Electronic device for providing AP list and method for operating electronic device

Abstract

The present invention discloses an electronic device and a method. The electronic device includes a communication module, a display, a memory, and a processor for implementing the method. The method includes: receiving AP information from at least one access point (AP) through the communication module, generating an AP list including APs that can be connected to the electronic device for communication based on the received AP information, storing the AP list in the memory, identifying the state of the electronic device, determining an arrangement standard for arranging the display order of APs included in the AP list based on the state information about the electronic device, and controlling the display to arrange the AP list according to the determined arrangement standard.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device for providing an access point (AP) list and a method for operating the electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Various electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop PCs, and wearable devices are now widely used.

[0003] Various electronic devices may support short-range wireless communication modes, such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, or ZigBee.

[0004] Among short-range wireless communication technologies, Wi-Fi is a protocol that supports wireless connection between an access point (AP) and an electronic device, and can use various types of carrier frequencies to perform communication between the AP and the electronic device. For example, Wi-Fi includes multiple standards, including IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, and IEEE 802.11n.

[0005] Furthermore, when wireless communication is performed between the AP and the electronic device using the Wi-Fi technology, the wireless communication may be performed using a bandwidth corresponding to the allocated channel.

[0006] The user of the electronic device can select an AP for connection from an AP list including at least one AP connectable to the electronic device. The electronic device can establish a connection with the selected AP and perform data transmission and reception using a network service provided by the selected AP.

[0007] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0008] The electronic device may provide an AP list including at least one selectable AP for a user to select an AP to connect to the electronic device. The AP list may include identifier information about the AP (Service Set Identifier: SSID), information about the strength of a signal sent by the AP (Received Signal Strength Indicator: RSSI), and information indicating whether security is enabled on the AP.

[0009] The user may be provided with a list of APs by listing the APs according to their signal strength or in alphabetical order of AP identifiers.

[0010] Since the AP list is arranged according to signal strengths of the APs or in alphabetical order of AP identifiers without considering status information about the electronic device, APs other than the APs actually required by the user may be listed before the APs actually required.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: at least one communication module, a display, a memory, and a processor, which is operably coupled to the communication module, the display, and the memory, and the processor is configured to: receive AP information from at least one access point (AP) through the communication module, generate an AP list including APs that can be communicatively connected to the electronic device based on the received AP information, store the AP list in the memory, identify the state of the electronic device, determine an arrangement standard for arranging a display order of APs included in the AP list based on the state information about the electronic device, and control the display to display the AP list using an arrangement set according to the determined arrangement standard. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: at least one communication module, a display, a memory, and a processor, which is operably coupled to the communication module, the display, and the memory, and the processor is configured to: receive AP information about at least one access point (AP) that can be communicatively connected to the electronic device through the communication module, display the AP list based on the received AP information, detect a change in the state of the electronic device, determine an arrangement standard for the AP list when a change in the state of the electronic device is detected, and control the display to display the AP list using a display order set according to the determined arrangement standard.

[0012] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an operating method of an electronic device may include: receiving AP information about at least one access point (AP) that can be communicatively connected to the electronic device through a communication module, generating an AP list including APs that can be communicatively connected to the electronic device based on the received AP information, and storing the generated AP list in a memory, identifying status information about the electronic device, determining a configuration standard for arranging a display order of APs included in the AP list based on the identified status information, changing the display order of APs in the AP list based on the determined configuration standard, and displaying the AP list on a display.

[0013] Beneficial technical effects

[0014] An electronic device for providing an AP list and an operating method of an electronic device according to some embodiments may determine an arrangement criterion for the AP list based on status information about the electronic device, thereby providing an AP list arranged differently depending on the status information.

[0015] An electronic device for providing an AP list according to some embodiments may provide an AP list suitable for the state of the electronic device based on state information about the electronic device, thereby effectively providing information about APs suitable for a situation encountered by a user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

[0017] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a procedure according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 4A An example of an AP list in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0021] Figure 4B An example of an AP list in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0022] Figure 5 illustrates an example of an AP list for suggesting a connection to a network other than a currently connected network in an electronic device according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 6A illustrating various modes of displaying an AP list in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6B illustrating various modes of displaying an AP list in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 6C illustrating various modes of displaying an AP list in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig.6D illustrating various modes of displaying an AP list in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Fig. 7A illustrates an example in which an electronic device displays an AP list generated based on AP information received from an external server according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 7Billustrates an example in which an electronic device displays an AP list generated based on AP information received from an external server according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 7C illustrates an example in which an electronic device displays an AP list generated based on AP information received from an external server according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 8 illustrates an example in which an electronic device displays a generated AP list on an external electronic device connected to the electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig.10 An example of displaying a network list for connecting to different networks in an operating method of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated; and

[0033] Fig.11 An example of changing an AP list depending on a change in a state of an electronic device in an operating method of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to some embodiments. Figure 1 , the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 may communicate with the electronic device 102 via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with the electronic device 104 or the server 108 via the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input device 150, a sound output device 155, a display device 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a subscriber identity module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., the display device 160 or the camera module 180) may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module 176 (eg, a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illumination sensor) may be implemented to be embedded in the display device 160 (eg, a display).

[0035] The processor 120 may execute, for example, software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 coupled to the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 120 may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) into the volatile memory 132, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store the resultant data in the non-volatile memory 134. According to one embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that may operate independently of the main processor 121 or in conjunction with the main processor 121. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or be dedicated to a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 or as a part of the main processor 121 .

[0036] While the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleeping) state, the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) among the components of the electronic device 101, or while the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., executing an application), the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) together with the main processor 121. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another component (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communication module 190) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123.

[0037] The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a nonvolatile memory 134.

[0038] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 , and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142 , middleware 144 , or an application program 146 .

[0039] Input device 150 may receive commands or data from outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) to be used by other components of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120). Input device 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus).

[0040] The sound output device 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output device 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing records, and the receiver may be used for incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as a part of the speaker or as a part of the speaker.

[0041] The display device 160 can visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector, and a control circuit that controls a corresponding one of the display, the hologram device, and the projector. According to one embodiment, the display device 160 may include a touch circuit suitable for detecting a touch, or a sensor circuit (e.g., a pressure sensor) suitable for measuring the strength of the force caused by the touch.

[0042] The audio module 170 can convert sound into an electrical signal, and vice versa. According to one embodiment, the audio module 170 can obtain sound via the input device 150, or output sound via the sound output device 155 or an earphone of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly coupled to the electronic device 101.

[0043] The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a user's state) outside the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a posture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0044] The interface 177 may support one or more designated protocols for the electronic device 101 to be directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly coupled to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to one embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0045] The connection terminal 178 may include a connector, via which the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0046] The haptic module 179 may convert the electrical signal into mechanical stimulation (eg, vibration or motion) or electrical stimulation that can be recognized by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthetic sense. According to one embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0047] The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0048] The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0049] The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0050] The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors that can operate independently of the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor (AP)) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth™, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components separated from each other (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identity module 196.

[0051] The antenna module 197 may send a signal to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device) or receive a signal or power from the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiating element implemented by a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or over a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, for example, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 may be selected from the plurality of antennas by the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192). Then a signal or power may be sent or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to one embodiment, another component other than the radiating element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 197.

[0052] At least some of the above components may be coupled to each other and communicate signals therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme such as a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (e.g., SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

[0053] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via a server 108 coupled to the second network 199. Each of the electronic devices 102 and 104 may be a device of the same type or a different type as the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, all or some operations to be performed at the external electronic device 101 may be performed at one or more of the external electronic devices 102, 104, or 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device and perform a function or service, the electronic device 101 may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service instead of or in addition to performing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform at least a portion of the requested function or service, or additional functions or additional services related to the request, and pass the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. Whether or not the result is further processed, the electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a portion of the reply to the request. To this end, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used.

