Electronic devices for wireless communication and their operation methods

Abstract

An electronic device and method for wireless communication are disclosed. The electronic device may include an interface module and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: configure a first Ethernet tethered connection with an external electronic device using an Ethernet driver; provide Internet services to the external electronic device using a first IP address assigned to the external electronic device; deactivate the Ethernet driver when the IP address of the electronic device changes and the first Ethernet tethered connection is in bridged mode; reactivate the deactivated Ethernet driver; configure a second Ethernet tethered connection with the external electronic device using the reactivated Ethernet driver; and provide Internet services to the external electronic device using a second IP address assigned to the external electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to an electronic device for wireless communication and a method of operating the same. Background Technology

[0002] Users can access various data networks (e.g., the Internet) using a variety of electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and desktop computers. In one example, while a smartphone provides mobile access to both telephone and computer processing functions, a tablet can be carried by the user and offers a larger screen than a smartphone. Portable laptops or laptop computers not only offer a larger screen than a smartphone but also feature a built-in hardware keyboard that allows for efficient word processing. Meanwhile, desktop computers or smart TVs can provide a larger screen for media viewing but are not easily portable due to their size and weight.

[0003] Users can use various electronic devices according to their needs. Some electronic devices, such as laptops, notebooks, or personal computers, can provide users with a wider range of improved computing environments, but may not include communication circuitry (or wireless communication modules) that can directly access wireless or wired networks. Furthermore, even when an electronic device includes communication circuitry or wireless communication modules that support an access technology such as wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular communication, a user may still wish to access the Internet using an alternative access technology that the electronic device does not support.

[0004] A dongle is an electronic device that connects to an external electronic device (such as a terminal device) and allows that device to access the Internet via a wireless broadband network or a secure network. For example, external electronic devices that do not have Wi-Fi or cellular communication capabilities, such as 2G, 3G, LTE, 5G, or NR, can connect to a dongle that supports cellular or Wi-Fi communication via wired or wireless means (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, or Universal Serial Bus (USB)) and access the Internet through the dongle. For example, a dongle that supports Wi-Fi connectivity can be called a Wi-Fi dongle.

[0005] With the increasing prevalence of 5G, researchers are exploring a 5G dongle that can connect 5G cellular networks to USB Ethernet or Wi-Fi, rather than smartphones. This 5G dongle can have direct cellular connectivity to 5G cellular networks and can also connect to external electronic devices via USB Ethernet, providing cellular connectivity to those devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] Electronic devices operating as dongles can connect to the internet via public networks and can use either tethering or bridging modes to provide internet service to external electronic devices via an Ethernet tethered connection. When operating in tethered mode, external electronic devices can obtain their own unique IP address, different from the dongle's IP address, and use that unique IP address to access internet service. When providing internet service to external electronic devices in bridging mode, unlike in tethered mode, the external electronic devices can share the dongle's IP address.

[0008] When an electronic device switches from tethered mode to bridged mode, it may need to change the IP address of the external electronic device. However, the external electronic device may not recognize the mode switch and attempt to continue using internet services using its existing IP address, potentially causing communication failures. When switching from tethered mode to bridged mode, and when the electronic device and an external electronic device are connected via a USB Ethernet cable, the external electronic device may need to be physically released and reconnected to obtain its new IP address, which may cause inconvenience to the user.

[0009] Furthermore, when an electronic device provides internet service to an external electronic device in bridged mode, if the IP address of the electronic device changes for some other reason, the IP address of the external electronic device also needs to change accordingly. However, the external electronic device may not be able to recognize the change in IP address, which may result in a communication failure.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] An electronic device according to an embodiment includes: an interface module; and at least one processor connected to the interface module, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: establish a first Ethernet tethered connection with an external electronic device via the interface module using an Ethernet driver executed by the at least one processor; provide Internet service to the external electronic device via the first Ethernet tethered connection using a first IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the first Ethernet tethered connection; identify a change in the IP address of the electronic device while providing Internet service; identify whether the first Ethernet tethered connection is in bridging mode when a change in the IP address of the electronic device is identified; deactivate the Ethernet driver in response to identifying a change in the IP address of the electronic device while providing Internet service and the first Ethernet tethered connection is in bridging mode; reactivate the deactivated Ethernet driver after deactivation; establish a second Ethernet tethered connection with the external electronic device using the reactivated Ethernet driver; and provide Internet service to the external electronic device via the second Ethernet tethered connection using a second IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the second Ethernet tethered connection.

