Abstract:
A switching system for coupling a telecommunications device to a wireless network or a wireline network includes a wireless telecommunication interface configured to couple to a wireless telecommunications device configured to transfer data to and from a wireless telecommunications network, a wireline phone interface configured to couple to a wireline-network phone, a wireline network interface configured to couple to a wireline phone network, a switching mechanism configured to selectively couple the wireline-network phone interface to the wireless telecommunication interface or to the wireline network interface, and a controller coupled to the switching mechanism and configured to control the selective coupling effected by the switching mechanism.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention relates to telecommunication and more particularly to wireless and wireline communication.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Telecommunications technology has advanced dramatically in recent history. People now use forms of communication that did not exist, or were not readily accessible (e.g., financially), such as email, cellular or other mobile phones, pagers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) that include communications features such as instant messaging. These technologies have become more widespread, easy to use, affordable, and perceived as convenient if not a necessary part of modern life.  
           [0003]    Many people use multiple types of telecommunications, often on a daily basis. For example, many people use cellular or other mobile phones in place of wireline phones, or while they are away from wireline phones. People often use mobile phones while they are in transit to and from work, e.g., in cars and on trains. People typically use wireline phones for communication when they are at their place of business, e.g., at a desk, or in their homes.  
           [0004]    With the proliferation of telecommunications devices, and deregulation of phone services, have come a variety of rate schedules for different types of communication, and competing suppliers of similar communication types. For example, there are many rate plans for mobile phones, some including “free” minutes that are included as part of a base cost, e.g., on a monthly basis, and different minutely rates depending on the base cost, where a call is made from and to where it is directed relative to regions associated with the plan, time of day, and day of week. Wireline communications also have associated rate plans that vary widely depending, e.g., on base cost, minutes per period (e.g., month), destination of a call (particularly whether the call is domestic or international), time of day, and day of week. Other factors may also influence the cost of any particular call, be it wireline or wireless.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    In general, in an aspect, the invention provides a switching system for coupling a telecommunications device to a wireless network or a wireline network. The system includes a wireless telecommunication interface configured to couple to a wireless telecommunications device configured to transfer data to and from a wireless telecommunications network, a wireline phone interface configured to couple to a wireline-network phone, a wireline network interface configured to couple to a wireline phone network, a switching mechanism configured to selectively couple the wireline-network phone interface to the wireless telecommunication interface or to the wireline network interface, and a controller coupled to the switching mechanism and configured to control the selective coupling effected by the switching mechanism.  
           [0006]    Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The controller is configured to control the switching mechanism in accordance with at least one of a wireless rate structure associated with the wireless telecommunication device and a wireline rate structure associated with the wireline phone network. The controller is configured to control the selective coupling of the switching mechanism depending on which coupling will likely yield a cheaper effective rate for a call being sent from the wireline-network phone. The controller is configured to control the selective coupling of the switching mechanism depending on at least one of instantaneous rates associated with the wireless telecommunications device and the wireline-network phone, whether the call is local or long distance, to where the call is directed, the rate structures, typical amounts of call minutes from the wireless telecommunication device, and typical amounts of call minutes from the wireline-network phone. The rate structures are affected by at least one of amounts of free minutes, time of day, and day of week. The effective rate for a call is a present rate. The effective rate for a call is an average rate.  
           [0007]    Also, implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The system further includes another wireless telecommunication interface configured to couple to another wireless telecommunications device, wherein the switching mechanism is configured to selectively couple the wireline phone interface to the wireless telecommunication interface, the another wireless telecommunication interface, or to the wireline network interface. The system further includes at least another wireline phone interface configured to couple to another wireline-network phone, wherein the switching mechanism is configured to selectively couple the wireline phone interface or the at least another wireline phone interface to the wireless telecommunication interface or to the wireline network interface. The at least another wireline phone interface comprises seven wireline phone interfaces. The system further includes another wireline network interface configured to couple to the wireline phone network, wherein the switching mechanism is configured to selectively couple the wireline phone interface to the wireless telecommunication interface, to the wireline network interface, or to the another wireline network interface. The wireline phone interface is a first wireline phone interface, and the wireline network interface is a first wireline network interface, the system further including multiple second wireline phone interfaces configured to couple to a plurality of wireline-network phones, and a second wireline network interface configured to couple to the wireline phone network, wherein the switching mechanism is configured to selectively couple at least one of the second wireline phone interfaces to the second wireline network interface.  
           [0008]    Also, implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The wireless telecommunication interface is configured to wirelessly couple to the wireless telecommunications device. The wireless telecommunication interface is configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless telecommunications device according to a short-range wireless communication protocol. The wireless protocol is the Bluetooth® protocol. The system further includes an inter-system communication interface configured to couple to and communicate with another switching system as recited in claim  1  and further including another inter-system communication interface. The wireless telecommunications device is a mobile phone.  
           [0009]    In general, in an aspect, the invention provides a method of providing mobile communication service. The method includes providing wireless communication capacity for a wireless communication device, the communication capacity associated with a first rate structure for communication with the wireless communication device, determining that the wireless communication device is near a stationary base unit configured to communicate with the wireless device, and adjusting the rate structure associated with the wireless device to a second rate structure that is different than the first rate structure.  
           [0010]    Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The determining includes receiving an indication of proximity of the wireless device to the relatively-stationary base unit from the base unit. The determining includes receiving an indication of proximity of the wireless device to the relatively-stationary base unit from the wireless device. The second rate structure more closely resembles a rate structure associated with a wireline service rate structure than the first rate structure. The method further includes redirecting a call coming into the wireless device through a wireline network to a wireline phone connected to the base unit.  
           [0011]    In general, in an aspect, the invention provides a system for coupling a wireline phone to a mobile-phone network. The system includes a mobile-phone interface configured to couple to a mobile phone and to transfer information between the mobile-phone interface and the mobile phone according to a mobile-phone protocol, and a wireline-phone interface coupled to the mobile-phone interface and configured to couple to a wireline-network phone and to transfer information between the wireline-phone interface and the wireline-network phone according to a wireline-phone protocol, whereby a call can be made from the wireline-network phone connected to the wireline-interface through a mobile-phone network associated with the mobile phone connected to the mobile-phone interface.  
           [0012]    Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The system further includes a mobile phone coupled to the mobile-phone interface, and a wireline phone coupled to the wireline-phone interface.  
           [0013]    In general, in an aspect, the invention provides a telephone interface system capable of coupling to a plurality of wireline telephone extensions independently, capable of coupling to a wireline telecommunications network through a plurality of independent connections, and capable of independently coupling to a plurality of mobile telephones associated with at least one mobile-phone network, the system providing connection capability for calls to be completed between wireline extensions through the system, and the system providing connection capability for calls to be completed through the system between a wireline extension connected to the system and at least one of the mobile telephones connected to the system.  
           [0014]    Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The system is capable of coupling to at least one of the mobile phones wirelessly. The system is capable of coupling to at least one of the mobile phones wirelessly in accordance with a short-range wireless protocol. The system is further configured to selectively couple at least one wireline extension to at least one of the wireline network and at least one mobile telephone. The system is further configured to couple to another system according to the preceding paragraph. This system is configured to be capable of coupling a connection from the system to an extension, the wireline telecommunications network, or a mobile telephone, through the another system to an extension, a wireline telecommunications network, or a mobile telephone coupled to the another system.  
