Method and system for initiating a communication with a network entity to communicate information regarding a fixed wireless device

A method, system, and apparatus for initiating a communication between a fixed wireless device and a network entity. A wireless local loop hub or other fixed wireless device upon being reconnected to fixed-position power, will determine if fixed-position power was disconnected for a time-duration exceeding a time-threshold, and if so, responsively initiating a communication with a network entity in order to communicate information regarding the wireless local loop hub or other fixed wireless device.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to wireless devices that operate in wireless networks, and more particularly to fixed wireless devices.

2. Description of Related Art

A wireless device works cooperatively with a radio access network (RAN) to allow the wireless device and/or a user of the wireless device to communicate with a remote device and/or a user of the remote device. More specifically, a wireless device works cooperatively with a particular wireless local loop (WLL) of a RAN. A WLL includes: (i) a base transceiver station (BTS), (ii) an air interface between a particular wireless device and the BTS, (iii) a base station controller (BSC), (iv) a first coupling mechanism that couples the BTS to the BSC, and (v) a second coupling mechanism that couples the BSC to a mobile switching center (MSC). The MSC is a switch for setting up and tearing down phone calls between the wireless device and a remote device, such as a device in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or a remote device in a RAN. An air interface is arranged according to an air interface protocol, such as the Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), or Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) air interface protocols.

A wireless device may be a fixed wireless device. A fixed wireless device works at a fixed location and typically does not work while being moved from a first fixed location to a second fixed location. A fixed wireless device may receive operating power from a portable power source and/or from a fixed-position power source. A fixed-position power source provides fixed-position power at a fixed location, such as a house or an office. An example of fixed-position power is alternating current (AC) power provided to a house via electrical transmission lines from an electric generator. An example of a portable power source is a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. A fixed wireless device could use a portable power source as a backup power source in case fixed-position power to the fixed wireless device is disconnected.

A WLL hub is an example of a fixed wireless device. A WLL hub can operate at a fixed location to provide an interface to a wireless network. The interface to the wireless network can be provided to land-line telephone equipment that is coupled to the WLL hub. Examples of land-line telephone equipment include a telephone, an answering machine, and a facsimile machine that can access a PSTN via local loop telephone lines coupled to the land-line telephone equipment. Providing land-line telephone equipment with an interface to a wireless network allows the land-line telephone equipment to access the PSTN via the wireless network. In this regard, the WLL hub and the wireless network allow the land-line telephone equipment to access the PSTN even if the land-line telephone equipment is not coupled to local loop telephone lines.

Local loop telephone lines couple land-line telephone equipment to a central office switch. A central office switch provides land-line telephone equipment coupled to the central office switch with: (i) a dial tone that indicates when a phone number can be dialed, and (ii) a signal that indicates when the land-line telephone equipment should ring to announce an incoming call. A WLL hub can provide land-line telephone equipment coupled to the WLL hub with tones and signals typically provided by a central office switch. For example, a WLL hub can provide land-line telephone equipment with: (i) a dial tone to indicate that a phone number can be dialed, and/or (ii) a signal that indicates when the land-line telephone equipment should ring to announce an incoming call. Other examples of tones and signals that a WLL hub can provide to land-line telephone equipment are also possible.

A wireless carrier is an entity that provides wireless service to a wireless device user via a RAN. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires a wireless carrier to perform certain functions. Some of the FCC requirements relate to phone calls made via a wireless carrier's RAN by dialing the digits 9, 1, and 1 (a “9-1-1 call”). For example, the FCC requires a wireless carrier to route all 9-1-1 calls originated on one of the wireless carrier's radio access networks to a public safety answering point (PSAP). As another example, the FCC requires a wireless carrier to provide automatic location information (ALI) to a PSAP that answers a 9-1-1 call placed via one of the wireless carrier's radio access networks. ALI indicates data about the wireless device placing the 9-1-1 call. Examples of ALI include: (i) a latitude and a longitude that indicate the location of a wireless device placing the 9-1-1 call, and (ii) a ten-digit phone number of a wireless device placing the 9-1-1 call.

