Patent ID: 7142852

Claim:
A gateway for controlling call routing via a selected network, the gateway comprising: a controller configured to support and control the functionality of the gateway; a wireless area network (LAN) transceiver, coupled to a cooperatively operable wit the controller to form an association with a wireless communications unit; a local loop interface coupled to and cooperatively operable with the controller to support a connection with a local loop; and a wide area network (WAN) transceiver, coupled to and cooperatively operable with to controller to support a wireless connection with a WAN and forward a message via the WAN corresponding to call routing of the wireless communication unit and when the association with the wireless communications unit changes; and wherein the call routing of the wireless communication unit identifies whether traffic to the wireless communication unit should be delivered via the local loop or the WAN, wherein the wireless LAN transceiver cooperatively with the controller receives a call request from the wireless communications unit via a wireless session; and when the local loop is available, the controller cooperatively with the local loop interface initiates a local loop call request to a public switched telephone network and receives one of a call ringing, a call answer, and a busy signal wherein the controller together with the local loop interface monitors the local loop for a busy condition; when the busy condition is detected, the controller cooperatively with the WAN transceiver initiates a WAN call request corresponding to the call request via the WAN and responsive thereto receives, from the WAN, a status message to one of call ringing, a busy signal, and a call answer; and the controller together with the wireless LAN transceiver forwards to the wireless communications unit a message corresponding to the status message.