[0012] An electronic device according to an embodiment includes: an interface module; and at least one processor connected to the interface module, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: establish a first Ethernet tethered connection with an external electronic device via the interface module using an Ethernet driver executed by the at least one processor; provide Internet service to the external electronic device via the first Ethernet tethered connection using a first IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the first Ethernet tethered connection; disable the Ethernet driver when it is recognized that a bridging mode for the external electronic device is configured via user input while providing Internet service; reactivate the disabled Ethernet driver after disabling it; establish a second Ethernet tethered connection with the external electronic device in bridging mode using the reactivated Ethernet driver; and provide Internet service to the external electronic device via the second Ethernet tethered connection using a second IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the second Ethernet tethered connection.

[0013] A method for operating an electronic device for wireless communication according to an embodiment includes establishing a first Ethernet tethered connection with an external electronic device using an Ethernet driver executed by a processor of the electronic device; using a first IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the first Ethernet tethered connection; providing Internet service to the external electronic device via the first Ethernet tethered connection; identifying a change in the IP address of the electronic device while providing Internet service; identifying whether the first Ethernet tethered connection is in bridging mode when the change in the IP address of the electronic device is identified; deactivating the Ethernet driver in response to identifying a change in the IP address of the electronic device while providing Internet service and the first Ethernet tethered connection is in bridging mode; reactivating the deactivated Ethernet driver after deactivation; establishing a second Ethernet tethered connection with the external electronic device using the reactivated Ethernet driver; and providing Internet service to the external electronic device via the second Ethernet tethered connection using a second IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the second Ethernet tethered connection.

[0014] A method of operating an electronic device for wireless communication according to an embodiment includes: establishing a first Ethernet tethered connection with an external electronic device using an Ethernet driver executed by a processor of the electronic device; providing Internet service to the external electronic device via the first Ethernet tethered connection using a first IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the first Ethernet tethered connection; deactivating the Ethernet driver when it is recognized that a bridging mode for the external electronic device is configured via user input while providing Internet service; reactivating the deactivated Ethernet driver after deactivating it; establishing a second Ethernet tethered connection with the external electronic device in bridging mode using the reactivated Ethernet driver; and providing Internet service to the external electronic device via the second Ethernet tethered connection using a second IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the second Ethernet tethered connection. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the electronic device 200 according to an embodiment;

[0017] Figure 3 This illustrates a tethered connection in tethered mode according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 4 A tethered connection in bridging mode is shown according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 5This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device 200 providing a tethered connection according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating a communication failure between an electronic device and an external electronic device in a bridging mode according to an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating the communication between an electronic device and an external electronic device according to a change in IP address in an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device according to a change in IP address in an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 9 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating the communication between the electronic device and the external electronic device when switching to bridge mode in an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 10a , Figure 10b and Figure 10c The user interface (user experience (UX)) for switching the electronic device to bridged mode is shown in the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electronic device when switched to bridge mode in an embodiment; and

[0026] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device according to the USB communication device category in the embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of relevant known functions or configurations incorporated herein will be omitted where it is determined that the description may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. The terminology described below is defined in consideration of the functions in the present disclosure and may vary depending on the user, the user's intent, or custom. Therefore, the definition of the terminology should be based on the entire contents of this specification.

[0028] It should be noted that the technical terms used herein are for describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Alternatively, the technical terms used herein should be interpreted as having the same meaning as those commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, and should not be construed as having an overly comprehensive or overly restrictive meaning unless specifically defined otherwise. Alternatively, when technical terms used herein are incorrect technical terms that do not properly represent the ideas of this disclosure, it should be understood that they are replaced by technical terms correctly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, general terms used herein should be interpreted as defined in a dictionary or in the context of the relevant section, and should not be construed as having an overly restrictive meaning.

