Method and apparatus to establish communication with wireless communication networks

• US 8,374,116 B2
• Filed: 09/23/2009
• Issued: 02/12/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/24/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Inventors: Kitchin, Duncan M.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, STEVEN H D
• Application Number:
  US12/565,505
• Publication Number:
  US 20100015929A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,238 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 370/315
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/14 Spectrum sharing arrangements between different networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/08 Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery signalling during connection H04W76/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/10 adapted for operation in multiple networks, e.g. multi-mode access points
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/182 Network node acting on behalf of an other network entity, e.g. proxy
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/18 between terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

Briefly, a method of transmitting over a first wireless network a message not addressed to mobile units of the first wireless network, wherein receiving said message causes transmitting stations of the first wireless station to cease transmissions for a predetermined time interval and to enable the access point to be in communication with mobile units or access points of a second wireless network.

Claims

1. A method of communicating in first and second wireless local area networks comprising:

operating as an access point of the first wireless local area network, wherein the first wireless local area network is operating in a first frequency band;

transmitting a message including one of a null message, a ready to send (RTS) or clear to send (CTS) command, over the first wireless local area network during a predetermined time interval, wherein the transmitting of the message causes stations of the first wireless local area network to refrain from transmitting during the predetermined time interval; and

during said predetermined time interval, operating as a network bridge with a device of the second wireless local area network wherein the second wireless local area network is operating in a second frequency band.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

extending the predetermined time interval to enable communications with the device of the second wireless local area network.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

periodically transmitting the message, with a first time interval between transmissions, wherein the first time interval is based on an estimation of a second time interval of a beacon transmission of the second wireless local area network.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

buffering communications related to the device of the second wireless local area network while communicating with the device of the first wireless local area network.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

while operating as the access point of the first wireless local area network, simulating a standby or power saving mode with respect to at least one device of a second wireless local area network.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

broadcasting as the access point of the first wireless network a message to mobile units of the first wireless local area network containing a request to cease transmission for said predetermined time interval.