A wireless carrier may use any of a variety of methods to determine the location of a wireless device so as to facilitate providing ALI. For example, a wireless carrier may use a method that involves determining the location of a wireless device from positioning determining equipment (PDE) and a mobile positioning center (MPC). The PDE and the MPC are devices located in a wireless carrier's network that work cooperatively to determine the location of a wireless device. As another example, a wireless device can provide the current location of the wireless device to the wireless carrier. In this regard, the wireless device could comprise a global positioning system (GPS) receiver for determining the location of the wireless device and a communication interface for transmitting its location to a network entity in the wireless carrier's network.

A location of a fixed wireless device can be stored in a network entity and the location stored in the network entity will be accurate so long as the fixed wireless device remains at the location. Examples of network entities that can store a location of a fixed wireless device include an MPC, a data storage device coupled to an MPC, or a data storage device coupled to another network server. Other examples of network entities that can store a location of a fixed wireless device are also possible.

After storing a location of a fixed wireless device in a network entity, the network entity may provide the location to a remote entity that requests the location of the fixed wireless device. For example, the remote entity may be a PSAP that requests the location of the fixed wireless device so that the PSAP can dispatch emergency personnel to the location. As another example, the remote entity could be a network server that requests the location of the fixed wireless device so that the network server can send particular information to a user of the fixed wireless device based on the location. For instance, the information could indicate a grocery store located near the location that is willing to deliver its products to a user of the fixed wireless device at the location.

A problem could arise if a fixed wireless device is moved from a first location to a second location after storing the first location in a network entity. For example, after storing the first location in a network entity and moving the fixed wireless device to a second location, the fixed wireless device could be used to place a 9-1-1 call to a PSAP that then requests the location of the fixed wireless device from the network entity. Since the first location is stored in the network entity, the first location is reported to the PSAP as the location of the fixed wireless device even though the fixed wireless device is now located at the second location. If the PSAP dispatches emergency personnel to the first location instead of the second location, the emergency personnel may arrive at the second location too late to assist the caller at the second location. Other examples of problems that might arise after moving a fixed wireless device from a stored location without updating the stored location are also possible.

SUMMARY

A fixed wireless device can operate at a first location that can be stored in data storage as a registered location. Afterwards, the fixed wireless device can be moved from the first location to a second location. After moving the fixed wireless device from the first location to the second location, the registered location needs to be updated in order for the registered location to match the second location. If the registered location is not updated with the second location, then an entity receiving the registered location may receive an incorrect registered location. As a result, the entity may not be able to provide a requested service to a user of the fixed wireless device at the second location in a timely fashion.

The present invention provides a solution to this problem. In accordance with the invention, when a fixed wireless device is connected to fixed-position power after having been disconnected from fixed-position power, the fixed wireless device detects that it was disconnected from fixed-position power for at least a threshold period of time. The fixed wireless device will then responsively initiate a communication with a network entity in order to communicate information regarding the fixed wireless device. The fixed wireless device and the network entity can each communicate information regarding the fixed wireless device. An example of the information regarding the fixed wireless device is the current location of the fixed wireless device.

In one respect, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a system that includes: (i) power logic that detects disconnection and connection of fixed-position power to the system, (ii) data storage for storing a time-threshold, (iii) time logic that determines a time-duration and whether the time-duration exceeds the time-threshold, and (iv) a communication interface for initiating a communication with a network entity and for communicating a location regarding the fixed wireless device. Initiating the communication occurs in response to the determination that the time-duration exceeds the time-threshold. The time-duration is a quantity of time indicating how long fixed-position power was disconnected from the fixed wireless device before being re-connected to the fixed wireless device. The time-threshold is a quantity of time during which the fixed wireless device may have been moved from a registered location.

In another respect, the exemplary embodiment includes a method involving: (i) determining, upon a connection of fixed-position power to a WLL hub, that fixed-position power to the WLL hub had been disconnected for a time-duration that exceeds a time-threshold, and (ii) responsively initiating a communication with a network entity in order to communicate information regarding the WLL hub.

In yet another respect, the exemplary embodiment includes a WLL hub that includes: (i) data storage for storing a time-threshold, (ii) power logic for detecting disconnection and connection of fixed-position power to the WLL hub, (iii) time logic for determining a time-duration and for determining if the time-duration exceeds the time-threshold, (iv) location logic for determining a current location of the WLL hub, and (v) a communication interface for providing the current location of the WLL hub to a network entity in response to the time logic determining that the time-duration exceeds the time-threshold.

