Patent ID: 7349354
Filing Date: 2008-03-25
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for performing a soft-handoff in a mobile communication system, comprising: converting a bundle of data of an existing call from a first format of a first mobile switching center into a handoff packet having a second format; determining routing information for a second mobile switching center; converting the handoff packet into a third format corresponding to the second mobile switching center; converting the handoff packet in the third format to a fourth format of a switch; and routing the handoff packet in the fourth format through the switch based on said routing information wherein the first format and the third format are different, wherein said determining includes: searching a first table that links information identifying each of a plurality of groups of mobile switching centers with information identifying ports connected to the mobile switching centers; and searching a second table that links each group of mobile switching centers and corresponding ports identified in the first table to virtual routing information, wherein: each of said groups of mobile switching centers process data in different formats, the handoff packet in the fourth format is routed through the switch based on information in the first and second tables, and the first mobile switching center and the second mobile switching center are included in different ones of said groups.