A proxy switch, communication methods, and communication logic for use in a
mobile network are described. A proxy switch is deployed between a base
station subsystem and a mobile station center. It receives signaling
messages and either retransmits them, blocks them, converts them, or
siphons them to an alternative network. Besides providing an ability to
offload offload mobile traffic it provides a platform for new
communication services. Among other things, to handle mobility management
within the network, a proxy switch includes signaling message handling
logic for receiving signaling messages from the MSC and BS in accordance
with a mobile signaling protocol. The switch also includes state logic for
maintaining state information of call sessions and mobile stations (MSs)
used within the mobile communications network, and message interception
logic for detecting whether the signaling message is a handoff message
from a MS. The message interception logic prevents the handoff messages
from being forwarded to the MSC if the MS is involved in the call, and if
the MSC is not involved in the call. The switch further includes message
conversion logic for converting a handoff message to a location update
message for transmission to the MSC if the MS is involved in the call, and
if the MSC is not involved in the call; and message transmission logic for
transmitting the handoff messages to the MSC if the MS is not involved in
the call.