[0029] Alternatively, singular expressions used herein may include plural expressions unless they are clearly distinguished in the context. As used herein, expressions such as “including” or “comprising” should not be construed as necessarily including all elements or operations described in the specification, but should be construed as allowing the exclusion of some of them or further including additional elements or operations.

[0030] Alternatively, ordinal terms, such as expressions for "first" and "second," may be used to describe various elements, but the corresponding elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from any other element. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0031] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other component, or any other component can be in between. Conversely, it should be understood that when a component is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, there is no component in between.

[0032] In the following, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, identical or similar elements are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted. Alternatively, in describing various embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known technologies will be omitted when it is determined that the description may obscure the subject matter of the disclosure. Alternatively, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings are provided merely to aid in the understanding of the technical concept of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the technical concept of the present disclosure. In addition to the accompanying drawings, the technical concept of the present disclosure should also be interpreted as encompassing all variations, equivalents, and alternatives.

[0033] In the following description of various embodiments of this disclosure, a terminal is described; however, a terminal may also be referred to as an electronic device, mobile station, mobile device (ME), user equipment (UE), user terminal (UT), user station (SS), wireless device, handheld device, or access terminal (AT). Alternatively, in various embodiments of this disclosure, the terminal may be a device with communication capabilities, such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, wireless modem, or laptop.

[0034] The detailed description of the various embodiments in this disclosure references standards provided by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA), which are wireless access standardization organizations. However, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, some modifications can be made to the main subject matter of this disclosure and applied to other communication systems with similar technical backgrounds, and such modifications can be made on the basis of determination by those skilled in the art.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 1 In network environment 100, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or with electronic device 104 or server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 104 via server 108. According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, memory 130, input module 150, sound output module 155, display module 160, audio module 170, sensor module 176, interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, user identification module (SIM) 196, or antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., connection terminal 178) may be omitted from electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components described above (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single integrated component (e.g., display module 160).

[0037] Processor 120 may run software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 101 connected to processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, processor 120 may store commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 132, and store the result data in non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., graphics processing unit (GPU), neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor (ISP), sensor central processor, or communication processor (CP)) that is operationally independent of or combined with the main processor 121. For example, when electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or may be implemented as part of the main processor 121.

[0038] When the main processor 121 is inactive (e.g., in sleep mode), the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) can control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190), or when the main processor 121 is active (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 can work with the main processor 121 to control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190). According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 123. According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processing unit) may include hardware architecture dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. Artificial intelligence models can be generated through machine learning. For example, such learning can be performed via electronic device 101 where artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple layers of artificial neural networks. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), or a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or optionally, the artificial intelligence model may include software structures in addition to hardware structures.

[0039] Memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120 or sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 140) and input or output data for commands associated with it. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

[0040] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130, and the program 140 may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

[0041] The input module 150 can receive commands or data from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) that will be used by other components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or digital pen (e.g., stylus).

[0042] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0043] Display module 160 can visually provide information to the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., to a user). Display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, holographic device, and projector. According to an embodiment, display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of the force caused by touch.

[0044] The audio module 170 can convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 can obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102 (e.g., a speaker or headphones)) that is directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0045] Sensor module 176 can detect the operating state of electronic device 101 (e.g., power or temperature) or the environmental state outside electronic device 101 (e.g., user state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to embodiments, sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, grip sensor, proximity sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, biometric sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or illuminance sensor.

[0046] Interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols used to enable direct or wireless connection between electronic device 101 and external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, interface 177 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital Card (SD) interface, or an audio interface.

[0047] Connection end 178 may include a connector, through which electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0048] The tactile module 179 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimulation (e.g., vibration or motion) or electrical stimulation that can be recognized by a user through his touch or kinesthesia. According to an embodiment, the tactile module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0049] Camera module 180 can capture still or moving images. According to an embodiment, camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0050] The power management module 188 manages the power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0051] Battery 189 can power at least one component of electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable rechargeable battery, or a fuel cell.