[0054] Figure 2 2 is a block diagram 200 illustrating a program 140 according to some embodiments. According to one embodiment, the program 140 may include an operating system (OS) 142 to control one or more resources in the electronic device 101, middleware 144, or an application 146 executable in the OS 142. The OS 142 may include, for example, an Android TM 、iOS TM , Windows TM , Symbian TM 、Tizen TM or Bada TM For example, at least a portion of program 140 may be preloaded on electronic device 101 during manufacturing, or may be downloaded from or updated by an external electronic device (eg, electronic device 102 or 104 or server 108) during use by a user.

[0055] The OS 142 may control the management (e.g., allocation or deallocation) of one or more system resources (e.g., processes, memory, or power sources) of the electronic device 101. The OS 142 may additionally or alternatively include one or more driver programs to drive other hardware devices of the electronic device 101, such as the input device 150, the sound output device 155, the display device 160, the audio module 170, the sensor module 176, the interface 177, the haptic module 179, the camera module 180, the power management module 188, the battery 189, the communication module 190, the subscriber identity module 196, or the antenna module 197.

[0056] The middleware 144 may provide various functions to the application 146 so that functions or information provided from one or more resources of the electronic device 101 may be used by the application 146. The middleware 144 may include, for example, an application manager 201, a window manager 203, a multimedia manager 205, a resource manager 207, a power manager 209, a database manager 211, a package manager 213, a connectivity manager 215, a notification manager 217, a location manager 219, a graphics manager 221, a security manager 223, a telephony manager 225, or a speech recognition manager 227.

[0057] The application manager 201 may, for example, manage the life cycle of the application 146. The window manager 203 may, for example, manage one or more graphical user interface (GUI) resources used on the screen. The multimedia manager 205 may, for example, identify one or more formats to be used to play a media file, and may encode or decode a corresponding one of the media files using a codec suitable for a corresponding format selected from the one or more formats. The resource manager 207 may, for example, manage the source code of the application 146 or the memory space of the memory 130. The power manager 209 may, for example, manage the capacity, temperature, or power of the battery 189, and determine or provide relevant information to be used for the operation of the electronic device 101 based at least in part on the corresponding information of the capacity, temperature, or power of the battery 189. According to one embodiment, the power manager 209 may communicate with a basic input / output system (BIOS) (not shown) of the electronic device 101.

[0058] The database manager 211 may, for example, generate, search or change a database to be used by the application 146. The package manager 213 may, for example, manage the installation or update of an application distributed in the form of a package file. The connectivity manager 215 may, for example, manage a wireless connection or a direct connection between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device. The notification manager 217 may, for example, provide a function of notifying the user of the occurrence of a specified event (e.g., an incoming call, a message, or an alarm). The location manager 219 may, for example, manage location information on the electronic device 101. The graphic manager 221 may, for example, manage one or more graphic effects to be provided to the user or a user interface associated with one or more graphic effects.

[0059] The security manager 223 can, for example, provide system security or user authentication. The phone manager 225 can, for example, manage a voice call function or a video call function provided by the electronic device 101. The voice recognition manager 227 can, for example, send the user's voice data to the server 108, and receive from the server 108 a command corresponding to a function to be executed on the electronic device 101 at least in part based on the voice data or to text data converted at least in part based on the voice data. According to one embodiment, the middleware 244 can dynamically delete some existing components or add new components. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the middleware 144 can be included as a part of the OS 142, or can be implemented as another software separated from the OS 142.

[0060] Applications 146 may include, for example, a home application 251, a dialer application 253, a short message service (SMS) / multimedia messaging service (MMS) 255, an instant messaging (IM) application 257, a browser application 259, a camera application 261, an alarm application 263, a contact application 265, a voice recognition application 267, an email application 269, a calendar application 271, a media player application 273, an album application 275, a watch application 277, a health application 279 (e.g., for measuring exercise level or biometric information, such as blood sugar) or an environmental information application 281 (e.g., for measuring air pressure, humidity or temperature information) application. According to one embodiment, the application 146 may further include an information exchange application (not shown) capable of supporting information exchange between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device. The information exchange application may, for example, include a notification relay application adapted to deliver assigned information (e.g., a call, message, or alarm) to an external electronic device or a device management application adapted to manage an external electronic device. The notification relay application may deliver notification information corresponding to the occurrence of a specified event (e.g., the receipt of an email) at another application (e.g., the email application 269) of the electronic device 101 to the external electronic device. Additionally or alternatively, the notification relay application may receive notification information from the external electronic device and provide the notification information to the user of the electronic device 101.

[0061] The device management application may control the power (e.g., turning on or off) or functionality (e.g., adjusting brightness, resolution, or focus) of the external electronic device or a component thereof (e.g., a display device or camera module of the external electronic device). Additionally or alternatively, the device management application may support installation, deletion, or updating of applications running on the external electronic device.

[0062] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] refer to Figure 3 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 (for example, Figure 1 The electronic device 101 may include a communication module 310, a processor 320, a display 330 and a memory 340.

[0064] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication module 310 may send data to an external electronic device (not shown) and receive data from the external electronic device. The communication module 310 may use a network provided by an access point (AP) to send data to an external electronic device (not shown) and receive data from an external electronic device. The AP may provide a short-range communication network (local area network: LAN). For example, the AP may provide various short-range communication networks such as a Wi-Fi network and a ZigBee network to the electronic device 300.

[0065] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication module 310 may receive AP information from the AP in order to connect with the AP. The AP may broadcast a beacon frame at every preset time period using a communication channel used by the AP. The beacon frame may include AP information. The AP information may include various pieces of information about the AP, including a service set identifier (SSID), a basic SSID (BSSID), a media access control (MAC) address, a frequency band and channel bandwidth information of the AP, location information about the AP, and at least some of the quality of service (QoS) control information. The communication module 310 may receive a beacon frame broadcast by the AP. The AP information received by the communication module 310 may be used for connection with the AP. According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication module 310 may send a signal for requesting AP information to a specific AP under the control of the processor 320, or may broadcast a signal to an unspecified AP. At least one AP located around the electronic device 300 may send a beacon frame including AP information to the electronic device 300 when receiving a signal for requesting AP information.

[0066] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication module 310 can receive data from an external server (e.g., Figure 1 The external server 108 receives the AP information from the external server 108. The external server 108 can manage at least one piece of AP information. The external server 108 can collect AP information from multiple electronic devices that have accessed the AP. The external server 108 can use the collected information to generate and manage the AP information. The external server 108 can send additional information stored and processed by the external server 108 to the electronic device 300 in response to a request for AP information from the electronic device 300.

[0067] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may receive AP information and additional information sent by the external server 108. The additional information stored and processed by the external server 108 may include at least one of network quality information about the AP, location information about the AP, or information indicating whether to set encryption of the AP.

[0068] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may also receive information (eg, a password or an ID) for connecting to the AP from the external server 108 .

[0069] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the additional information received by the electronic device 300 from the external server 108 may include information about the location where the AP is installed, information about the storage where the AP is installed, the average upload or download speed of the network provided by the AP, payment information about the network provided by the AP, quality information about the network provided by the AP, the existence of an authentication process for using the network provided by the AP, or network congestion information. The additional information received by the electronic device 300 from the external server 108 may include the time during which the connection between each of the multiple electronic devices and the AP is maintained, or various pieces of information obtained from the time during which the connection is maintained (for example, from a congested location where the AP is located, or a popular location where the AP is located).

[0070] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication module 310 may receive AP information from the external server 108, and the AP information may include information including a network attack detection history of the AP. The network attack detection history means a history of detecting a network attack (e.g., a Karma attack, an evil twin AP, or a Fake AP) on an electronic device connected to the AP.

