US5796727A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wide-area wireless lan access
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
•
Filing: 1993-04-30
•
Granted: 1998-08-18
•
Expires: 2013-04-30
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus is provided which permits mobile computers equipped with modems for cellular telephone systems to obtain various classes of data communication services, as well as voice service, including taking part in local-area networks. The LAN's may be composed of conventional LANS in establishments or of other mobile computers. In this way, mobile computers can take part in mainstream client-server computing and also establish wireless LANs using the cellular telephone system.
Inventors
- 👤 Colin George Harrison
- 👤 Dieter Jaepel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 05:41
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04W; H04W28/00; H04W28/02; H04W28/06; H04W28/065; H04W4/00; H04W4/18; H04W84/00; H04W84/02; H04W84/10; H04W84/12; H04W84/18; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S370/00; Y10S370/912; Y10S370/913
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 66
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of transmitting data via a cellular telephone communication system comprising the steps of: a. transmitting fragments of a LAN MAC frame over a wireless link from a source computer to a Cell Controller, CC, the source computer being equipped with a cellular wireless modem for use in the wireless link; b. transporting fragments of the LAN MAC frame from the CC to a Mobile Telephone Service Office, MTSO; c. routing the fragments of the LAN MAC frame through the MTSO to a Mobile Data Service Controller MDSC; and d. re-assembling the LAN MAC frame from successive fragments received at the MDSC.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of transmitting data via a cellular telephone communication system comprising the steps of: a. transmitting fragments of a LAN MAC frame over a wireless link from a source computer to a Cell Controller, CC, the source computer being equipped with a cellular wireless modem for use in the wireless link; b. transporting fragments of the LAN MAC frame from the CC to a Mobile Telephone Service Office, MTSO; c. routing the fragments of the LAN MAC frame through the MTSO to a Mobile Data Service Controller MDSC; and d. re-assembling the LAN MAC frame from successive fragments received at the MDSC.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method as set forth in claim 1, and further including after step d, the steps of: a. recognizing from a destination MAC address in the re-assembled LAN MAC frame that a destination computer is another computer equipped with a cellular wireless modem in the same cell or another cell controlled by the same MTSO; and b. relaying the re-assembled LAN MAC frame to the destination computer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method as set forth in claim 2, wherein a second computer equipped with a wireless modem establishes and takes part in LAN communication via the cellular telephone system with another computer equipped with a wireless modem in the same cell or another cell controlled by the same MTSO.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method as set forth in claim 1, and further including after step d, the steps of: a. recognizing from a destination MAC address in the re-assembled LAN MAC frame that a destination computer is not another computer equipped with a cellular wireless modem in the same cell or another cell controlled by the same MTSO; and b. relaying the re-assembled LAN MAC frame to a wide-area network interface module.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method as set forth in claim 4, wherein the wide-area network interface module is a gateway into a packet-switched wide-area network including the step of: a. routing the LAN MAC frame through the wide-area network to a gateway into a Local Area Network, LAN, containing the destination computer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method as set forth in claim 5, including the step of: merging into a common stream through said wide-area network, said LAN MAC frame and another MAC frame having destination MAC addresses on a common remote LAN.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method as set forth in claim 4, wherein the wide-area network interface module is a half-bridge interfaced to a connection-oriented wide-area network including the steps of: a. using one of an address and an identifier previously provided by the source computer to establish a connection through the wide-area network to a similar half-bridge which is attached to a Local Area Network, LAN, containing the destination computer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method as set forth in claim 7, including the steps of: a. routing the LAN MAC frame through the wide-area network to the half-bridge attached to the LAN containing the destination computer; and b. merging into a common stream through said wide-area network, said LAN MAC frame and another MAC frame having destination MAC addresses on a common remote LAN.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method as set forth in claim 7, wherein a second computer equipped with a wireless modem establishes and takes part in LAN communication via the cellular telephone system with another computer which is attached to a remote LAN.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method as set forth in claim 4, wherein the wide-area network interface module is a half-bridge interfaced to a connection-oriented data network, including the step of: a. using one of an address and an identifier previously provided by the source computer to establish a connection to a similar half-bridge which is attached to another MDSC which communicates with the destination computer via another cellular telephone MTSO and CC.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein a second computer equipped with a wireless modem establishes and takes part in LAN communication via the cellular telephone system with another computer equipped with a wireless modem in the same cell or another cell controlled by another MTSO.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
71 words
