Columbia Technology Ventures

SIP-based call handoff technique between networks

This technology is a system for implementing call handoff between a fixed network and mobile network.

Unmet Need: Automated transition between cellular network and wireless network

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology allows users to make phone calls to telephones or other computers via the internet. This is especially appealing to consumers as VoIP offers major cost benefits over traditional network such as cellular and PSTN, and much more flexibility. However, there is an unmet need in combining the cellular network and the wireless network automatically without user intervention.

The Technology: Seamless call handoff between networks

This technology implements a new method to seamlessly transfer a call between different networks as needed. Using this technology, a transfer can take place automatically as needed during a call or data transfer session without the user perceiving any interruption. These mechanisms can be used in a variety of applications, such as to handoff calls between mobile telephone networks (such as GSM networks) and Internet Protocol networks (such as Wi-Fi networks), or any other suitable networks.

Applications:

  • Call handoff between Internet protocol network and mobile telephone network
  • Call handoff for mobile devices using phone call, video, or audio streaming
  • Call handoff between other suitable networks, such as computers, servers, media streaming devices, automobiles, boats, and planes.

Advantages:

  • Requires no change to the existing network architecture or protocols
  • Seamless mobility
  • Only the users who want to achieve seamless transfer must modify their handsets and no change is required for the party who called or was called
  • Software can be developed and installed at the switching center to customize handoff solution

Lead Inventor:

Henning Schulzrinne, Ph.D

Patent Information:

Patent Status

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