[0071] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication module 310 may receive AP information from an external electronic device. The external electronic device may be an external electronic device used by the same user of the electronic device 300 (or used with the same account). The communication module 310 may send a request for AP information stored by the external electronic device to an external electronic device used by the same user, and may receive AP information sent by the external electronic device. According to one embodiment, the AP information stored by the external electronic device may be shared with the electronic device 300 via an external server 108 (e.g., a cloud server or an account management server). The processor 320 may generate or change an AP list based on the AP information sent from the external server 108 or the external electronic device.

[0072] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP information received by the communication module 310 may be stored in the memory 340 (eg, Figure 1The AP information stored in the memory 340 may include at least some of the SSID, BSSID, and MAC address of each AP, frequency information of the AP, frequency band information of the AP, information about channels that the AP can provide, a password for accessing the AP, information about whether the AP is encrypted, or additional information received from the external server 108. The AP included in the AP information may refer to an AP having a history of being connected to the electronic device 300 or having a history of being retrieved by the electronic device 300. The AP information stored in the memory 340 may be stored in various forms including a list type under the control of the processor 320, and may be updated under the control of the processor 320.

[0073] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may determine whether to attempt to access unauthorized information in a network associated with an AP. For example, an attacker may create a fake AP with the same SSID and BSSID as the network, and may perform various attacks (e.g., Karma attacks, Evil twin APs, or Fake APs) by using the created fake AP. For another example, an attacker may attack a network by sending a fake ARP message (e.g., an ARP spoofing attack). The processor 320 may determine whether the connected AP is an AP provided by the attacker, and store the AP information including the determination result in the memory 340.

[0074] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may generate an AP list using the AP information stored in the memory 340, which is a list of APs to which the electronic device 300 can connect. The processor 320 may control the display 330 to display the generated AP list. When a user input of selecting an AP from one or more APs included in the APs is received, the processor 320 may control the communication module 310 to connect to the selected AP.

[0075] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may identify the state of the electronic device 300 , and may determine a criterion for arranging the AP list based on state information about the electronic device 300 .

[0076] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the status information about the electronic device 300 may include information indicating whether an AP to which the electronic device 300 can be connected is located near the electronic device 300 .

[0077] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may store information about an AP having a connection history in the memory 340. The information about the AP may include at least some of the SSID of the AP, security type information about the AP (e.g., various security types, including an open type indicating that the AP is available without authentication, a phase shift keying type, and a wired equivalent privacy (WEP) type), a password required to use the AP, information about a channel provided by the AP (e.g., a bandwidth of the channel), or information about a carrier network provided by a mobile network operator.

[0078] The processor 320 may receive AP information transmitted by at least one AP located nearby, and may identify whether there is an AP with a connection history using the AP information and information about the AP with a connection history stored in the memory 340. The processor 320 may determine whether there is a connectable AP based on whether there is an AP with a connection history. When there is an AP with a connection history, the processor 320 may control the communication module 310 to connect to the AP with a connection history using the information about the AP stored in the memory 340.

[0079] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the status information about the electronic device 300 may include location information about the electronic device 300. The processor 320 may compare the identified location information about the electronic device 300 with the location information about the location of the AP included in the AP information stored in the memory 340. The processor 320 may identify an AP located within a preset distance from the current location of the electronic device 300. When it is determined that an AP exists within the preset distance from the current location of the electronic device 300, the processor 320 may determine that a connectable AP exists. When it is determined that an AP does not exist within the preset distance from the current location of the electronic device 300, the processor 320 may determine that the electronic device 300 is in a new location where the electronic device 300 has never been connected to a local area network.

[0080] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may use a position sensor (eg, Figure 1 The processor 320 may use a sensor module 176 of the electronic device 300 to identify the location of the electronic device 300. The location sensor may include a global positioning system (GPS) sensor or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) sensor. The processor 320 may also use a geo-fence that partitions the location measured by the location sensor 176 to identify the current location of the electronic device 300. Geofencing may refer to a technique for identifying the current location of the electronic device 300 based on the electronic device 300 entering an area surrounded by a virtual fence. When it is determined that the electronic device 300 is not located in any area surrounded by a virtual fence stored in the electronic device 300, the processor 320 may determine that the electronic device 300 is in a new location where the electronic device 300 has never been connected to a local area network.

[0081] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may also use various communication methods (e.g., Bluetooth, W-Fi, Li-Fi, NFC, or RFID) that the communication module 310 may support in addition to the location sensor 176 to identify the location of the electronic device 300. The processor 320 may identify the location measured using the communication module 310, and may determine that the electronic device 300 is in a new location where the electronic device 300 has never been connected to a local area network.

[0082] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the state information about the electronic device 300 may include roaming information about the electronic device 300. The roaming of the electronic device 300 may indicate a state in which the network operator subscribed by the electronic device 300 does not correspond to the network operator currently available to the electronic device 300. The electronic device 300 may enter the following state: the subscriber identity module (e.g., Figure 1 When the network operator set in the subscriber identity module 196 of the electronic device 300 cannot provide network services, a network service module provided by a different network operator may be used. The roaming state may indicate a state in which the electronic device 300 can use network services provided by a network operator other than the network operator subscribed by the electronic device 300.

[0083] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may use a subscriber identity module (eg, Figure 1 The processor 320 may identify the identifier information about the network subscribed by the electronic device 300 based on the mobile country code (MCC) and mobile network code (MNC) set in the subscriber identity module 196 of the electronic device 300. The processor 320 may compare the identifier information about the currently used cellular network with the identifier information about the network subscribed by the electronic device 300. The processor 320 may determine whether the electronic device 300 is in a roaming state based on the result of comparing the identifier information.

[0084] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the status information about the electronic device 300 may include the rate plan of the cellular network subscribed by the electronic device 300. The cellular network operator may provide cellular networks with different characteristics, including the total amount of data that the electronic device 300 can use via the cellular network, the remaining amount of data that the electronic device 300 can use via the cellular network, or the maximum speed limit of the cellular network depending on the fee paid by the user of the electronic device 300. The electronic device 300 may receive the rate plan of the cellular network from a server operated by the cellular network operator. The processor 320 may identify the status information including the remaining amount of data that the electronic device 300 can send and receive based on the rate plan.

[0085] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the status information about the electronic device 300 may include location information about the electronic device 300, a rate plan of a cellular network used by the electronic device 300, or status information about the cellular network used by the electronic device 300 (e.g., information about whether the electronic device 300 is placed in roaming). However, the aforementioned examples are provided for illustrative purposes, and the status information about the electronic device 300 may include various pieces of information.

[0086] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may determine a standard for arranging the AP list based on the status information about the electronic device 300. The standard for arranging the AP list may include various standards, including a standard for listing AP names in alphabetical order, a standard for listing APs in signal strength (RSSI) order, a standard for first listing APs available to all users without entering a password, a standard for first listing a captive portal network available after authentication, a standard for excluding a network in which there is an attack detection history of the AP, or a standard for first listing a freely available AP. The processor 320 may select at least one arrangement standard from among the standards for arranging the AP list stored in the electronic device 300 based on the status information about the electronic device 300. The processor 320 may control the display 330 to display the AP list according to the selected arrangement standard. The processor 320 may change the AP list using the selected arrangement standard. The processor 320 may sequentially arrange at least one AP included in the AP list according to the selected arrangement standard.

[0087] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may identify whether there is an AP corresponding to the AP information stored in the memory 340 among the APs included in the AP list. The AP list may include APs having a connection history with the electronic device 300. The AP information stored in the memory 340 may include information about the APs having a connection history with the electronic device 300. When the electronic device 300 is connected to the AP, the electronic device 300 may add the information about the connected AP to the AP information. The processor 320 may identify whether the scanned AP is included in the AP information, and may determine the scanned AP as the AP with a connection history when the scanned AP is included in the AP information.