[0052] Communication module 190 can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. Communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently of processor 120 (e.g., application processor (AP)) and supporting direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to embodiments, communication module 190 may include wireless communication module 192 (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 194 (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module or power line communication (PLC) module). One of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, 5G network, next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) that are separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 can identify and verify the electronic device 101 in the communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0053] Wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks following 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies (such as new radio (NR) access technologies). NR access technologies can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). Wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter-wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. Wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies used to ensure performance in high-frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive MIMO, full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. Wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in electronic device 101, external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 104), or network systems (e.g., second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support peak data rates (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater) for implementing eMBB, lost coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less round trip) for implementing URLLC.

[0054] Antenna module 197 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., external electronic device). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include an antenna comprising a radiating element formed of a conductive material or conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as a first network 198 or a second network 199) can be selected from the multiple antennas by, for example, communication module 190. Signals or power can then be transmitted or received between communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, additional components besides the radiating element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally incorporated into antenna module 197.

[0055] According to various embodiments, antenna module 197 can form a millimeter-wave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the millimeter-wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC, and multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna), wherein the RFIC is disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and is capable of supporting a specified high-frequency band (e.g., a millimeter-wave band), and the multiple antennas are disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., a top or side surface) of the printed circuit board and are capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high-frequency band.

[0056] At least some of the aforementioned components can be interconnected and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) between them via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., bus, general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industrial processor interface (MIPI)).

[0057] According to an embodiment, commands or data can be sent or received between electronic device 101 and external electronic device 104 via server 108 connected to a second network 199. Each of electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 can be a device of the same type as electronic device 101, or a device of a different type. According to an embodiment, all or some operations to be performed on electronic device 101 can be performed at one or more of external electronic devices 102, external electronic devices 104, or server 108. For example, if electronic device 101 is required to automatically perform a function or service, or is required to perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service instead of running the function or service, or electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service in addition to running the function or service. Upon receiving the request, the one or more external electronic devices may perform the requested at least portion of the function or service, or perform additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to electronic device 101. Electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial response to the request, with or without further processing of the result. For this purpose, technologies such as cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing may be used. Electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In another embodiment, external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to embodiments, external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in a second network 199. Electronic device 101 can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies.

[0058] The electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of a variety of types of electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0059] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions to the respective embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that the singular form of a noun corresponding to a term may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of items enumerated together with the corresponding phrase among the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as "first" and "second" or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish one component from another and do not limit the components in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, whether the terms “operably” or “communically” are used or not, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “coupled to another element (e.g., a second element),” “coupled to another element (e.g., a second element),” “connected to another element (e.g., a second element),” or “connected to another element (e.g., a second element)”, it means that the element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0060] As used in connection with various embodiments of this disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or the smallest unit or part of such a single integrated component. For example, according to embodiments, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0061] The various embodiments set forth herein can be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including one or more instructions readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138). For example, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) can invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0062] According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM The computer program product may be published online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded), or may be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). If published online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0063] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as a corresponding component of the multiple components performed one or more functions of each of the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0064] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device 200 according to an embodiment.

[0065] In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include [missing information - likely related to electronics or other technologies]. Figure 1 The electronic device 101 shown contains at least some components (e.g., modules) that are the same or similar to those components. In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may be similar to... Figure 1 The electronic device 101 is the same as or similar to the electronic device 200. For example, the electronic device 200 may include... Figure 1 At least one of the elements included in the electronic device 101. In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may operate as a dongle, providing Internet service to an external electronic device 202 via a tethered connection.

[0066] refer to Figure 2 The electronic device 200 may include a processor 210 (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120) is connected to the antenna module (e.g., Figure 1 The antenna module 197) and the wireless communication module 215 (e.g., Figure 1 The communication module 190) and the input module 220 (e.g., Figure 1 Input module 150), output module 230 (e.g., Figure 1 The display module 160 and / or the sound output module 155), and the memory 235 (e.g., Figure 1 The memory 130), and the interface module 240 (e.g., Figure 1 Interface 177) and battery 245 (e.g., Figure 1 (Battery 189).

[0067] According to some embodiments, the wireless communication module 215 may include at least one of, for example, a cellular communication module, a Wi-Fi communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, a Near Field Communication (NFC) module, and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module. Some of these communication modules may access the Internet via a public network (e.g., a cellular network or a Wi-Fi network). In one embodiment, the wireless communication module 215 may use various cellular communication schemes such as 2G, 3G, LTE, 5G, or New Radio (NR) to access a base station of a cellular network and may connect to an Internet server via the cellular network. In another embodiment, the wireless communication module 215 may access an access point (AP) of a Wi-Fi network and may connect to an Internet server via the Wi-Fi network. The wireless communication module 215 may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor 210 and support direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication.

