Wireless communication method and electronic device providing the same

Abstract

The present application can include an electronic device including a communication module to support first and second short-range wireless communications, and a processor functionally connected to the communication module, wherein the processor is configured to establish a connection to a first external device on at least one channel in a frequency band through the communication module using the first short-range wireless communication, identify a request for the second short-range wireless communication with a second external device while the connection to the first external device is established, and connect the second external device to the first external device or an external communication server on the at least one channel in the frequency band using the second short-range wireless communication in response to the request. However, the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can include other embodiments.

Description

[0001] Case Analysis

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on November 9, 2016, with application number 201680067590.7 and entitled "Wireless Communication Method and Electronic Device Providing the Wireless Communication Method". Technical Field

[0003] The various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a wireless communication method and an electronic device supporting the wireless communication method, and more specifically, to a method for performing multiple short-range wireless communications and an electronic device supporting the method. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, with the development of technology, electronic devices capable of performing various functions have become necessities for modern people. These electronic devices have evolved into multimedia communication devices that can not only provide inherent voice calling services but also various data transmission services and a variety of additional services.

[0005] As multimedia communication devices, electronic devices use various short-range communication methods to send / receive data with other electronic devices. For example, electronic devices use technologies based on standards such as Wireless LAN (WLAN), BT, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Ultra Wideband (UWB), Ultra Narrowband (UNB), Wireless USB, Wireless Gigabit (WiGig), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wireless HD, TransferJet, and Wireless FireWire to send / receive data with other electronic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Technical Issues]

[0007] Various standard technologies used for short-range network communication (such as Wi-Fi, BitTorrent, and NFC) can be installed in electronic devices. Users of these devices can use these standard technologies to wirelessly access various services. For example, users can simultaneously use multiple Wi-Fi or BitTorrent technologies to wirelessly access various services. When an electronic device uses multiple Wi-Fi or BitTorrent technologies, interference between frequency bands may occur.

[0008] This disclosure provides a wireless communication method and an electronic device supporting the method that can reduce the above-mentioned problems through channel control of the wireless communication frequency band.

[0009] [Solution to the problem]

[0010] In one aspect of this disclosure, a method in an electronic device supporting a first short-range wireless communication and a second short-range wireless communication includes: connecting to a first external device using the first short-range wireless communication on at least one channel of a frequency band; identifying a request for the second short-range wireless communication with a second external device while connecting to the first external device; and, in response to the request, connecting the second external device to the first external device or an external communication server using the second short-range wireless communication on the at least one channel of the frequency band. Furthermore, an electronic device supporting this method is provided.

[0011] In another aspect of this disclosure, a method in an electronic device supporting a first short-range wireless communication and a second short-range wireless communication includes: establishing a first connection from a first external device to a second external device or an external communication device on at least one channel of a first frequency band using the second short-range wireless communication; identifying a request for performing a second connection to the second external device using the first short-range wireless communication while the first external device is connected to the second external device or the external communication server; in response to the request, comparing a second frequency band associated with the second connection with the first frequency band; and if the second frequency band is equal to the first frequency band, changing the at least one channel used for the first connection based on the channel to be used for the second connection. Furthermore, an electronic device supporting this method is provided.

[0012] [Beneficial effects of the invention]

[0013] According to various aspects of this disclosure, for example, when using a communication module to perform multiple short-range wireless communications, frequency interference between the various short-range wireless communications can be prevented, and IP conflicts can be prevented. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of programming modules according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a communication connection between an electronic device and a first external device, and multiple external devices, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 5This is a diagram illustrating the connection between the electronic device and the second external device while the electronic device is connected to the first external device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the connection between the electronic device and the second external device while the electronic device is connected to the first external device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the connection between an electronic device and other external devices while the electronic device is connected to a first external device and a second external device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the connection between an electronic device and other external devices while the electronic device is connected to a first external device and a second external device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates an electronic device being disconnected from a second external device while connected to a first external device and a second external device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the IP allocation of an electronic device to a third external device while the electronic device is connected to a first external device and a second external device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a screen relating to IP allocation information of an electronic device with respect to an external device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection between an electronic device and a first external device and a second external device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection between an electronic device and a second external device while the electronic device is connected to a first external device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection between an electronic device and a first external device and a second external device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection between an electronic device and a second external device while the electronic device is connected to a first external device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 16This is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection between an electronic device and a third external device while the electronic device is connected to a first external device and a second external device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the IP allocation of an electronic device to a third external device while the electronic device is connected to a first external device and a second external device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0031] Figure 18a and Figure 18b This is a diagram illustrating the WiFi architecture and channels of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the following description, the present disclosure will be referenced to the accompanying drawings. Although specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and related detailed descriptions are discussed in this specification, the present disclosure may have various modifications and several embodiments. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific implementations, and it should be understood that the present disclosure includes all changes and / or equivalents and substitutions included within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals in conjunction with the description of the accompanying drawings.

[0033] In the various embodiments of this disclosure, terms such as “comprising,” “having,” “may include,” or “may have” may be interpreted as indicating certain characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof, but shall not be interpreted as excluding the possibility of the presence or increase of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0034] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the expression "or" or "at least one of A and / or B" includes any one or all combinations of the words listed together. For example, the expression "A or B" or "at least A and / or B" may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

[0035] The expressions "1", "2", "first", or "second" used in the various embodiments of this disclosure may modify various components of the embodiments, but do not limit the corresponding components. For example, the above expressions do not limit the order and / or importance of the components. These expressions can be used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, a first user equipment and a second user equipment refer to different user equipment, although they are both user equipment. For example, a first structural element may be referred to as a second structural element without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, a second structural element may also be referred to as a first structural element.

[0036] When a component is declared to be "(operably or communicatively) coupled to" or "connected to" another component, the component may be directly coupled to or connected to that other component, or a new component may exist between the component and the other component. Conversely, when a component is declared to be "directly coupled to" or "directly connected to" another component, no new component exists between the component and the other component. In this disclosure, the expression "configured (or set) to" may be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "capable of," "designed for," "suitable for," "manufactured as," or "capable of being used for." The expression "configured (or set) to" does not simply mean that something in hardware form is "specifically designed for." Rather, the expression "device configured to" may indicate that the device is capable of doing certain things with other devices or parts. For example, the expression "processor configured (set) to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor AP) capable of executing one or more software programs stored in a storage device to perform the corresponding function.

[0037] The terminology used in describing the various embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms used herein are intended to include the plural forms as well. Unless expressly defined herein, all terms used herein (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms defined in a general dictionary should be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as in the context of related art and should not be interpreted as having an idealized or exaggerated meaning unless they are expressly defined herein. In some cases, even terms defined in this disclosure should not be construed as excluding embodiments of this disclosure.

[0038] According to embodiments of this disclosure, electronic devices may include at least one of the following: smartphones, tablet PCs, mobile phones, video phones, e-book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbooks, workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), Moving Image Experts Group (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2) Audio Layer 3 (MP3) players, mobile medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices. According to embodiments of this disclosure, wearable devices may include at least one of the following: jewelry-type wearable devices (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted devices (HMDs)), clothing or garment-integrated wearable devices (e.g., electronic clothing), body-worn wearable devices (e.g., skin patches or tattoos), or implantable wearable devices (e.g., implantable circuitry).

[0039] Electronic devices can be smart home appliances. Smart home appliances can include at least one of the following: for example, televisions (TV), digital multi-disc (DVD) players, audio players, refrigerators, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air purifiers, set-top boxes, home automation control panels, security control panels, and TV boxes (such as Samsung HomeSync). TM Apple TV TM or Google TV TM ), game consoles (such as Xbox) TM and PlayStation TM (e.g., electronic dictionary, electronic key, portable camera, or electronic photo frame)

[0040] Electronic devices may include at least one of the following: various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measurement devices (e.g., blood glucose meters, heart rate monitors, blood pressure monitors, or thermometers), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) equipment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, computational computed tomography (CT) equipment, scanners, or ultrasound equipment, etc.), navigation equipment, global positioning system (GPS) receivers, event data loggers (EDR), flight data loggers (FDR), vehicle infotainment equipment, marine electronic equipment (e.g., navigation systems, gyrocompasses, etc.), avionics equipment, security equipment, vehicle head units, industrial or household robots, automated teller machines (ATMs), point-of-sale (POS) equipment, or Internet of Things (IoT) devices (e.g., light bulbs, various sensors, electricity or gas meters, sprinkler systems, fire alarms, thermostats, streetlights, toasters, exercise equipment, hot water tanks, heaters, boilers, etc.).

[0041] Electronic devices may also include at least one of the following: furniture or part of a building / structure, electronic board, electronic signature receiving device, projector, or various measuring instruments (e.g., water meter, electricity meter, gas meter, or wavemeter, etc.). Electronic devices may be one or more combinations of the above-mentioned devices. Electronic devices may be flexible electronic devices. Furthermore, electronic devices are not limited to the above-mentioned devices and may include novel electronic devices developed according to new technologies.

[0042] In the following description, electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The term "user" as used herein may refer to a person using the electronic device, or it may refer to the device using the electronic device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device).

[0043] Figure 1A network environment 100 including an electronic device 101 is illustrated according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device 101 may include a bus 110, a processor 120, a memory 130, an input / output interface 150, a display 160, and a communication interface 170. According to some embodiments, at least one of the above-described components may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or the electronic device 101 may also include another component.

[0044] Bus 110 may be a circuit that connects the aforementioned components 120, 130, and 150 to 170 and transmits communication (e.g., control messages and / or data) between the aforementioned components.