The method as set forth in claim 1, and further including after step d. the steps of: a. recognizing from a destination MAC address in the re-assembled LAN MAC frame that a destination computer is not another computer equipped with a cellular wireless modem in the same cell or another cell controlled by the same MTSO; and b. relaying the re-assembled LAN MAC frame to a Shadow PC in the MDSC.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein the Shadow PC provides support for a source computer which is equipped with a wireless modem and which is taking part in LAN communication via the cellular telephone system with at least one other computer which is attached to a remote LAN.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein the Shadow PC provides a service to a source computer which is equipped with a wireless modem and which is taking part in LAN communication via the cellular telephone system with at least the Shadow PC.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein another computer equipped with a cellular wireless modem informs the MDSC at the time of registration of the association between LAN MAC addresses it expects to employ and an identifier which is an address or identifying number of half-bridges between connection-oriented data networks and the LANs containing these LAN MAC addresses.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the identifier identifies one or more LAN addresses as belonging to computers equipped with cellular wireless modems.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as set forth in claim 16, wherein the identifier is a network address.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as set forth in claim 16, wherein the identifier is a telephone number.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the identifier is a network address.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the identifier is a telephone number.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of transmitting data via a cellular telephone communication system comprising the steps of: a. receiving a LAN MAC frame at a Mobile Data Service Controller, MDSC; b. dividing the LAN MAC frame into fragments; c. routing the fragments of the LAN MAC frame through a Mobile Telephone Service Office, MTSO; d. transporting the fragments of the LAN MAC frame from the MTSO to a Cell Controller, CC; and e. transmitting the fragments of the LAN MAC frame over a wireless link from the CC to a computer, the computer being equipped with a cellular wireless modem for use in the wireless link.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of transmitting data via a cellular telephone communication system comprising the steps of: a. receiving a LAN MAC frame at a Mobile Data Service Controller, MDSC; b. dividing the LAN MAC frame into fragments; c. routing the fragments of the LAN MAC frame through a Mobile Telephone Service Office, MTSO; d. transporting the fragments of the LAN MAC frame from the MTSO to a Cell Controller, CC; and e. transmitting the fragments of the LAN MAC frame over a wireless link from the CC to a computer, the computer being equipped with a cellular wireless modem for use in the wireless link.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
124 words
A method of Local Area Network, LAN, communications between a first computer and at least one other computer comprising the steps of: a. initially establishing and taking part in LAN communication by a first computer with at least one other computer via either a wired connection between the first computer and a LAN or a local non-cellular wireless connection between the first computer and the LAN; b. using a cellular wireless modem attached to the first computer to establish a cellular LAN connection between the first computer and one or more of the same other computers for cellular communication; c. dropping the initial LAN communication via the wired or local non-cellular wireless connection with the first computer; and d. maintaining the cellular LAN communication.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
124 words
A method of Local Area Network, LAN, communications between a first computer and at least one other computer comprising the steps of: a. initially establishing and taking part in LAN communication by a first computer with at least one other computer via either a wired connection between the first computer and a LAN or a local non-cellular wireless connection between the first computer and the LAN; b. using a cellular wireless modem attached to the first computer to establish a cellular LAN connection between the first computer and one or more of the same other computers for cellular communication; c. dropping the initial LAN communication via the wired or local non-cellular wireless connection with the first computer; and d. maintaining the cellular LAN communication.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method as set forth in claim 22, wherein said at least one other computer is equipped with a wireless modem for taking part in LAN communications with said first computer and is located in the same cell as said first computer or another cell controlled by the same Mobile Telephone Service Office (MTSO) as said first computer.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method as set forth in claim 22, wherein said at least one other computer is equipped with a wireless modem for taking part in LAN communications with said first computer and is located in another cell controlled by a different Mobile Telephone Service Office MTSO as said first computer.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as set forth in claim 22, wherein said at least one other computer is attached to a remote LAN.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
123 words
A method of Local Area Network, LAN, communications between a first computer and at least one other computer comprising the steps of: a. initially using a cellular wireless modem attached to a first computer to establish a cellular LAN connection between the first computer and a LAN for establishing and taking part in LAN communication with at least one other computer; b. establishing LAN communication between the first computer and one or more of the same other computers via either a wired connection between the first computer and the LAN or a local non-cellular wireless connection between the first computer and the LAN; c. dropping the initial cellular LAN connection; and d. maintaining the LAN communication via the wired or local wireless connection.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
123 words
A method of Local Area Network, LAN, communications between a first computer and at least one other computer comprising the steps of: a. initially using a cellular wireless modem attached to a first computer to establish a cellular LAN connection between the first computer and a LAN for establishing and taking part in LAN communication with at least one other computer; b. establishing LAN communication between the first computer and one or more of the same other computers via either a wired connection between the first computer and the LAN or a local non-cellular wireless connection between the first computer and the LAN; c. dropping the initial cellular LAN connection; and d. maintaining the LAN communication via the wired or local wireless connection.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method as set forth in claim 26, wherein said at least one other computer is equipped with a wireless modem for taking part in LAN communications with said first computer and is located in the same cell as said first computer or another cell controlled by the same Mobile Telephone Service Office (MTSO) as said first computer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method as set forth in claim 26, wherein said at least one other computer is equipped with a wireless modem for taking part in LAN communications with said first computer and is located in another cell controlled by a different Mobile Telephone Service Office (MTSO) as said first computer.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as set forth in claim 26, wherein said at least one other computer is attached to a remote LAN.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
