System and method for routing a wireless connection in a hybrid network

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for establishing and/or routing wireless data and/or voice connections across a hybrid network based upon a user's selection or preference. In some embodiments, a method for routing a wireless connection across a hybrid network comprises allowing a user to select a routing preference, routing the wireless connection via a short-haul communications network if the routing preference indicates a short-haul communications network choice, and routing the wireless connection via a cellular network if the routing preference indicates a cellular network choice. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a system and method for learning the user's data, cellular, and/or VoIP access habits in order to optimize the user's experience. In yet other embodiments, the present invention allows carriers to comply with CALEA and E911 rules by identifying the location of hybrid devices within the hybrid network.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising, at a wireless device:
 sending a request for routing configuration information to a server system;   receiving routing configuration information from the server system;   wherein the routing configuration information comprises first configuration information of a first wireless link between the wireless device and a cellular base station of a cellular network and second configuration information of a second wireless link between the wireless device and a wireless base station of a wireless computer network; and wherein the routing configuration information is at least partially based on the geographic location of the wireless device.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the routing configuration information comprises configuration information for different types of data sessions. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the configuration information of the second wireless link relates at least in part to a WiFi network. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the request for routing configuration information is a registration request. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , where the request for routing configuration information is sent over a cellular network. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising using the routing configuration information to select at least one of the first wireless link and the second wireless link for routing data traffic. 
     
     
         7 . A wireless device comprising:
 a first communication circuit which can communicate through a first wireless link with a cellular base station of a cellular network;   a second communication circuit which can communicate through a second wireless link with a wireless base station of a wireless IP network;   a processor;   non-transitory storage comprising computer readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to:   send a request for routing configuration information to a server system; and   receive routing configuration information from the server system;   wherein the routing configuration information comprises first configuration information of the first wireless link and second configuration information of the second wireless link, and wherein the routing configuration information is at least partially based on the location of the wireless device.   
     
     
         8 . The wireless device of  claim 7 , wherein the routing configuration information comprises configuration information for different types of data sessions. 
     
     
         9 . The wireless device of  claim 7 , wherein the configuration information of the second wireless link relates at least in part to a wifi network 
     
     
         10 . The wireless device of  claim 7 , wherein the request for routing configuration information is a registration request. 
     
     
         11 . The wireless device of  claim 7 , further comprising sending the request for routing configuration information over a cellular network. 
     
     
         12 . The wireless device of  claim 7 , wherein the wireless device is a telephone. 
     
     
         13 . A method comprising, at a wireless device:
 accessing routing configuration information, wherein the routing configuration information comprises first configuration information of a first wireless link between the wireless device and a cellular base station of a cellular network for a first type of data session and second configuration information of a second wireless link between the wireless device and a wireless base station of a wireless computer network for a second type of data session, the second type of data session being different from the first type of data session;   selecting one of the first wireless link and the second wireless link for a data session using the routing configuration information and based at least in part on a type of the data session; and   establishing the data session with a server using the selected one of the first wireless link or the second wireless link and the respective first configuration information and second configuration information.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising, before the accessing routing configuration information, downloading the routing configuration information. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the routing configuration information is at least partially based on the geographic location of the wireless device. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the second configuration information of the second wireless link relates at least in part to a WiFi network.