[0088] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is identified that the scanned AP is included in the AP information stored in the memory 340, the processor 320 may select a layout standard for first listing the identified AP. The processor 320 may change the AP list so that the identified AP is listed first. Information about the identified AP is included in the AP information stored in the memory 340, and the processor 320 may use the AP information to establish a connection to the identified AP. When it is identified that there is no AP corresponding to the AP information stored in the memory 340, the processor 320 may select a layout standard for first listing an open network, which is a network that can be connected without entering a password or performing an authentication process. The processor 320 may change the AP list so that the open network is listed first.

[0089] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, changing the AP list may mean changing the position of displaying one or more APs included in the AP list. For example, the processor 320 may display the AP list via the display 330, and may change the AP list so that the AP displayed at the bottom of the AP list is displayed at the top of the AP list.

[0090] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may prioritize various criteria based on state information about the electronic device 300, and may change the AP list based on the original priority. For example, based on state information indicating that the electronic device 300 is in a roaming state, the processor 320 may assign a higher priority to the arrangement standard for first displaying APs that provide an open network than other arrangement standards (e.g., an arrangement standard for first displaying APs with a higher RSSI). The processor 320 may change the AP list using an arrangement standard with a higher priority.

[0091] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may control the display 330 to display an AP list according to a selected arrangement standard. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may select at least one arrangement standard from among a plurality of arrangement standards based on state information about the electronic device 300, and may change the AP list according to the selected arrangement standard. The present disclosure enables a user to select an AP suitable for various states of the electronic device 300 through the AP list changed according to the selected arrangement standard. Some embodiments of the AP list will be illustrated in the following figures.

[0092] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may detect a change in the state of the electronic device 300. When a change in the state of the electronic device 300 is detected, the processor 320 may redetermine the criteria for arranging the AP list, and may change the AP list based on the re-determined arrangement criteria. For example, the processor 320 may detect that the amount of remaining data that the electronic device 300 can use via the cellular network has changed to be lower than a preset value. The processor 320 may change the criteria for arranging the AP list, and may change the AP list based on the changed arrangement criteria. In another example, the processor 320 may identify the state of the first network that the electronic device 300 is using. When it is identified that the state of the first network does not meet the preset condition, the processor 320 may redetermine the criteria for arranging the AP list, and may change the AP list based on the re-determined arrangement criteria. In yet another example, the processor 320 may monitor the position of the electronic device 300 measured by the position sensor 176 or the communication module 310 of the electronic device 300, and may identify that the position of the electronic device 300 has changed. When recognizing that the position of the electronic device 300 has changed, the processor 320 may re-determine the criteria for arranging the AP list, and may change the AP list based on the re-determined arrangement criteria.

[0093] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may change the AP list based on the QoS control information included in the AP information. The QoS data may include the QoS control information to provide QoS for wireless LAN data communication performed between the AP and the electronic device 300, and the QoS data may be included in the data sent by the AP.

[0094] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP may specify an access category (AC) that the AP can provide in a QoS control field, and may send the QoS control field to the electronic device 300. The AP may manage packets placed in different queues according to the AC, and may prioritize communications for queues with higher priorities.

[0095] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, when multiple electronic devices send and receive data through an AP, the service of the packets sent to and received from the AP by one electronic device 300 among the multiple electronic devices may be a voice call service. It is necessary to provide the voice call service with high quality continuously. To this end, the electronic device 300 may assign a high service level to the voice call service, and may include information about the assigned service level in the QoS data. The electronic device 300 may send the QoS data to the AP. The AP may prioritize packets with a high service level according to the QoS control information included in the QoS data, thereby providing a seamless call service.

[0096] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, when multiple electronic devices using services with a high service level communicate with the same AP, communication of electronic devices using services with a low service level may not be performed correctly. The AP may store and analyze received QoS data, thereby storing overload information caused by packets associated with services with a high service level.

[0097] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the electronic device 300 is using a service with a low service level through a Wi-Fi network, the communication speed may be lower than a certain level. The electronic device 300 may request QoS control information including information about the number of packets of a service with a high service level from the AP, the QoS control information being included in QoS control data about packets sent and received by the AP within a preset period, and may change the AP list based on the QoS control information of the AP among the received information.

[0098] Figure 4A An example of an AP list in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 4B An example of an AP list in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0099] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The display on an electronic device (eg, Figure 3 The display of the electronic device 300 (eg, Figure 3 For example, it is assumed that there are five APs (ABC 410, A_private 420, B_private 430, C_private 440, and OpenAP 450) in the communication vicinity of the electronic device 300. It is assumed that among the five APs, one AP (OpenAP 450) is available without password input or user authentication, and four APs (ABC410, A_private 420, B_private 430, and C_private 440) require password input or user authentication.

[0100] refer to Figure 4A Since the size of the display area for displaying the AP list is limited, the display 330 can display four APs (ABC 410, A_private 420, B_private 430, and C_private 440) out of the five APs. (440)). Figure 4A The diagram illustrates an example in which an AP list is displayed according to a standard for arranging AP names in alphabetical order.

[0101] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a processor (e.g., Figure 3The processor 320 of the electronic device 300 may identify state information about the electronic device 300. For example, the processor 320 may identify that the electronic device 300 is in a roaming state. When the electronic device 300 is in a roaming state, it may be desirable to use a short-range communication network. Figure 4A , all APs displayed on the display 330 may require password input or user authentication. AP 450 that does not require password input or user authentication may not be displayed due to the limited size of the display 330, or may be displayed at the bottom of the displayed AP list. Thus, the user of the electronic device 300 may encounter difficulty in selecting AP 450, which is an open network that is available without user authentication.

[0102] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may identify state information about the electronic device 300. For example, the processor 320 may identify that the electronic device 300 is in a roaming state. The processor 320 may determine a criterion for arranging the AP list based on the state information about the electronic device 300. For example, the processor 320 may determine an arrangement criterion for first displaying APs that are available without password input or user authentication, and may change the AP list based on the arrangement criterion.

[0103] refer to Figure 4B , an AP (Open AP 450) available without password input or user authentication may be displayed at the top of the AP list before the APs (ABC 410, A_private 420, B_private 430, and C_private 440) that require password input or user authentication. The user may select an AP (Open AP 450) available without password input or user authentication, and the processor 320 may control the communication module 310 to establish a connection with the selected AP (Open AP 450).

[0104] The electronic device 300 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may select different arrangement criteria according to status information about the electronic device 300, and may change the AP list based on the selected arrangement criteria, thereby effectively selecting and connecting a network suitable for the situation, or enabling a user to select a network.

[0105] Figure 5 An example of an AP list for suggesting connection to a network other than a currently connected network in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0106] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3The electronic device 300 may change the AP list based on the status information about the electronic device 300, and may output a message for suggesting connection to one of the APs included in the changed AP list. The processor (eg, Figure 3 The processor 320 of the electronic device 300 may output a message 510 about whether to connect to an AP to which the electronic device 300 can connect among the APs included in the AP list based on the status information about the electronic device 300 through the display 330 of the electronic device 300. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the message 510 may include at least one of identification information 530 about a recommended AP among the connectable APs or status information 520 about the electronic device 300. For example, the status information 520 may include various pieces of information including information indicating a roaming state of the electronic device 300 or information indicating that it is impossible to connect to a cellular network.

[0107] refer to Figure 5 , the message 510 may include a tariff plan (e.g., information indicating that the amount of remaining data available via the cellular network is insufficient) and identification information 530 (e.g., SSID or MAC address) of the recommended AP, the tariff plan being status information 520 about the electronic device 300. The electronic device 300 may receive a user input to connect to the recommended AP. Upon receiving the user input, the processor 320 may control the communication module (e.g., Figure 3 The communication module 310) performs a series of operations to connect to the recommended AP.

[0108] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may output a message for suggesting a connectable AP in various forms based on the status information about the electronic device 300. Figure 5 As illustrated in , the message may be output as a pop-up message. Alternatively, a message for suggesting a connectable AP may be output through a speaker (not shown) of the electronic device 300. In response to a user input of selecting a connectable AP through a microphone (not shown), the electronic device 300 may perform a series of operations to connect to the selected AP.

[0109] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to a user input to connect to a connectable AP (eg, a user input selecting the connect 540 button), the processor 320 may control the communication module 310 to connect to the suggested AP.

[0110] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to a user input not to connect to a connectable AP (eg, a user input selecting the cancel 550 button), the processor 320 may control the communication module 310 to maintain the currently connected network instead of connecting to a suggested AP.

[0111] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may control the communication module 310 to automatically connect to the recommended AP according to a user setting for automatically connecting to the recommended AP.

[0112] Fig. 6A Various modes of displaying an AP list or recommended APs in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. Figure 6B Various modes of displaying an AP list or recommended APs in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. Figure 6C Various modes of displaying an AP list or recommended APs in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. Fig.6D Various modes of displaying an AP list or recommended APs in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0113] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (eg, Figure 3 A processor (eg, Figure 3 The processor 320 of the electronic device 300 may display the AP list that changes based on the status information about the electronic device 300 in various forms. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D Various modes of displaying the changed AP list are shown.

[0114] refer to Fig. 6A , the processor 320 may provide an access area 610 to activate or deactivate the electronic device 300 to display a Figure 3 Various functions provided on the display 330 of the electronic device 300 (for example, a short-range communication network activation function, a Bluetooth activation function, a sound output mode selection function, a screen switching function that changes according to the position of the electronic device 300, or an airplane mode switching function).

[0115] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to a user input to select an icon 611 for turning on or off a short-range communication network activation function on an access area 610, the processor 320 may display an AP list 613. According to one embodiment, in response to a user input to execute an option to configure a short-range communication network, the processor 320 may display an AP list 613.

[0116] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may display the AP list 613 changed according to the arrangement criteria determined based on the status information about the electronic device 300 .

[0117] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP list 613 may display information about some APs 615 among the APs included in the AP list changed according to the determined arrangement criteria. The some APs may include an AP arranged at the top of the AP list changed according to the arrangement criteria determined based on the status information.

[0118] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to a user input selecting the button 617 for displaying non-displayed APs, the processor 320 may display information on all APs included in the AP list.

[0119] refer to Figure 6B , the processor 320 may display information 623 about recommended APs in an information display area 621 in communication with status information 620 about the electronic device 300 (e.g., remaining battery capacity, receiver sensitivity of a cellular network connected to the electronic device 300, or time) displayed at the top of the display 330. The processor 320 may determine an AP having the highest priority among the APs included in the AP list as a recommended AP, and may display information including at least a portion of the information 623 about the recommended APs in the information display area 621. In response to a user input 625 to establish a connection to the displayed AP, the processor 320 may control the communication module 310 to perform a series of operations to connect to the selected AP.

[0120] refer to Figure 6C , the processor 320 may display information including information 631 about an AP recommended based on status information related to the electronic device 300 in a pop-up form 630 .

[0121] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may display a pop-up form 630 including information 631 about an AP having the highest priority among the APs included in the AP list. In response to a user input 633 to establish a connection to the displayed AP, the processor 320 may control the communication module 310 to perform a series of operations to connect to the selected AP.

[0122] refer to Fig.6D , the processor 320 may display the AP list 640 changed according to the arrangement criteria determined based on the status information about the electronic device 300 in a pop-up form.

[0123] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may display information 641 about one or more APs included in the changed AP list 640 in a pop-up form. In response to a user input selecting an AP from the one or more APs, the processor 320 may control the communication module 310 to perform a series of operations to connect to the selected AP.

[0124] Fig. 7A An example is illustrated in which an electronic device displays an AP list generated based on AP information received from an external server according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7B An example is illustrated in which an electronic device displays an AP list generated based on AP information received from an external server according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0125] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 The electronic device 300) may send the AP information collected by the electronic device 300 to an external server (eg, Figure 1 The external server 108 may manage at least one piece of AP information. The external server 108 may collect information about the AP from a plurality of electronic devices that have accessed the AP. The external server 108 may generate and manage the AP information using the collected information. The external server 108 may send additional AP information corresponding to an AP identifier (e.g., an SSID of the AP or a MAC address of the AP) included in the AP information sent by the electronic device 300 to the electronic device 300. The additional information stored by the external server 108 may include at least one of network quality information about the AP, location information about the AP, or information indicating whether encryption of the AP is set.

[0126] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a processor (eg, Figure 3 The processor 320) can provide the additional AP information received from the external server together with the AP list.

[0127] refer to Fig. 7A , the processor 320 may display an AP list 710 on the display 330. The AP list 710 may include one or more pieces of AP information. The AP information may include an RSSI 711-a, 711-b, 711-c, 711-d, or 711-e of each AP, an identifier 713-a, 713-b, 713-c, 713-d, or 713-e of each AP (the name, SSID, or MAC address of each AP), or information 715 indicating whether user authentication is required. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may display additional AP information received from the external server 108 together with the AP information included in the AP list 710. For example, the processor 320 may display information 717 indicating that a network provided by the AP is available after viewing an advertisement, which is additional information associated with an AP having an identifier of CommercialWiFi 713-c from the external server 108, close to the AP information associated with the additional information. In another example, the processor 320 may display information 719 indicating that information provided by the AP is available after web authentication, which is additional information associated with the AP having an identifier of SeoulWiFi_5G 713-e from the external server 108, close to the AP information associated with the additional information.

[0128] refer to Figure 7B, the processor 320 may display an AP list 720 on the display 330. The processor 320 may display additional information received from an external server (not shown) on the AP list 720 (e.g., information 717 indicating that a network provided by the AP is available after viewing an advertisement, or information 719 indicating that a network provided by the AP is available after web authentication).

[0129] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may also display an indication that the external server (eg, Figure 1 The server 108) receives an indicator of the additional information. Figure 7B , the processor 320 may display indicators 725 and 727 indicating that the additional information has been received via the external server 108 .

[0130] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may display additional information received from the external server 108 on the AP list 710 or 720 , thereby helping the user to select an AP to be used.

[0131] refer to Figure 7C , the processor 320 may display an AP list 730 on the display 330. The processor 320 may display additional information (e.g., information 737 indicating that there is an attack detection history (731) of the network provided by the AP). According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may also display information indicating that the network has been downloaded from an external server (e.g., Figure 1 The server 108) receives an indicator of the additional information. Figure 7B , the processor 320 may display an indicator 737 indicating that additional information has been received via the external server 108 .

[0132] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may display the attack detection history against the network on the AP list 730 , thereby helping the user to select the user's AP.

[0133] Figure 8 An example in which an electronic device displays an AP list on an external electronic device connected to the electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0134] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 The electronic device 300) may transmit the AP list changed based on the status information about the electronic device 300 or the information about the recommended APs to the external electronic device 800 (eg, a wearable device) connected to the electronic device 300.

[0135] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the external electronic device 800 may display the AP list received from the electronic device 300 or the information about the recommended AP on the display 810. There is no limitation on the method for displaying the received AP list or the information about the recommended AP. For example, the external electronic device 800 may display a message 820 for identifying whether to connect to an AP with the highest priority among the multiple APs included in the AP list. In another example, the external electronic device 800 may display information about the multiple APs included in the AP list.

[0136] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the external electronic device 800 may display a message 820 for recommending an AP having the highest priority among the APs included in the AP list. In response to a user input for establishing a connection to the displayed AP, the external electronic device 800 may send an indicator indicating the connection to the AP to the electronic device 300. The electronic device 300 may control the communication module 310 to perform a series of operations to connect to the selected AP.

[0137] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the external electronic device 800 may transmit the AP list or information about the recommended APs to a different external electronic device (not shown).

[0138] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the external electronic device 800 may receive an AP list or information about recommended APs from the electronic device 800 using various networks (e.g., a Wi-Fi network or a Bluetooth network) supporting a peer-to-peer (P2P) method. The external electronic device 800 may perform network discovery, and as a result of the network discovery, may establish a connection with the discovered electronic device 300, and may receive an AP list from the electronic device 300. The external electronic device 800 may send the received AP list or information about recommended APs to a different external electronic device.

[0139] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the external electronic device 800 may use a neighbor awareness network (NAN) discovery process to retrieve the electronic device 300 that shares network information, and may receive an AP list of information about recommended APs from the retrieved electronic device 300. The external electronic device 800 may use a Wi-Fi direct or Bluetooth method to send the AP list or information about the recommended APs to different external electronic devices (not shown). Different external electronic devices may receive the AP list or information about the recommended APs, and if there is more information for establishing a connection with the AP, further information may be requested from the external electronic device 800 or an external server (not shown).

[0140] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (eg, Figure 3 The electronic device 300 may include: at least one communication module (eg, Figure 3 communication module 310); a display (eg, Figure 3 display 330); memory (e.g., Figure 3 340); and a processor (e.g., Figure 3 The processor 320 is configured to be operably connected to the communication module 310, the display 330 and the memory 340 so that the processor 320 can receive AP information from at least one access point (AP) through the communication module, can generate an AP list including APs connectable to the electronic device 300 based on the received AP information, can store the AP list in the memory 340, can identify the state of the electronic device, can determine the arrangement standard for the AP list based on the state information about the electronic device, and can control the display 330 to display the AP list according to the determined arrangement standard.

[0141] In the electronic device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may be configured to determine priorities of a plurality of arrangement criteria based on status information about the electronic device 300 , and change the AP list based on the determined priorities.

[0142] In the electronic device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may be configured to detect a change in state information, change an arrangement criterion for the AP list when the change in state information is detected, and change the AP list based on the changed arrangement criterion.

[0143] In the electronic device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may be configured to receive AP information from an external electronic device storing the AP information.

[0144] In the electronic device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may be configured to: send the changed AP list to an external electronic device (eg, Figure 8 ), so that the changed AP list is displayed on the external electronic device 800 connected to the electronic device 300.

[0145] In the electronic device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the state information may include connection history information of the electronic device 300 with respect to at least one AP, and the processor 320 may be configured to determine an arrangement criterion for the AP list based on the connection history information with respect to the AP.

[0146] In the electronic device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the status information may include a tariff plan of a network used by the electronic device 300, and the processor 320 may be configured to determine an arrangement criterion for the AP list based on the tariff plan.

[0147] In the electronic device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the state information may include information indicating whether the electronic device 300 is placed in roaming, and the processor 320 may be configured to determine the arrangement criteria for the AP list based on the information indicating whether the electronic device is placed in roaming.

[0148] In an electronic device 300 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may be configured to: identify status information about a first network connected to the electronic device 300, change the priority of at least one AP that can use another network based on the status information about the first network, and display a list of APs changed according to the changed priority.

[0149] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may include: at least one communication module 310; a display 330; a memory 340; and a processor 320, which is configured to be operably connected to the communication module 310, the display 330 and the memory 340 so that the processor 320 can receive AP information about at least one AP that can be connected to the electronic device 300 through the communication module, can display an AP list based on the received AP information, can detect a state change of the electronic device 300, can determine an arrangement standard for the AP list when a state change of the electronic device 300 is detected, and can control the display 330 to display the AP list according to the determined arrangement standard.

[0150] In the electronic device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may be configured to receive AP information from an external electronic device storing AP information, generate an AP list based on the AP information, and store the AP list in a memory.

[0151] In the electronic device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the status information may include a tariff plan of a network used by the electronic device 300, and the processor 320 may be configured to determine an arrangement criterion for the AP list based on the tariff plan.

[0152] In the electronic device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the state information may include information indicating whether the electronic device is placed in roaming, and the processor 320 may be configured to determine the arrangement criteria for the AP list based on the information indicating whether the electronic device is placed in roaming.

[0153] In an electronic device 300 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may be configured to: identify status information about a first network connected to the electronic device, change the priority of at least one AP that can use another network based on the status information about the first network, and display a list of APs changed according to the changed priority.

[0154] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0155] refer to Fig. 9 , an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure (e.g., Figure 3 The operating method of the electronic device 300) can receive AP information in operation 910.

[0156] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP information may include various pieces of information about the AP, such as SSID, BSSID, MAC address, frequency band, channel bandwidth information, or location information of the AP. For example, the AP information may be included in a beacon frame broadcast by the AP. The beacon frame may be broadcast by the AP every preset period, and the AP may send the beacon frame to the electronic device 300 in response to a request from the electronic device 300.

[0157] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP information may include information provided by an external server (eg, Figure 1 The additional information sent by the external server 108 may include at least one of network quality information about the AP, location information about the AP, or information indicating whether to set encryption of the AP.

[0158] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 920, the electronic device 300 may generate an AP list including one or more communicatively connectable APs based on the received AP information.

[0159] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 930 , the electronic device 300 may identify a state of the electronic device 300 .

[0160] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the status information about the electronic device 300 may include location information about the electronic device 300, a rate plan of a cellular network used by the electronic device 300, or status information about a cellular network used by the electronic device 300 (information about whether the electronic device 300 is placed in roaming). However, the aforementioned examples are provided for illustrative purposes, and the status information about the electronic device 300 may include various pieces of information.

[0161] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 940, the electronic device 300 may determine a criterion for arranging the AP list based on state information about the electronic device 300. That is, the display order of APs included in the AP list may be changed or reordered according to the determined criterion.

[0162] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may store various criteria for arranging the AP list in the memory 340 , and may select at least one arrangement criteria from among the various criteria based on state information about the electronic device 300 .

[0163] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the criteria for arranging the AP list may include various criteria, including a standard for listing AP names in alphabetical order, a standard for listing APs in order of signal strength (RSSI), a standard for first listing APs that are available to all users without entering a password, a standard for first listing captive portal networks that are available after authentication, or a standard for first listing freely available APs.

[0164] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is identified that there is an AP corresponding to the AP information stored in the memory 340, the electronic device 300 may select an arrangement standard for first listing the identified AP. The AP list may contain APs having a connection history with the electronic device 300. The AP information stored in the memory 340 may include information about APs having a connection history with the electronic device 300. The processor 320 may change the AP list so that the identified AP is listed first. When it is identified that there is no AP corresponding to the AP information stored in the memory 340, the processor 320 may select an arrangement standard for listing APs corresponding to an open network, listing APs in order of signal strength, or listing AP names in alphabetical order, the open network being a network that can be connected without entering a password or performing an authentication process. The processor 320 may change the AP list so that the open network is listed first.

[0165] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 950, the electronic device 300 may change the AP list (eg, change the display order of APs included in the AP list) according to the determined arrangement criterion.

[0166] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may change the AP list using the selected arrangement criteria. The processor 320 may arrange at least one AP included in the AP list (or multiple APs included in the AP list, classifying them into different arrangements) according to the selected arrangement criteria.

[0167] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 960, the electronic device 300 may display a Figure 3 The changed AP list is displayed on the display 330).

[0168] Fig.10 An example of displaying a network list for connecting to different networks in an operating method of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0169] refer to Fig.10 , in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure (for example, Figure 3 In operation 1010 of the operating method of the electronic device 300), the electronic device 300 can be connected to the first network.

[0170] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first network may include various networks, such as a cellular network, a short-range communication network, etc. The electronic device 300 may send and receive data through a connection with the first network. The electronic device 300 may establish a connection to the first network via a user input of the communication connection to the first network or without a user input.

[0171] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, when executing a specific application, the electronic device 300 may be connected to the first network. For example, when executing a video streaming program, the electronic device 300 may be connected to the first network.

[0172] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 1020, the electronic device 300 may identify state information about the first network.

[0173] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the status information about the first network may include information about the fee that the user needs to pay for using the first network, the connection status of the first network, or quality information about the first network. The electronic device 300 may identify the status information about the first network based on the subscription information stored in the subscriber identity module 196 of the electronic device 300, the information about the operator of the first network, or various pieces of information received from a server operated by the operator of the first network.

[0174] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 1030, the electronic device 300 may determine whether the status information about the first network satisfies a preset standard.

[0175] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may determine whether the information about the fee that the user needs to pay included in the status information about the first network is less than a preset amount.

[0176] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may determine whether the quality information about the first network included in the status information about the first network satisfies a preset quality.

[0177] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the first network may have security settings, such as restrictions on connections using specific sites or specific ports, depending on the settings of the operator of the first network. For example, settings that restrict connections to ports used for various applications (e.g., messaging applications) may be applied to APs in a company's workplace to enhance network security. The electronic device 300 may use the first network included in the status information about the first network to identify whether a specific application may be used.

[0178] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may detect the execution of a specific application, or may use the first network to periodically identify whether the specific application may be used.

[0179] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 1040, when it is determined that the state information about the first network does not satisfy a preset standard, the electronic device 300 may retrieve a second network communicatively connectable with the electronic device 300.

[0180] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may determine that the status information about the first network does not satisfy a preset criterion, and may retrieve a second network to which the first network may be switched.

[0181] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second network may be a short-range communication network provided by an AP located within a preset distance from the electronic device 300. For example, the second network may include various short-range communication networks, such as a Wi-Fi network or a ZigBee network.

[0182] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may determine that the cost that the user needs to pay included in the status information about the first network is not less than a preset amount, and may retrieve a second network that can be switched from the first network.

[0183] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may determine that the quality information about the first network included in the status information about the first network does not satisfy the preset quality, and may retrieve a second network to which the first network can be switched.

[0184] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that it is impossible to use a specific application using the first network included in the state information about the first network, the electronic device 300 may retrieve a second network to which it may be switched from the first network.

[0185] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 1050, the electronic device 300 may generate a list of second networks.

[0186] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the list of second networks may refer to an AP list including APs to which the electronic device 300 can connect. The list of second networks may be generated based on AP information about each of the APs to which the electronic device 300 can connect. The AP information may include various pieces of information about the AP, including SSID, BSSID, MAC address, frequency band, channel bandwidth information, or location information of the AP. The AP information may be included in a beacon signal broadcast by an AP to which the electronic device 300 can connect.

[0187] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may retrieve a second network connectable to the electronic device 300, and may request information about the retrieved second network from the external server 108. The electronic device 300 may generate a list of second networks using the information about the second network sent by the external server 108.

[0188] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 1060 , the electronic device 300 may determine a criterion for arranging the list of the second network based on state information about the electronic device 300 .

[0189] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may store various arrangement criteria for the list of second networks in the memory 340 , and may select at least one of the various arrangement criteria based on the state of the electronic device 300 .

[0190] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the arrangement criteria for the list of second networks may include various criteria, such as a standard for listing AP names in alphabetical order, a standard for listing APs in order of signal strength (RSSI), a standard for first listing APs that are available to all users without entering a password, a standard for first listing captive portal networks that are available after authentication, or a standard for first listing freely available APs.

[0191] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is identified that there is an AP corresponding to the AP information stored in the memory 340, the electronic device 300 may select a layout standard for first listing the identified AP. The processor 320 may change the list of the second network so that the identified AP is listed first. When it is identified that there is no AP corresponding to the AP information stored in the memory 340, the processor 320 may select a layout standard for listing APs corresponding to an open network, listing APs in order of signal strength, or listing AP names in alphabetical order, the open network being a network that can be connected without entering a password or performing an authentication process. For example, the processor 320 may change the list of the second network so that the open network is listed first.

[0192] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 1070, the electronic device 300 may change the list of the second network (eg, change the arrangement of members included in the list of the second network) based on the determined arrangement criterion.

[0193] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may change the list of the second network using the selected arrangement standard. The processor 320 may arrange at least one AP included in the list of the second network according to the selected arrangement standard.

[0194] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 1080, the electronic device 300 may display a Figure 3 The changed list of the second network is displayed on the display 330).

[0195] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may retrieve the second network before establishing a communication connection to the first network, in which case operation 1040 may be omitted.

[0196] Fig.11 An example of changing an AP list depending on a change in a state of an electronic device in an operating method of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0197] refer to Fig.11 , in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure (for example, Figure 3 In operation 1110 of the operating method of the electronic device 300), the electronic device 300 may display an AP list including at least one AP that can be communicatively connected with the electronic device 300.

[0198] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP list displayed in operation 1110 may be completely based on the AP list stored in the memory of the electronic device 300 (eg, Figure 3 A list of APs arranged according to at least one arrangement standard among various arrangement standards in the memory 340).

[0199] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 1120 , the electronic device 300 may detect a change in a state of the electronic device 300 .

[0200] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the status information about the electronic device 300 may include location information about the electronic device 300, a rate plan of a cellular network used by the electronic device 300, status information about the cellular network used by the electronic device 300 (e.g., whether the electronic device 300 is placed in roaming), information about an application being used in the electronic device 300, or action information about the electronic device 300. However, the above examples are provided for illustrative purposes, and the status information about the electronic device 300 may include various pieces of information.

[0201] For example, the electronic device 300 may detect a switching of a roaming state in which the operator of the cellular network used by the electronic device 300 is changed. In another example, the electronic device 300 may detect a switching of a state in which the amount of remaining data that can be transmitted and received provided by the operator of the cellular network is reduced to a preset value or less. In yet another example, the electronic device 300 may detect that the electronic device 300 moves from an existing location to a different location.

[0202] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 1130 , the electronic device 300 may determine an arrangement criterion for the AP list based on changed state information about the electronic device 300 .

[0203] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 300 may store various arrangement criteria for the AP list in the memory 340 , and may select at least one arrangement criteria from among the various arrangement criteria based on the changed state information about the electronic device 300 .

[0204] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the arrangement criteria of the AP list may include various criteria, such as a standard for listing AP names in alphabetical order, a standard for listing APs in order of signal strength (RSSI), a standard for first listing APs that are available to all users without entering a password, a standard for first listing a mandatory portal network that is available after authentication, or a standard for first listing freely available APs. There may be multiple arrangement criteria for the AP list, and each arrangement criterion may have a weight. The electronic device 300 may change the AP list using a weight set for each of the multiple arrangement criteria or by applying different weights based on the state of the electronic device.

[0205] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is identified that there is an AP corresponding to the AP information stored in the memory 340, the electronic device 300 may select a layout standard for first listing the identified AP. The processor 320 may change the AP list so that the identified AP is listed first. When it is identified that there is no AP corresponding to the AP information stored in the memory 340, the processor 320 may select a layout standard for listing APs corresponding to an open network, which is a network that can be connected without entering a password or performing an authentication process, listing APs in order of signal strength, or listing AP names in alphabetical order. The processor 320 may change the AP list so that the open network is listed first.

[0206] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 1140, the electronic device 300 may change the AP list based on the determined arrangement criterion (eg, change the display order or arrangement of APs listed in the AP list based on the arrangement criterion).

[0207] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 may use the selected arrangement standard to change the AP list. If selected, the processor 320 may arrange at least one AP included in the AP list according to the selected arrangement standard and / or multiple arrangement standards.

[0208] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 1150, the electronic device 300 may display a Figure 3 The changed AP list is displayed on the display 330).

[0209] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (eg, Figure 3 The operation method of the electronic device 300 may include: Figure 3 The communication module 310 of the electronic device 300 receives AP information about at least one access point (AP) that can be connected to the electronic device 300; generates an AP list including APs that can be connected to the electronic device 300 based on the received AP information and stores the AP list in a memory (e.g., Figure 3 340); identifying state information about the electronic device 300; determining a layout standard for the AP list based on the identified state information; changing the AP list based on the determined layout standard; displaying the display (eg, Figure 3 The changed AP list is displayed on the display 330).

[0210] The operating method of the electronic device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may further include: detecting a change in status information; changing an arrangement criterion for the AP list when the change in status information is detected; and changing the AP list based on the changed arrangement criterion.

[0211] The operating method of the electronic device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may further include: determining priorities of the plurality of arrangement criteria based on status information about the electronic device 300; and changing the AP list based on the determined priorities.

[0212] In an operating method of the electronic device 300 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the status information may include a rate plan of a network used by the electronic device 300, and determining the arrangement criteria for the AP list includes determining the arrangement criteria for the AP list based on the rate plan.

[0213] In an operating method of an electronic device 300 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the status information may include information indicating whether the electronic device 300 is placed in roaming, and determining the arrangement criteria for the AP list includes determining the arrangement criteria for the AP list based on the information indicating whether the electronic device is placed in roaming.

[0214] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the operating method of the electronic device 300 may also include: identifying status information about a first network connected to the electronic device 300; changing the priority of at least one AP that can use another network (and / or the corresponding priority for each of multiple APs) based on the status information about the first network; and displaying a list of APs changed according to the changed priority.

[0215] The electronic device according to some embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0216] It should be recognized that certain embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalences or replacements for corresponding embodiments. Regarding the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It should be understood that the singular form of the noun corresponding to the project may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in one of the corresponding phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1st" and "2nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish only the corresponding component from another component, and do not limit the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It should be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or “connected to,” another element (e.g., a second element) (regardless of whether the term “operably” or “communicatively” is used), it means that the element can be coupled to the other element directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0217] As used herein, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms, such as "logic," "logic block," "component," or "circuit." A module may be a single integral component or its smallest unit or portion suitable for performing one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0218] Certain embodiments described herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101), a computer, a computer, and a computer). For example, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute at least one of the one or more instructions under the control of the processor regardless of whether one or more other components are used. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish between a location where data is semi-permanently stored in a storage medium and a location where data is temporarily stored in a storage medium.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed via an application store (e.g., PlayStore). TM ) online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading), or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). If distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

[0220] According to certain embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the above-mentioned components may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to certain embodiments, one or more of the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or in addition, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to certain embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as performed by a corresponding one of the multiple components before integration. According to certain embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or tentatively, or one or more of the operations may be performed or omitted in a different order, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: at least one communication module; monitor; Memory; and a processor operatively coupled to the communication module, the display, and the memory, the processor being configured to: receiving AP information from at least one access point (AP) through the communication module, generating an AP list including APs that can be communicatively connected with the electronic device based on the received AP information, identifying status information of the electronic device, the status information including connection history information of the electronic device corresponding to at least one AP and roaming information of the electronic device indicating whether the electronic device is in a roaming state, selecting a placement criterion based on status information of the electronic device, the placement criterion being selected from a plurality of candidate placement criteria including a first placement criterion and a second placement criterion, the first placement criterion being related to a connection history between the electronic device and at least one AP, and the second placement criterion being related to at least one AP available to all users without inputting a password, determining a display order of at least one AP included in the AP list based on a selected arrangement criterion, and controlling the display to display the AP list based on a display order, The processor is further configured to select a second arrangement standard when the electronic device recognizes that the electronic device is in a roaming state based on the state information.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is configured to determine a priority for each of a plurality of candidate arrangement criteria respectively based on a state of the electronic device, and change the display order of the AP list based on the determined priority.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is configured to detect a change in a state of the electronic device, change a selected arrangement criterion for the AP list when the change in the state of the electronic device is detected, and change the AP list based on the changed selected arrangement criterion.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The AP information is received through transmission from an external electronic device storing the AP information.

5. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: The processor is configured to transmit the changed AP list to an external electronic device so that the changed AP list is displayed on the external electronic device communicatively connected to the electronic device.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The status information of the electronic device includes a rate plan of a network used by the electronic device, and The processor is further configured to determine a placement criterion for the selection of the AP list based on the rate plan.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to: identify the status information about the first network communicatively connected to the electronic device, change the priority of at least one AP that can use another network based on the status information about the first network, and display the AP list after changing the display order according to the changed priority of the at least one AP.

8. An electronic device comprising: at least one communication module; monitor; Memory; and a processor operatively coupled to the communication module, the display, and the memory, the processor being configured to: receiving, by the communication module, AP information about at least one access point (AP) communicatively connectable with the electronic device, Displaying an AP list based on the received AP information, detecting a state change of the electronic device based on state information of the electronic device, the state information including connection history information of the electronic device corresponding to at least one AP and roaming information of the electronic device indicating whether the electronic device is in a roaming state, selecting a placement criterion based on the changed state of the electronic device, the placement criterion being selected from a plurality of candidate placement criteria including a first placement criterion and a second placement criterion, the first placement criterion being related to a connection history between the electronic device and at least one AP, and the second placement criterion being related to at least one AP available to all users without inputting a password, and controlling the display to display the AP list using a display order set according to a selected arrangement standard, The processor is further configured to select a second arrangement standard when the electronic device recognizes that the electronic device is in a roaming state based on the state information.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: The AP information is received from an external electronic device storing the AP information, and the AP list is generated based on the AP information and stored in the memory.

10. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: The status change is indicated by the status information, the status information further comprising a rate plan of a network used by the electronic device, and Placement criteria for the selection of the AP list is further determined based on the rate plan.

11. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: The state change is indicated by the state information, the state information further comprising information indicating whether the electronic device is in a roaming state, and The placement criteria for the selection of the AP list is further determined based on the information indicating whether the electronic device is in the roaming state.

12. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: The processor is further configured to: identify the status information about the first network communicatively connected to the electronic device, change the priority of at least one AP that can use another network based on the status information about the first network, and display the AP list after changing the display order according to the changed priority of the at least one AP.

13. A method for operating an electronic device, comprising: receiving, by a communication module, AP information about at least one access point (AP) communicatively connectable with the electronic device; generating an AP list including APs communicatively connectable to the electronic device based on the received AP information, and storing the generated AP list in a memory; identifying status information about the electronic device, the status information including connection history information of the electronic device corresponding to at least one AP and roaming information of the electronic device indicating whether the electronic device is in a roaming state; selecting a placement criterion based on status information of the electronic device, the placement criterion being selected from a plurality of candidate placement criteria including a first placement criterion and a second placement criterion, the first placement criterion being related to a connection history between the electronic device and at least one AP, and the second placement criterion being related to at least one AP available to all users without inputting a password; determining a display order of one or more APs included in the AP list based on a selected arrangement criterion; as well as displaying the AP list on a display based on a display order, The selecting of the arrangement standard includes selecting a second arrangement standard when the electronic device recognizes that the electronic device is in a roaming state based on the state information.

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