Multi-mode controller

• US 20020059434A1
• Filed: 05/25/2001
• Published: 05/16/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Avago Technologies International Sales Pte Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Broadcom Corporation (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Inventors: Seshadri, Nambi, Karaoguz, Jeyhan
• Granted Patent: US 7,114,010 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/228
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/5692 Selection among different networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/5087 wherein the managed service relates to voice services management of VoIP services H04M7/0081
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/5096 wherein the managed service relates to distributed or central networked applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/55 Testing of service level quality, e.g. simulating service usage
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/16 Discovering, processing access restriction or access information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/18 Selecting a network or a communication service
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

Techniques for controlling and managing network access are used to enable a wireless communication device to selectively communicate with several wireless networks. A portable communication device constructed according to the invention can communicate with different networks as the device is moved through the areas of coverage supported by the different networks. As a result, the device can take advantage of services provided by a particular network when the device is within the area of coverage provided by that network. Thus, the device can selectively switch to networks that provide, for example, high speed Internet access, different quality of service, low cost service and/or different services (e.g., voice, data, multimedia, etc.). A multi-mode controller in the device may be used to alternately poll different networks to determine whether the device is within the area of coverage of a network and to selectively establish communications with those networks.

Claims

1. A method for controlling and managing wireless network access for a wireless communication device, comprising the steps of:

sequentially attempting to determine whether communications may be established with at least one of a plurality of wireless networks;

selecting at least one of the wireless networks; and

establishing communications between the wireless communication device and at least one selected wireless network.

2. A multi-mode controller for controlling and managing network access for a wireless communication device, comprising:

a network detector for sequentially attempting to determine whether communications may be established with at least one of a plurality of wireless networks;

a network selector for selecting at least one of the wireless networks; and

a connection manager for establishing communications between the wireless communication device and at least one selected wireless network.

3. A dual-mode controller for controlling and managing access to Bluetooth and HomeRF networks, comprising:

a network scanner for sequentially performing Bluetooth network scans and HomeRF network scans;

a network selector for selecting a Bluetooth network or a HomeRF network; and

a connection manager for establishing a connection with the selected Bluetooth or HomeRF network.

4. A method for controlling and managing access to Bluetooth and HomeRF networks, comprising the steps of:

sequentially performing Bluetooth network scans and HomeRF network scans;

notifying a user of availability of a Bluetooth network or a HomeRF network;

selecting a Bluetooth network or a HomeRF network according to user input; and

establishing a connection with the selected Bluetooth or HomeRF network.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of using common radio circuitry for communications to Bluetooth and HomeRF networks.

6. A dual-mode controller for controlling and managing access to Bluetooth and 802.11b networks, comprising:

a network scanner for sequentially performing Bluetooth network scans and 802.11b network scans;

a network selector for selecting a Bluetooth network or an 802.11b network; and

a connection manager for establishing a connection with the selected Bluetooth or 802.11b network.

7. A method for controlling and managing access to Bluetooth and 802.11b networks, comprising the steps of:

sequentially performing Bluetooth network scans and 802.11b network scans;

notifying a user of availability of a Bluetooth network or an 802.11b network;

selecting a Bluetooth network or an 802.11b network according to user input; and

establishing a connection with the selected Bluetooth or 802.11b network.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of using common radio circuitry for communications to Bluetooth and 802.11b networks.