           [0015]    Various aspects of the invention may provide one or more of the following advantages. Mobile communication providers can compete more effectively with wireline telephone service providers. A wireline phone may be used to place or receive calls through a mobile-phone network. Phone users may take advantage of competitive rates between wireline and wireless services. Mobile phones may be answered at a standard wireline telephone to which the phones are both connected. Missed calls due to, e.g., timeouts or a person not hearing a phone ring, may be reduced. Mobile phones may be charged while connected to a system providing other features.  
           [0016]    These and other advantages of the invention, along with the invention itself, will be more fully understood after a review of the following figures, detailed description, and claims. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a diagram of a wireless home loop system connected to four standard telephones connected in parallel on a single extension, and a mobile telephone via a wireless trunk line.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a diagram of a wireless home loop system connected to eight standard telephones connected in parallel groups of four each on two extensions, a PSTN trunk line, and a mobile telephone through a wireless trunk line.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is diagram of a wireless home loop system connected to eight standard telephones, four data terminals, a mobile telephone through a wireless trunk line, and a PSTN trunk line.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is a diagram of a wireless home loop system connected to eight standard telephone extensions, two mobile telephones, and two PSTN trunk lines.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a diagram of three wireless home loop systems, connected to each other to form a larger system, connected to 24 standard telephones, six PSTN trunk lines, and wirelessly connected to six mobile telephones.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a simplified generic block diagram of a hardware-modules architecture of a wireless home loop system.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is a more-detailed block diagram of the hardware architecture shown in FIG. 6, corresponding to the wireless home loop system shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a hardware architecture of the wireless home loop system shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of a software architecture for wireless home loop systems.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a hardware architecture of the wireless home loop system shown in FIG. 4.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a hardware architecture of the wireless home loop system shown in FIG. 5.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a hardware architecture of the wireless home loop system shown in FIG. 3.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 13 is a block flow diagram of a process of using a wireless home loop system and associated devices. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0030]    A system is provided that connects to both wireless and wireline phone networks. The system receives a wireless phone, either by hard-wired connection or wireless connection (e.g., using Bluetooth® technology). Using any hard-wired standard phone extension or data terminal (e.g., a computer) connected to the system, a user can place calls and connect to a data network via the wireless or wireline phone networks. The user can select which network to use, or the system can make a choice as to which network to use for a particular call or connection.  
         [0031]    To make the choice to use the wireline or the wireless network for an outgoing call or connection, the system can account for a variety of factors. These factors include: whether the call is local or long distance; if long distance, to where specifically is the call directed; the rate plans of the wireless and wireline networks for the system/user, this can include amounts of free minutes, time of day, day of week, typical amounts of call minutes per month (e.g., a network may be preferred even if the current rate is higher than the other network&#39;s current rate if there is a price break for more minutes such that the average for the month will make using the selected network for the current call cheaper than using the other network&#39;s current rate). The system is scalable to multiple wireless connections and multiple wireline connections and extensions.  
         [0032]    Also, using the system, the wireless network may use information that the wireless handset is connected to the system and is therefore, e.g., at home, or another relatively fixed position, to provide a different rate and/or rate plan/structure. For example, a cheaper rate may be provided given that the handset will not require expenses incurred in servicing a handset that is mobile/on the move, e.g., requiring handoff between cells in a cellular network. The system can adapt for such rate schedule adjustments.  
         [0033]    Referring to FIG. 1, a system  10  includes a wireless home loop (WHL) system  12 , a wireless mobile phone  14 , and up to four standard telephones  16   1 - 16   4 . The WHL, although having “home” in its name, is not limited to use in a home (e.g., use in an office is possible). The mobile phone  14  may be any of a variety of types of mobile phones, such as a cellular phone, and is connected to the WHL  12  with a wire. The mobile phone  14  may also be other types of wireless telecommunications devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) or hand-held computers with wireless communications functionality. The wireline phones  16   1 - 16   4  are analog phones connected in parallel to the WHL  12 . Although four wireline phones  16   1 - 16   4  are shown, other numbers of wireline phones, e.g., one or two, can be used in the system 10. The mobile phone  14  performs as a regular mobile phone when not connected to the WHL  12 , with regular charges/costs and advantages (e.g., mobility, roaming). While connected to the WHL  12 , the mobile phone  14  may take on characteristics of a wireline phone.  
         [0034]    The WHL  12  is a voice and data communication system. With a wireless device connected to the WHL  12 , the WHL  12  can provide access to a wireless network through the use of standard telephone sets and data terminals, e.g., installed inside a house or an office. Wireless devices connected to the WHL  12  preferably operate in the frequency bands used for Cellular and/or PCS (personal communication system) communication. Wireless devices connected to the WHL  12  can operate in conjunction with one wireline device or with a group of wireline devices, e.g., that may be installed in an office or a house. When disconnected from the WHL  12 , the wireless device  14 , using standard procedures of, e.g., Cellular or PCS Networks, authenticates itself to operate as a stand-alone wireless device.  
         [0035]    WHL systems can be implemented in different versions using the same or similar technology of a basic hardware and software architecture. Differences between versions may include capacity (quantity of devices and lines), and features (e.g., method of interconnection, support for data terminals, etc.). The technology is scaleable to various numbers of wired lines, wireless devices, extensions, and type of terminals (voice or data). For example, communications systems  20 ,  30 ,  140 , and  150  shown in FIGS.  2 - 5 , respectively, provide different capacities and features using WHLs  142 ,  152 ,  22 , and  32 , respectively.  
         [0036]    Referring to FIG. 1, the WHL  12  provides for connection to the mobile phone  14 , and to an extension with the phones  16 . The WHL  12  has the mobile phone  14  as an access medium for the standard analog phones  16  connected in parallel as a single extension to the wireless network acting as the wireless trunk line connection. The phone  14  is connected to the WHL  12  through a cable that can, among other things, convey power to recharge a battery of the phone  14 . The phones  16  are installed through an internal network, e.g., in a home or office.  
         [0037]    Referring to FIG. 2, the WHL  142  provides for connections to a mobile phone  144 , up to eight standard telephones  146   1 - 146   4 ,  146   5 - 146   8 , and to a Public-Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)  148 . The phones,  146   1 - 146   4 ,  146   5 - 146   8 , are connected in parallel in groups of four each to two extensions  147   1 ,  147   2 , respectively. The mobile phone  144  is physically connected to the WHL  142  in a similar manner as the phone  14  is connected to the WHL  12 . The standard phones  146  can receive and make calls, including external calls such as local and long distance calls and calls to the Internet. A user of a standard phone  146  can choose whether to make an external call using the PSTN trunk line or a wireless network through the mobile phone  144 . Caller ID of the mobile phone  144  is provided to the standard phones  146  via audible messages indicating the caller&#39;s ID. The incoming trunk lines (wireless or wireline) from the phone  144  and the PSTN  148  can be accessed in a sequential manner to provide a hunting functionality.  
