Wireless Local Access Network system detection and selection

• US 20040176024A1
• Filed: 02/24/2003
• Published: 09/09/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Sinnarajah, Ragulan, Hsu, Raymond T.
• Granted Patent: US 7,146,130 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/3.04
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/189 in combination with wireless systems selective distribution or broadcast in wireless communication networks H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1895 for short real-time information, e.g. alarms, notifications, alerts, updates
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/10 using broadcasted information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/14 using user query or user detection

Abstract

Method and apparatus for detection and selection of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) service. A cellular network may provide an advertisement for a WLAN, such as in an overhead signaling message. The advertisement may identify the Access Point(s) by an Extended Service Set Identifier (ESSID). The remote station may then scan for the WLAN service automatically or manually.

Claims

1. In a wireless communication system, a method for identifying a Wireless Local Area Network comprising:

identifying WLAN availability; and

broadcasting a WLAN advertisement via a common communication channel.

2. The method as in claim 1, wherein broadcasting the WLAN advertisement comprises periodically broadcasting the WLAN advertisement.

3. The method as in claim 1, wherein the WLAN advertisement is an overhead signaling message.

4. The method as in claim 1, wherein identifying WLAN availability comprises identifying a WLAN by an Extended Service Set Identifier (ESSID).

5. The method as in claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a registration message from a remote station, wherein the registration message indicates WLAN capability for the remote station; and

initiating a broadcast of a WLAN advertisement in response to the registration message.

6. The method as in claim 5, comprising:

identifying a WLAN capability identifier in the registration message.

7. A method for a remote station, comprising:

receiving a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) advertisement; and

scanning for the WLAN in response to the WLAN advertisement.

8. The method as in claim 7, wherein receiving the WLAN advertisement comprises:

receiving a WLAN advertisement including at least one Extended Service Set Identifier (ESSID) corresponding to a WLAN;

comparing the at least one ESSID to an ESSID list stored in the mobile station; and

in response to the ESSID matching the at least one ESSID in the WLAN advertisement, scanning for the WLAN.

9. The method as in claim 7, further comprising:

automatically enabling a WLAN scan in response to receiving the WLAN advertisement.

10. The method as in claim 7, wherein receiving the WLAN advertisement comprises:

receiving a WLAN advertisement including position information for an Access Point (AP) supporting the WLAN;

comparing the position information to a current location of the remote station; and

if the current location of the remote station is proximate the AP, scanning for the WLAN.

11. The method as in claim 10, wherein the position information includes the latitude and longitude of the AP.

12. The method as in claim 10, further comprising:

displaying the position information for the AP on the remote station.

13. The method as in claim 12, further comprising:

initiating a WLAN scan in response to displaying the position information.

14. In a wireless communication system, an apparatus for identifying a Wireless Local Area Network comprising:

means for identifying WLAN availability; and

means for broadcasting a WLAN advertisement via a common communication channel.

15. An apparatus for a remote station, comprising:

means for receiving a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) advertisement; and

means for scanning for the WLAN in response to the WLAN advertisement.

16. In a wireless communication system, an apparatus comprising:

memory storage device adapted to store computer readable instructions for identifying a Wireless Local Area Network; and

processing unit coupled to the memory storage device, adapted to;

identify WLAN availability; and

broadcast a WLAN advertisement via a common communication channel.

17. An apparatus for a remote station, comprising:

memory storage device adapted to store computer readable instructions for identifying a Wireless Local Area Network; and

processing unit coupled to the memory storage device, adapted to;

receive a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) advertisement; and

scan for the WLAN in response to the WLAN advertisement.