Portable electronic communications device having switchable LAN/WAN wireless communications features
First Claim
1. A portable electronic communications device, comprising:
- a radio frequency modem, wireless communications circuitry, and an antenna operable to communicate over a wireless communications link with one of a local area network and a wide area network; and
a proximity detection device operable to detect proximity of the device with the local area network, the wireless communications circuitry responsive to detection of the device within suitable signal communication proximity with the local area network to couple the communications circuitry with the local area network.
14 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A portable computing device has a computer programmed to store and communicate information and a housing configured to house the computer. A communications device, provided in the housing, is controlled by the computer and configured to communicate information between the computing device and a remote computer. An antenna is carried by the housing and is configurable to electrically couple with the communications device for communicating radio frequency information with the remote computer. A signal coupling device is carried by the housing and is configured to removably mate in signal transmitting relation with an external antenna via a complementary mating signal coupling device. A switch provided with the device is constructed and arranged to selectively connect the communications device with one of the dedicated antenna and the external antenna. According to one aspect, this invention comprises a portable electronic communications device, comprising a radio frequency modem, wireless communications circuitry, and an antenna operable to communicate over a wireless communications link with one of a local area network and a wide area network; and a proximity detection device operable to detect proximity of the device with the local area network, the wireless communications circuitry responsive to detection of the device within suitable signal communication proximity with the local area network to couple the communications circuitry with the local area network.
131 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A portable electronic communications device, comprising:
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a radio frequency modem, wireless communications circuitry, and an antenna operable to communicate over a wireless communications link with one of a local area network and a wide area network; and a proximity detection device operable to detect proximity of the device with the local area network, the wireless communications circuitry responsive to detection of the device within suitable signal communication proximity with the local area network to couple the communications circuitry with the local area network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A portable electronic communications system, comprising:
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a local area network; a wide area network; a portable electronic communications device including a radio frequency modem, wireless communications circuitry, an antenna operable to communicate over a wireless communications link, and a proximity detection device operable to detect proximity of the device with the local area network, the wireless communications circuitry responsive to detection of the device outside of suitable signal communication proximity with the local area network to couple the communications circuitry with the wide area network.
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11. In a portable electronic device having communications capabilities, a switchable wireless communications device comprising:
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a radio frequency modem, wireless communications circuitry, and an antenna operable to communicate over a wireless communications link with one of a local area network and a wide area network; and a proximity detection device operable to detect proximity of the device with the local area network, the wireless communications circuitry responsive to detection of the device within suitable signal communication proximity with the local area network to couple the communications circuitry with the local area network. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for selectively coupling a portable electronic communications device with one of a local area network and a wide area network, comprising:
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providing a local area network and a wide area network, each having wireless communications features; providing a proximity detection device on the portable electronic communications device for detecting proximity of the device with the local area network; and configuring the portable electronic communications device in signal communication with the local area network when the proximity detection device detects the device within acceptable proximity with the local area network. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. A portable computer, comprising:
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a radio frequency modem, wireless communications circuitry, and an antenna operable to communicate over a wireless communications link with one of a local area network and a wide area network; and a proximity detection device operable to detect proximity of the computer with the local area network, the wireless communications circuitry responsive to detection of the computer within suitable signal communication proximity with the local area network to couple the communications circuitry with the local area network. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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Specification