         [0038]    Referring to FIG. 3, the WHL  152  provides for connections to a mobile phone  154 , up to eight standard telephones  156   1 - 156   4 ,  156   5 - 156   8 , to a PSTN  158 , and to four data terminals (here computers)  160   1 - 160   4 . The phones,  156   1 - 156   4 ,  156   5 - 156   8 , are connected in parallel in groups of four each to two extensions  157   1 ,  157   2 , respectively. The mobile phones  154  is physically connected to the WHL  152  in a similar manner as the phone  14  is connected to the WHL  12 . The standard phones  156  can receive and make calls, including external calls such as local and long distance calls and calls to the Internet. A user of a standard phone  156  can choose whether to make an external call using the PSTN trunk line or a wireless network through a mobile phone  154 . Caller ID of the mobile phone  154  is provided to the standard phones  156  via audible messages indicating the caller&#39;s ID. The incoming trunk lines (wireless or wireline) from the phone  154  and the PSTN  158  can be accessed in a sequential manner to provide a hunting functionality.  
         [0039]    The WHL  152  includes two different sections, a Voice section and a Data section. The Voice Section of the WHL  152  implements voice features of the WHL  152 . The Data Section provides data connectivity for the WHL  152  between an Ethernet device and a data-ready wireless telephone. Data connectivity can be provided through wired or wireless connection. For wired connections, the WHL  152  acts similar to a 5-port 10/100 BaseT Ethernet switch. For wireless connections, the WHL  152  provides a wireless interface that supports IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth standards.  
         [0040]    The Data Section of the WHL  152  includes a data section controller, an Ethernet switch, a quad Ethernet interface, a wireless LAN (local area network) controller, an 802.11 interface, and a Bluetooth interface. The data section controller implements logic and protocols to exchange data between the wireless device and the Ethernet devices. This controller also exchanges control information with a voice-section microcontroller to negotiate voice and data connections. The Ethernet switch manages the data flow between 5 ports (one wireless device and 4 external Ethernet devices). The quad Ethernet interface is the physical connection and the electronic circuit connecting the Ethernet devices. The wireless LAN controller adapts between data from the data section controller and wireless network interfaces. The wireless LAN controller also implements high-level software for both wireless network standards. The 802.11 interface provides electronic circuitry and firmware to implement the 802.11 wireless network standard. The Bluetooth interface provides electronic circuitry and firmware to implement the Bluetooth wireless network standard.  
         [0041]    Referring to FIG. 4, the WHL  22  provides for connections of up to four mobile phones (wireless trunk lines) or analog trunk lines in any combination (here with connections to two wireless trunk lines to two mobile phones  24   1 ,  24   2 , and two analog trunk connections to a PSTN  28 ), and up to 8 extensions with up to four standard phones 26 each, here with two extensions of four phones  26   1 - 26   4 ,  26   5 - 26   8 , respectively. The mobile phones  24  are physically connected to the WHL  22  in a similar manner as the phone  14  is connected to the WHL  12 . The standard phones  26  can receive and make calls, including external calls such as local and long distance calls and calls to the Internet. A user of a standard phone  26  can choose whether to make an external call using the PSTN  28  or a wireless network through a mobile phone  24 . Caller ID of the mobile phones  24  is provided to the standard phones  26  via audible messages indicating the caller&#39;s ID. The incoming trunk lines (wireless or wireline) from the phones  24  and the PSTN  28  can be accessed in a sequential manner to provide a hunting functionality.  
         [0042]    Referring to FIG. 5, each WHL  32  provides for connections of up to two analog trunk connections to a PSTN  38 , up to  8  extensions of phones  36 , and up to two mobile phones  34 . The WHLs  32  can connect to up to  12  wireless or wireline connections in any combination. One WHL, e.g.,  32   1 , can be a master while the other WHLs  32   2 ,  32   3  serve as slaves, with the master transmitting control signals to the slaves and receiving responses from the slaves if appropriate. The mobile phones  34  are connected to the WHLs  32  using wireless functions according to short-range wireless technology, here according to the Bluetooth® protocol. The mobile phones  34  can be Bluetooth® masters with interfaces in the WHLs  32  serving as corresponding Bluetooth® slaves. The standard phones  36  can receive and make calls, including external calls such as to the Internet. A user of a standard phone  36  can choose whether to make an external call using the PSTN  38  or a wireless network through a mobile phone  34 . Caller ID of incoming calls to the mobile phones  34  is provided to the standard phones  36  via audible messages indicating the caller&#39;s ID. The incoming trunk lines (wireless or wireline) from the phones  34  and the PSTN  38  can be accessed in a sequential manner to provide a hunting functionality.  
         [0043]    The different WHL models  12 ,  22 ,  32 ,  142 ,  152  preferably use the same hardware architecture as described below. Depending on the model, certain hardware/software blocks are used/not used and/or installed, providing the described configurations by varying (e.g., upgrading or expanding) the use of certain circuitry.  
         [0044]    Table 1 shows the basic configurations of systems  10 ,  140 ,  150 ,  20 ,  30  shown in FIGS.  1 - 5 .  
                               TABLE 1                       WHL   Extension   Trunk   Wireless   Scaleable       System #   Interfaces   Interfaces   Interfaces   Capability                   12   1   1   1   Yes       22   Up to 8, each   Up to 2   Up to 2   Yes           supporting up           to 4 standard           telephones       32   Up to 8, each   Up to 2   Up to 2   Yes           supporting up           to 4 standard           telephones       142    Up to 8, each   1   1   Yes           supporting up           to 4 standard           telephones       152    Up to 8, each   1   1   Yes           supporting up           to 4 standard           telephones                  
 
         [0045]    Each of the WHL systems  12 ,  22 ,  32  preferably use similar software architecture as described below. Depending on the model, some software blocks are enabled or disabled, used or not used, and some functionalities of a software block are enabled or disabled to configure the required product.  
         [0046]    Referring to FIGS.  6 - 7 , a hardware architecture  40  of the WHL  12  shown in FIG. 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU)  42 , a switch  44 , a support functions module  46 , an analog and digital extension interface  50 , a wireless device interface  52 , an expansion interface  54 , a data port  56 , and a power supply  58 . Voice communications  10  among the functional blocks are indicated in FIG. 6 by arrows  60 ,  62 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70 , and control signals between functional blocks are indicated in FIG. 6 by lines  72 ,  74 ,  78 ,  80 . Audio and bus connections are shown according to the legend in FIG. 7. The switch  44  implements an analog or digital matrix to provide switching capabilities between different interfaces. The switch  44  is a cross-point switch that connects audio signaling between two or more modules under command of a microcontroller  82 . The switch  44 , e.g., model M8816 made by Mitel Semiconductor of San Diego, Calif., receives a ±12V signal and a 5V signal from the power supply  58 . The expansion interface  50  provides voice, data and control links between modules to help make the WHL  12  scaleable.  
         [0047]    The CPU module  42  includes the microprocessor  82  and associated memories such as Random-Access Memory (RAM) and/or Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM). The memories  84 ,  86  as shown can each store 32 Kb of data, including appropriate processor-executable instructions. Stored software in the ROM  86  controls other software modules, producing signaling that commands the operation of the hardware. Stored software may be written in a variety of programming languages such a C and assembler. The microprocessor  82  is an 8-bit microcontroller, e.g., model AT89C52 made by Atmel Corporation of San Jose, Calif., with a 16 MHz clock. The CPU module  42  controls all WHL operations, running WHL software and managing other functional blocks.  