In still yet another respect, the exemplary embodiment includes a WLL hub that includes: (i) means for determining, upon a connection of fixed-position power to the WLL hub, that fixed-position power to the WLL hub had been disconnected for a time-duration that exceeds a time-threshold, and (ii) means for responsively initiating a communication with a network entity in order to communicate information regarding the WLL hub.

These as well as other aspects and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings. Further, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this summary and elsewhere are intended to be examples only and do not necessarily limit the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a mechanism for initiating a communication between a fixed wireless device and a network entity in order to communicate information regarding the fixed wireless device. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, upon connecting fixed-position power to a fixed wireless device, the fixed wireless device determines if fixed-position power to the fixed wireless device had been disconnected for a time-duration that exceeds a time-threshold and if so, responsively initiates a communication with a network entity so that information regarding the fixed wireless device can be communicated.

In one respect, as shown inFIG. 1, the exemplary embodiment includes a system100. The system100includes a fixed wireless device102, a radio access network (RAN)104, a network server106, and first data storage108. The fixed wireless device102includes a processor110, second data storage112, and a communication interface114. The RAN104includes a radio frequency (RF) air interface116for performing communication between the RAN104and the communication interface114.

The fixed wireless device102couples to a fixed-position power source118via a fixed-position power cord120. An example of the fixed-position power source118is a single-phase alternating-current (AC) wall outlet that provides AC power at a voltage level between the range of substantially 110-120 volts AC. The fixed-position power source118could receive fixed-position power from an electrical generator. Other examples of the fixed-position power source118are also possible.

The system100determines when fixed-position power from the fixed-position power source118is connected to the fixed wireless device102and then determines whether fixed-position power had been disconnected from the fixed wireless device102for a time-duration that exceeds a time-threshold. The fixed-position power from the fixed-position power source118can be disconnected from the fixed wireless device102in various ways. For example, fixed-position power is disconnected from the fixed wireless device102when the fixed-position power cord120is disconnected from the fixed position power source118. As another example, fixed-position power is disconnected from the fixed wireless device102when the fixed-position power source118stops providing power to the fixed wireless device102. In this regard, the fixed-position power source118might stop providing power when a power transmission line to the fixed-position power source118is broken (open circuit) during a high wind condition. Other examples of the fixed-position power being disconnected from the fixed wireless device102are also possible.

The time-duration and time-threshold are each a respective quantity of time. The time-duration could be a measured quantity of time or a derived quantity of time. An example of a measured quantity of time is a quantity of time counted by a timer. An example of a derived quantity of time is a quantity of time derived by subtracting a first time-stamp from a second time-stamp. In this regard, the first time-stamp could indicate when fixed-position power was disconnected and the second time-stamp could indicate when fixed-position power was reconnected. An example of the time-threshold is a predetermined quantity of time during which it is more likely than not that a user may have moved the fixed wireless device102from a first location to a second location. Other examples of the time-threshold and/or the time-duration are also possible.

The first data storage108stores data for the network server106and the second data storage112stores data for the fixed wireless device102. The first and second data storage108,112store various types of data. For example, the second data storage112could store machine language instructions that are executable by the processor110, a time-threshold, and a time-duration. As another example, the first and second data storage108,112could each store a location of the fixed wireless device102. A location stored in the first and/or second data storage108,112is a registered location. Ideally, a registered location matches the current location of the fixed wireless device102. However, a registered location may not match the current location if the fixed wireless device102was moved from a registered location to a new location. Other examples of the data stored in data storage are also possible.

The processor110executes a variety of machine language instructions. For example, the processor110executes machine language instructions in order to determine whether the fixed-position power source118had been disconnected for a time-duration that exceeds a time-threshold. Examples of machine language instructions include: (i) instructions to determine the time-duration that fixed-position power is disconnected, (ii) instructions to read the time-threshold from the second data storage112, and (iii) instructions to compare the time-duration to the time-threshold.

If the processor110determines that fixed-position power had been disconnected for a time-duration that exceeds the time-threshold, the processor110works cooperatively with the communication interface114to initiate a communication with the network server106via the RAN104. Initiating the communication could involve the communication interface114transmitting one or more messages to the RAN104via the RF air interface116.

