Docking Station and Method for Connecting a Mobile Communication Device to a Communication Infrastructure

Abstract

A docking station and a method for connecting a mobile communication device to an at least partially wire-based communication infrastructure are disclosed. The docking station has a cradle for the storage of the communication device. A detection device detects the presence of the communication device within a selected distance from the docking station and receives authentication information from the communication device. There is also an authentication device for validating the credentials of the communication terminal and for enabling communication with the communications infrastructure on the basis of authentication information. A first interface provides a first wireless communication link with the communication device and a second interface establishes a second wired communication link to the communication infrastructure. A transfer device can switch from the first communication link to the second communication link. A communication system containing the docking station is also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A docking station for connecting a mobile communication device to an at least partially wire-based communication infrastructure comprising:
 a housing,   a cradle connected to the housing for the storage of the communication device,   a detection device for detecting the presence of the communication device when the communication device is within a selected distance from the detection device, the detection device capable of receiving a wireless transmission of authentication information from the communication device   an authentication device for validating the authentication information from the communication device and for enabling communication by the mobile communication device with the communication infrastructure based on the authentication information,   a first interface for providing a first, wireless communication link to the communication device when authorized,   a second interface for providing a second wired communication link to the communications infrastructure, and   a transfer device for switching the first communication link to the second communication link,   wherein the detection device, authentication device, first interface, second interface and transfer device are attached to at least one of the housing and the cradle.   
     
     
         2 . The docking station according to  claim 1  wherein the detection device is designed for providing at least one of Near Field communication and a Bluetooth connection. 
     
     
         3 . The docking station according to  claim 1  also comprising a firewall for protection against unwanted software originating from the communication device. 
     
     
         4 . The docking station according to  claim 1  also comprising a memory device for storing an authentication key for the authentication information. 
     
     
         5 . The docking station of  claim 4  wherein the authentication information identifies the docking station as a standard device. 
     
     
         6 . The docking station according to  claim 1  also comprising a universal charging station for charging a battery in the communication device. 
     
     
         7 . The docking station of  claim 6  wherein the universal charging station is suitable for wireless recharging. 
     
     
         8 . The docking station according to  claim 1  also comprising a speaker attached to the housing. 
     
     
         9 . The docking station of  claim 1  also comprising a display configured for at least one of a wired connection and a wireless connection to the communication device. 
     
     
         10 . A communication system comprising:
 a docking station according  claim 1 ,   a communication infrastructure that is connected by a wired communication link to the docking station, and   at least one mobile communication device ( 90 ), comprising:   a wireless transmission device to signal its presence in proximity of the docking station and for transmitting authentication information to the docking station, and   a first interface for providing a first wireless communication link with the docking station.   
     
     
         11 . A method for connecting a mobile communication device through a docking station to an at least partially wire-based communication infrastructure, comprising:
 wirelessly transmitting authentication information from the communication device to a docking station,   checking based upon the authentication information, whether the communication device is authorized to communicate with the communication infrastructure,   when authorization exists, establishing a first, wireless communication link between the communication device and the docking station, the docking station being connected via a second wired communication link to the communication infrastructure, and   switching the first communication link to the second communication link.   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11  wherein the communication device includes a third wireless communication link to a communication network and further comprising connecting the communication device through the third wireless communication link to a communication system when the first communication link is unavailable. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11  wherein the authentication information contains a certificate issued or authorized by the communication infrastructure.