Patent ID: 9078174
Filing Date: 2015-07-07
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for transitioning a call with a mobile terminal from a cellular connection to a local wireless connection other than a cellular connection, the method comprising: a) receiving an inter-switch handoff request from a wireless switch supporting a call to the mobile terminal over a cellular access network, the call comprising a first connection from the wireless switch to the mobile terminal and a second connection between the wireless switch and an entity; b) effecting establishment of an inter-switch handoff connection to the mobile terminal via a terminal adaptor, which supports local wireless communications with the mobile terminal, wherein the local wireless communications supported by the terminal adaptor comprise communications other than cellular communications; c) providing an inter-switch handoff instruction to the wireless switch to connect the second connection and the inter-switch handoff connection to effect handoff of the call from the cellular connection to the local wireless connection, wherein the local wireless connection is not a cellular connection; d) wherein the inter-switch handoff connection is established in part between first and second media gateways, and the first and second media gateways facilitate interworking between a cellular-based trunk and a public switched telephone network-based trunk over a packet network; and e) wherein the inter-switch handoff request is received and the inter-switch handoff instruction is provided using a cellular protocol while the establishment of the inter-switch handoff connection is effected using a packet-based communication session protocol.