After initiating the communication, the fixed wireless device102and the network server106can engage in a communication. Various methods may be employed to engage in the communication. For example, engaging in the communication could involve the fixed wireless device102sending information to the network server106. As another example, engaging in the communication could involve the network server106sending information to the fixed wireless device102. As yet another example, engaging in the communication could involve the fixed wireless device102and the network server106sending information to each other. Other examples of methods for engaging in the communication are also possible.

While engaging in the communication, information regarding the fixed wireless device102can be communicated between the fixed wireless device102and the network server106. A variety of information can be communicated. For example, the information could indicate the current location of the fixed wireless device102. In this regard, the current location can be compared to a registered location. If the current location does not match the registered location, then the current location can be stored as the registered location to update the registered location. If the registered location matches the current location, no change to the registered location is required. Other examples of information communicated between the fixed wireless device102and the network server106are also possible.

In order for the fixed wireless device102to communicate its current location to the network server106, the fixed wireless device102needs to determine its current location. Various methods could be used by the fixed wireless device102to determine its current location. For example, the fixed wireless device102could include a GPS receiver and machine language instructions arranged as location logic. In this regard, the processor110could receive the GPS signals and execute the location logic (machine language instructions) to determine its current location from the GPS signals. Other examples of methods the fixed wireless device102can use to determine its current location are also possible.

2. Overview of a Fixed Wireless Device and a Wireless Network

FIG. 2is a simplified block diagram of a system in which an exemplary embodiment can be carried out. As illustrated, the system includes a fixed location200, a wireless network202, a public switched telephone network (PSTN)204, and a packet-switched network206. The fixed location200includes a fixed wireless device208. The fixed wireless device208is coupled to land-line telephone equipment210and a fixed-position power source212. The fixed wireless device208interfaces to the wireless network202so that the land-line telephone equipment210can engage in a communication via the wireless network202, and in turn, the PSTN204or the packet-switched network206.

The wireless network202includes a base transceiver station (BTS)214coupled with a base station controller (BSC)216. BSC216is in turn coupled with a mobile switching center (MSC)218, which provides connectivity with the PSTN204. The BSC216is also coupled with a packet data serving node (PDSN)220, which functions as a gateway to the packet-switched network206. The wireless network202also includes an air interface222for communication between the BTS214and the fixed wireless device208.

A wireless local loop (WLL)224of the wireless network202includes the air interface222, the BTS214, and the BSC216. The WLL224provides the fixed wireless device208with access to other parts of the wireless network202, such as the MSC218.

The fixed wireless device208may be configured in various arrangements. For example, the fixed wireless device208could be configured to receive power from the fixed-position power source212. As another example, the fixed wireless device208could be configured to receive power from a portable power source. In this regard, the fixed wireless device208may use power from a portable power source in combination with fixed-position power, or as back-up power after fixed-position power has been disconnected from the fixed wireless device208. An example of the fixed wireless device208is a WLL hub that provides the land-line telephone equipment210with an interface to the WLL224. Other examples of the fixed wireless device208are also possible.

The fixed wireless device208works cooperatively with the wireless network202to initiate a communication with a remote entity. For instance, the fixed wireless device208can initiate a communication by sending an origination request to the wireless network202. An example of an origination request is a voice call origination message, which may be used to establish a voice call via the PSTN204. As another example, the origination request could be a packet data session origination request for establishing a packet-data connectivity, such as to facilitate establishing a packet data session, such as a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) data session, with the PDSN220.

As an example of the fixed wireless device208establishing a packet data session, the fixed wireless device208first sends a packet data origination request to the BTS214. The BTS214then sends the request to the BSC216, which passes the request to the MSC218in order to validate that the fixed wireless device208may continue to use the wireless network202. After validation of the fixed wireless device208, the BSC216establishes a link between the fixed wireless device208and the PDSN220. After establishing the link with the PDSN220, a second request can be sent to the PDSN220for establishing a packet data session with a network entity, such as the network server226. The PDSN220then negotiates with the network server226to establish the packet data session.

After establishing the packet data session, the fixed wireless device208and the network server226may engage in communications with each other. As an example, the communications may take the form of information sent in a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) message. As another example, the communications may take the form of information sent in an real-time transport protocol (RTP) packet stream. Other examples of the communications are also possible.

