Inventors:
John Brassil - Los Gatos CA, US
James Thomas Edward McDonnell - Bristol, GB
Peter J. Macer - Bristol, GB
Salil Pradhan - Santa Clara CA, US
Assignee:
Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Houston TX
International Classification:
H04B 7/00
US Classification:
455 412, 4554141, 4555531, 455517, 705 18, 380258, 36518905, 709206
Abstract:
A method is disclosed of transferring data to a first communications device having a first transceiver for communication at a first data rate over a long range, and a second transceiver for communication at a second, higher data rate over a short range. The method includes forming a co-ordinated short-range wireless network using the first communications device and at least one second communications device of a similar type. Communication is then initiated between the first communications device and said at least one second communications device to establish whether that second communications device has data required by the first communications device. The first communications device then communicates, upon the first communications device receiving confirmation that a second communications device has the required data, with a service provider using its first transceiver to request permission for the transfer of the required data from said communications device to the first communications device. Finally, the required data is transferred from said second communications device to the first communications device, following transmission by the service provider to the first communications device of authorisation.