         [0048]    The support functions module  46  comprises circuits that implement special functionalities. These functionalities include producing a music signal, using a music generator  88 , e.g., model UM66T, made by UMC Corporation of Sunnyvale, Calif. for music or audio on hold, tone generation, using a tone generator  90 , to provide signaling tones (e.g., off hook), DTMF tone detection to detect digits from extension telephone sets, and voice processing to play pre-recorded voice messages. DTMF tone detection is performed by a DTMF (dual-tone multi-frequency) detector  92  model MT8870 made by Mitel Corporation of San Diego, Calif., that outputs a DTMF signal that is input to the microcontroller  82 . Voice processing is accomplished with a voice processor  94  model ISD2532 made by Windbond Electronics Corporation of San Jose, Calif., that outputs an EOM (end of message) signal that is input to the microcontroller  82 .  
         [0049]    The analog trunk/telephone line interface  48  provides electronic connection to analog trunk/telephone lines. This interface  48  supplies hardware resources for detecting a terminating/incoming call and for originating a call using a wireline connection. The interface  48  can connect to multiple trnk/telephone lines to the PSTN  28  or  38 , as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively. The interface  48  can bi-directionally convey audio information with the switch  44 , and receive a Loop_Sw signal (loop-switch signal) and a Ring_Dt signal (ring detection signal) from the microcontroller  82 . The Loop_Sw signal indicates that a phone has been taken off hook and that an appropriate circuit should be closed to enable a conversation. The interface  48  connects to a line out and a line in for sending and receiving data to and from, respectively, the PSTN  28  or  38 .  
         [0050]    The extension interface  50  provides electronic connection to analog or digital telephone sets. This interface  50  has hardware resources to power-on the telephone sets, send ring tones, detect loop status and digits, and to originate calls from or terminate calls at a regular analog/digital telephone set. The interface  50  can provide connection to multiple wireline phones connected in parallel as shown in FIG. 1, and/or to multiple extensions as shown in FIGS.  4 - 5 . The interface  50 , can bi-directionally convey audio information with the switch  44 , and receive a Loop_Sw signal and a Ring_Dt signal from the microcontroller  82 . The extension interface outputs a tip/ring signal. The extension interface  50  receives a ring voltage signal VRing from the power supply  58  for providing the ring output to cause a telephone to ring.  
         [0051]    The wireless device interface  52  provides electronic connections to wireless devices. The interface  52  has hardware resources to exchange data between wireless devices and WHL software control. The wireless device interface  52  is configured to accommodate different wireless devices. Connection between the interface  52  and the other blocks is preferably designed to accommodate any wireless device model available in the market by providing translation and adaptation functionalities into the wireless interface  52 , regardless of the wireless device model. The interface  52  can provide connections, wired or wireless, to one wireless device  14  as shown in FIG. 1 or to multiple wireless devices  24 ,  34  as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively. The interface  52  includes a mobile-phone charger  96 , e.g., model M34063, made by SGS Thomson Microelectronics Inc. of Nepean, Ontario, that receives a +12V signal from the power supply  58 . The interface communicates bi-directionally with the microcontroller  82  with UART (universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter) signals.  
         [0052]    The data port  56  is configured to receive data from the wireless device  14 . The data port  56  can be connected to a hub or data switch to distribute bandwidth, e.g., within an office or a house using the wireless device network for this connection.  
         [0053]    The power supply  58  provides power signals, of different voltage levels as appropriate, for other circuits. Output voltage signals are 5V, ±12V, 24V, and VRing. The signals can be used, e.g., to ring extensions and to charge a battery when the wireless device  14  is physically connected to WHL  12 . The power supply  58  can be a combination of discrete components such as diodes, resistors, capacitors, transistors, and operational amplifiers, such as model LM2576 made by National Semiconductor Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif.  
         [0054]    Referring to FIG. 8, a hardware architecture  240 , for the WHL  142  shown in FIG. 2, is similar to the architecture  40  shown in FIG. 7. The architecture  240 , however, includes multiple extension line interfaces  250  for the multiple extensions  147  connected to the WHL  142 . The architecture  240  also includes an optional trunk line interface  248  for connection to the PSTN  148  (FIG. 1).  
         [0055]    Referring to FIG. 9, a WHL software architecture  100  includes functional blocks as shown. These blocks/modules include an interfaces module  102 , a switch module  104 , a call control module  106 , a support functions module  108 , a call features module  110 , and an administration module  112 .  
         [0056]    The interfaces module  102  controls hardware interfaces that connect the WHL  12  with external entities. The interfaces module  102  detects device status, provides data and information to other WHL software modules, and enables signaling to external devices. Included with the interfaces module  102  are extension, trunk, wireless, and expansion submodules.  
         [0057]    The extension submodule handles signaling, such as ringing, to/from telephone sets. This submodule also detects and handles signals to other WHL software modules such as: on-hook status, off-hook status, flash, and first DTMF digit.  
         [0058]    The trunk submodule handles signaling to/from wireline links by processing inputs from other WHL software modules. This processing includes a procedure to initiate a calling process. The trunk submodule provides outputs to other WHL software modules to perform ring detection.  
         [0059]    The wireless submodule handles signaling to/from wireless devices. The wireless submodule treats inputs from other WHL software modules to perform tasks such as sending digits, disconnecting the wireless device, authentication, disconnecting authentication, dialing numbers, and performing end of call. This submodule generates outputs to other software modules providing information about the execution of functions. This information includes wireless device is connected, wireless device is disconnected, release bottom is pressed, authentication is done, and caller ID number.  
         [0060]    The expansion submodule handles signaling to/from other WHL expansion modules. The expansion submodule helps the system be scaleable.  
         [0061]    The cross-point switch module  104  is responsible for managing the physical connection (cross-point) between two entities. Different types of entities include extension lines, trunk lines, wireless device audio links, DTMF detector, voice processor, tone generator, music generator, internal conversation links, and external conversation links (other WHL modules). Input functions provided by the switch module  104  to those entities are connect and disconnect. Output functions to other software modules include switching function is completed, no internal conversation link available, and no external conversation link available, where internal refers to within the WHL and the standard telephones and extensions, and external refers to the PSTN and the wireless/mobile phones.  
         [0062]    The call control module  106  controls each call as a high-level software supervisor that controls basic functions including call establishment, conversation in progress, and call disconnection. The call control module  106  is concerned more with high-level functions rather than call details, with details and specific functionalities for calls handled by the call features software block  110  according to the type and characteristics of particular calls. The module  106  receives incoming call, on hook, and dial digit (indicative of a particular entry, e.g., on a phone keypad) inputs from other software modules and sends dial number (indicative of a destination phone number), extension status, and incoming call outputs to other software modules.  
         [0063]    The support functions module  108  provides specific functionalities to other software modules for DTMF detection, voice processing, tone generation, and music generation. Each of these functionality blocks are provided for in submodules of the support functions module  108 .  
         [0064]    A DTMF detector submodule detects digits in DTMF format sent from telephone sets. By detecting digits, the DTMF submodule interprets the services from certain software modules and sends a response for those service requests. The DTMF submodule receives inputs from other modules, the inputs including connect DTMF detector and disconnect DTMF detector. The DTMF submodule sends, to other modules, outputs including digit received, DTMF detector connected, DTMF detector busy, and DTMF detector idle.  
         [0065]    A voice processing submodule plays voice prompts according to requests from other modules. Inputs from other software modules include an indication to play prompt X, where X is a number associated with a prompt. The voice processing module can send outputs including service requested executed, and voice processor busy to other software modules.  
