---

Cellport Systems Adds Wireless Communications Patent to Portfolio

4 December 2000

Cellport Systems Adds Wireless Communications Patent to Telematics Portfolio

    BOULDER, Colo., Dec. 4 Cellport Systems today announced it
has been issued a U.S. patent (6,122,514) covering wireless communications
channel selection.  This represents Cellport's sixth patent award in the
rapidly growing telematics industry.
    Cellport's latest innovation, termed LinkSelect, automatically chooses the
best wireless network when multiple networks are available.  This channel
selection can be made based on criteria such as data throughput, cost,
geographic location, application priority and other factors.  In simple terms,
telematics is defined as the use of wireless communications to extend voice,
data and Internet services into vehicles.
    Today, telematics services typically employ cellular networks for wireless
communications to vehicles.  Cellular networks will soon be complemented by
higher-speed, short-range communications links such as Bluetooth and the
802.11 wireless LAN standard.  By using LinkSelect, vehicle-based telematics
applications will automatically access the most effective wireless network.
    Consumer applications for the LinkSelect architecture could include
driving into a gas station and automatically switching from cellular to a
high-speed wireless LAN connection to download MP3 music and pay for gas and
entertainment on one charge.
    The LinkSelect award adds to a broad Cellport telematics patent and
product portfolio.  The company's Cellport 3000 Universal Hands-Free System is
based on earlier patent grants covering wireless handset-to-vehicle
connectivity.  The Cellport 3000 allows the use of handset models from a
variety of manufacturers with a single vehicle-mounted universal docking
station.
    The Cellport 3000 architecture also extends an interface to automotive
buses -- the electronic nerve center of modern vehicles.  This enables
best-of-breed Internet handsets to serve as a wireless gateway to vehicle
systems and consumer electronics devices.
    Cellport's CP2100 Mobile Network Server employs a range of patents
covering vehicle-based Internet services and the integration of wireless
communications with automotive buses.  The CP2100 combines wireless IP
airlinks with GPS, vehicle bus interfaces and an open platform for embedded
applications.  A next-generation of the product being developed with Cisco
Systems will turn vehicles into full-featured nodes on the Internet.
    "Cellport Systems has established a patent portfolio aimed at creating
open telematics architectures and ensuring system compatibility," said Pat
Kennedy, Cellport's CEO and founder, "Our strategy is designed to enable and
accelerate the creation of a global telematics mass market."