Method and apparatus for use in controlling an access point operating mode of a mobile terminal

Abstract

This disclosure describes techniques used in controlling the mode of operation of an access point for a mobile terminal. Initially, a mobile terminal operates in an access point mode of operation in communication with one or more other mobile terminals. When operating in access point mode, the mobile terminal receives network information from one or more other mobile terminals, the network information including one or more wireless networks identifying one or more wireless networks within the coverage of the one or more other mobile terminals. Multiple network identifiers. In response to identifying that the at least one received network identifier corresponds to a predetermined wireless network or a predetermined type of wireless network, the mobile terminal disables the access point mode of operation. In one example, the mobile terminal is operable according to IEEE 802.11, the received network identifier includes a service set identifier (SSID), and the predetermined wireless network is an enterprise network.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to techniques used in controlling the mode of operation of an access point for a mobile terminal. Background technique [0002] Mobile communication devices (eg, end stations or "STAs") configured to operate in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard, among others, may communicate in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Such mobile devices can be further configured to enter and operate in an access point (AP) mode of operation (e.g., "infrastructure mode" or "micro AP mode") so that other communication devices can associate with them for communication therebetween. "Direct" RF communication, that is, does not require data to pass through any fixed wireless network infrastructure. [0003] Unfortunately, such "mobile APs" can be an undesirable source of interference, eg, for some WLAN installations, such as enterprise WLAN installations. Therefore, IT policy i...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, when mobile devices operate as mobile APs, they cannot perform scan operations to identify other WLANs because they must tune to the AP operating channel in order to provide appropriate communications for associated devices

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