         [0066]    A tones generator block produces tones in accordance with received requests. This block can accept numerous requests from different modules, and produce multiple tones simultaneously. Inputs receivable from other modules include start tone and stop tone. Outputs to other software modules include service requested executed.  
         [0067]    A music generator submodule generates music and an audio signal when the telephone is “on hold”. Inputs from other software modules include start music/audio and stop music/audio. Outputs to other software modules include service requested executed.  
         [0068]    The call features module  110  provides specific functionality for types or features of calls. To accommodate these types and features, the module  110  includes: internal call; incoming call; outgoing call; inquiry, transfer and conference; hold; call back; and call waiting submodules.  
         [0069]    The internal call submodule handles calls between two extensions from the same WHL  22 ,  32 ,  142 ,  152 . This submodule detects the initiation of a call in response to the call control module  106  recognizing that it is an internal call by analyzing the first digit dialed. The internal call submodule continues to handle this call until one extension hangs up or requests another call feature.  
         [0070]    The incoming call submodule handles calls from a trunk line. This submodule detects the call, through a service request from the call control module  106 , in response to the trunk interface block detecting ringing. The incoming call submodule continues to handle the call until the called extension hangs up or requests another call feature.  
         [0071]    The outgoing call submodule handles calls to a trunk line. This submodule detects the origination status of a call in response to the call control software module  106  recognizing that the call is an outgoing call by analyzing the first digit dialed by a user. The outgoing call block continues to handle the call until the calling extension hangs up or requests another call feature, or the called party hangs up.  
         [0072]    The inquiry, transfer and conference (ITC) submodule takes care of a call in response to the call control  106  recognizing that an extension, as a party, requests an inquiry to another extension or external line. The ITC block continues to handle this particular call as the inquiry changes to a transfer or a conference. If the call is to be transferred, the control of the call goes to the internal call block or the incoming call block depending on which types of parties are in the call (two extensions or one extension and one external line). If the call is to become a conference call, the ITC submodule continues to handle this particular call until one of the parties leaves the conference. In response to a party leaving, control of the call goes to the internal call block or the incoming call block depending on who stays on the call.  
         [0073]    The hold submodule handles a call in response to the call control  106  recognizing that an extension requests service to hold the call. The hold software block continues to handle the call until the extension releases the hold. In response to the hold being released, the control of the call returns to the internal call block (two extensions) or the incoming call block (one extension and one external line).  
         [0074]    The call-back submodule implements a call back feature. If a call-back (to an extension or an external line) is requested, this block tracks both the parties to determine when both are idle. When this condition occurs, the call back block rings the extension that armed the call back function. In response to that extension answering the call, the call back software block proceeds with connecting both parties and transferring control of the call to the internal call or the incoming call block (if the other party is an external line). If during this process the other party goes to a busy state, the call back is set to idle, restarting the process of tracking both parties to determine when they are free.  
         [0075]    The call waiting block takes care of the call, by request of the call control block  106 , in response to when the call control block  106  detects that the called extension programmed a call waiting indication. If the called extension is in conversation with another extension or a trunk line, the call waiting block transfers control of the call to the ITC block. If the called extension is connected to a wireless device, a set of instructions is sent to the wireless device to accept or reject the waiting call, according to the user&#39;s option. In this case, the call is handled by the wireless network system.  
         [0076]    The administration module  112  handles data programming. The module  112  takes care of the call in response to the call control block  106  detecting that the user intends to program data or wants set-up features. The administration block  112  implements commands and communication with users in order to set up programmable data. Preferably only this block can modify programmed data.  
         [0077]    The WHL is designed to be simple to use and to administrate. To provide WHL functionalities, a small set of parameters is programmed. To program, a user takes the phone, connected to the WHL, off hook and presses  1 . This instructs the call control software block  106  to indicate to the administration software block  112  that the module  106  is ready to accept programming commands. Those commands are a sequence of digits with a format of cc data 1  [data 2 ] . . . [data n ] where cc is a two-digit command code, and data 1 , data 2 , data n  are data fields with different numbers of digits and depend on the specific command. The notation [data] indicates that it is optional, such that each command could have one or more data fields. Each time a command is completed, the WHL plays a voice message indicating that the command was accepted or not. If the command was accepted, new data are validated and stored. If the command was rejected, the command may be retried.  
         [0078]    The WHL  12  and/or  22  and/or  32  can provide a variety of call features. These features include flexible or fixed extension numbering, voice instructions, internal and external calling, incoming and outgoing calling, distinct external line selection, speed dialing, hotline, groups of extensions, distinct ringing, caller ID, hold, inquiry, transfer and conference, call waiting, and call back.  
         [0079]    The WHL can be implemented using a flexible numbering or a fixed numbering scheme. With fixed numbering, each extension is identified by the physical terminal to which it is connected to the WHL. With flexible numbering, the WHL allows each extension number to be programmed regardless of its physical interconnection position at the WHL.  
         [0080]    With the voice instruction feature, the WHL gives users instructions on how to proceed in some particular situations using pre-recorded messages. Voice messages replace some instructions traditionally given by tones. Exemplary messages are: “Number not available,” “Press 0 to answer or hang up,” “There is a call from,” “Programming is completed,” “Programming error,” “The call was not completed. Please hand up and call again,” and “Your call cannot be completed at this moment. Please call later.” 
         [0081]    The WHL can also handle internal and external calls, with external calls being either incoming or outgoing. Internal calls may be completed between two extensions. External calls made be completed between an internal extension to one external wire or wireless line. For incoming calls from an external line to an extension, it may be defined which extensions receive calls from each external line. For outgoing calls from an extension to an external line, there is preferably no calling number discrimination. Thus, preferably any dialed number from an extension goes directly to the external line. There is preferably no different extension category for external calls.  
         [0082]    The distinct external line selection feature allows a selection of which type of line (wired or wireless) to use to make an external call. For example, the first digit dialed will select the type of line. The digits may be: 8 select a wireless line, 9-select a wired line, 0-make an external call without specifying an external line type. As opposed to such manual selection, the selection of wired or wireless network can be made automatically. To make this choice, a variety of factors can be accounted for including: whether the call is local or long distance; if long distance, to where specifically is the call directed; the rate plans of the wireless and wireline networks for the system/user, this can include amounts of free minutes, time of day, day of week, typical amounts of call minutes per month (e.g., a network may be preferred even if the current rate is higher than the other network&#39;s current rate if there is a price break for more minutes such that the average for the month will make using the selected network for the current call cheaper than using the other network&#39;s current rate). The system can evaluate one or more factors to determine which network to choose to reduce cost, be it for that particular call only, or on a larger scale such as a monthly cost.  
         [0083]    The speed dialing feature provides a shortcut for dialing numbers, e.g., that are frequently called. As an example, up to 10 pre-programmed external numbers for use by any extension. Speed dialing features of the wireless device  14  can be provided to the wireline extension phones  16 ,  18 .  
         [0084]    The hotline feature provides for making an external call to a pre-programmed number without dialing. If no number is dialed during the first 5 seconds (after off hook status is detected), an automatic external call is made.  
