Cellular network with public network interface and local arer network expansion

Abstract

A communication system (100) and method for coupling a wireless local area network (WLAN 128) to a public network (102) to enable communication between User Equipment terminals (UEs 130) associated with the WLAN and the public network. The public network (102) can include a GSM (110) and/or a 3G-network (114). The WLAN (128) can include a HiperLAN, HiperMAN, or 802.11 network. Preferably, the communication is voice communication, and the system (100) is configured to enable the UEs (130) to access supplementary services provided by the public network (102). Subscriber and security information for the UEs (102) can be provided to the public network (102) from a SIM (134) associated with each UE, or from an identity module (138) comprising either a private memory with information stored therein, or a card holder/reader holding cards with subscriber and security information for one or more UEs. Optionally, the system (100) further includes a private cellular network (122) the WLAN (128) also enables communication between the UEs (130) and the private cellular network.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to communication systems, and more particularly to a communication system for connecting a wireless local area network (WLAN) to public and private telephone networks to enable communication between user terminal equipment associated with the WLAN and the telephone network and method. Background technique [0002] In recent years, the use of wireless communication networks and devices, including cellular telephones, pagers, fax machines, computers and network access devices, has grown exponentially. The increasing demand for wireless communication networks and equipment has also led to the rapid growth of public and private infrastructure to support these services. Public networks include wired networks, such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and the Internet; and wireless or cellular networks, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks and Third Generation Mobile Communications...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] Therefore, one problem with existing communication systems is that a company or business that already has an existing WLAN for wireless data communication is limited by the cost of providing cellular communication within or outside the same geographic area

In some places, cellular communication is available through public cellular networks, but for calls between mobile stations and / or UEs within a single WLAN address or between mobile stations and / or UEs at separate WLAN addresses linked by a Wide Area Network (WAN) or calls between UEs, which will result in additional long-distance charges

And, in turn, this leads to a number of other disadvantages, including the inability to maintain ownership or control over the information passed over the public cellular network, and the inability to use system resources efficiently since communications between two mobile stations or UEs of a single address do not have to be detour to public cellular switching center

[0006] Another problem with existing communication systems is that the growing demand for voice and data communication services has outstripped the growth of GSM and 3G networks and the public infrastructure required to support these services

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