107 words
Apparatus for transmitting data via a cellular telephone communication system, comprising: a. means for transmitting fragments of a LAN MAC frame over a wireless link from a source computer to a Cell Controller, CC, the source computer being equipped with a cellular wireless modem for use in the wireless link; b. means for transporting fragments of the LAN MAC frame from the CC to a Mobile Telephone Service Office, MTSO; c. means for routing the fragments of the LAN MAC frame through the MTSO to a Mobile Data Service Controller, MDSC; and d. means for re-assembling the LAN MAC frame from successive fragments received at the MDSC.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
107 words
Apparatus for transmitting data via a cellular telephone communication system, comprising: a. means for transmitting fragments of a LAN MAC frame over a wireless link from a source computer to a Cell Controller, CC, the source computer being equipped with a cellular wireless modem for use in the wireless link; b. means for transporting fragments of the LAN MAC frame from the CC to a Mobile Telephone Service Office, MTSO; c. means for routing the fragments of the LAN MAC frame through the MTSO to a Mobile Data Service Controller, MDSC; and d. means for re-assembling the LAN MAC frame from successive fragments received at the MDSC.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 30, including: a. means for recognizing from a destination MAC address in the re-assembled LAN MAC frame that a destination computer is another computer equipped with a cellular wireless modem in the same cell or another cell controlled by the same MTSO; and b. means for relaying the re-assembled LAN MAC frame to the destination computer.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein a second computer equipped with a wireless modem establishes and takes part in LAN communication via the cellular telephone system with another computer equipped with a wireless modem in the same cell or another cell controlled by the same MTSO.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 30, including: a. means for recognizing from a destination MAC address in the re-assembled LAN MAC frame that a destination computer is not another computer equipped with a cellular wireless modem in the same cell or another cell controlled by the same MTSO; and b. means for relaying the re-assembled LAN MAC frame to a wide-area network interface module.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 33, wherein the wide-area network interface module is a gateway into a packet-switched wide-area network, including: a. means for routing the LAN MAC frame through the wide-area network to a gateway into a Local Area Network, LAN, containing the destination computer.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 34, including: means for merging into a common stream through said wide-area network, said LAN MAC frame and another MAC frame having destination MAC addresses on a same remote LAN.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 33, wherein the wide-area network interface module is a half-bridge interfaced to a connection-oriented wide-area network, including: a. means for using one of an address and an identifier previously provided by the source computer to establish a connection through the wide-area network to a similar half-bridge which is attached to a Local Area Network, LAN, containing the destination computer.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 36, wherein a second computer equipped with a wireless modem establishes and takes part in LAN communication via the cellular telephone system with another computer which is attached to a remote LAN.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 36, including: a. means for routing the LAN MAC frame through the wide-area network to the half-bridge attached to the LAN containing the destination computer; and b. means for merging into a common stream through said wide-area network, said LAN MAC frame and another MAC frame having destination MAC addresses on a common remote LAN.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein another computer equipped with a cellular wireless modem informs the MDSC at the time of registration of the association between LAN MAC addresses it expects to employ and an identifier which is an address or identifying number of half-bridges between connection-oriented data networks and the LANs containing these LAN MAC addresses.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 39, wherein the identifier identifies one or more LAN addresses as belonging to computers equipped with cellular wireless modems.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein the identifier is a network address.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein the identifier is a telephone number.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 39, wherein the identifier is a network address.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 39, wherein the identifier is a telephone number.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
68 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 33, wherein the wide-area network interface module is a half-bridge interfaced to a connection-oriented data network, including: a. means for using one of an address and an identifier previously provided by the source computer to establish a connection to a similar half-bridge which is attached to another MDSC which communicates with the destination computer via another cellular telephone MTSO and CC.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 45, wherein a second computer equipped with a wireless modem establishes and takes part in LAN communication via the cellular telephone system with another computer equipped with a wireless modem in the same cell or another cell controlled by another MTSO.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
67 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 30, including: a. means for recognizing from a destination MAC address in the re-assembled LAN MAC frame that a destination computer is not another computer equipped with a cellular wireless modem in the same cell or another cell controlled by the same MTSO; and b. means for relaying the re-assembled LAN MAC frame to a Shadow PC in the MDSC.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 47, wherein the Shadow PC provides support for a source computer which is equipped with a wireless modem and which is taking part in LAN communication via the cellular telephone system with at least one other computer which is attached to a remote LAN.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 47, wherein the Shadow PC provides a service to a source computer which is equipped with a wireless modem and which is taking part in LAN communication via the cellular telephone system with at least the Shadow PC.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