         [0085]    The WHL can link one or more extensions as a group to each external line (wired or wireless). In this case, when a call arrives on a particular external line, only one of the linked extensions will ring. If there is no extension linked with an external line, when a call arrives on that line, only the bell of a predetermined extension, e.g.,  36 , for WHL  32 , will ring.  
         [0086]    Distinct rings may be provided to audibly differentiate incoming calls. There are two different ringing models to distinguish calls from a wired or from a wireless line, or from different wireless connections or wirelines. This feature is programmable and can be disabled or enabled by the user.  
         [0087]    The WHL can provide caller identification, e.g., if an extension answers an external call. The identification is made by voice announcement and may also be indicated on a display. This feature should be deactivated for each external line that has no caller identification functionality. For example, operation of this feature could be as follows. If an external line has caller ID and the WHL caller ID feature is active, in response to an extension answering an external call from that line, the WHL will announce: “There is a call from ‘caller ID (digit by digit)’. Press 0 to answer the call, or hang up.” If the user presses 0, the call is passed to the extension. If the user hangs up, the WHL sends an &lt;end&gt; command to a wireless line or releases a trunk line, as appropriate. If the external line has no caller ID and the WHL caller ID feature remains active for this particular line, the WHL announce: “There is a call from a number not available, press 0 to answer the call, or hang up.” If the external line has caller ID, but the WHL caller ID feature is not active for this particular line, the WHL will not announce anything and the call is put through after the extension answers the call.  
         [0088]    The WHL provides several features that are available after a call has been established. These features include hold, inquiry, transfer and conference, and call waiting. These features are available when an extension is already in a conversation with an external line or another extension. The user can access each of the features described below, e.g., by pressing the flash key and then 1 for hold, 4 for inquiry, and 7 for call waiting. In response to the flash key being pressed, the WHL can instruct the user how to proceed by playing a short pre-recorded message such as “Press 1 for hold, 4 for inquiry, or 7 for call waiting.” 
         [0089]    During a conversation, an extension can put the call on hold and hang up. The held party stays on the call listening music (the WHL provides digital music). If the holding extension does not release the hold after 30 seconds, the WHL rings the holding extension. If the holding extension does not answer, the call is released.  
         [0090]    With the inquiry, transfer and conference (ITC) feature, during a conversation, an extension can put the other party on hold and start a new call to another extension or to an external line. During conversation with the third party, the holding extension can: switch between the parties, putting one or the other on hold (inquiry); transfer the call, putting the other two parties in conversation, and leaving the call (transfer), and/or put all three parties in the same conversation (conference).  
         [0091]    With the call waiting feature, during conversation, an extension may receive a tone or other indication that there is another call from another extension or an external line. The extension can answer the second call, putting the first on hold. The call can continue according to the ITC feature described above. If the incoming call is an external call, the caller ID function may implemented as described above.  
         [0092]    The call back feature provides for calling an extension or external line back if an extension finds another extension or an external line busy. Call back is activated by pressing the flash key. When both the extension and the other party (marked for call back) are idle, the WHL rings the extension that requested the call back service and waits to receive the information that the extension answered the call. The WHL informs the user, by playing a pre-recorded message, that it is performing call back and rings the other extension or selects the external line. If the other party becomes busy before the extension answers the call back, the call back process is restarted after both parties are simultaneously idle again.  
         [0093]    Table 2 shows which features described above are available on the WHLs  12 ,  142 ,  152 ,  22 ,  32  shown in FIGS.  1 - 5 , respectively.  
                           TABLE 2                       WHL call feature   WHL 12   WHL 22   WHL 32                   Predefined Extension Numbering   No   Yes   Yes       Internal call   No   Yes   Yes       Voice Instructions   Yes   Yes   Yes       External call   Yes   Yes   Yes       Distinct line selection   Yes   Yes   Yes       Speed dialing   Yes (1)   Yes   Yes       Hotline   Yes   Yes   Yes       Groups of extensions   No   Yes   Yes       Distinct ring   Yes   Yes   Yes       Caller ID   Yes   Yes   Yes       Features during a call   Yes (2)   Yes   Yes       Call back   Yes (2)   Yes   Yes                                  
 
         [0094]    The WHL  12  provides a variety of characteristics for telecommunications. These characteristics are related to the mobile phone  14 , the wireline phones  16 ,  18 , control, power, and user facilities and services.  
         [0095]    With respect to the mobile phone  14 , characteristics of the WHL  12  include commands received by and sent from the WHL  12 , and a physical interface with the phone  14 . Commands received by the WHL  12  from the phone  14  include an incoming call arrival announcement, caller ID (providing indicia of a calling party), call waiting announcement (indicating another arriving call), and message arrival announcement. The WHL  12  can issue commands to the phone  14 , including call answering (to answer an incoming call), a called party number (e.g., as entered at a wireline phone  16 ), audio volume adjustment, access to mobile service resources (instructing the phone  14  to use, e.g., speed dial of the mobile phone  14 ), keypad blockage to turn off the keypad of the mobile phone  14 , and disabling mobile phone ringing. The physical interface between the WHL  12  and the phone  14  is configured to convey audio and control signals bi-directionally, and to convey energy for battery recharging. This interface is preferably adaptable/applicable to different types of phones  14 , e.g., such that different phones  14  may be connected to by using different connecting cables without further accommodations.  
         [0096]    The WHL  12  is configured to work with the wireline phones  16 . Preferably, these phones  16  are standard, “off-the-shelf” wireline-network analog phones, such as hard-wired, fixed, phones or cordless phones. The WHL  12  is configured to simultaneously ring up to four such phones connected in parallel, and to supply power to two phones in off-hook status. Appropriate power protection is provided for the event that more than two phones go off hook. The WHL  12  is configured to detect hook status (on or off) and flash signal (e.g., for call waiting). An audio circuit establishes an audio connection between called and calling parties for both internal and external calls.  
         [0097]    The WHL  12  is also configured to control aspects of operation of the system  10 . The WHL  12  can detect DTMF tones, control the interface with the phones  16 ,  18  including producing different rings and detecting hook status and flash signals, and produce tones such as 425 Hz dial tones. The WHL  12  can also control the interface with the mobile phone  14 . Audible caller ID messages can be provided to the phones  16 ,  18  under control of the WHL  12 . The WHL  12  can switch audio signals from the mobile phone  14  to the phones  16 .  
         [0098]    The power supply of the WHL is configured to provide sufficient power to perform WHL operations. The power supply supplies power to WHL circuitry, supplies a ring signal with the capacity to ring up to four phones simultaneously, and supplies power to recharge the batter of the mobile phone  14 .  
         [0099]    The WHL  12  provides services to the user similar to those offered to the user of the mobile phone  14 . A user can answer a call received by the mobile phone  14  by picking up or activating any of the phones  14 ,  16 ,  18 . The WHL  12  performs operations to answer the call (to the mobile network site) and connects the mobile phone  14  to the phone that has been picked up/activated. To make a call, a user can pick up/activate a phone  14 ,  16 ,  18 , wait for a dial tone, and dial a desired phone number in ordinary manner. If the mobile phone has caller ID, indicia of a caller can be sent to a wireline phone  16 ,  18  as an audio message. For example, a wireline phone user can answer a call, receive an audio message announcing an identity of (or associated with) the caller or calling device, and be connected to the call by pressing a flash key. If the mobile phone  14  offers call waiting, a user can be connected to a waiting call by pressing a flash key. The WHL  12  can send, via the mobile phone  14 , a sequence of information to instruct a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) to put the first call on hold and connect the second call.  
         [0100]    With any WHL, wireless devices are authenticated, e.g., each time that a wireless device transitions from unconnected to the WHL to connected to the WHL. Each WHL has an identification number (WHL ID) similar to the Mobile Identification Number (MIN) of a wireless device. This WHL ID is registered at a wireless service provider as a special billing number, with a corresponding billing structure. Also, the WHL ID is stored in a Home Locator Register (HLR) database. A DMH_BillingDigits parameter (that specifies the telephony billing number for calls with special billing arrangements to identify the party to be billed), that is in a profile of the WHL, is programmed with the WHLID(s) of the wireless device(s) that is(are) associated with the WHL. Also, a WHL profile GeographicAuthorization parameter is set to “authorized for the cell(region) only,” which corresponds to the best cell(region) that covers the area where the WHL will be installed. Setting the GeographicAuthorization parameter to “authorized for the cell(region) only,” will help avoid using the WHL in places other than the one that is authorized by the parameter.  
         [0101]    With the WML profile registered with a wireless service provider network, special billing rules for the wireless device(s) that is(are) connected to the WHL can be associated with the registered profile. The wireless service provider can offer differentiated billing rates for any wireless device connected to a WHL. These rates may be competitive with rates for the wireline service available to the extensions connected to the WHL. Calls made through the WHL will be billed in accordance with the DMH_BillingDigits parameter. The MSC is informed that a mobile phone is connected to the WHL to identify the connection status of the telephone, helping to provide differentiated rates for the mobile phone while connected to the WHL versus while disconnected from the WHL. Preferably, the MSC is informed of a disconnection when, or very soon after, a mobile phone is disconnected from a WHL.  
         [0102]    If two wireless devices use a WHL, the wireless service provider can program the wireless device profile (DMH_BillingDigits) with the same WHL ID of that particular WHL. The same programming process can be used for other wireless devices that may be connected to a particular WHL.  
         [0103]    In response to a wireless device being connected to a WHL, a new authentication process is performed to update wireless functional entities (e.g., MSC, VLR (visitor location register) and HLR) databases. This new authentication helps the wireless network originate and terminate calls to that wireless devices using the WHL functionality. Information sent from the WHL to the MSC differs from information sent to the MSC from a mobile phone that is disconnected from the WHL, helping the MSC identify the connection status of the mobile phone.  
         [0104]    Authentication processes differ depending upon whether the wireless device is physically or wirelessly connected to the WHL. For the WHL  12  and WHL  22 , where the wireless devices are physically connected to the WHL, the WHL sends commands to the wireless device to turn the wireless device off, causing a de-registration of the wireless device from the wireless network. The WHL may send one or more instructions through the wireless device to cause an automatic de-registration of the wireless device from the wireless network. De-registration updates the user profile at the MSC, VLR and HLR. The WHL also sends commands to the wireless device to turn the wireless device on, or instructs it to perform a new registration using the WHL line identification number. This will instruct wireless functional entities to use the WHL functionality for calls made through that wireless device. For authentication of a Wireless Device connected to a WHL using the Bluetooth® protocol (or other wireless technology), the wireless device automatically starts a new authentication as part of the procedures to enter into the WHL piconet.  
         [0105]    Wireless devices that are disconnected from the WHL are re-authenticated with the wireless network. The wireless device automatically starts a de-registration procedure in response to being disconnected from the WHL. In response to being powered on again and not being connected to the WHL, the wireless device authenticates normally with the wireless network. In this case, the wireless device uses the MIN of the device (not the WHL ID), enabling mobility and access to the services provided by the Wireless Service Carrier for a regular mobile wireless device.  
         [0106]    WHLs can be operated without electricity. In case of power loss, preferably at least two operations occur. One, the mobile telephone will be kept on if connected to the WHL, for a period, e.g., of 12 hours, using the WHL battery to help avoid the occurrence of wrong authentications. Two, in the WHL  22  and WHL  32  (or WHL  12  with optional trunk interface), each wire line is connected to a telephone extension automatically.  
         [0107]    For powering the WHL, preferably a readily-available external power source is used. Voltages levels that are not supplied by the power supply, and the ring voltage VRing are internally produced by the WHL. The WHL  12  and the WHL  22  models offer voltage to recharge the connected cellular phone battery.  
         [0108]    Installation of the WHL is preferably simple, using common and familiar methods of connection. For example, modular-jack type connectors may be used, where the female connectors are mounted in the WHL. Also, the power source may preferably be installed by plugging into a wall outlet and via cable to the WHL. Further, a WHL enclosure box that allows wall-mounting installation may be used.  
         [0109]    Referring to FIG. 10, a hardware architecture  120  of the WHL  22  shown in FIG. 4 is similar to the architecture  40  shown in FIG. 7 for the WHL  12  shown in FIG. 1. The WHL  22  has more interfaces, can be connected to other WHL modules, and uses a more powerful controller and more memory capacity then the WHL  12 . The architecture  120  includes a 128-Kbyte RAM  122  and a 256-Kbyte ROM  124 . The WHL  22  uses a 20 MHz microprocessor  126  model Am188ES made by Advanced Micro Devices of Sunnyvale, Calif. Extension line interfaces, trunk line interfaces and wireless device interfaces are similar, and possibly identical, to those used in the WHL  12 . The number of circuits in the WHL  22 , however, of each interface differs from the WHL  12 . The WHL  22  provides for connection to up to 8 extensions, and thus the architecture  120  includes 8 extension line interface circuits and 8 corresponding Loop_Dt and Ring_Sw signals. The WHL  22  provides for connection to up to four wireless devices  24 , and thus the architecture  120  includes four wireless device connectors  128 , and four of the associated signals (e.g., UART signals). The WHL  22  provides for two connections to the PSTN  28  wireless devices  24   1 ,  24   2 , and thus the architecture  120  includes four trunk interfaces and four corresponding Loop_Sw and Ring_Dt signals. Support functions are the same as, or similar to, those used by WHL  12 . Software functionality is similar to that described with respect to FIG. 9.  
         [0110]    The WHL  22  provides characteristics similar to those provided by the WHL  12  for telecommunications, although some differences do exist. With respect to the wireline phones  26 , the WHL  22  is configured to ring (with power from the power supply) two telephones simultaneously, one extension with up to two telephones connected in parallel. The WAIL  22  is configured to provide power to one telephone in off-hook status. For interfacing with analog trunk lines, the WHL  22  provides ring detection, generation of pulse dialing, and audio circuitry (for establishing a connection between called and calling parties). More differences exist with respect to control.  
         [0111]    The WHL  22  differs from the WHL  12  in control characteristics, with some being different and some additional characteristics. The WHL  22  controls interfaces with two mobile phones  24  as opposed to one mobile phone  14 . The WHL  22  also controls two analog trunk interfaces to the PSTN  28 . Control processing also includes voice processing for voice-activated commands in addition to audible caller ID announcement. The WHL  22  is further configured to provide analog switching control for the trunk lines, extensions and peripheral circuitry (e.g., tone generation, DTMF detection, and voice processing) to convey analog signals to appropriate destinations.  
