Handset cradle

Abstract

An embodiment of a handset cradle includes a base component and a handset component configured to couple with the base component. The handset component provides an interface with a particular type of handset selected from a plurality of handset types. This interface enables an exchange of data between the base component and a handset interfacing with the handset component.

1 - 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . A device capable of connecting an external network with one or more local network devices comprising:
 a first interface configured to exchange data with one or more handheld electronic device types that are capable of providing a wireless connection to the external network;   a router connected to the first interface and configured to route each particular outbound network communication, received from the one or more local network devices, to the external network as targeted by that particular outbound network communication and to route each particular inbound network communication, received from the external network, to the one or more local network devices as targeted by that particular inbound network communication; and   a second interface configured to exchange local network communications between the router and the one or more local network devices.   
     
     
         45 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein the first interface is configured to supply power to one or more handheld electronic device types. 
     
     
         46 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein at least one of the one or more local network devices interfaces wirelessly with the second interface. 
     
     
         47 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein the first interface is configured to exchange data with at least one cellular enabled handheld electronic device type that is capable of providing a cellular connection to an external network. 
     
     
         48 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein the first interface is configured to exchange data with at least one cellular enabled handheld electronic device type that is capable of providing a cellular connection to an internet service provider. 
     
     
         49 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein the first interface is configured to exchange data with at least one cellular telephone that is capable of providing a cellular connection to an internet service provider. 
     
     
         50 . The device of  claim 44 , further comprising a handset module. 
     
     
         51 . The device of  claim 50 , wherein the handset module is configured to initiate a synchronization of data between a local network device and one or more handheld electronic device types. 
     
     
         52 . A system for routing network communications comprising:
 a handheld electronic device capable of providing a wireless connection to an external network;   a base component including a local network interface and a router, the base component being configured to exchange data with the handheld electronic device,   the local network interface being configured to supply an interface for inbound and outbound network communications between the router and one or more local network devices,   the router being configured to route each particular outbound network communication, received from the one or more local network devices, to an external network as targeted by that particular outbound network communication and to route each particular inbound network communication, received from an external network, to the one or more local network devices as targeted by that particular inbound network communication.   
     
     
         53 . The system of  claim 52 , further comprising a limiter. 
     
     
         54 . The system of  claim 53 , wherein the limiter comprises a bandwidth limiter. 
     
     
         55 . The system of  claim 53 , wherein the limiter comprises a session limiter. 
     
     
         56 . The system of  claim 55 , the session limiter including a concurrent sessions limiter. 
     
     
         57 . The system of  claim 52 , wherein the handheld electronic device comprises a cellular telephone. 
     
     
         58 . The system of  claim 52 , wherein the external network comprises an internet service provider. 
     
     
         59 . A system for routing network communications comprising:
 a handset component including a handset interface and a handset driver,   the handset interface configured to provide an interface with one or more handset types that are configured with a wireless data connection to an external network, and   the handset driver operable to communicate with the one or more handset types;   a base component connected to the handset component, the base component including a local network interface, and a router,   the local network interface being operable to supply an interface for inbound and outbound network communications between the router and one or more local network devices,   the router being operable to route each particular outbound network communication received from a specified one of the one or more local network devices to the external network as targeted by that particular outbound network communication and to route each particular inbound network communication from an external network to a specified one of the one or more local network devices as targeted by that particular inbound network communication.   
     
     
         60 . The system of  claim 59 , the handset interface further comprising a physical interface shaped to support a particular type of handset while mating with the physical connector of the particular type of handset. 
     
     
         61 . The system of  claim 59 , wherein the handset driver is operable to translate electronic data between a first format for the base component and a second format for the one or more handset types. 
     
     
         62 . The system of  claim 59 , wherein the handset component is a first handset component that is configured to connect to a first particular handset type, and wherein the base component is configured to be selectively coupled with the first handset component and with at least a second handset component that is configured to connect to at least a second particular handset type. 
     
     
         63 . The system of  claim 59 , wherein the base component includes a connector operable to send, via the handset component, a signal instructing one or more handset types to establish a connection with an external network.