Importance

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Abstract

A wireless communication system constructed according to the present invention includes at least one base station controller (BSC) that couples to a packet data network to service packet data communications between the packet data network and a mobile unit. The BSC is serviced by a mobile switching center (MSC) and services a plurality of base stations. The BSC includes circuitry that perform necessary interfacing functions to service the packet data communication requirements of the mobile unit. The mobile unit requests the wireless communication system to initiate this operation via a request made to a servicing base station. The base station forwards the request to the BSC which interacts with the MSC to initiate the packet data session. The BSC allocates a digital signal processor (DSP), processor and packet data network interface to service the packet data session for the mobile unit. The BSC thereafter sets up and services the packet data session through its connection to the servicing base station and its connection to the packet data network. Once this connection is established, the BSC continues to service the packet data session until it is terminated or until the mobile unit roams into a cell/sector serviced by another base station. Upon roaming of the mobile unit, operation will be altered. If the mobile unit roams to another cell or sector of a base station serviced by the same BSC, the path is only altered to include the newly servicing base station. However, if the mobile unit roams to a cell or sector serviced by another base station, the BSC must initiate mobility operations that will forward packet data communications to the newly servicing BSC for delivery to the mobile unit. By forwarding the packet data, the mobile unit maintains the same packet data network address.

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First Claim