Importance

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Abstract

Cordless access over an extended area is provided by a network of co-operating wireless access points (10, 20, 30) etc all operating on a common channel, such that continuous communication with a mobile handset (9) is possible within the combined coverage of the set of access points. The access points are all recognised by the handset (9) as being part of the same connection. The access points are in communication with each other, either by wireless connections (11, 51) or by wired connections (21, 41), so that they can communicate between each other, a home base site controller 60, and a connection (31) to the public network. Under the control of the HBSC (60), all the access points (10, 20), broadcast a common service set identifier SSID and operate on the channel selected by the HBSC (60), and consequently a communications session can continue seamlessly, regardless of which access point is currently in use. The HBSC (60), on receiving a data transmission addressed to a specified handset (9), forwards it to any access points (20, 40) directly connected to it. A method is disclosed for setting up the access points (10, 20, 30) to form the wireless network.

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First Claim