Direct wireless communication system and method of operation

Abstract

A digital direct wireless communication system that permits direct, point-to-point communication (voice or data) between transceivers without the infrastructure associated with traditional cellular systems. The transceivers may communicate with a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), with a plurality of fixed base units, a plurality of mobile units and possibly, a plurality of repeaters. The mobile units are operable to communicate point-to-point with other mobile units or other fixed base units. Similarly, the fixed base units are operable to communicate point-to-point with other fixed base units or other mobile units. The system repeaters, if present, are dispersed throughout the communication coverage area for receiving and re-transmitting radio signals from the mobile and fixed base units, if necessary. The mobile and fixed base units may also communicate with remote telephone users through the PSTN. In this mode, a mobile user may contact a remotely located telephone (outside the system) by dialing the number for the remote telephone. The mobile unit will establish communication with a fixed base unit associated with the mobile unit. The fixed base unit detects that the call from the mobile is intended for a telephone located outside the point-to-point communication system; i.e. outside the system. Upon detecting this condition, the fixed base unit provides the switching capabilities to connect the mobile unit to the remote telephone.