System and method for range-boosted key fob

1. A vehicle key fob, comprising:

a module for wirelessly communicating with an associated mobile device;

a dedicated input device for initiating a mobile link mode;

a plurality of input devices for commanding an associated vehicle to perform a user-selected function; and

a processor configured to, upon receiving an input at the dedicated input device, send a command signal for performing the user-selected function to the mobile device.

2. The vehicle key fob of claim 1 , further comprising at least one output device configured to provide a first output in response to receiving the input at the dedicated input device.

3. The vehicle key fob of claim 2 , wherein the at least one output device is further configured to provide a second output in response to the processor sending the command signal to the mobile device.

4. The vehicle key fob of claim 2 , wherein the at least one output device is further configured to provide a third output in response to the processor receiving a confirmation signal indicating completion of the user-selected function.

5. The vehicle key fob of claim 2 , wherein the at least one output device includes a light emitting diode.

6. The vehicle key fob of claim 2 , wherein the at least one output device includes a haptic device.

7. The vehicle key fob of claim 1 , wherein the dedicated input device and the plurality of input devices are push buttons.

8. A wireless system, comprising:

a key fob configured to control a function of a vehicle upon receiving a first user input, the key fob including:

a plurality of input devices for receiving the first user input and

a dedicated input device for receiving a second user input to initiate a mobile link mode; and

a mobile device configured to;

receive, from the key fob, a first signal to initiate the mobile link mode;

when the mobile link mode is initiated, receive, from the key fob, a second signal commanding the vehicle to perform the function; and

send the second signal to a remote server in communication with the vehicle.

9. The wireless system of claim 8 , wherein upon receiving a signal from the remote server, the vehicle performs the function and sends a confirmation signal to the remote server, the remote server sending the confirmation signal to the mobile device for relay back to the key fob.

10. The wireless system of claim 8 , wherein the key fob further includes at least one output device configured to provide a first output in response to receiving the first user input and a second output in response to receiving the second user input.

11. The wireless system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one output device includes a light emitting diode.

12. The wireless system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one output device includes a haptic device.

13. The wireless system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one output device is further configured to provide a third output upon receiving a confirmation signal indicating completion of the function.

14. The wireless system of claim 8 , further comprising at least one of the vehicle and the remote server.

15. A method for extending a communication range of a key fob for a vehicle, comprising:

detecting, at the key fob, a first input on a dedicated input device for alerting a mobile device associated with the key fob;

subsequently detecting, at the key fob, a second input on one of a plurality of command buttons comprising a command to the vehicle to perform a function; and

in response to the subsequently detecting, sending the command to the mobile device for relay to the vehicle.

16. The method of claim 15 , further comprising sending an await command signal to the mobile device upon detecting the first input.

17. The method of claim 15 , further comprising:

providing a first output, via the key fob, to indicate detection of the first input; and

providing a second output, via the key fob, to indicate detection of the second input.

18. The method of claim 15 , further comprising receiving a confirmation signal, from the mobile device, upon completion of the function by the vehicle.

19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising providing a third output, via the key fob, to indicate receipt of the confirmation signal.