US 6,961,312 B2 · Hierarchical data collection network supporting packetized voice communications among wireless terminals and telephones

Abstract

A packet-based, hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user. A voice session and associate call setup simulates that of conventional telephone switching network, providing well-understood functionality common to any mobile, remote or stationary terminal, phone, computer, etc.

Claims36

Dependent claims

A call routing device comprising:

interface circuitry for the exchange of signals with a first telephony device, the interface circuitry capable of receiving from the first telephony device both voice and non- voice signals;
a host device communicatively coupled to the interface circuitry;
at least one network interface capable of communicating via at least one of a conventional switched telephone network and a packet network, the at least one network interface communicatively coupled to the host device;
and
the host device having stored thereon operational software and a database, the database having at least one entry comprising predefined call routing information and at least one associated destination address, the database for use in the routing of voice calls from the first telephony device to a second telephony device, via the at least one network interface.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Hierarchical data collection network supporting packetized voice communications among wireless terminals and telephones

Life of this patent

Hierarchical data collection network supporting packetized voice communications among wireless terminals and telephones

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims36