System and method for performing handovers based upon local area network conditions

An access node within a local area network based wireless telecommunications system, comprising:

• mobile switching center functionality for controlling wireless communications of at least one mobile station within said local area network;
• base station controller functionality in communication with said mobile switching center functionality and said mobile station;
• means for receiving traffic load information relating to the load on said local area network;
• and
• means for monitoring said traffic load information, said monitoring means comparing said traffic load information to a threshold load, said monitoring means instructing said base station controller functionality to perform a handover of said wireless communications of said mobile station to a second base station within a second wireless telecommunications network when said traffic load information is greater than said threshold load.

A method for providing a call connection from a local area network based wireless telecommunications system to a second wireless telecommunications network, said method comprising the steps of:

• establishing a threshold load for said local area network based wireless telecommunications system, said threshold load being stored in an access node of said local area network;
• sending a call setup request from a mobile station in wireless communication with base station functionality within said local area network to said access node via said base station functionality;
• monitoring the traffic load on said local area network;
• comparing the traffic load on said local area network with said threshold load;
• and
• performing a handover of said call setup request of said mobile station from said base station functionality of said local area network to a second base station within said second wireless telecommunications network when the traffic load on said local area network is greater than said threshold load.

A method for providing a call connection from a local area network based wireless telecommunications system to a second wireless telecommunications network, said method comprising the steps of:

• stablishing a threshold load for said local area network based wireless telecommunications system, said threshold load being stored in an access node of said local area network;
• establishing said call connection between a mobile station in wireless communication with base station functionality within said local area network and another subscriber;
• monitoring the traffic load on said local area network;
• comparing the traffic load on said local area network with said threshold load;
• and
• performing a handover of said call connection from said base station functionality of said local area network to a second base station within said second wireless telecommunications network when the traffic load on said local area network is greater than said threshold load.