[0045] Processor 120 may include one or more of the following: central processing unit (CPU), application processor (AP), and communication processor (CP). Processor 120 is capable of controlling at least one of the other components of electronic device 101 and / or processing communication-related data and operations.

[0046] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, processor 120 can control communication module 170 supporting first short-range wireless communication and second short-range wireless communication. Processor 120 can be functionally connected to communication module 170. For example, processor 120 can use the first short-range wireless communication to support Wi-Fi by accessing a radio access device (e.g., an access point (AP)). Furthermore, processor 120 can be configured to provide access units (APs) to use the second short-range wireless communication to support a second wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot). Wi-Fi can refer to short-range communication capable of performing wireless internet communication at a predetermined distance from the location where the access point (AP) is installed, using radio waves or infrared transmission. A hotspot can refer to a wireless LAN service area, which is the area surrounding an access point (AP) capable of communication.

[0047] According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 120 can connect to a first external device via communication module 170 using a first short-range wireless communication on at least one channel in a frequency band, and can simultaneously identify a request to perform a second short-range wireless communication with a second external device while connecting to the first external device. For example, processor 120 can connect to WiFi using the first short-range wireless communication on a communication frequency band channel of the first external device (e.g., an access point (AP)). The processor can identify signals of hotspots using the second short-range wireless communication within the WiFi connection requesting the use of the first short-range wireless communication. For example, processor 120 can identify the request via user input requesting the performance of the second short-range wireless communication.

[0048] When using a wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot) within a WiFi connection, the processor 120 according to embodiments of this disclosure can determine whether to use the same frequency band based on whether a WiFi AP band is supported and whether the electronic device 101 supports WiFi bands for another device. For example, the processor 120 can control the use of only the 2.4 GHz frequency band for communication during WiFi and hotspot connections.

[0049] In response to the request, the processor 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be controlled to connect the second external device to the first external device or the external communication server on at least one channel of the frequency band using a second short-range wireless communication.

[0050] If the channel of the frequency band to be used during the second short-range wireless communication is pre-stored, the processor 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can compare the pre-stored channel with at least one channel used during the first short-range wireless communication. The processor 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the channel of the frequency band to be used during the second short-range wireless communication based on the comparison result, such that the channel is consistent with the channel used during the first short-range wireless communication. For example, the processor 120 can control the channel to change it to a channel in the frequency band equal to the WiFi channel in response to a signal requesting the use of a hotspot for the second short-range wireless communication within a WiFi connection of the first short-range wireless communication.

[0051] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the processor 120 can configure the frequency bands used for the first short-range wireless communication and the second short-range wireless communication to be different frequency bands. For example, if the 2.4 GHz frequency band is used for the first short-range wireless communication, the processor 120 can configure the frequency band used for the second short-range wireless communication to be the 5 GHz frequency band.

[0052] The processor 120 can use a second short-range wireless communication to control other electronic devices to connect to a first external device (e.g., a WiFi AP) or an external communication server via a channel with a modified frequency band.

[0053] When controlling the second external device to connect to the first external device or an external communication server, the processor 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can compare the IP frequency band information allocated to the second external device with the IP frequency band information allocated to the first external device.

[0054] The network performing the communication can be divided into public networks and virtual networks. Here, public networks can be assigned public IP addresses (e.g., address 100.100.100.100). Virtual networks correspond to spaces where communication is performed within a predetermined area (e.g., a communication area formed between a WiFi AP and a specific terminal) and can be assigned virtual IP addresses. For example, if there are access points (APs) for a terminal to send and receive multiple short-range wireless communication (e.g., WiFi) signals, the access points can be assigned IP addresses accordingly. As another example, a first access point can be assigned IP 192.68.2.1, and a second access point can be assigned IP 192.68.8.2.

[0055] While performing WiFi communication using a first short-range communication via a first external device (e.g., a WiFi AP), the processor 120 according to an embodiment can recognize a request to perform a wireless LAN service using a second short-range wireless communication with a second external device (e.g., another terminal device). For example, when IP band information of 192.168.1.2 is allocated and used by the first external device (e.g., a WiFi AP), the processor can, in response to a request from the second external device (e.g., another device), compare the IP band information of the wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot) allocated to the second external device with the IP band information 192.168.1.2.

[0056] Processor 120 can determine whether to reallocate the IP bandwidth information of the second external device based on the comparison results of the IP bandwidth information. For example, if the IP bandwidth information allocated for the wireless LAN service (e.g., hotspot) of the second external device is equal to IP 192.168.1.2 allocated to the first external device (e.g., WiFi AP), then processor 120 can control the change of the IP bandwidth information. As another example, processor 120 can output notification information related to the change of IP allocation information.

[0057] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 120 can control a communication module 170 that supports a first short-range wireless communication and a second short-range wireless communication. For example, the processor 120 can control the module to support Wi-Fi using the first short-range wireless communication and wireless LAN services (e.g., hotspots) using the second short-range wireless communication.

[0058] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 120 can be controlled to establish a first connection between a first external device and a second external device or an external communication server using the second short-range wireless communication on at least one channel in a first frequency band. For example, the processor 120 can be controlled to perform communication of the first external device (e.g., other terminal devices) based on a hotspot communication connection. Furthermore, the processor 120 can be controlled to connect the first external device (e.g., other terminal devices) to an external communication server (e.g., a base station) based on a hotspot communication connection.

[0059] When a first external device connects to a second external device or an external communication server, the processor 120 according to embodiments of this disclosure can recognize a request signal for performing a second connection to the second external device using a first short-range wireless communication. For example, when the first external device connects to a network using a second short-range wireless communication for wireless LAN services (e.g., a hotspot), the processor 120 can recognize a request for performing a connection to the second external device (e.g., a WiFi AP) for performing Wi-Fi using the first short-range wireless communication. This request may be a signal generated by user input (e.g., a touch input event).

[0060] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the processor 120 may, in response to the request, compare a second frequency band associated with the second connection with a first frequency band. For example, the processor 120 may, during the use of a wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot), compare the communication frequency band of the wireless LAN service with the WiFi communication frequency band in response to a WiFi connection request signal.

[0061] If the second frequency band is equal to the first frequency band, then the processor 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can change at least one channel used for the first connection based on the channel to be used for the second connection. For example, if the channel of the communication band of a wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot) is equal to the channel of the WiFi communication band, then the processor 120 can change the channel used for the connection of the wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot) based on the channel of the WiFi communication band.

[0062] If the second frequency band differs from the first frequency band, the processor 120 according to embodiments of this disclosure can control the execution of communication without altering at least one channel used for the first connection. For example, if the communication frequency band of a wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot) differs from the WiFi communication frequency band, the processor 120 can control the execution of communication without altering the channel used for the connection of the wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot).

[0063] If the second frequency band is equal to the first frequency band, then the processor 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can control the display module 160 to display a notification item on the screen, the notification item including information related to the possibility of temporary communication disconnection of the first connection when at least one channel used for the first connection is changed based on the channel to be used for the second connection. The processor 120 according to the embodiment can control the communication module 170 not to perform communication with other external devices until at least one channel used for the first connection is changed to match the channel to be used for the second connection. The processor 120 according to the embodiment can control the display module 160 to display a change item on the screen including information for requesting a channel change in the first frequency band.

[0064] When both the first and second connections are established, the processor 120 according to embodiments of this disclosure can identify a communication performance request signal for a third external device used to replace the second external device and a wireless communication frequency band for performing communication with the third external device. For example, when a connection using a wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot) and a WiFi connection via a second external device (e.g., a WiFi AP) are established, the processor 120 can identify a communication performance request for another WiFi AP used to replace the second external device (e.g., a WiFi AP). When performing a connection to another identified WiFi AP, the processor 120 can identify the wireless communication frequency band of the other WiFi AP. As another example, the request may be a signal generated when the processor enters an area where wireless communication of the third external device (e.g., a WiFi AP) is possible, or a signal generated by an input event for user functionality.

[0065] If the wireless communication frequency band of the third external device is different from the first frequency band, the processor 120 according to an embodiment of this disclosure can establish a third connection as the wireless communication frequency band of the third external device, replacing the second connection. If the communication frequency band of another identified WiFi AP is different from the communication frequency band used for wireless LAN services (e.g., hotspots), the processor 120 can re-establish a connection with the other WiFi AP for sending / receiving WiFi signals.

[0066] If the wireless communication band of the third external device is equal to the first band, but the channels of each band are different from each other, the processor 120 can determine whether a protocol capable of changing the channel of the first band to the channel of the third external device's wireless communication band while maintaining the first connection can be executed. If the wireless communication band of another WiFi AP to be reconnected to is equal to the communication band used for performing wireless LAN services (e.g., hotspots), the processor 120 according to the embodiment can determine whether the channels of each band are equal by comparison.

[0067] If the channels of the various frequency bands are different from each other, the processor 120 can determine whether a protocol can be executed that allows changing the channel to a channel of another WiFi AP's wireless communication frequency band while maintaining a connection using a wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot). If the protocol that allows changing the channel to a channel of another WiFi AP's wireless communication frequency band can be executed, the processor 120 can use the wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot) to change the channel for the client device.

[0068] For example, processor 120 can control the use of the 11v BSSTRANS protocol and BSSTRANS messages to change the communication frequency band channel without disconnecting from a first external device (e.g., another terminal). Here, the 11v BSSTRANS protocol and BSSTRANS messages can be rules included in any of the communication standards IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac.

[0069] If it is determined that a protocol capable of changing the channel to the wireless communication band of another WiFi AP while maintaining a connection using a wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot) cannot be executed, then processor 120 may change the communication band channel used for the wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot). Processor 120 may then re-establish the wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot) for the client device on the changed channel.

[0070] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 120 can disconnect an existing first connection (e.g., a connection to another terminal device via hotspot communication) and can re-establish the first connection on the same communication frequency band channel as the third external device (e.g., WiFi AP) in response to a communication performance request signal for a third external device (e.g., WiFi AP).

[0071] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 120 may, in response to a communication performance request signal for a third external device (e.g., a WiFi AP), interrupt the connection with another WiFi AP for a predetermined time. The processor 120 may also control the communication module 170 to send a request signal to a first external device (e.g., another terminal device) to change the channel to the communication band channel of the third external device (e.g., the WiFi AP).

[0072] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 120 can change the channel of the first frequency band based on a determined result, and can establish a third connection by replacing the second connection based on the result of the channel change.

[0073] When the first and second connections are established, the processor 120 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can identify communication performance request signals for multiple external devices used to replace the second external device. For example, when a communication connection is established with another terminal via a hotspot function and a connection via WiFi, the processor 120 can identify communication performance request signals for other WiFi APs used to replace the WiFi AP. As another example, the request signal may be a signal generated in an area where wireless communication of the multiple external devices is possible or a signal generated by user input.

[0074] The processor 120 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can identify pre-stored communication bands and channel information of a plurality of external devices in response to an identified communication performance request signal. Based on the identified communication band information and channel information, the processor 120 can determine one of the plurality of external devices as a device to replace a second external device. For example, if the pre-stored communication bands of the plurality of external devices are different from the communication band of a first external device supporting wireless LAN services (e.g., a hotspot), or if the bands and channels of the bands are consistent with each other, the processor 120 can determine one of the plurality of external devices as a device to replace the second external device.

[0075] For example, the memory 130 can pre-store channel information, channel frequency band information, Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) / Media Access Control (MAC) address, Physical Layer (PHY) mode information, signal information, noise information, signal-to-noise ratio (S / N) information, Subsystem Identifier (SSID) information, and Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) value information for multiple external devices. If the processor 120 enters the wireless WiFi area of ​​another external device, it can control the connection to any of the other external devices based on at least one of the stored pieces of information.

[0076] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the processor 120 can establish a third connection by replacing the determined device and the second connection. For example, the processor 120 can determine a third external device that is selected as an AP to replace the second external device (e.g., a WiFi AP).

[0077] If communication with the second external device is interrupted during the establishment of the first and second connections, the processor 120 according to embodiments of this disclosure can be controlled to perform communication using another wireless communication method. For example, if communication with the second external device is interrupted during a WiFi connection via the second external device (e.g., a WiFi AP), the processor 120 can be controlled to perform communication with the first external device (e.g., another terminal) using another wireless communication method (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE)).

[0078] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the processor 120 can compare IP bandwidth information allocated to a first external device with IP bandwidth information allocated to a second external device in response to a request signal. The processor 120 can determine whether to reassign the IP bandwidth information of the first external device based on the comparison result. For example, if the IP bandwidth information allocated for the communication performance of the first external device (e.g., another terminal) is 192.168.3.2, the processor 120 can determine whether the IP bandwidth information allocated for the communication performance of the second external device (e.g., a WiFi AP) is consistent with the IP bandwidth information allocated for the communication performance of the first external device. For example, if the IP bandwidth information allocated for the communication performance of the second external device (e.g., a WiFi AP) is equal to 192.168.3.2, the processor 120 can change the IP bandwidth allocation information of the first external device. If the IP bandwidth information allocated for the communication performance of the second external device (e.g., a WiFi AP) is different from 192.168.3.2, the processor 120 can use the corresponding IP to perform WiFi communication for the second external device.

[0079] In the case of determining the external device for performing the communication connection from a plurality of external devices, the processor 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may determine the external device for performing the communication based on at least one of connection frequency information, IP allocation information of a first external device, and IP history allocation information of a second external device.

[0080] The channel according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of communication band frequency-related data and Internet Protocol (IP) band-related data.

[0081] Memory 130 may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Memory 130 may store data or commands associated with at least one of the other components of electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, memory 130 may store software and / or programming module 140. For example, programming module 140 may include kernel 141, middleware 143, application programming interface (API) 145, application program (or application) 147, etc. At least a portion of kernel 141, middleware 143, or API 145 may be referred to as an operating system (OS).

[0082] Kernel 141 is capable of controlling or managing system resources (e.g., bus 110, processor 120, memory 130, etc.) used to execute the operations or functions of other programs (e.g., middleware 143, API 145, and application 147). Kernel 141 provides interfaces that allow middleware 143, API 145, and application 147 to access and control / manage the various components of electronic device 101.

[0083] Middleware 143 mediates between API 145 or application 147 and kernel 141, enabling API 145 or application 147 to communicate with and exchange data with kernel 141. Middleware 143 can process one or more task requests received from application 147 based on priority. For example, middleware 143 can assign priorities to at least one application 147 for using system resources of electronic device 101 (e.g., bus 110, processor 120, memory 130, etc.). For example, middleware 143 processes one or more task requests based on the priorities assigned to at least one application, thereby performing task request scheduling or load balancing.

[0084] API 145 refers to an interface configured to allow application 147 to control functionality provided by kernel 141 or middleware 143. API 145 may include at least one interface or function (e.g., instructions) for file control, window control, image processing, text control, etc.

[0085] The input / output interface 150 is capable of transmitting instructions or data received from a user or external device to one or more components of the electronic device 101. The input / output interface 150 is also capable of outputting instructions or data received from one or more components of the electronic device 101 to a user or external device.

[0086] Display 160 can include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), flexible displays, transparent displays, light-emitting diode (LED) displays, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) displays, electronic paper displays, etc. Display 160 can display various types of content (e.g., text, images, videos, icons, symbols, etc.). Display 160 can also be implemented using a touchscreen. In this case, display 160 can receive touch, gesture, proximity input, or hover input via a stylus or the user's body.

[0087] Communication interface 170 enables communication between electronic device 101 and external devices (e.g., first external device 102, second external device 104, or server 106). For example, communication interface 170 can communicate with external devices (e.g., second external device 104 or server 106) connected to network 162 via wired or wireless communication.

[0088] Wireless communication may employ at least one of the following as a cellular communication protocol: Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Wireless communication may also include short-range wireless communication 164. Short-range wireless communication 164 may include at least one of the following: Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth (BT), Near Field Communication (NFC), Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST), and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). GNSS may include at least one of the following: Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (hereinafter referred to as "BeiDou"), Galileo, and the European Global Satellite-based Navigation System, depending on the GNSS usage area, bandwidth, etc. In this disclosure, "GPS" and "GNSS" are used interchangeably. Wired communication may include at least one of the following: Universal Serial Bus (USB), High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232), and Common Old-Style Telephone Service (POTS). Network 162 may include at least one of the following: a telecommunications network (e.g., a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)), the Internet, and a telephone network.

[0089] In terms of type, the first external electronic device 102 and the second external electronic device 104 may each be the same as or different from electronic device 101. According to embodiments, server 106 may include a group having one or more servers. According to various embodiments, some or all of the operations performed on electronic device 101 may be performed on another electronic device or a plurality of other electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices 102 and 104, or server 106). According to embodiments, when an electronic device needs to perform a function or service automatically or on request, it does not perform the function or service itself, but is able to additionally request at least a portion of the functions related to the function or service from other electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices 102 and 104, or server 106). Another electronic device (e.g., electronic devices 102 or 104, or server 106) can perform the function or additional function requested by the electronic device and send the result of the performance to electronic device 101. Electronic device 101 processes the received result, or performs further additional processing, to provide the requested function or service. For this purpose, electronic device 101 may employ cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technologies.

[0090] Figure 2 This is a detailed block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device 201 according to various embodiments. For example, the electronic device 201 may include... Figure 1 Some or all of the components in the illustrated electronic device 101. The electronic device 201 may include one or more processors 210 (e.g., application processor (AP)), communication module 220, subscriber identification module (SIM) 224, memory 230, sensor module 240, input device 250, display 260, interface 270, audio module 280, camera module 291, power management module 295, battery 296, indicator 297, and motor 298.

[0091] Processor 210 can drive, for example, an operating system or applications to control multiple hardware or software components connected to processor 210, process various data, and perform operations. For example, processor 210 can be implemented as a system-on-a-chip (SoC). According to embodiments, processor 210 may also include a graphics processing unit (GPU) and / or an image signal processor. Processor 210 may also include... Figure 2 At least some of the components shown (e.g., cellular module 221). Processor 210 is capable of loading commands or data received from at least one of the other components (e.g., non-volatile memory) onto volatile memory and processing the loaded commands or data. Processor 210 is capable of storing various types of data in non-volatile memory.

[0092] Communication module 220 may include communication with Figure 1The communication interface 170 shown has the same or similar configuration. For example, the communication module 170 may include a cellular module 221, a WiFi module 223, a Bluetooth (BT) module 225, a GNSS module 227 (e.g., a GPS module, a GLONASS module, a BeiDou module, or a Galileo module), an NFC module 228, and a radio frequency (RF) module 229.

[0093] For example, cellular module 221 can provide voice calls, video calls, SMS services, internet services, etc., through a communication network. According to an embodiment, cellular module 221 can identify and authenticate electronic device 201 in a communication network using subscriber identification module (SIM) 224 (e.g., a SIM card). According to an embodiment, cellular module 221 can perform at least a portion of the functions provided by processor 210. According to an embodiment, cellular module 1721 can also include a communication processor (CP).

[0094] Each of the WiFi module 223, BT module 225, GNSS module 227, and NFC module 228 may include a processor for processing data transmitted or received through the corresponding module. According to an embodiment, at least some of the modules (e.g., two or more modules) of the cellular module 221, WiFi module 223, BT module 225, GNSS module 227, and NFC module 228 may be included in a single integrated chip (IC) or an IC package.

[0095] RF module 229 is capable of transmitting / receiving communication signals (e.g., RF signals). RF module 229 may include a transceiver, a power amplifier module (PAM), a frequency filter, a low-noise amplifier (LNA), an antenna, etc. According to another embodiment, at least one of the cellular module 221, WiFi module 223, BT module 225, GNSS module 227, and NFC module 228 is capable of transmitting / receiving RF signals via a separate RF module.

[0096] SIM module 224 may include a card, which may include a subscriber identification module (SIM) and / or an embedded SIM. SIM module 224 may also contain unique identification information (e.g., Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID)) or user information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0097] Memory 230 (e.g., Figure 1The memory 130 shown may include built-in memory 232 or external memory 234. The built-in memory 232 may include at least one of the following: volatile memory (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), etc.); and non-volatile memory (e.g., one-time programmable ROM (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash, NOR flash, etc.), hard disk drive, solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

[0098] External memory 234 may also include flash memory drives, such as Compact Flash (CF), Secure Digital (SD), Micro Secure Digital (Micro-SD), Mini Secure Digital (Mini-SD), Extreme Digital (xD), Multimedia Card (MMC), Memory Stick, etc. External memory 234 can be functionally and / or physically connected to electronic device 201 through various interfaces.

[0099] Sensor module 240 is capable of measuring / detecting physical quantities or the operating state of electronic device 201, and converting the measured or detected information into electrical signals. Sensor module 240 may include at least one of the following: a gesture sensor 240A, a gyroscope sensor 240B, a barometric pressure sensor 240C, a magnetic sensor 240D, an accelerometer sensor 240E, a grip sensor 240F, a proximity sensor 240G, a color sensor 240H (e.g., red, green, and blue (RGB) sensor), a biometric sensor 240I, a temperature / humidity sensor 240J, an illuminance sensor 240K, and an ultraviolet (UV) sensor 240M. Additionally or alternatively, sensor module 240 may also include an electronic nose sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalography (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, and / or a fingerprint sensor. Sensor module 240 may also include control circuitry for controlling one or more sensors included in sensor module 240. In one embodiment, the electronic device 201 may include a processor for controlling the sensor module 240, which may be configured as part of or a separate component of the processor 210. In this case, the processor is capable of controlling the sensor module 240 when the processor 210 is operating in sleep mode.

[0100] Input device 250 may include a touch panel 252, a (digital) pen sensor 254, buttons 256, and an ultrasonic input unit 258. The touch panel 252 may be implemented using at least one of the following: a capacitive touch system, a resistive touch system, an infrared touch system, and an ultrasonic touch system. The touch panel 252 may also include control circuitry. The touch panel 252 may also include a haptic layer to provide haptic response to the user.

[0101] The (digital) pen sensor 254 can be implemented using a portion of the touch panel or a separate recognition chip. The button 256 may include a physical button, optical button, or keypad. The ultrasonic input unit 258 is capable of detecting ultrasonic waves generated in the input tool via a microphone 288 and identifying data corresponding to the detected ultrasonic waves.

[0102] Display 260 (e.g., Figure 1 The display 160 shown may include a panel 262, a holographic unit 264, or a projector 266. The panel 262 may include... Figure 1 The display 260 shown has the same or similar configuration as the display 160. The panel 262 can be implemented as flexible, transparent, or wearable. The panel 262 can also be incorporated into a module together with the touch panel 252. The holographic unit 264 is capable of displaying stereoscopic images in air using the interference of light. The projector 266 is capable of displaying images by projecting light onto a screen. The screen can be located inside or outside the electronic device 201. According to embodiments, the display 260 may also include control circuitry for the control panel 262, the holographic unit 264, or the projector 266.

[0103] Interface 270 may include an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) 272, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 274, an optical interface 276, or a D-sub (D-Sub) 278. Interface 270 may be included in... Figure 1 The communication interface 170 shown is included. Alternatively or additionally, interface 270 may include a Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) interface, a Secure Digital (SD) card / Multimedia Card (MMC) interface, or an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard interface.

[0104] The audio module 280 is capable of providing bidirectional conversion between sound and electrical signals. At least some components of the audio module 280 may be included. Figure 1 The input / output interface 150 shown is used to process audio module 280, which is capable of processing sound information input or output through speaker 282, earpiece 284, headphone 286, microphone 288, etc.

[0105] Camera module 291 refers to a device capable of capturing both still images and moving images. According to an embodiment, camera module 291 may include one or more image sensors (e.g., a front image sensor or a rear image sensor), a lens, an image signal processor (ISP), a flash (e.g., an LED or a xenon lamp), etc.

[0106] The power management module 295 manages the power of the electronic device 201. According to embodiments, the power management module 295 may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a charger IC, or a battery gauge or fuel gauge. The PMIC may employ wired and / or wireless charging methods. Examples of wireless charging methods are magnetic resonance charging, magnetic induction charging, and electromagnetic charging. For this purpose, the PMIC may also include additional circuitry for wireless charging, such as coil circuits, resonant circuits, rectifiers, etc. The battery gauge measures the remaining capacity, charging voltage, current, or temperature of the battery 296. The battery 296 may be in the form of a rechargeable battery or a solar cell.

[0107] Indicator 297 can display a specific state of electronic device 201 or a part thereof (e.g., processor 210), such as boot state, message state, charging state, etc. Motor 298 can convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations, such as vibration effects, tactile effects, etc. Although not shown, electronic device 201 may also include a processing unit (e.g., GPU) for supporting mobile TV. The processing unit for supporting mobile TV can process media data according to standards such as Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), or MediaFlo™.

[0108] Each component of the electronic device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more components, and the name of the corresponding component may vary depending on the type of electronic device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of the aforementioned components, and may omit some components or may include additional components. Furthermore, some components of the electronic device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined to form a single entity, thereby performing the functions of the corresponding components equivalently prior to the combination.

[0109] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the programming module according to various embodiments. According to an embodiment, programming module 310 (e.g., Figure 1 The programming module 140 shown can include an operating system (OS) for controlling resources associated with an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) and / or various applications running on the OS (e.g., Figure 1The application shown is 147). The OS can be Android, iOS, Windows, Symbian, Tizen, Bada, etc.

[0110] Programming module 310 may include kernel 320, middleware 330, application programming interface (API) 360, and / or application 370. At least a portion of programming module 310 may be pre-loaded onto an electronic device or downloaded from a server (e.g., electronic device 102 or 104, server 106, etc.).

[0111] Kernel 320 (e.g., kernel 141) may include system resource manager 321 and / or device driver 323. System resource manager 321 may include, for example, a process manager, a memory manager, and a file system manager. System resource manager 321 may perform system resource control, allocation, and recall. Device driver 323 may include, for example, a display driver, a camera driver, a Bluetooth driver, a shared memory driver, a USB driver, a keypad driver, a WiFi driver, and an audio driver. Furthermore, according to embodiments, device driver 323 may include an inter-process communication (IPC) driver.

[0112] Middleware 330 can provide the functionality commonly required by application 370. Furthermore, middleware 330 can provide functionality via API 360 to allow application 370 to efficiently utilize the limited system resources within the electronic device. According to embodiments, middleware 330 (e.g., middleware 143) may include at least one of the following: runtime library 335, application manager 341, window manager 342, multimedia manager 343, resource manager 344, power manager 345, database manager 346, package manager 347, connection manager 348, notification manager 349, location manager 350, graphics manager 351, and security manager 352.

[0113] The runtime library 335 may include, for example, library modules used by a compiler to add new functionality via a programming language while the application 370 is being executed. According to an embodiment, the runtime library 335 performs input and output, memory management, functions associated with arithmetic operations, etc.

[0114] Application Manager 341 can manage the lifecycle of at least one of applications 370, for example. Window Manager 342 can manage GUI resources used on the screen. Multimedia Manager 343 can detect the formats required for reproducing various media files and encode or decode the media files using codecs suitable for the corresponding formats. Resource Manager 344 manages resources such as source code, memory, or storage space of at least one application 370.

[0115] The power manager 345 can operate in conjunction with the basic input / output system (BIOS) to manage battery or power and provide the power information required for operation. The database manager 346 can manage the creation, searching, and modification of databases to be used by at least one application 370. The package manager 347 can manage the installation or updating of applications distributed as package files.

[0116] Connection manager 348 can manage wireless connections (e.g., WiFi or Bluetooth). Notification manager 349 can display or notify the user of events such as arrival messages, appointments, and proximity alarms in a non-disruptive manner. Location manager 350 can manage the location information of electronic devices. Graphics manager 351 can manage the graphical effects provided to the user or the user interface related to the graphical effects. Security manager 352 provides general security functions required for system security or user authentication. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) has a calling function, middleware 330 also includes a telephone manager for managing the voice or video calling function of the electronic device.

[0117] Middleware 330 can include modules that configure various combinations of the functionality of the aforementioned components. Middleware 330 can provide modules specialized according to the type of operating system to provide differentiated functionality. Middleware 330 can be adaptively configured by removing a portion of existing components or including new components.

[0118] API 360 (e.g., API 145) can be a collection of API programming functions and can be configured differently depending on the operating system. For example, in Android or iOS, a single API collection can be provided for each platform. In Tizen, two or more API collections can be provided.

[0119] Application 370 (e.g., application 147) may include one or more applications for performing various functions, such as homepage 371, dialer 372, SMS / MMS 373, instant messaging (IM) 374, browser 375, camera 376, alarm clock 377, contacts 378, voice dialing 379, email 380, calendar 381, media player 382, ​​photo album 383, clock 384, health care (e.g., applications for measuring exercise volume, blood sugar levels, etc.), and environmental information (e.g., applications for providing air pressure, humidity, temperature, etc.).

[0120] According to an embodiment, application 370 may include an application for supporting information exchange between an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) and external devices (e.g., electronic devices 102 and 104), which is referred to below as an "information exchange application". The information exchange application may include a notification relay application for relaying specific information to external devices or a device management application for managing external devices.

[0121] For example, a notification relay application can include functionality to relay notification information created in other applications on the electronic device (e.g., SMS / MMS applications, email applications, healthcare applications, or environmental information applications) to external devices (e.g., electronic devices 102 and 104). Furthermore, the notification relay application can receive notification information from external devices to provide the received information to the user.

[0122] Device management applications are capable of managing (e.g., installing, removing, or updating) at least one function of external devices (e.g., electronic devices 102 and 104) that communicate with electronic devices. Examples of functions include turning an external device on / off or a portion thereof, controlling the brightness (or resolution) of a display, applications running on the external device, services provided by the external device, etc. Examples of services include call services, messaging services, etc.

[0123] According to an embodiment, application 370 can include applications specified by attributes of external devices (e.g., electronic devices 102 and 104), such as health care applications for mobile medical devices. According to an embodiment, application 370 can include applications received from external devices (e.g., server 106, electronic devices 102 and 104). According to an embodiment, application 370 can include pre-loaded applications or third-party applications that can be downloaded from the server. It should be understood that the components of programming module 310 can be named differently depending on the type of operating system.

[0124] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the programming module 310 may be implemented using software, firmware, hardware, or any combination of two or more thereof. At least a portion of the programming module 310 may be implemented (e.g., executed) by a processor (e.g., processor 210). At least a portion of the programming module 310 may include modules, programs, routines, instruction sets, or processes, etc., to perform one or more functions.

[0125] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the communication connection between an electronic device 101 and a first external device 400, and a plurality of external devices 410, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0126] According to embodiments of this disclosure, electronic device 101 can send / receive communication signals to / from a first external device (e.g., an access point (AP)) 400. For example, electronic device 101 can operate in a basic WiFi transmit / receive mode and can receive short-range wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi) signals from the first external device 400. If user input is made requesting to send / receive WiFi signals to / from a WiFi AP, the WiFi transmit / receive mode can be a mode in which electronic device 101 attempts to connect to a nearby WiFi AP.

[0127] An electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be controlled to connect to communications for multiple external devices 410 via WiFi signals received from a first external device 400. The electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can control network tethering of the multiple external devices 410 based on WiFi signals received from the first external device 400. Network tethering can be an internet sharing method that enables internet use by connecting devices (e.g., terminals capable of using the internet) to other external devices.

[0128] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 101 can be controlled to perform communication connections with multiple external devices 410 via mobile hotspot (MHS) operation using WiFi signals received from a first external device 400. Hotspot operation can be used to enable a mobile terminal to operate as an access point (AP) and allow nearby terminals to communicate within a short distance.

[0129] The electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can support dual WiFi, enabling the use of two frequency bands (e.g., 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz). Dual WiFi can be a technique by which the electronic device 101 can use two frequency bands, divided into a WiFi frame and a WiFi / MHS frame, to support corresponding communications for performing individual operations. For example, the electronic device 101 can use the 5 GHz band to perform WiFi communication with a first external device and can use the 2.4 GHz band to perform hotspot operation with multiple external devices 410.

[0130] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the connection of electronic device 101 to second external device 510 while electronic device 101 is connected to first external device 500, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0131] An electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can send communication signals to / receive communication signals from a first external device (e.g., an access point (AP)) 500. The electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can perform network operations by receiving WiFi signals from the first external device 500.

[0132] An electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can recognize a request signal for connecting to a mobile hotspot (MHS) of another external device 510 when connected to a first external device 500.

[0133] In response to a request signal, the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can compare the communication band of the first external device 500 with the communication band of another external device 510. If the communication band of the first external device 500 is different from the communication band of the other external device 510, the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can perform a mobile hotspot connection with the other external device 510. If a mobile hotspot is connected, the other external device 510 can use the WiFi signal of the first external device 500 or a communication signal from an external communication server (e.g., a base station) to perform a network connection.

[0134] If the communication frequency band of the first external device 500 is consistent with the communication frequency band of the other external device 510, the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can compare the communication frequency band channel for the first external device 500 with the communication frequency band channel for the external device 510. If the channels are consistent, the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can perform a mobile hotspot connection with the other external device 510. If the channels are inconsistent, the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can control the change of the mobile hotspot channel for the other external device 510 to the communication frequency band channel for the first external device 500. The electronic device can then perform a mobile hotspot connection with the other external device 510 on the changed communication frequency band channel.

[0135] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 can configure the communication band of another external device based on the communication band used for communicating with the first external device 500. For example, if the communication band used for the first external device 500 is 2.4 GHz, the electronic device can configure the communication band used for connecting to the other external device to 5 GHz.

[0136] If a request to communicate with another external device is entered while the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment is communicating with the first external device 500, the electronic device 101 can perform communication with the other external device without canceling the connection with the first external device 500.

[0137] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the connection of electronic device 101 to second external device 610 while electronic device 101 is connected to first external device 600, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0138] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device 101 can recognize requests from another external device 610 during a mobile hotspot (MHS) connection with a first external device 600. For example, when the electronic device 101 and the first external device 600 are in a mobile hotspot connection state, the electronic device 101 can enter an area where a WiFi access point (AP) can be accessed.

[0139] When electronic device 101 and first external device 600 are in a hotspot connection state using a communication standard (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE)), if electronic device 101 enters an area where WiFi wireless network connection of another external device 610 is available, electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can change its function to perform hotspot function by accessing another external device 610.

[0140] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 101 can identify WiFi communication bands and channels after connecting to another external device 610 via WiFi. The electronic device 101 can compare the identified WiFi communication bands and channels with those already established with a mobile hotspot connection to the first external device 600. For example, if the communication bands are different from each other, the electronic device 101 can provide mobile hotspot communication to the first external device 600 via the respective communication bands, and can also conduct WiFi communication with the second external device 610.

[0141] If the identified WiFi communication band matches the communication band of the mobile hotspot of the first external device 600, the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can compare the channels of the various communication bands with each other. If the channels of the various communication bands match each other, the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can control the execution of various communications on the channels of the same communication band. If the channels of the various communication bands do not match each other, the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can change the channel of the communication band of the mobile hotspot of the first external device 600 to match the channel of the identified WiFi communication band.

[0142] If the channel of the communication band performing the mobile hotspot is changed, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may display a notification message on the screen of the electronic device 101, indicating that communication with the first external device 600 may be temporarily interrupted, or that the device may be in standby mode without attempting to access a separate device (e.g., an access point (AP)). If the channel of the communication band performing the mobile hotspot is pre-stored or fixed, the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment may display an image item on the screen for requesting a channel change in the communication band.

[0143] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the connection of electronic device 101 to other external devices 712 and 713 while connected to the first external device 700 and the second external device 711, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0144] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 101 can perform a mobile hotspot connection with a first external device 700 and a WiFi connection with a second external device 711. For example, the electronic device 101 can be controlled to perform the connection when the communication frequency bands of the mobile hotspots performed with the first external device 700 and the second external device are respectively consistent with the channels of the respective communication frequency bands.

[0145] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the electronic device 101 can move to enter the wireless WiFi area of ​​other external devices 712 and 713. For example, the electronic device 101 can enter the wireless WiFi area of ​​the second external device 712 among the other external devices 712 and 713. If it enters the wireless WiFi area of ​​the second external device 712, the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can control the disconnection of the existing WiFi connection with the second external device 711 and establish a WiFi connection with the third external device 712.

[0146] If the device enters the wireless WiFi area of ​​the third external device 712, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be controlled to not attempt to connect to another external device 713 for a predetermined period of time.

[0147] If, while establishing a WiFi connection with the second external device 711, the device enters the WiFi area of ​​the third external device 712, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of this disclosure can determine whether the WiFi band of the third external device 712 is consistent with the communication band used for establishing a mobile hotspot function with the first external device 700. If the WiFi band of the third external device 712 is inconsistent with the communication band used for establishing a mobile hotspot function with the first external device 700, the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can perform WiFi communication through the communication band of the third external device 712.

[0148] If the wireless WiFi band of the third external device 712 is consistent with the communication band that performs the mobile hotspot function of the first external device 700, then the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure can determine whether the channel of the wireless WiFi band of the third external device 712 is consistent with the channel of the communication band of the first external device 700. If the channel of the wireless WiFi band of the third external device 712 is consistent with the channel of the communication band of the first external device 700, then the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can perform WiFi communication through the channel of the communication band of the third external device 712.

[0149] If, while establishing a WiFi connection with a second external device 711, the device 101 according to an embodiment of this disclosure enters the WiFi area of ​​a third external device 712, a search process can be performed to find a connectable WiFi network. In this case, the frequency search band can be divided into multiple groups to perform the search process. For example, the frequency search band can be divided into multiple areas as follows: channels 1 to 10 of 2.4 GHz are divided into group A, channels 11 to 14 of 2.4 GHz are divided into group B, and channels 36 to 64 of 5 GHz are divided into group C, and the selected group can be searched first, depending on the situation. If a suitable external device (WiFi AP) for connection is found during the search operation, the search for the remaining groups can be skipped. In this case, the group division can be performed considering the channels for connecting to existing mobile hotspots. Through this operation, new frequencies can be searched during the connection with an existing external device (MHS).

[0150] If the channel of the wireless WiFi band of the third external device 712 is inconsistent with the channel of the communication band of the first external device 700, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can identify whether the communication band channel can be changed without disconnecting from the first external device 700 connected via a mobile hotspot. For example, the electronic device 101 can control the use of the 11v BSSTRANS protocol and BSSTRANS messages to change the communication band channel without disconnecting from the first external device 700. Here, the 11v BSSTRANS protocol and BSSTRANS messages can be rules included in any of the communication standards IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac.

[0151] If no protocol exists that allows changing the communication frequency band without disconnecting from the first external device 700, then the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of this disclosure can be controlled to change the communication frequency band channel of the mobile hotspot of the first external device 700. The electronic device 101 can then re-establish its connection with the first external device 700 through the changed communication frequency band channel of the mobile hotspot of the first external device 700.

[0152] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the connection of electronic device 101 to other external devices 820 and 830 while connected to the first external device 800 and the second external device 810, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0153] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 101 can perform a mobile hotspot connection with a first external device 800 and a WiFi connection with a second external device 810.

[0154] The electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be moved to enter the wireless WiFi area of ​​other external devices 820 and 830. The electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can pre-store channel information, channel band information, Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) / Media Access Control (MAC) address, Physical Layer (PHY) mode information, signal information, noise information, signal-to-noise ratio (S / N) information, Subsystem Identifier (SSID) information, and Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) value information related to the plurality of external devices 810.

[0155] If the electronic device 101 enters the wireless WiFi area of ​​other external devices 820 and 830, it can control itself to connect to any of the other external devices 820 and 830 based on at least one stored piece of information. For example, the electronic device 101 can preferably select the fourth external device 830 using only the WiFi strength of the other external devices 820 and 830, can preferably select the fourth external device 830 using the same frequency band channel as the first external device 800, or can preferably select the fourth external device 830 based on the received signal strength value information.

[0156] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates an electronic device 101 connected to a first external device 900 and a second external device 910, while simultaneously disconnected from the second external device 910, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0157] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 101 can perform a mobile hotspot connection with a first external device 900 and a WiFi connection with a second external device 7910. For example, the electronic device 101 can be controlled to connect the first external device 900 to the second external device 910 or to an external communication server (e.g., a base station) via a WiFi signal received from the second external device 910.

[0158] An electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can disconnect from the second external device 910 when it is connected to a first external device 900 and a second external device 910. If the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment disconnects from the second external device 910 while performing the mobile hotspot function of the first external device 900 via the WiFi signal of the second external device 910, the electronic device 101 can be controlled to perform network connectivity using a separate network device. For example, the electronic device 101 can support the communication of the first external device 900 via a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network through an external communication server (e.g., a base station).

[0159] As another example, if electronic device 101 is disconnected from the second external device 910, electronic device 101 can identify whether it is possible to receive WiFi signals from other external devices 920 and 930. Electronic device 101 can determine any of the other external devices 920 and 930 based on pre-stored WiFi signal strength and other parameters, and can perform WiFi communication. Electronic device 101 can support resuming the hotspot function performed with the first external device 900 based on the determined external device.

[0160] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the IP allocation of the electronic device 101 to the third external device 1020 while the electronic device 101 is connected to the first external device 1000 and the second external device 1010, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0161] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 101 can use a mobile hotspot function to establish a connection with a first external device 1000 and can establish a WiFi connection with a second external device 1010. For example, the electronic device 101 can support the first external device 1000 to perform communication using a Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication device or via WiFi signals received from the second external device 1010.

[0162] The network used for communication can be divided into public networks and virtual networks. Public networks can be assigned public IP addresses (e.g., address 100.100.100.100). Virtual networks correspond to spaces where communication is performed within a predetermined area (e.g., a communication area formed between a WiFi access point and a specific terminal) and can be assigned virtual IP addresses. For example, if there are access points (APs) for a terminal to send and receive multiple short-range wireless communication (e.g., WiFi) signals, the access points can be assigned IP addresses accordingly. As another example, a first access point can be assigned IP 192.68.2.9, and a second access point can be assigned IP 192.68.8.4.

[0163] When performing short-range wireless communication with the first external device 1000 and the second external device 1010, the electronic device 101 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is assigned an IP address. For example, the electronic device 101 may be assigned 192.168.3.9 during short-range wireless communication with the first external device 1000 and 192.168.8.4 during short-range wireless communication with the second external device 1010.

[0164] When the electronic device 101 according to embodiments of the present disclosure performs short-range wireless communication with the first external device 1000 and the second external device 1010, the electronic device 101 may be located in the short-range wireless communication area of ​​the third external device 1020 due to movement of the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 can identify the IP assigned to the third external device 1020. The electronic device 101 can identify whether the frequency band used by the identified IP is the same as the frequency band assigned to the IP assigned to the first external device 1000. If the identified IP uses the same frequency band, the electronic device 101 can control to change the IP assigned to the first external device 1000.

[0165] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a screen of an electronic device 101 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, relating to IP allocation information of an external device.

[0166] An electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may store IP information of a plurality of external devices therein. Figure 11 An example is shown where information about multiple external devices stored in electronic device 101 is displayed on a screen 1100.

[0167] An electronic device 101 may include a screen 1100, an indicator area 1110, a WiFi selection area 1120, and a WiFi information area 1130. The WiFi information area 1130 may include an access point (AP) 1131 and IP information 1133 corresponding to that AP.

[0168] Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can determine the IP address assigned when accessing another external device based on IP information corresponding to pre-stored access points (APs). Electronic device 101 according to embodiments can determine the IP address assignment for devices connected to clients during short-range wireless communication (e.g., mobile hotspot) operation based on IP addresses corresponding to pre-stored access points (APs). For example, electronic device 101 can support assigning IP addresses to clients performing short-range wireless communication to avoid using IP information corresponding to frequently used APs during client IP address assignment. As another example, electronic device 101 can support assigning IP bandwidths to WiFi APs that are not frequently used in client devices performing hotspot functions.

[0169] For example, electronic device 101 can identify the IP information 192.168.3.2 of "Ureadymobile" in the pre-stored AP, and can control the connection to "Ureadymobile" preferably when it is determined that the identified IP information has a low IP conflict with other devices.

[0170] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection between electronic device 101 and first external device 1200 and second external device 1210 according to various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0171] At operation 1201, electronic device 101 can establish a connection using a first short-range wireless communication. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can perform the first short-range wireless communication with a first external device 1200. For example, electronic device 101 can establish a WiFi connection with the first external device 1200, which acts as a WiFi access point.

[0172] At operation 1203, electronic device 101 can recognize a request for second short-range wireless communication with second external device 1210. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can recognize signals for requesting wireless LAN services (e.g., hotspots).

[0173] At operation 1205, electronic device 101 can connect to a first external device or external communication server using a second short-range wireless communication on a channel in the frequency band used during the first short-range wireless communication. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can, in response to a request signal, connect to the first external device 1200 or external communication server using a second short-range wireless communication (e.g., hotspot communication) on a channel in the frequency band used during the first short-range wireless communication (e.g., WiFi).

[0174] When control is applied to connect the second external device 1210 to the first external device 1200 or the external communication server, the electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can compare the IP bandwidth information allocated to the second external device 1210 with the IP bandwidth information allocated to the first external device 1200 connected to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 can determine whether to reallocate the IP bandwidth information of the second external device 1210 based on the comparison result.

[0175] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection between the electronic device 101 and a second external device while the electronic device 101 is connected to a first external device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0176] At operation 1301, electronic device 101 can connect to a first external device on at least one channel of a frequency band using a first short-range wireless communication. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can connect to a first external device (e.g., a WiFi access point) on a channel of a WiFi communication band using the first short-range wireless communication.

[0177] At operation 1303, electronic device 101 can recognize a request for second short-range wireless communication with a second external device while connected to a first external device. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can request second short-range wireless communication (e.g., a hotspot) with a second external device (e.g., another terminal device) while connected to a first external device (e.g., a WiFi AP).

[0178] At operation 1305, electronic device 101 can determine whether the frequency band to be used during the second short-range wireless communication is consistent with the frequency band used during the first short-range wireless communication. According to embodiments of this disclosure, electronic device 101 can determine whether the hotspot communication frequency band to be used during the second short-range wireless communication is consistent with the WiFi communication frequency band used during the first short-range wireless communication. If, at operation 1305, the channel of the frequency band to be used during the second short-range wireless communication is inconsistent with the channel of the frequency band used during the first short-range wireless communication, then at operation 1311, electronic device 101 can use the second short-range wireless communication to connect a second external device to a first external device or an external communication server.

[0179] At operation 1307, if the frequency band to be used during the second short-range wireless communication is the same as the frequency band used during the first short-range wireless communication, the electronic device 101 can determine whether the channel of the frequency band to be used during the second short-range wireless communication is the same as the channel of the frequency band used during the first short-range wireless communication. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 101 can determine whether the channel of the frequency band to be used during the second short-range wireless communication is the same as the channel of the frequency band used during the first short-range wireless communication (e.g., WiFi). If at operation 1307 the channel of the frequency band to be used during the second short-range wireless communication is inconsistent with the channel of the frequency band used during the first short-range wireless communication, then at operation 1311, the electronic device 101 can use the second short-range wireless communication to connect a second external device to a first external device or an external communication server.

[0180] At operation 1309, if the channel of the frequency band to be used during the second short-range wireless communication is inconsistent with the channel of the frequency band used during the first short-range wireless communication, the electronic device 101 can adjust the channel of the frequency band to be used during the second short-range wireless communication to be consistent with the channel used during the first short-range wireless communication. The electronic device according to embodiments of this disclosure can adjust the channel of the frequency band to be used during hotspot communication to be consistent with the channel used during WiFi communication.

[0181] At operation 1311, electronic device 101 can use the second short-range wireless communication to connect a second external device to a first external device or an external communication server. If the frequency band to be used during the second short-range wireless communication at operation 1305 is inconsistent with the frequency band used during the first short-range wireless communication, or if the channel of the frequency band to be used during the second short-range wireless communication at operation 1307 is consistent with the channel of the frequency band used during the first short-range wireless communication, then electronic device 101 can perform operation 1311. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can control WiFi APs or external base stations to connect to other terminal devices based on the modified hotspot channel.

[0182] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection between electronic device 101 and first external device 1400 and second external device 1410 according to various embodiments of this disclosure;

[0183] At operation 1401, electronic device 101 can establish a first connection from a first external device to a second external device or an external communication server on at least one channel of a first frequency band using a second short-range wireless communication. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can connect other devices to a WiFi AP or external base station via a wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot) on the communication band of the wireless LAN service.

[0184] At operation 1403, electronic device 101 can recognize a request to perform a second connection to a second external device using a first short-range wireless communication. Electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of this disclosure can recognize a request to perform a connection to a second external device 1410 using WiFi communication.

[0185] At operation 1405, if the second frequency band associated with the second connection is equal to the first frequency band, then the electronic device 101 can change at least one channel used for the first connection based on the channel to be used for the second connection. If the frequency band associated with the WiFi connection is equal to the communication frequency band of the hotspot, then the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can change at least one channel used for the hotspot connection based on the channel to be used for the WiFi connection.

[0186] Electronic device 101 re-establishes the first connection on the changed channel. According to embodiments of this disclosure, electronic device 101 can re-establish the hotspot connection of the first external device 1400 on the changed channel.

[0187] At operation 1409, electronic device 101 can establish a second connection to second external device 1410.

[0188] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection between electronic device 101 and a second external device while electronic device 101 is connected to a first external device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0189] At operation 1501, electronic device 101 can establish a first connection from a first external device to a second external device or an external communication server on at least one channel of a first frequency band using a second short-range wireless communication. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can use a wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot) to connect other external terminals to a WiFi AP or external base station on at least one channel of the frequency band.

[0190] At operation 1503, electronic device 101 can recognize a request to perform a second connection with a second external device using a first short-range wireless communication. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can recognize a request signal to perform a connection with a WiFi AP using WiFi communication.

[0191] At operation 1505, electronic device 101 can determine whether the first frequency band is consistent with the second frequency band associated with the second connection. According to embodiments of this disclosure, electronic device 101 can determine whether the WiFi communication frequency band is consistent with the hotspot communication frequency band. If the first frequency band and the second frequency band associated with the second connection are inconsistent at operation 1505, then at operation 1511, electronic device 101 can maintain both the first and second connections.

[0192] If the channels of the first frequency band and the second frequency band are the same, then at operation 1507, the electronic device 101 can determine whether the channel of the first frequency band is the same as the channel of the second frequency band. If the WiFi communication frequency band is the same as the hotspot communication frequency band, then according to the embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 101 can determine whether the channel of the WiFi frequency band is the same as the channel of the hotspot communication frequency band. If the channel of the first frequency band is the same as the channel of the second frequency band at operation 1507, then at operation 1511, the electronic device 101 can maintain the first connection and the second connection.

[0193] If the channel of the first frequency band is inconsistent with the channel of the second frequency band, then at operation 1509, the electronic device 101 can change at least one channel used for the first connection based on the channel associated with the second connection. If the channel of the WiFi communication frequency band is inconsistent with the channel of the hotspot communication frequency band, then the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can change the channel used for the hotspot communication connection based on the channel associated with the WiFi communication connection.

[0194] If the second frequency band is different from the first frequency band, the electronic device 101 can be controlled to perform communication without changing at least one channel used for the first connection.

[0195] If the second frequency band is equal to the first frequency band, the processor 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be controlled to perform at least one of the following operations: displaying a notification item on the screen, the notification item including information relating to the possibility of temporary communication disconnection of the first connection when at least one channel used for the first connection is changed based on the channel to be used for the second connection; not performing communication with another external device until at least one channel used for the first connection is changed to be consistent with the channel to be used for the second connection; and displaying a change item on the screen, the change item including information for requesting a channel change in the first frequency band.

[0196] At operation 1511, electronic device 101 can maintain the first connection and the second connection. If at operation 1505 the first frequency band and the second frequency band associated with the second connection are inconsistent with each other, or if at operation 1507 the channels of the first frequency band and the second frequency band are consistent with each other, electronic device 101 can perform operation 1511.

[0197] When the first connection and the second connection are established, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can identify communication performance requests for a plurality of external devices used to replace the second external device.

[0198] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 101 can identify pre-stored communication bands and channel information of multiple external devices.

[0199] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, electronic device 101 can determine one of a plurality of external devices as a device to replace a second external device based on identified communication frequency band information and channel information. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments can establish a third connection to the determined device to replace the second connection.

[0200] If communication with the second external device is interrupted while the first and second connections are established, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may use another wireless communication method (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE)) to perform communication.

[0201] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection between electronic device 101 and a third external device while electronic device 101 is connected to a first external device and a second external device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0202] At operation 1601, electronic device 101 may use a first short-range wireless communication to establish a first connection and use a second short-range wireless communication to establish a second connection. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure may use a wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot) to establish the first connection and WiFi communication to establish the second connection.

[0203] At operation 1603, electronic device 101 can identify a communication performance request signal for a third external device and a wireless communication frequency band for communicating with the third external device. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can identify a communication performance request signal for another WiFi AP and a wireless communication frequency band for communicating with that WiFi AP.

[0204] At operation 1605, electronic device 101 can determine whether the wireless communication frequency band of the third external device is consistent with the first frequency band used during the first short-range wireless communication. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can determine whether the wireless communication frequency band of another WiFi AP is consistent with the frequency band used during hotspot communication.

[0205] At operation 1607, if the wireless communication frequency band of the third external device is consistent with the first frequency band used during the first short-range wireless communication, the electronic device 101 can determine whether the channel of the wireless communication frequency band of the third external device is consistent with the channel of the first frequency band. If the wireless communication frequency band of another WiFi AP is consistent with the frequency band used during hotspot communication, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can determine whether the channel of the wireless communication frequency band of the other WiFi AP is consistent with the channel of the hotspot communication frequency band.

[0206] At operation 1609, if the channel of the wireless communication band of the third external device is consistent with the channel of the first band, the electronic device 101 can establish a connection to the third external device. If the channel of the wireless communication band of another WiFi AP is consistent with the channel of the hotspot communication band, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can establish a connection to another WiFi AP.

[0207] At operation 1611, if the channel of the wireless communication band of the third external device 101 is inconsistent with the channel of the first band, the electronic device 101 can determine whether there exists a protocol capable of changing the channel of the first band to the channel of the wireless communication band of the third external device while maintaining the first connection. If the channel of the wireless communication band of another WiFi AP is inconsistent with the channel of the hotspot band, the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can determine whether there exists a protocol capable of changing the channel of the first band to the channel of the wireless communication band of the other WiFi AP while maintaining the first connection. The protocol can be the 11v BSSTRANS protocol and can be a rule included in any of the communication standards IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac.

[0208] At operation 1613, if a protocol exists that allows changing the channel of the first frequency band to the channel of the wireless communication frequency band of a third external device while maintaining the first connection, then electronic device 101 can change the channel of the first frequency band via a protocol message. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can be controlled to use BSSTRANS messages to change the channel of the communication frequency band without disconnecting from the first external device (e.g., another terminal). Here, the BSSTRANS message can be a rule included in any of the communication standards IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac.

[0209] At operation 1615, if there is no protocol that can change the channel of the first frequency band to the channel of the wireless communication frequency band of the third external device while maintaining the first connection, then electronic device 101 may change the channel of the first short-range wireless communication frequency band. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can change the communication frequency band channel of a hotspot.

[0210] At operation 1617, electronic device 101 can re-establish a connection to the first external device on the changed channel. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can re-establish hotspot communication connections with other devices on the changed channel.

[0211] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the IP allocation of electronic device 101 to a third external device while the electronic device 101 is connected to a first external device and a second external device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0212] At operation 1701, electronic device 101 may use a first short-range wireless communication to establish a first connection to a first external device and use a second short-range wireless communication to establish a second connection. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure may use a wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot) to establish a first connection with other terminals and may use WiFi communication to establish the connection.

[0213] At operation 1703, electronic device 101 can recognize a communication performance request signal for a third external device. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can also recognize a communication performance request signal for another WiFi AP.

[0214] At operation 1705, electronic device 101 can identify IP band information assigned to a third external device. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can identify IP band information assigned to a WiFi AP. Here, IP band information can refer to the addresses of various devices on the Internet used to distinguish them from other devices. For example, IP band information can be version 4 (IPv4) and can consist of up to 12 numbers.

[0215] At operation 1707, electronic device 101 can determine whether the IP frequency band information assigned to the first external device is consistent with the IP frequency band information assigned to the third external device. Electronic device 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure can determine whether the IP frequency band information assigned to another terminal device is consistent with the IP frequency band information assigned to another WiFi AP.

[0216] At operation 1709, if the IP frequency band information assigned to the first external device is consistent with the IP frequency band information assigned to the third external device, then the electronic device 101 may change the IP frequency band information of the first external device. If the IP frequency band information assigned to a wireless LAN service (e.g., a hotspot) is consistent with the IP frequency band information assigned to a WiFi AP, then the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of this disclosure may change the IP frequency band information of the other device.

[0217] At operation 1711, if the IP band information assigned to the first external device is inconsistent with the IP band information assigned to the third external device, the electronic device 101 can establish a connection to the third external device. If the IP band information assigned to the first external device (e.g., another terminal device) is inconsistent with the IP band information assigned to another WiFi AP, the electronic device 101 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can maintain the establishment of the other WiFi AP connection. The electronic device 101 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can maintain the hotspot communication performance of the first external device (e.g., another device) based on the changed IP band information after the IP band information used during communication with the first external device (e.g., another device) has been changed.

[0218] In the case of determining the external device for performing the communication connection from a plurality of external devices, the processor 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may determine the external device for performing the communication based on at least one of connection frequency information, IP allocation information of a first external device, and IP history allocation information of a second external device.

[0219] Figure 18a and Figure 18b This is a diagram illustrating the WiFi architecture and channels of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 18a The dual-WiFi architecture is illustrated. The WiFi framework and the WiFi / MHS framework capable of using the MHS UI are configured separately, and the corresponding modules consist of wlan0 / mlan0 layers to independently perform their respective operations. The corresponding modules can be connected to their respective basebands via drivers to operate at 2.4GHz and 5GHz respectively. With the corresponding configuration, both frequency bands can be used simultaneously. In the corresponding diagram, "wpa_supplicant" and "softap" are modules responsible for WiFi connection authentication between the client terminal and the mobile hotspot terminal. "wlan0" is the interface that connects the driver to wpa_supplicant or softap to enable communication between them. In related technologies that do not support dual-WiFi, WiFi and mobile hotspot cannot be turned on simultaneously, and the wlan0 interface is shared by wpa_supplicant or softap. However, because dual-WiFi is supported, corresponding interfaces are required for each, allowing multiple frequency bands to be used simultaneously by using the interface for wpa_supplicant for the existing wlan0 and the interface for softap for mlan0.

[0220] refer to Figure 18bThe image shows images related to 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels. The 5 GHz band can include more channels than the 2.4 GHz band. Furthermore, the 5 GHz band can have narrower overlap compared to adjacent channels in the 2.4 GHz band.

[0221] The channel according to this disclosure may include at least one of communication band frequency-related data and Internet Protocol (IP) band-related data.

[0222] The term "module" according to embodiments of this disclosure means, but is not limited to, a unit of software, hardware, and firmware, or any combination thereof. The term "module" may be used interchangeably with the terms "unit," "logic circuit," "logic block," "component," or "circuit." The term "module" may refer to the smallest unit of a component or a portion thereof. The term "module" may be the smallest unit for performing at least one function or a portion thereof. Modules may be implemented mechanically or electrically. For example, a module may include at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a known or programmable logic device developed for a particular operation.

[0223] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, an apparatus (e.g., a module or its function) or method can be implemented by computer program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the instructions are executed by at least one processor (e.g., processor 120), the at least one processor can perform a function corresponding to the instructions. The computer-readable storage medium may be memory 130. At least a portion of the programming module may be implemented (e.g., executed) by processor 120. The at least portion of the programming module may include modules, programs, routines, instruction sets, and processes for performing at least one function.

[0224] Computer-readable storage media include magnetic media such as floppy disks and magnetic tapes, optical media including CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs, magneto-optical media such as optical-magnetic disks, and hardware devices (e.g., ROMs, RAMs, and flash memory) designed for storing and executing program instructions. Program instructions include language code executable by a computer using a compiler and machine language code generated by a compiler. One or more software modules can be used to implement the aforementioned hardware devices to perform the operations of the various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0225] In a computer-readable storage medium containing a program, the program may include instructions executed by a processor to perform the following operations: establishing a first connection from a first external device to a second external device or an external communication server on at least one channel of a first frequency band using a second short-range wireless communication; identifying a request for performing a second connection to the second external device using the first short-range wireless communication while the first external device is connected to the second external device or the external communication server; comparing the second frequency band associated with the second connection with the first frequency band in response to the request; and changing at least one channel used for the first connection based on the channel to be used for the second connection if the second frequency band is equal to the first frequency band.

[0226] In a computer-readable storage medium containing a program, the program may include instructions executed by a processor to perform the following operations: connecting to a first external device via a communication module using a first short-range wireless communication on at least one channel of a frequency band; identifying a request for second short-range wireless communication with a second external device while connecting to the first external device; and, in response to the request, connecting the second external device to the first external device or an external communication server using the second short-range wireless communication on at least one channel of the frequency band.

[0227] The modules or programming modules disclosed herein may include at least one of the components described above, with some components omitted or others added. Operations of the modules, programming modules, or other components may be performed sequentially, in parallel, recursively, or heuristically. Furthermore, some operations may be performed in a different order, omitted, or extended to include other operations.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a communication module configured to support a first short-range wireless communication and a second short-range wireless communication; and a processor operatively connected to the communication module, wherein the processor is configured to: perform the first short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device via the communication module, wherein the electronic device is assigned with a first IP address for performing the first short-range wireless communication, identify a request for performing the second short-range wireless communication from a second external electronic device while performing the first short-range wireless communication with the first external electronic device via the communication module, and in response to the request for the second short-range wireless communication, assign a second IP address different from the first IP address to the second external electronic device for performing the second short-range wireless communication with the second external electronic device while performing the first short-range wireless communication with the first external electronic device using the assigned first IP address, wherein the second short-range wireless communication is a communication with the second external electronic device via the communication module using WiFi. 2.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, the first short-range wireless communication is a communication with the first external electronic device using WiFi wireless fidelity, and wherein the first external electronic device comprises a radio access device. 3.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, the processor is configured to perform the first short-range wireless communication with the first external electronic device using a first frequency band, and perform the second short-range wireless communication with the second external electronic device using a second frequency band, and wherein the first frequency band is different from the second frequency band. 4.A method of controlling an electronic device, comprising: performing a first short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device via a communication module, wherein the electronic device is assigned with a first IP address for performing the first short-range wireless communication, identifying a request for performing a second short-range wireless communication from a second external electronic device while performing the first short-range wireless communication with the first external electronic device via the communication module, and in response to the request for the second short-range wireless communication, assigning a second IP address different from the first IP address to the second external electronic device for performing the second short-range wireless communication with the second external electronic device while performing the first short-range wireless communication with the first external electronic device using the assigned first IP address, wherein the second short-range wireless communication is a communication with the second external electronic device via the communication module using WiFi.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, the first short-range wireless communication is a communication with the first external electronic device using WiFi wireless fidelity, and wherein the first external electronic device comprises a radio access device.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein, the electronic device is configured to perform the first short-range wireless communication with the first external electronic device using a first frequency band, and perform the second short-range wireless communication with the second external electronic device using a second frequency band, and wherein the first frequency band is different from the second frequency band. wherein the first frequency band is different from the second frequency band. 7.An electronic device comprising: a communication module; and a processor operatively connected to the communication module, wherein the processor is configured to: allocate a first IP address for performing a first short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device connected to the electronic device, perform a second short-range wireless communication with a second external electronic device while connected to the first external electronic device via the first short-range wireless communication, obtain a second IP address allocated to the second external electronic device for performing the second short-range wireless communication with the second external electronic device, compare the first IP address with the second IP address, based on identifying that the first IP address is the same as the second IP address, change the first IP address of the first external electronic device, and perform the first short-range wireless communication with the first external electronic device using a first frequency band and the second short-range wireless communication with the second external electronic device using a second frequency band, and wherein the first frequency band is different from the second frequency band.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein, The first short-range wireless communication is a communication for communicating with the first external electronic device using WiFi wireless fidelity through a mobile hotspot, and the second short-range wireless communication is a communication for communicating with the second external electronic device using WiFi.

9. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein, The second external electronic device comprises a radio access device. 10.A method of controlling an electronic device, comprising: allocating a first IP address for performing a first short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device connected to the electronic device, performing a second short-range wireless communication with a second external electronic device while connected to the first external electronic device via the first short-range wireless communication, obtaining a second IP address allocated to the second external electronic device for performing the second short-range wireless communication with the second external electronic device, comparing the first IP address with the second IP address, based on identifying that the first IP address is the same as the second IP address, changing the first IP address of the first external electronic device, and performing the first short-range wireless communication with the first external electronic device using a first frequency band and the second short-range wireless communication with the second external electronic device using a second frequency band, and wherein the first frequency band is different from the second frequency band.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The first short-range wireless communication is a communication for communicating with the first external electronic device using WiFi wireless fidelity through a mobile hotspot, and the second short-range wireless communication is a communication for communicating with the second external electronic device using WiFi.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, The second external electronic device comprises a radio access device.

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