110 words
Apparatus for transmitting data via a cellular telephone communication system, comprising: a. means for receiving a LAN MAC frame at a Mobile Data Service Controller, MDSC; b. means for dividing the LAN MAC frame into fragments; c. means for routing the fragments of the LAN MAC frame through a Mobile Telephone Service Office, MSTO; d. means for transporting the fragments of the LAN MAC frame from the MTSO to a Cell Controller, CC; and e. means for transmitting the fragments of the LAN MAC frame over a wireless link from the CC to a computer, the computer being equipped with a cellular wireless modem for use in the wireless link.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
110 words
Apparatus for transmitting data via a cellular telephone communication system, comprising: a. means for receiving a LAN MAC frame at a Mobile Data Service Controller, MDSC; b. means for dividing the LAN MAC frame into fragments; c. means for routing the fragments of the LAN MAC frame through a Mobile Telephone Service Office, MSTO; d. means for transporting the fragments of the LAN MAC frame from the MTSO to a Cell Controller, CC; and e. means for transmitting the fragments of the LAN MAC frame over a wireless link from the CC to a computer, the computer being equipped with a cellular wireless modem for use in the wireless link.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
129 words
A system of Local Area Network, LAN, communications between a first computer and at least one other computer, comprising: a. means for initially establishing and taking part in LAN communication by a first computer with at least one other computer via either a wired connection between the first computer and a LAN or a local non-cellular wireless connection between the first computer and the LAN; b. means for using a cellular wireless modem attached to the first computer to establish a cellular LAN connection between the first computer and one or more of the same other computers for cellular communication; c. means for dropping the initial LAN communication via the wired or local non-cellular wireless connection with the first computer; and d. means for maintaining the cellular LAN communication.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
129 words
A system of Local Area Network, LAN, communications between a first computer and at least one other computer, comprising: a. means for initially establishing and taking part in LAN communication by a first computer with at least one other computer via either a wired connection between the first computer and a LAN or a local non-cellular wireless connection between the first computer and the LAN; b. means for using a cellular wireless modem attached to the first computer to establish a cellular LAN connection between the first computer and one or more of the same other computers for cellular communication; c. means for dropping the initial LAN communication via the wired or local non-cellular wireless connection with the first computer; and d. means for maintaining the cellular LAN communication.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system as set forth in claim 51, wherein said at least one other computer is equipped with a wireless modem for taking part in LAN communications with said first computer and is located in the same cell as said first computer or another cell controlled by the same Mobile Telephone Service Office (MTSO) as said first computer.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system as set forth in claim 51, wherein said at least one other computer is equipped with a wireless modem for taking part in LAN communications with said first computer and is located in another cell controlled by a different Mobile Telephone Service Office (MTSO) as said first computer.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system as set forth in claim 51, wherein said at least one other computer is attached to a remote LAN.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
128 words
A system of Local Area Network, LAN, communications between a first computer and at least one other computer, comprising: a. means for initially using a cellular wireless modem attached to a first computer to establish a cellular LAN connection between the first computer and a LAN for establishing and taking part in LAN communication with at least one other computer; b. means for establishing LAN communication between the first computer and one or more of the same other computers via either a wired connection between the first computer and the LAN or a local non-cellular wireless connection between the first computer and the LAN; c. means for dropping the initial cellular LAN connection; and d. means for maintaining the LAN communication via the wired or local wireless connection.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
128 words
A system of Local Area Network, LAN, communications between a first computer and at least one other computer, comprising: a. means for initially using a cellular wireless modem attached to a first computer to establish a cellular LAN connection between the first computer and a LAN for establishing and taking part in LAN communication with at least one other computer; b. means for establishing LAN communication between the first computer and one or more of the same other computers via either a wired connection between the first computer and the LAN or a local non-cellular wireless connection between the first computer and the LAN; c. means for dropping the initial cellular LAN connection; and d. means for maintaining the LAN communication via the wired or local wireless connection.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system as set forth in claim 55, wherein said at least one other computer is equipped with a wireless modem for taking part in LAN communications with said first computer and is located in the same cell as said first computer or another cell controlled by the same Mobile Telephone Service Office (MTSO) as said first computer.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system as set forth in claim 55, wherein said at least one other computer is equipped with a wireless modem for taking part in LAN communications with said first computer and is located in another cell controlled by a different Mobile Telephone Service Office (MTSO) as said first computer.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system as set forth in claim 55, wherein said at least one other computer is attach ed to a remote LAN.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-08-17 | 2002-02-16 | 2002-08-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-08-17 | 2006-02-16 | 2006-08-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-08-17 | 2010-02-16 | 2010-08-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |