CN1242920A - System and method for cellular smart switching - Google Patents

Abstract

A user's access patterns are accounted for in deciding to switch between a plurality of wireless networks (204, 206). A method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes monitoring a location of a wireless communication device (202) Within a region serviced by a first wireless communication network (204) and second region serviced by a second wireless communication network (204). The first and second region have an overlapping region which could be serviced by both networks. The future location of the wireless communication device (202) within the first and second regions is predicted based on the monitoring of the previous locations of the wireless communication device (202). When the wireless communication device (202) is detected as being within the overlapping region, the system determines whether to transfer an active connection between the wireless communication device (202) and one of the networks to the other network. In one embodiment, past patterns of usage of the wireless communication (202) device within the first and second region are identified and used to predict a future location based on the past pattern. In another embodiment, a calender of predetermined time-location associations is input into a controller (203) associated with the wireless communication device (202) and the prediction is based on an actual location and current time being compared with the values input into the calender.

Description

Systems and methods for cellular intelligent switching

field of invention

The present invention relates to wireless communication systems and, more particularly, to an improved system and method for controlling the handover of a call from one wireless network to another.

Related technical description

During a call connection between a wireless communication device such as a cellular telephone and another telephone, the wireless communication device may cross from one wireless network domain to a separate wireless network. Such networks may include, for example, a company's private cellular telephone network and public cellular telephone networks. Thus, in order to complete a call, the wireless communication device must be capable of being used on the company's internal wireless system and the public system, and must be conditioned to control handoffs from one network to another.

Handover of a telephone call from the first wireless network domain to the second wireless network domain may be performed over a control link shared between the central processing units of the two networks. By using a control link, two wireless networks can negotiate the feasibility and operation of handover, such as in the EIA/TIA interim standard IS-42.2-B "Cel1ular Radio Telecommunications Intersystem Operations: Intersystem Hand-Off (Intersystem Hand-Off) Operation: Handover between systems)", which is hereby incorporated by reference. Although, ideally, handoffs from one network to another would be imperceptible to the user, in practice, frequent handoffs can introduce extra chirps and temporary loss of signal.

Users of wireless communication devices are frequently required to travel from one company site to one or more other company sites, which causes the wireless communication device to repeatedly switch back and forth between public and private systems. This can cause unnecessary handoffs, especially since the typical system is: private wireless systems are free of airtime charges and are therefore preferred over public systems, which typically charge per call access . In such systems, handoffs to private systems often occur regardless of whether it is most economical in terms of cost or signal quality.

This situation is shown more clearly by Fig. 1 . In FIG. 1, an exemplary dual-network wireless communication system 100 is shown. Dedicated corporate wireless systems are installed in buildings 104 , 106 , and 108 . As shown, each building 104, 106, 108 is associated with its own cell or service area 110a, 110b, and 110c, respectively. Overlaying the private wireless system is a public wireless system 102 having a plurality of cells, only two of which are shown 102a and 102b.

As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 1 , a user may travel from building 104 through cell areas 110 a , 102 a , 110 b , 102 b , and 110 c all the way to building 108 . Assuming that the user initiates a telephone call at building 104, the user's call will be serviced by the private wireless network as long as he is within area 110a. As soon as the user leaves area 110a, he will be transferred to a public wireless carrier (as long as he is in area 102). When the user reaches the vicinity of building 106, he will re-enter the service area of the private wireless network, as represented by cell 110b. His call will then be diverted back to the private network. As soon as the user leaves the area surrounding building 106, when he enters area 102b, his call will be transferred from the private network to the public wireless network. Finally, when he arrives at building 108, his call will be diverted back to the private network upon entering area 110c.

Before the user reaches building 108, he has been transferred four times, each time there is a momentary call drop, a change in signal quality, and a new charge for each call that occurs each time the transfer is made to a public wireless carrier . Accordingly, it is desirable to have a system and method that minimizes the number of unnecessary handoffs between private and public wireless networks in order to minimize charges and improve call quality.

Summary of the invention

The above-described problems are largely overcome by the system and method according to the present invention, wherein a user's access pattern is considered in determining handover between private and public wireless networks. A system and method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes monitoring wireless communication devices in multiple areas served by multiple wireless systems (e.g., a first area served by a first wireless system and a second area served by a second wireless system). area). The first and second areas have overlapping areas that can be served by both networks. The system predicts a future location of the wireless communication device within the first and second areas based on monitoring previous locations of the wireless communication device. When a wireless communication device is detected as being located within an overlapping area, the system determines whether to transfer an active connection between the wireless communication device and one network to the other network based on the monitoring information.

In one embodiment, patterns of past usage of the wireless communication device within the first and second areas are identified and used to predict future locations based on the past patterns. In another embodiment, a schedule of predetermined time-location relationships is entered into a controller associated with the wireless communication device, and the prediction is made based on comparing the actual location and current time with the values entered into the schedule.

A method according to another embodiment of the present invention includes compiling a database of time-location relationships of wireless communication devices within a first area served by a first wireless communication system and a second area served by a second wireless communication system. The first area and the second area have a predetermined overlapping area. The method also includes detecting when the wireless communication device is within the overlapping area during the active connection, and predicting a future location of the wireless communication device within the first area or the second area during the active connection. Finally, the method includes determining whether to transfer an active connection between the wireless communication device and the first or second wireless communication system to the other system when the wireless communication device is detected as being within the overlapping area.

A wireless telecommunications system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first wireless network serving a first predetermined area and including a first exchange, and a second wireless network serving a second predetermined area and including a second exchange. Second wireless telephone network. The first predetermined area and the second predetermined area overlap in a third predetermined area. The wireless communication device is configured for use in both networks. The second exchange includes a memory unit configured to store a time-location relationship database related to the communication device being in the first predetermined area or the second predetermined area. The second exchange also includes a wireless exchange control unit coupled to the database and configured to access the database when the communication device is detected within the third area, and transfer the data being transferred between the networks based on the time-location relationship. work call.

Brief description of the drawings

A better understanding of the present invention may be gained when considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary two-network wireless system and users moving therein;

2 is a block diagram of a wireless network system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a more detailed block diagram of wireless communication devices and interfaces between two wireless networks according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a flow chart showing monitoring time and location usage patterns; and

5-7 are flowcharts showing the operation of various embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 2--Wireless Network System

Turning now to FIG. 2, a diagram illustrating the interaction of a wireless communication system 202, a fixed telephone 207, and two wireless systems 204,206 is shown. The systems and methods of the present invention may be used to facilitate the interaction of one or more wireless communication devices 202 with multiple wireless systems or networks. In FIGS. 1-7, the present invention is described with reference to private wireless network 204 and public wireless network 206 . As used herein, "wireless communication device" refers to any wireless communication device or wireless telephone including, for example, pagers, cellular telephones, PCS devices, and other wireless messaging, voice, and data communication devices.

System 200 includes private wireless network 204 and public wireless network 206 . Wireless networks 204 and 206 are exemplary of cellular communication device networks or various types of PCS networks. Private wireless network 204 includes wireless private branch exchange 210, which provides central switching functions for a plurality of cells 210a, 210b and 210c. Each cell 210a, 210b and 210c includes an antenna for receiving signals from wireless communication devices and related equipment, referred to as a base station (not shown), and for transmitting the received signals to the wireless private branch exchange 210 . The wireless private branch exchange 210 is in turn coupled to a central office 205, which is, for example, a representative central office for coupling calls to the public switched telephone network. The wireless private branch exchange 210 also includes a wireless exchange control unit 222 configured to record usage patterns and store a database related thereto in accordance with the present invention. Wireless switch control unit 222 includes a processing unit and memory devices to facilitate performing these functions, as will be described in more detail below.

The public wireless network 206 includes one or more wireless communication device switching offices 208 (MTSO), or PCS switching offices, which provide switching functions to a plurality of cells 212a and 212b. Each MTSO 208 includes a communications controller 209 for supervising in-network and out-of-network communications. Additionally, each cell 212, 212 includes a base station having an antenna for receiving signals from wireless communication devices and associated equipment and for transmitting signals to the MTSO 208. MTSO 208 is coupled to central office 205 (which may be a different central office than is coupled to private wireless network 204).

The wireless communication device 202 is configured for either a private wireless network 204 or a public wireless network 206 . The wireless communication device 202 may thus be configured to receive, transmit, and process signals according to various frequencies and/or coding standards and/or modulation formats of various public and private wireless networks. Exemplary protocols include Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) protocols. The wireless communication device 202 may also include an intelligent switch controller 203 configured to perform control operations related to switching the call connection of the wireless communication device 202 between the private wireless network 204 or the public wireless network 206, as will be described in more detail below describe.

In order to make a call, the wireless communication device must be registered as a user in the respective network. This is done, for example, by exchanging control signals between the communication device and the wireless private branch exchange. Once login occurs, calls from wireless communication device 202 of private wireless network 204 are routed to antennas (not shown) in cells 210a, 210b, and 210c, and from the antennas to wireless private branch exchange 210. Then, a connection is made from the wireless private branch exchange 210 to another wireless private branch exchange or central office 205 . A connection is then made from the central office 205 to the public switched telephone network.

Likewise, before a call is placed on the public cellular network 206, control signals are exchanged between the wireless communication device 202 and the MTSO 208 of the network. Once this occurs, a call is made from wireless communication device 202 via public cellular network 206 to an antenna (not shown) within the respective cell, which transmits a signal to MTSO 208. MTSO 208 in turn provides a connection to central office 205, which in turn is connected to the public switched telephone network.

As will be discussed in more detail below, the wireless switch control unit 222 is configured to oversee the handover of calls between the two networks based on time-location relationships.

Figure 3 - Block Diagram

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown a more detailed block diagram of a wireless system illustrating various components of an embodiment of the present invention. Components that are common to FIG. 2 retain the same reference numerals.

FIG. 3A shows a wireless communication device 202 . The wireless communication device 202 may include a smart switching protocol control unit (SSC) 203 configured to supervise (in conjunction with associated switching extensions) the transfer of an active telephone call from one network to another based on time-location relationships , as will be discussed in more detail below. The intelligent switch control unit 203 may include various circuits, including a microprocessor or microcontroller, or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

The wireless communication device 202 also includes a wireless private branch exchange communication module (WPCM), a connection transfer module (CTM) 254, a PCS communication module (PCM) 256, and an RF signal strength indicator module 213 (RSSI). Each of the various modules may be included in a microprocessor or microcontroller chip, or in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). WPCM 252 is used to supervise the communication between telephone 202 and wireless private branch exchange 210. PCM 256 is likewise used to supervise communications between wireless communication device 202 and MTSO or PCS switch 208. The CTM 254 oversees the switching of calls between cells within a particular network, and the switching of calls between networks, as will be described in more detail below. RSSI is used to identify the need to transfer a call from, for example, WPBX 210 due to signal fading that occurs when the caller travels across the boundaries of the area served by private wireless network 204.

Turning now to FIG. 3B, a wireless private branch exchange 210 is shown. The wireless private branch exchange 210 includes a call management module (CMM) 223 , an RF communication module (RFCM) 225 , and a wireless switch control unit (WSC) 222 . CMM223 is used to manage various telephone functions or call-related services, such as call forwarding, conference calls, etc. RFCM 225 includes RF transceivers (not shown) and oversees registration and call setup of wireless communication devices, as well as handoffs from one cell to another, or to other networks. WSC 222 is used to supervise the inter-network switching management function based on time-location relationship according to the present invention. More specifically, WSC 222 includes a processor or other control unit 231 and memory 233 for storing a database of information used to predict usage patterns of users. In one embodiment, the database includes records of past usage monitored by the processor 231 of the WSC 222. In another embodiment, the database includes a user-input schedule of future time-location relationships. Processor 231 in WSC 222 also monitors the location of wireless communication device 202 when making or receiving a call. Processor 231 accesses database 233 and predicts the future location of wireless communication device 202 to determine whether to switch from one network to another. It may be noted that although illustrated as a separate unit, the WSC 222 may be included within the RFCM, or as a unit other than the WPBX 210. Therefore, Fig. 3 is only an example. Additionally, it can be noted that while the system is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementations are also contemplated.

A description of the operation of RSSI 213 is considered appropriate. When the RSSI 213 of the wireless communication device detects that the signal strength has dropped below a predetermined threshold, the RSSI 213 communicates with the WPCM 252 so that the WPCM 252 attempts to handoff to another antenna with a stable strong signal (i.e., at in the adjacent area). If the WPCM 252 cannot handoff within the private wireless network 204, it sends a signal to the CTM 254. In response, the CTM 254 sends a signal to the PCM 256 in an attempt to find another system to which the connection can be diverted.

PCM 256 includes and controls means for logging on to a wireless communication device as a legitimate user of public wireless network 206. "Login" refers to a method of verifying that a wireless communication device handset can communicate with a wireless network. This is accomplished with respect to the public wireless network 206 by the wireless communication device 202 exchanging radio frequency signals with the public wireless network 206, the radio frequency signals being designed to determine the status of being considered a legitimate user. The exchange of radio frequency signals is according to a protocol well known to those skilled in the art, for example according to the EIA/TIA interim standard "IS-54B Cellular System Dual Mode Mobile Station-Base Station Compatibility Standard (IS-54B Cellular System Dual Mode Mobile Station-Base Station Compatibility Standard) Standard)" and carried out. If the login is successful, the PCM 256 sends a signal to the CTM 254 representing the condition. The CTM 254 then provides the connection (i.e. transfers the call between networks).

According to the present invention, call forwarding is performed based on time-location relationships independent of signal strength decisions. Call forwarding based on time-location relationships is similar to call forwarding based on signal strength decisions. When the wireless communication device 202 comes within range of both networks and a call is in progress, the processor 231 of the WSC 222 identifies whether the user will repeatedly enter and exit areas served by, for example, private wireless networks. This identification is performed by the processor 231 of the WSC 222 accessing the database of the memory 233, in which the user's time-location relationship is stored. In one embodiment, the time-location relationship includes records based on processor 231 monitoring past usage of wireless communication device 202 . The locations may include, for example, individual cells of the network. Temporal relationships may be based on time durations or time of day relationships that may be applied within a cell. In another embodiment, the database time-location relationship includes a schedule manually entered by the user of his or her predicted schedule. In yet another embodiment, the database includes a combination of user-entered schedules and monitored records.

Assume, for example, that a call is in progress on the public cellular network 206 and that the user enters an area served by the private network 204 . The WPBX 222 knows the presence of a wireless communication device, for example, through a signal from the wireless communication device 202 (ie, from the exchange of control signals described above). If, after accessing the database in memory 233, the processor 231 of the WSC 222 determines that the user will in fact not repeatedly enter and exit the area served by the private network, then the WSC 222 signals the SSC 203 of the wireless communication device 202. The wireless communication device 202 allows the CTM 254 to perform the transfer from the public wireless network to the private wireless network. PCM 256 informs MTSO 208 of public network 206 to release the call and hand it over to private network 204. It can be noted that while the supervision of this function on the wireless communication device side is described for the SSC 203, this function can be incorporated into various other modules of the wireless communication device. It can also be noted that while RSSI 213 and SSC 203 are shown as separate units, in alternative embodiments they could be integrated into a single unit.

If the processor 231 of the WSC 222 determines that the user will repeatedly enter and exit the area served by the private network, the WSC 222 either becomes inactive or provides a control signal indicating that the wireless communication device continues to be served by the public wireless network.

In another embodiment, the time-location relationship includes call records and transfer patterns related to the time duration required to traverse a cell. Stored transfer patterns may be derived from monitoring past usage (as described above) or a schedule entered by the user (as described above). Thus, if a user has an active connection in the public network and enters and remains in a cell of the private network for a period longer than a predetermined time interval, the system will switch to the private network. However, if the user stays in the cell for a period of time that is less than a predetermined time interval, the connection will remain in the public network.

For example, if the user has a working connection in the public network, the fact that he or she has entered a cell served by the private network will be detected by, for example, the login procedure described above. Processor 231 accesses a database of time-location relationships including records of how long it took to move to a cell. If the subscriber remains in the cell for a period longer than a predetermined time interval, the call connection will be diverted.

Figure 4 - Flowchart of one embodiment of processor monitoring

Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown a flowchart illustrating monitoring operations in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Initially, a call involving the wireless communication device 202 is detected and processed, eg, by the wireless private branch exchange 210 (step 450). A call may be a call received by the wireless communication device 202, or a call initiated. As discussed above, call processing includes the exchange of various control signals between the WPCM 252 of the telephone and the CMM 223 and RFCM 225 of the wireless private branch exchange.

Processor 231 detects the call service, and detects the time of the call (step 452). Additionally, processor 231 determines the location of wireless communication device 202 at the time the call is serviced (step 454). This may include, for example, the processor monitoring the current cell location and when a cell handover operation is controlled from the wireless private branch exchange. Alternatively, the SSC 203 may provide control time-location information directly to the wireless private branch exchange. Processor 231 then stores the time and location in memory 233, which is then compiled into a usable database (step 456). It may be noted that in one embodiment, monitoring of the wireless communication device's (and thus user's) location may be disabled. It can also be noted that in another embodiment, it is contemplated that the location of the wireless communication device is constantly monitored by the SSC 203 (or other functional module of the wireless communication device) logged into each cell (even when there are no active calls). ) or provide Global Positioning System (GPS) information. Finally, monitoring of usage patterns may also include monitoring the duration of time spent by users within the cell.

Figure 5 - Flowchart of the operation of one embodiment of the present invention

Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown a flowchart illustrating the operation of one embodiment of the present invention. The time-location relationships of the wireless communication devices are stored and compiled by processor 231 as a database in storage device 233 coupled to or within WSC 222 (step 302). For example, the location of a wireless communication device within a public network or within a private network may be constantly monitored by processor 231 . The usage pattern of the wireless communication device (ie, whether the wireless communication device is activated and logged in as a user within a particular cell of one network or another network) is monitored. Alternatively, and to provide a more accurate record of the user's actual schedule, the SSC 203 may be configured to provide a signal to the WSC 222 whenever the wireless communication device is on, thereby identifying the user's location within a particular cell. The usage pattern may also include a record of the user's duration within a particular cell (ie, how long it takes the user to transfer to the cell).

Next, when the user initiates an active connection on the wireless communication device, the system detects the location of the device that initiated the call (step 304). In addition to being used to manage calls, this information is used to determine whether the device's presence within a cell served by a private or public network is transient (i.e., whether the user will repeatedly enter and re-enter one network or the other) . Processor 231 in WSC 222 accesses its database and predicts what might happen to the user's usage (step 306). As mentioned above, this may include determining how long it should take for a user to transfer to a particular cell.

Based on the current time and the user's location, and the result of the time-location relationship retrieved from the database, the processor 231 determines whether to forward the call (step 308). This may include, for example, the processor 231 waiting for a predetermined period of time for the user to traverse a cell. Finally, if the processor 231 determines that a handover is necessary, appropriate control signals are issued to effectuate the handover from one network to the other (step 310). For example, if a call is currently being served by the public network, and a decision is made to transfer the call, WSC 222 sends a signal to WPCM 252 (for example), which in turn signals CTM 254 to initiate a transfer from public network 206.

It may be noted that the system preferably continuously updates the database. Thus, usage patterns of the user that are inconsistent with previously stored and compiled database records are periodically incorporated into the updated database in order to more optimally predict future locations.

Figure 6 - Flowchart of an alternative embodiment

Turning now to FIG. 6, there is shown a flowchart illustrating the operation of another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, rather than monitoring past usage patterns, the system allows the user to enter his calendar by time and location (step 350). This may also include an estimate of the number of times the user has entered a particular cell. Thus, the user determines the probabilities of his schedule during, for example, the next week. He or she then records this information onto, for example, a computer floppy disk, and uploads the information to the WPBX 210. Alternatively, provision may be made for the user to enter this information directly from the wireless communication device 202 . WSC 222 stores this information in memory 233 and compiles a database.

Once the database is compiled, the system is ready for use. Next, when the user initiates an active connection on the wireless communication device, the system (preferably processor 231) detects the location of the device originating the call (step 352). In addition to being used to manage calls, this information is used to determine whether the device's presence within a cell served by a private or public network is transient (i.e., whether the user will repeatedly enter and re-enter one network or the other) . The processor 231 of the WSC 222 accesses its memory 233 for the database (step 354) and determines whether to forward the call (step 356) by predicting the likelihood of the user's future usage pattern. This may include waiting for a predetermined period of time for the user to leave the cell. Finally, the call will be forwarded (step 356) as a result of the decision made in step 356.

For example, if the call is currently being served by the public network, and a decision is made to transfer the call, WSC 222 sends a signal to WPCM 252 (for example), which in turn signals CTM 254 to initiate a transfer from public network 206. It may be noted that the list operations described for this embodiment may also be incorporated into the embodiment described above for FIG. 5 . Thus, for example, a user's calendar and his actual access pattern can be used to determine whether a call should be transferred from one network to another.

Figure 7 - Flowchart of an exemplary operation of the present invention

Turning now to FIG. 7, there is shown a flowchart 400 illustrating exemplary operation of the present invention. Flowchart 400 shows the call handling process for user travel as shown in FIG. 1 . For example, a user initiates a call within building 104 served by cell 110 a of private wireless network 204 . The call is routed to the wireless private branch exchange 210 which is connected to the central office 205 of the public switched telephone network (step 402). As indicated by the dashed line, the user walks out of the building 104, leaving the area 110a served by the private wireless network 204 (step 404). RSSI 213 detects signal fading and requests transfer to public wireless network 206. The connection to the public network is performed as described above (step 406). The user proceeds and enters cell 110b (approaching building 106 ), which is served by public network 206 and private network 204 . After the user enters area 110b, the system determines whether the user's presence in area 110b is relatively permanent (ie, whether the user is likely to remain in the building for a period longer than a predetermined time interval) (step 410). As noted above, this decision is made based on WSC 222 entering its database and providing appropriate control signals in response thereto.

If the user's presence is only brief, the system will continue the call through the MTSO of the public network (step 412). However, if the subscriber's presence within area 110b is determined to be relatively permanent, the call will be diverted to a private network to be serviced by wireless private branch exchange 210 (step 416). If the user then leaves the building 106 and enters the area served by the community 102b of the public network (step 418), the call will be transferred to the MTSO 208 of the public network (step 422).

If at step 412, the user continues to be in cell 102b served by the public wireless network (step 420), the call continues to be served by the public network (step 424). In either case, the user continues to be in area 110c served by the private wireless network (step 426). Again, a decision will be made whether the user's presence is relatively permanent or transient (step 428). If the user's presence is determined to be only temporary (ie, less than a predetermined time interval), the call continues to be handled by the public wireless network (step 430). However, if the user's presence is determined to be relatively permanent, the call is handled by the private network (step 432).

The invention described in the foregoing detailed description is not intended to be limited to the particular forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, is intended to cover such alternatives as may reasonably be included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Examples, amendments, and equivalents. For example, although described with respect to private wireless networks and public wireless networks, the invention is equally applicable to more than one public wireless network.

Claims (12)

1. A system for controlling handover of a wireless communication device (202) between a first wireless communication network (204) and a second wireless communication network (206), characterized in that: compiling means (233) for compiling within a first area (272) served by said first wireless communication network (204) and a second area (274) served by said second wireless communication network (206) a database of time-location relationships of the wireless communication device (202), wherein the first area (272) and the second area (274) have a predetermined overlapping area (270); detecting means (231) for detecting when said wireless communication device (202) is located in said predetermined overlapping area (270) during an active connection; predicting means (231) for predicting a future position of said wireless communication device (202) within said first area (272) or said second area (274) during an active connection; and transfer means (222, 254), configured to, when the wireless communication device (202) is detected as being within the predetermined overlapping area (270), according to the prediction result, transfer the Said active connection between said one of said two wireless communication networks (204, 206) is transferred to said other of said first or second wireless communication networks (204, 206). 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising monitoring means (222) for monitoring past usage of the wireless communication device (202) in said first area (272) or second area (274) mode. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said monitoring means (222) includes detection means for detecting communication between said wireless communication means (202) and said first (204) and said second wireless communication means (202) An active connection between central offices (210, 208) of a network in a communication network (206). 4. The system of claim 3, wherein said monitoring means (222) further comprises determining means (231) for determining when said active connection was made. 5. The system of claim 3, wherein said monitoring means (222) includes determining means (231) for determining the location of said wireless communication device during said making of said active connection. 6. The system of claim 2, wherein said compilation means (233) includes storage means for recording said pattern of past usage as said time-location relationship to said database. 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising storage means (231, 233) for storing said wireless communication device (202) in said first area (272) or in said first area (272) or in said database prior to compiling said database. A list of predetermined time-position relationships in the second area (274) is provided. 8. The system of claim 6, further comprising storage means (231, 233) for storing said wireless communication device (202) in said first area (272) or said database prior to compiling said database. A schedule of scheduled times and locations in the second area (274) is provided. 9. The system of claim 7, wherein said predicting means (231) comprises comparing means (231) for comparing actual location and current time with said time-location relationship. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said predicting means (231) comprises comparing means (231) for comparing actual position and current time with said time-position stored in said database relationship for comparison. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein said predicting means (231) comprises determining means for determining whether said wireless communication device (202) is likely to be within said first area (272) and said second area Repeated transfer between the two areas (274). 12. The system of claim 11, wherein said diverting means (222, 254) comprises diverting means for based on information about said wireless communication device (202) likely not being in said first area (272) A determination of repeated transfers to and from the second region (274) transfers the working connection.

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