Multi-mode controller
First Claim
1. A method for controlling and managing wireless network access for a wireless RF communication device, comprising the steps of:
- sequentially scanning, at a wireless RF communication device, for polling messages from a plurality of network masters of a plurality of time-synchronous RF networks to determine whether communications may be established with one of the networks;
receiving the polling messages at the wireless RF communication device;
selecting, in accordance with a predefined criteria, a network associated with one of the received polling messages; and
establishing communications between the wireless communication device and the selected network.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
56 Citations
23 Claims
-
1. A method for controlling and managing wireless network access for a wireless RF communication device, comprising the steps of:
-
sequentially scanning, at a wireless RF communication device, for polling messages from a plurality of network masters of a plurality of time-synchronous RF networks to determine whether communications may be established with one of the networks; receiving the polling messages at the wireless RF communication device; selecting, in accordance with a predefined criteria, a network associated with one of the received polling messages; and establishing communications between the wireless communication device and the selected network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. A multi-mode controller for controlling and managing network access for a wireless RF communication device, comprising:
-
a network detector for sequentially scanning for polling messages from a plurality of network masters of a plurality of time-synchronous RF networks to determine whether communications may be established with one of the networks and for receiving the polling messages; a network selector, coupled to the network detector, for selecting, in accordance with a predefined criteria, a network associated with one of the received polling messages; and a connection manager for establishing communications between the wireless communication device and the selected network. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
-
Specification