Combination modes for network connection management

• US 20070197163A1
• Filed: 02/23/2006
• Published: 08/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/23/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Malikie Innovations Limited (Key Patent Innovations Limited)
• Original Assignee: Blackberry Limited
• Inventors: Robertson, Ian
• Application Number:
  US11/359,581
• Publication Number:
  US 20070197163A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/26.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/105 Multiple levels of security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/50 Secure pairing of devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/18 Service support devices; Network management devices

Abstract

A network connection establishment protocol is made more secure by directly associating a non-discoverable mode with a non-pairable mode in a combined non-discoverable/non-pairable mode. Advantageously, rather that allowing incoming pairing requests even when a device is non-discoverable, the device in the closed mode rejects all pairing requests. Responsive to specific initiation, the device may enter a combined discoverable/pairable mode. The device may be preconfigured to revert from the combined discoverable/pairable mode to the combined non-discoverable/non-pairable mode after a given duration of time or after a predetermined number of pairings.

Claims

1. A method of enhancing security of wireless communications at a device, comprising:

providing an open mode in which frequencies are scanned for incoming address inquiries and pairing of said device with a requesting device may be initiated whenever a request is received to establish wireless communications; and

providing a closed mode in which frequencies are not scanned for incoming address inquiries and pairing is not initiated when a request is received to establish wireless communications.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein, in said open mode, said frequencies are scanned periodically.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising switching between said open mode and said closed mode responsive to a user input.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising, after switching from said closed mode to said open mode, reverting to said closed mode after a pre-determined duration.

5. The method of claim 3 further comprising, after switching from said closed mode to said open mode, reverting to said closed mode after completing a pre-determined number of pairings.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising, in said closed mode, transmitting a refusal message responsive to receiving said request to establish wireless communications.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising recording said receiving said request to establish wireless communications.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said wireless communications are short range communications.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein said wireless communications are Bluetooth™

communications.

10. A mobile communication device comprising:

an antenna;

a receiver; and

a controller adapted to;

in an open mode;

instruct said receiver to use said antenna to scan for incoming address inquiries; and

initiate pairing of said device with a requesting device responsive to receiving a request to establish wireless communications; and

in a closed mode;

instruct said receiver not to scan for incoming address inquiries; and

transmit a refusal message to a requesting device responsive to receiving a request to establish wireless communications.

11. A computer readable medium containing computer-executable instructions that, when performed by processor in a mobile communication device, cause said processor to:

provide an open mode in which frequencies are scanned for incoming address inquiries and pairing of said device with a requesting device may be initiated whenever a request is received to establish wireless communications; and

provide a closed mode in which frequencies are not scanned for incoming address inquiries and pairing is not initiated when a request is received to establish wireless communications.