3. Exemplary Fixed Wireless Device

FIG. 3is a block diagram illustrating functional components of an exemplary fixed wireless device300. The fixed wireless device300includes a processor302, power logic304, time logic306, location logic308, data storage310, and a communication interface312, all of which may be coupled together by a system bus or other mechanism314. The fixed wireless device102shown inFIG. 1and the fixed wireless device208shown inFIG. 2could be arranged as the fixed wireless device300.

The processor302could comprise one or more processors, such as a general purpose processor and/or a digital signal processor. The processor302executes machine language instructions that are stored in data storage310. The power logic304, the time logic306, and the location logic308may comprise machine language instructions that are executable by the processor302.

The power logic304may comprise both machine language instructions and electronic circuitry. An example of a power logic electronic circuit is shown inFIG. 4. A power logic electronic circuit could interface to a fixed-position power source and provide signaling to the processor302to indicate when fixed-position power is connected to or disconnected from the electronic circuit. A power logic electronic circuit could comprise a portable power source for providing portable power for the fixed wireless device300. Machine language instructions could be arranged as the power logic304to detect the disconnection and/or the connection of fixed-position power to the fixed wireless device300.

The time logic306may comprise both machine language instructions and electronic circuitry for performing functions based on time. An example of a function based on time is determining a time-duration, such as the time-duration that occurs between disconnecting and connecting fixed-position power to the fixed wireless device300. Another example of a function based on time is comparing a time-duration to a time-threshold. An example of electronic circuitry arranged as time logic is circuitry that includes a real time clock for providing time-stamps to a processor, or circuitry that includes a timer for measuring a time-duration. Other examples of the time logic306are also possible.

The location logic308may comprise both machine language instructions and electronic circuitry. The location logic308could be used to determine the current location of the fixed wireless device300. An example of location logic308is (i) an electronic circuit comprising a GPS receiver that receives GPS signals, and (ii) machine language instructions to determine the current location of the fixed wireless device300from the GPS signals.

As another example, the location logic may comprise: (i) an interface to a keyboard that couples to the fixed wireless device300, and (ii) machine language instructions to determine the current location of the fixed wireless device300from a location entered on the keyboard. In this regard, a user could enter the current location of the fixed wireless device300by typing the current location on the keyboard.

As yet another example, the location logic308may comprise machine language instructions for determining the current location of the fixed wireless device300from a communication received from a network entity via the communication interface312. In this regard, the network entity could be a mobile positioning center that works cooperatively with positioning determining equipment to determine the current location of the fixed wireless device300. Other examples of the location logic308are also possible.

The data storage310may comprise a computer readable medium, such as a magnetic disc, an optical disc, organic memory, and/or any other volatile or non-volatile mass storage system readable by the processor302. Alternatively, the data storage310may comprise a combination of one or more segments of computer readable media. For example, the data storage310could comprise a first segment of data storage at the processor302and a second segment of data storage remote from the processor302. Other examples of the data storage310are also possible.

The communication interface312could be arranged in a variety of ways to allow the fixed wireless device300to engage in communications with a network entity. For example, the communication interface312could comprise a wireless telephone interface that includes a chipset and antenna for interfacing with a RAN according to an air interface protocol. An example of a chipset that facilitates air interface communication according to the CDMA air interface protocol is the MSM6000™ chipset manufactured by Qualcomm Incorporated of San Diego, Calif. Other examples of the communication interface312are also possible.

4. Exemplary Power Logic Circuit

The power logic304described above may include a power logic circuit for detecting when fixed-position power is connected to the fixed wireless device300and for detecting when fixed-position power is disconnected from the fixed wireless device300.

FIG. 4depicts an exemplary power logic circuit400for a fixed wireless device. The power logic304shown inFIG. 3could comprise the power logic circuit400. The power logic circuit400includes a power interface402, an AC/DC rectifier404, a processor406, first and second diodes408,410, first and second light emitting diodes412,414, a transistor416, first, second, and third resistors,418,420,422, a portable power source424, and circuit ground paths426. The processor406could be the processor302shown inFIG. 3.

The power interface402is used to receive received fixed-position power from a fixed-position power source. The power interface402provides power to the AC/DC rectifier404when a fixed-position power is connected to the power interface402. The AC/DC rectifier404converts fixed-position power in the form of an AC signal to a first direct current (DC) signal on a first circuit node428. The AC/DC rectifier404could work cooperatively with a step-down transformer to reduce the voltage of the fixed-position power supplied to the power interface402. For example, the AC/DC rectifier404and a step-down transformer could work cooperatively to change a 120 volt AC signal to a 5 volt DC signal.

The first DC signal on the first circuit node428is supplied to the processor406at first and second processor ports430,432. The processor406uses the first DC signal at the first processor port430as operating power. The processor406uses the first DC signal at the second processor port430to sense when a fixed-position power source is connected to the power interface402. Alternatively, the processor406could sense when a fixed-position power source is connected to the power interface402by detecting the presence of the first DC signal at the first processor port430.

A second DC signal is supplied on a second circuit node434from the portable power source424. The second DC signal is supplied to a third processor port436located at the processor406. The processor406uses the second DC signal at the third processor port436as backup power when the fixed-position power source is disconnected from the power interface402. Alternatively, the processor406could use the second DC signal for operating power in conjunction with the first DC signal supplied to the first processor port430when fixed-position power is connected to the power interface402.

The first LED412is turned on when fixed-position power is connected to the power interface402and is turned off when fixed-position power is disconnected to the power interface402. The first DC signal on the first circuit node428provides power for turning on the first LED412. The second LED414is turned off when fixed-position power is connected to the power interface402and is turned on when fixed-position power is disconnected to the power interface402. The second DC signal on the second circuit node434provides power for turning on the second LED414.

The resistance values of the first, second, and third resistors418,420,422may be selected to provide biasing for the transistor416. For example, the resistance values may be selected (i) to turn off the transistor416when fixed-position power to the power interface402is connected, and (ii) to turn on the transistor416when fixed-position power to the power interface402is disconnected. When the transistor416is turned off, the second LED is turned off and a fixed-position power disconnect signal is not provided to a fourth processor port438. However, when the transistor416turns on, the second LED414turns on and the fixed-position power disconnect signal is provided to the fourth processor port438. Other exemplary biasing schemes for the transistor416are also possible.

The processor406could execute machine language instructions: (i) to detect when a signal is present at the second processor port432to determine that fixed-position power to the power interface402is connected, and (ii) to detect when a signal is present at the fourth processor port438to determine that fixed-position power to the power interface402is disconnected. Other examples of the power logic circuit400are also possible.

According to the exemplary embodiment and making reference toFIG. 3, the processor302executes the power logic304to detect when fixed-position power is connected to the fixed wireless device300and then executes the time logic306to determine whether the fixed wireless device300had been disconnected from fixed-position power for a time-duration that exceeds a time-threshold. If so, the fixed wireless device300responsively initiates a communication with a network entity so that information regarding the fixed wireless device300can be communicated.

By way of example and with reference toFIG. 3, assume that data storage310includes a time-threshold of four hours. Assume next (i) that a user disconnects the fixed wireless device300from a first fixed-position power source located at a first location at 12:01 A.M., (ii) the user moves the fixed wireless device300from the first location to a second location, and (iii) the user reconnects the fixed wireless device300to a second fixed-position power source located at the second location at 5:01 A.M., five hours after disconnecting the fixed wireless device300from the first fixed-position power source.

In this example, the power logic304detects connection of the second fixed-position power source to the fixed wireless device300. Then the processor302executes the time logic306to determine that the fixed wireless device300had been disconnected from fixed-position power for a time-duration (five hours) that exceeds the time-threshold (four hours). Subsequently, the processor302works cooperatively with the communication interface312to initiate a communication with a network entity, such as the network server226shown inFIG. 2, so that information regarding the fixed wireless device300can be communicated.

FIG. 5is a flow chart provided to illustrate some functions of the exemplary operation. As shown inFIG. 5, block500involves detecting disconnection of fixed-position power to a fixed wireless device. As an example and with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, the processor302could execute machine language instructions, arranged as the power logic304, upon receiving a first signal at the fourth processor port438, wherein the first signal indicates that fixed-position power has been disconnected from the fixed wireless device300. In this regard, the processor302could detect, by receipt of the first signal and execution of the machine language instructions, that fixed-position power had been disconnected.

The processor302could act in a variety of ways in response to detecting that fixed-position power had been disconnected. For example, the processor302could store a first time-stamp that indicates the time when fixed-position power was disconnected. As another example, the processor302could start a timer to begin counting the amount of time that fixed-position power to the fixed wireless device300is disconnected. In this regard, the processor302could receive power from a backup power source in order to perform its processing functions, such as storing the time-stamp or starting the timer. Other examples of how the processor302responds to detecting that fixed-position power has been disconnected are also possible.

Next at block502, the exemplary operation involves detecting that fixed-position power is connected to the fixed wireless device. As an example, the processor302could execute machine language instructions, arranged as the power logic304, upon receiving a second signal at the second processor port432, wherein the second signal indicates that fixed-position power has been connected to the fixed wireless device300. In this regard, the processor302could detect, by receipt of the second signal and execution of the machine language instructions, that fixed-position power has been re-connected.

The processor302could act in a variety of ways in response to detecting that fixed-position power had been re-connected. For example, the processor302could store a second time-stamp that indicates the time when fixed-position power was re-connected to the fixed wireless device. As another example, the processor302could stop the timer that was started in response to the processor302detecting the disconnection of fixed-position power at block500. Other examples of how the processor302responds to detecting that fixed-position power has been re-connected are also possible.

Next, at block504, a time-duration (quantity of time) that fixed-position power was disconnected to the fixed wireless device300is determined. The time-duration is determined in response to the detection that fixed-position power has been reconnected at block502. The act of determining the time-duration could occur by the processor302executing machine language instructions arranged as the time logic306.

For example, the processor302could execute machine language instructions to subtract the first time stamp (stored at block500) from the second time stamp (stored at block502) to determine the time-duration. As another example, the processor302could execute machine language instructions to read the timer (started at block500and stopped at block502) to determine the time-duration. Other examples of determining the time-duration are also possible.

Next, block506involves determining that the time-duration (determined at block504) exceeds a time-threshold stored in data storage. The act of determining the time-duration exceeds the time-threshold could involve the processor302executing machine language instructions arranged as the time logic306. For example, the processor302could execute machine language instructions that compare the time-duration to the time-threshold. Other examples of determining that the time-duration exceeds the time-threshold are also possible.

Next, in response to determining that the time-duration exceeds the time-threshold, a communication with a network entity is initiated at block508. Various methods could be used to initiate the communication with a network entity. For instance, the act of initiating a communication with a network entity could involve the fixed wireless device sending an origination message to a wireless network (i) to initiate a voice call via the PSTN, or (ii) to obtain packet data connectivity and initiate a packet data session via the packet-switched network.

By way of example and with reference toFIG. 2, the fixed wireless device208could send a voice call origination message to the wireless network202, which then forwards the voice call origination message through the wireless network202from the BTS214to the BSC216and then to the MSC218which then communicates with a signaling transfer point to establish a voice call with a network entity connected to the PSTN230.

As another example and with reference toFIG. 2, the fixed wireless device208could send a packet data session origination request message to the wireless network202to establish packet data connectivity and could then engage in a packet data session with the network server226. In particular, (i) the packet data origination request message would pass to the BTS214and in turn to the BSC216, (ii) the BSC216would assign an air interface traffic channel for use by the wireless device and would signal to the PDSN220, (iii) the PDSN220and wireless device208would negotiate to establish a PPP session if one does not already exist, (iv) the wireless device would acquire an IP address if it does not already have one, and (v) the wireless device could then engage in packet data communication with the network server226. Other examples of initiating packet data communication are possible as well.

After initiating a communication, next at block510, a fixed wireless device and a network entity communicate information regarding the fixed wireless device. For example, the information regarding the fixed wireless device may be in the form of an analog signal, such as an analog voice signal. As another example, the information regarding the fixed wireless device may be in the form of a digital signal, such as a digital voice signal or a message comprising GPS coordinates. Other examples of the type of signal that comprises the information are also possible.

Further, the information may itself take various forms. For example, the content of the information may include the current location of the fixed wireless device. The current location may be used to update a registered location of the wireless device. As another example, the information may include a signal that triggers the network entity to determine the current location of a fixed wireless device. In this regard, the network entity could responsively: (i) work with a wireless network and positioning determining equipment to identify the current location of a fixed wireless device, and then (ii) send the current location to the fixed wireless device. The information may take other forms as well.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Those skilled in the art will understand, however, that changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention, which is defined by the claims.