         [0112]    The WHL  22  provides user facilities and services that also differ from those provided by the WHL  12 . Caller ID and call waiting available through the mobile phones  24  are provided similarly to as provided by the WHL  12 . For Private Branch Exchange (PBX) operation, the WHL  22  provides fixed extension numbering; calls between extensions; incoming and outgoing calls; hold, inquiry, transfer and conference; defined extension groups associated with each trunk for incoming calls; different rings for different trunk lines; call back for extensions and trunk lines; call waiting announcement for extensions; and different key selection for use of wireline or wireless network. A voice interface may be used that instructs users and recognizes phrases and words of user answers to activate facilities that involve user interaction.  
         [0113]    Referring to FIG. 11, a hardware architecture  130  of the WHL  32  shown in FIG. 5 is similar to the architecture  120  shown in FIG. 10 for the WHL  22  shown in FIG. 4. The WHL  32  wireless device connectors  132  that operate wirelessly, e.g., using a short-range wireless protocol, here the Bluetooth® protocol, to communicate with the wireless devices  34   1 - 34   4 .  
         [0114]    The WHL  32  provides characteristics similar to those provided by the WHL  22  for telecommunications, although some differences do exist. User facilities and services provided by the WHL  32  are similar to those provided by the WHL  22 . With respect to the mobile phones  34 , the WHL  32  is configured to communicate with the phones  36  using Bluetooth® specifications version 1.1. The power supply of the WHL  32  need not supply energy for recharging mobile-phone batteries. More differences exist with respect to control.  
         [0115]    The WHL  32  differs from the WHL  22  in control characteristics, with some being different and some additional characteristics. The WHL  32  controls interfaces with two mobile phones  34  according to the Bluetooth® protocol. Voice and data communication are provided between WHL modules. The WHL  32  also controls its operation as a master WHL or a slave WHL.  
         [0116]    Calls made to a wireline connected to the WHL  22  or  32  may be forwarded to the mobile telephones if these lines are busy or not available. There are at least three options for the execution of this call forwarding: operator agreements, automatic, and user activated.  
         [0117]    With the operator agreements call-forwarding option, in response to the MSC receiving information that a mobile telephone  26 ,  36  is connected to a WHL  22 ,  32  (e.g., through an authentication process) the MSC communicates with a wireline Central Office (CO) that provides service to the user. The MSC transmits information for the call forwarding to occur. In response to the MSC receiving information that the mobile phone  26   36  is disconnected from the WHL  22 ,  32 , the MSC communicates with the CO to deactivate the call forwarding.  
         [0118]    With automatic call forwarding, in response to connection of the mobile telephone  26 ,  36  to the WHL  22 ,  32 , the WHL  22 ,  32  uses the wireline(s) to send a code sequence that activates call forwarding to the connected mobile phone  26 ,  36 . This process is repeated in response to disconnection of the mobile phone  26 ,  36  and termination of call forwarding. This process assumes that the wireline offers such functionality.  
         [0119]    With user-activation call forwarding, the user initiates, e.g., by pressing a button, either process described above. In other words, either the WHL  22 ,  32  informs the MSC of the redirection or the WHL  22 ,  32  uses the wirelines to send these commands.  
         [0120]    Referring to FIG. 12, a hardware architecture  200  of the WHL  152  shown in FIG.  3  is similar to the architecture  120  shown in FIG. 10. The architecture  200 , however, includes a data section  202  that includes a data section controller  204 , an Ethernet Switch  206 , a quad Ethernet interface  208 , a wireless LAN controller  210 , an 802.11 interface  212 , and a Bluetooth interface  214 . The controller  204  can be, e.g., model CS89712 made by Cirrus Logic of Fremont, Calif. The switch  206  can be, e.g., a single-chip Tres KS8993 made by Kendin of Sunnyvale, Calif. The quad Ethernet interface  208  comprises discrete components.  
         [0121]    In operation, referring to FIG. 13, with further reference to FIGS.  1 - 5 , a process  300  for placing and receiving calls (including phone calls or other communications such as from/to data terminals  160 ), using any of the systems  10 ,  20 ,  30 ,  140 , and  150 , includes the stages shown. The process  300 , however, is exemplary only and not limiting. The process  300  can be altered, e.g., by having stages added, removed, or rearranged. At stage  302 , the process begins with whether the call is to be placed or received, with the process  300  following different paths depending on whether the call is incoming or outgoing.  
         [0122]    At stage  304 , for outgoing calls, a user selects a communication device. This device may be a wireless phone, a landline phone, or a data terminal depending on the system used by the user. The user enters a destination device ID (e.g., a phone number) using the selected device.  
         [0123]    At stage  306 , the selected device communicates the destination device ID through the corresponding WHL to initiate the call. For calls between multiple extensions, the WHL routes the call internally. For other calls, the WHL determines how to route the call, if an option exists. For example, if the WHL has multiple telecommunication media connections, in addition to that used by the selected device, for completing calls (e.g., two or more PSTN connections or wireless phones in any combination), then the WHL determines which medium to use. The WHL can automatically do this, e.g., by factoring in various cost elements related to the various media and rate plans, etc., to determine, e.g., a least-cost medium, be it least-cost for the particular call or least-cost on average, or other. The WHL can also prompt the user to select which medium to use.  
         [0124]    In determining the desired medium, the WHL may recognize that a wireless device is connected to, or otherwise associated at least temporarily with the WHL, and thus available for the call, and use a stored rate plan that is different than if the wireless device is not associated with the WHL. Also, or alternatively, the WHL may communicate with a wireless service provider to indicate that a wireless device is coupled to the WHL and the wireless service provider can adjust a rate structure associated with the wireless device and convey the adjusted rate plan to the WHL.  
         [0125]    In initiating calls through the WHL, the WHL can use features associated with the media determined to be used for the call. For example, if the call is to be placed using a wireless phone, then speed-dialing features associated with that phone may be used even if the call is placed via a landline phone without such speed-dialing features.  
         [0126]    At stage  308 , the WHL routes incoming calls. For incoming PSTN calls, the WHL receives a destination device ID and routes the call appropriately. The WHL at least initially routes the call to the device corresponding to the destination device ID. If that device is unavailable, then the WHL may route the call to other devices associated with the WHL if the WHL is set up for forwarding, e.g., for one-number-find-me operation. Incoming calls received by a wireless device coupled to the WHL are routed to the standard phone extension(s) or another wireless phone based on predetermined associations of wireless device to extension/wireless phone. Incoming calls include calls received by a wireless device while not coupled to a WHL that are transferred to the WHL upon the wireless device becoming coupled to the WHL.  
         [0127]    At stage  310 , for incoming or outgoing calls, once the call is established, features associated with the communication devices or media used for the call may be provided to the user. For example, a call that comes through a wireless device to a landline phone may be provided with call waiting capability if the wireless device has this service even though the landline connection(s), if any exist, to the WHL does(do) not.  
         [0128]    Other embodiments are within the scope of the invention. For example, other numbers of (more or less) trunk lines, analog extensions, cellular phone connections, and/or wire-line connections than those shown may be used and connected to wireless home loop systems. The amounts of these features shown are exemplary and not limiting. Also, while the description discussed cellular phones and associated networks, other forms of wireless mobile phones, and associated networks, are within the scope of the invention. Further, due to the nature of software, functions described above can be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. The programming commands for the administration software module  112  may be different, e.g., of different format, than as described. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations.