Method and apparatus for implementing bi-directional soft handovers between wireless networks via media gateway control

A method for managing a first communication network having an area of coverage, the first communication network associated with a media gateway that communicates with a plurality of mobile stations, the method comprising the steps of:

• connecting a call between a mobile station and a remote station through the media gateway, the media gateway being connected to the mobile station via a first connection line and to the remote station via a second connection line, wherein if the mobile station is outside of the area of coverage and initiates the call, the first connection line is established via a second communication network;
• determining that the mobile station entered a transition area of the area of coverage of the first communication network;
• placing a handover call, to the mobile station to establish a third connection line between the media gateway and the mobile station, the handover call including a call header to inform the mobile station that handover from the first connection line to the third connection line will occur, wherein if the mobile station is moving into the area of coverage the handover call is placed via the first communication network and wherein if the mobile station is moving out of the area of coverage the handover call is placed via the second communication network;
• and
• handing-ova communication between the media gateway and the mobile station from the first connection line to the third connection line.

A Media Gateway comprising:

• at least one transceiver configured to communicate with at least one mobile station wherein said mobile station is assigned at least two telephone numbers wherein one number is for a first wireless network having an area of coverage and associated with the media gateway and one number is for a second wireless network;
• and
• at least one processor configured to implement bi-directional handovers of said mobile station between said first wireless network and said second wireless network by the steps comprising:
• connecting a call between the mobile station and a remote station through the media gateway, the media gateway being connected to the mobile station via a first connection line and to the remote station via a second connection line, wherein if the mobile station is outside of the area of coverage and initiates the call, the first connection line is established via the second wireless network;
• determining that said mobile station has moved to a boundary of the area of coverage of the first wireless network;
• determining which one of said first wireless network and said second wireless network is a target network for handover;
• placing a handover phone call to said mobile station using one of said at least two telephone numbers associated with said target network;
• determining that said mobile station has been, one of inside and outside, of the boundary of the area of coverage of the first wireless network for a predetermined period of time;
• and
• disconnecting the first connection line, and maintaining bearer traffic through said media gateway via the second connection line and a new connection line established in response to the handover phone call.

A Media Gateway comprising:

• at least one transceiver configured to communicate with at least one mobile station wherein said mobile station is assigned at least two telephone numbers wherein one number is for a first wireless network having an area of coverage and associated with the media gateway and one number is for a second wireless network;
• and
• at least one processor configured to implement bi-directional handovers of said mobile station between said first wireless network and said second wireless network by the steps comprising:
• connecting a call between the mobile station and a remote station through the media gateway, the media gateway being connected to the mobile station via a first connection line and to the remote station via a second connection line, wherein if the mobile station is outside of the are of coverage and initiates the call, the first connection line is established via the second wireless network;
• determining that said mobile station has moved to a boundary of the area of coverage of said first wireless network;
• determining which one of said first wireless network and said second wireless network is a target network for handover;
• commanding said mobile station to place a handover call using one of said at least two telephone numbers associated with said target network;
• receiving said handover call from said mobile station using one of said at least two telephone numbers associated with said target network;
• determining that said mobile station has been, one of inside and outside, of the boundary of the area of coverage of said first wireless network for a predetermined period of time;
• and
• disconnecting the first connection line, and maintaining bearer traffic through said media gateway via the second connection line and a new connection line established in response to the handover call.