Wireless Backup Telephone Device

Abstract

A wireless telephone backup device for landline telephone equipment that may be located on the customer side of the landline service connection, typically in a restricted access location, such as an attic, basement, or utility closet. An interconnection circuit in the backup device detects service interruptions in the subscriber's landline connection and, in response, powers on a wireless communication device to provide backup telephone service to the customer premises equipment. The interconnection circuit also provides the other features standard landline telephone service, including dial tone, ring voltage, and normal dialing for outgoing calls. The backup device also forwards incoming landline calls to the wireless unit in the backup device, and may send a message notifying a maintenance center of the service interruption. Further, the backup device may initiate an indicator in an alarm system at the site of the customer premises equipment to notify the subscriber of the service interruption.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 851,932, filed May 21, 2004, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 055,212, filed Jan. 22, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,757,528, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09 / 268,591, filed Mar. 15, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,411,802, all of which are entirely incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates generally to telecommunications systems, and relates more specifically to a device and system for providing wireless backup telephone service for landline telephone equipment. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Telephone service in the North America is one of the most reliable communications systems in the world. The public switched telephone network (PSTN) or landline network, uses copper and fiber optic land-based telephone lines as the standard for connecting end-user telephone equipment to the network. Landline teleph...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a wireless backup device for landline telephones that provides emergency backup service in case of interruptions in landline service. The device detects interruptions and automatically powers on a wireless communication device to provide temporary telephone service. It can be installed in a relatively small number of temporary directory numbers and does not require a large number of permanent directory numbers. The device also provides a value-added service to telephone service providers and can be offered at a low cost. The device operates by detecting interruptions in landline service and connecting to a temporary directory number assigned to the device. The device can be incorporated into a premises alarm system to provide additional notification of landline interruptions."

Problems solved by technology

Because the backup device uses wireless communications, it provides backup service even when the landline system is suffering widespread outages, such as during extreme weather events.

In addition, because the backup device operates only during very infrequent landline service outages, a large number of backup devices can be supported by a relatively small number of temporary directory numbers.

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