations center (NOC) is in data communication with base transceiver stations (BTSs) at one or more locations. The softswitch performs call processing, mobility management, and media connection switching and signaling to provide communications capabilities to mobile devices in communication with the BTSs. The softswitch routes control signals for calls between the enterprises and the NOC, but routes call media on the most efficient point-to-point paths between the devices on the calls. This routing reduces the amount of bandwidth required between the locations and the NOC and provides economies of scale, thereby allowing a centralized NOC to efficiently support BTSs at multiple locations. Each location has an internet protocol (IP)-based network coupling one or more BTSs for providing coverage to the mobile devices. Each location optionally has a media gateway connected to the IP network and a private branch exchange and/or public telephone network.

Abstract: A softswitch at a network operations center (NOC) is in data communication with one or more enterprises. The softswitch performs call processing, mobility management, and media connection switching and signaling to provide communications capabilities including basic and enhanced calling features to mobile devices at the enterprises. The softswitch routes control signals for calls between the enterprises and the NOC, but routes call media on the most efficient point-to-point paths between the devices on the calls. This routing reduces the amount of bandwidth required between the enterprises and the NOC and provides economies of scale, thereby allowing a centralized NOC to efficiently support multiple enterprises. Each enterprise has an internet protocol (IP)-based network coupling one or more base station transceivers for providing coverage to the mobile devices. Each enterprise optionally has a media gateway connected to the IP network and a private branch exchange and/or public telephone network.