System and method for achieving zero-configuration wireless computing and computing device incorporating same
First Claim
1. A zero configuration method to allow a computer user to experience “
- just works”
network connectivity for wired network, wireless infrastructure, and wireless ad hoc modes of networking operation, comprising the steps of checking user preferences for network connectivity, scanning for network presence, and connecting to a network based on the user preferences.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for enabling a zero configuration nomadic wireless and wired computing environment presenting a just works experience is presented. The system examines predefined user preference or profile settings to determine to which of a competing number of wireless networks available it should connect, and what type of authentication should be used for such connection. Nomadic wireless computing between infrastructure wireless networks and ad hoc wireless networks may be accomplished without further user intervention required in an auto mode. Also, both infrastructure only and ad hoc only modes are available through the system of the invention. Further, the user may set a preference for infrastructure or ad hoc modes in the auto mode. With an infrastructure mode preference set, the system will automatically detect and transfer connectivity to a newly available infrastructure wireless network if the user was previously operating off-line or in ad hoc mode.
211 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A zero configuration method to allow a computer user to experience “
- just works”
network connectivity for wired network, wireless infrastructure, and wireless ad hoc modes of networking operation, comprising the steps of checking user preferences for network connectivity, scanning for network presence, and connecting to a network based on the user preferences. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
- just works”
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15. A zero configuration method for enabling nomadic wireless computing, comprising the steps of scanning to determine a presence of wireless networks and other wireless stations (STAs), selectively attempting to connect with the wireless networks in an infrastructure mode, and when unable to connect to any wireless network in an infrastructure mode, selectively attempting to associate with the other wireless stations in an ad hoc mode.
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25. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing steps, comprising checking user preferences for wireless networking connectivity, scanning for wireless network presence, and connecting to a wireless network based on the user preferences.
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26. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing steps, comprising scanning to determine a presence of wireless networks and other wireless stations (STAs), selectively attempting to connect with the wireless networks in an infrastructure mode, and when unable to connect to any wireless network in an infrastructure mode, selectively attempting to associate with the other wireless stations in an ad hoc mode.
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27. A method of providing a just works user experience to network connectivity in a nomadic computing environment, comprising the steps of:
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determining, at an interface specific zero configuration layer, available network connectivity interfaces;
selecting, at the interface specific zero configuration layer, a preferred network connectivity interface;
communicating network connectivity availability from the interface specific zero configuration layer to a generic zero configuration layer;
selecting, at the generic zero configuration layer, a preferred network connectivity from the communicated available network connections; and
establishing network connectivity with the preferred network connection.
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Specification