[0068] According to an embodiment, input module 220 can be configured to generate various input signals that can be used for operation of electronic device 200. Input module 220 may include a touchpad, touch panel, or at least one button. The touchpad can detect touch input by employing methods such as capacitive, resistive, infrared, or ultrasonic. When a capacitive touchpad is provided, physical contact or proximity recognition can be performed. The touchpad may further include a haptic layer. The haptic layer can provide haptic feedback to the user. The aforementioned at least one button may include, for example, a physical button or an optical key.

[0069] According to an embodiment, input module 220 can generate user input related to the establishment of a connection with electronic device 200. According to an embodiment, when electronic device 200 provides a tethered connection to at least one external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device 202) through interface module 240, input module 220 can generate user input indicating parameters for establishing the tethered connection. For example, the parameters may include at least one of parameters indicating IPv4, primary domain name service (DNS), secondary DNS, dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP), and bridging mode. When the parameter indicating bridging mode is configured by user input, electronic device 200 can configure the tethered connection in bridging mode. When the parameter indicating bridging mode is disabled by user input, electronic device 200 can configure the tethered connection in tethered mode. That is, the tethered connection does not necessarily have to be in tethered mode or in bridging mode. The parameter indicating bridging mode can be disabled by default. Reference will be made below. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This describes the tethered mode and the bridged mode in detail.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the output module 230 may display information related to the operation of the electronic device 200. In an embodiment, the output module 230 may display information related to a tethered connection between the electronic device 200 and an external electronic device 202, or information related to the establishment of a tethered connection. In an embodiment, the output module 230 may display a user settings screen, on which user input for establishing a tethered connection can be received. According to an embodiment, the output module 230 may include at least one light emitter, such as a light-emitting diode (LED). For example, the light emitter may be controlled to emit a color corresponding to an ongoing or completed charge.

[0071] According to an embodiment, memory 235 may store various codes, information, and / or data used by at least one element of electronic device 200 (e.g., processor 210). Data may include, for example, input or output data of software executable by processor 210 and associated commands. Memory 235 may include volatile or non-volatile memory.

[0072] According to an embodiment, memory 235 may store information related to the tethered connection between electronic device 200 and external electronic device 202, as well as information related to the establishment of the tethered connection. In an embodiment, the information related to the establishment of the tethered connection may include parameters indicating whether the tethered connection operates in bridged mode or tethered mode.

[0073] According to an embodiment, battery 245 can power at least one component of electronic device 200, which can be configured to be carried.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the interface module 240 may support one or more predetermined protocols for connecting the electronic device 201 directly (i.e., wired) or wirelessly to at least one external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device 202). According to an embodiment, the interface module 240 may include, for example, an Ethernet interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a Bluetooth interface, and / or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface.

[0075] According to embodiments, processor 210 can execute, for example, software to control at least one other element (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 200 connected to processor 210, and can perform various data processing or calculations. According to embodiments, as at least part of data processing or calculation, processor 210 can load commands or data received from another element (e.g., input module 220 or wireless communication module 215) into memory 235, process the commands or data stored in memory 235, and store the resulting data in memory. Processor 210 may include a microprocessor or any suitable type of processing circuitry, such as one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., ARM-based processors), digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), video card controllers, etc. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that when a general-purpose computer is accessed with code used to implement the processing shown herein, the execution of the code transforms the general-purpose computer into a dedicated computer for performing the processing shown herein. Some of the functions and steps provided in the figures can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both, and can be executed, in whole or in part, within the computer's programming instructions. Unless an element is explicitly described using the phrase "means for...", the elements claimed herein should not be construed as means plus function. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that, in the claimed disclosure, "processor" or "microprocessor" can refer to hardware.

[0076] In one embodiment, processor 210 can connect to an access node (e.g., base station, node B, or AP) of a public network via wireless communication module 215 and access the Internet via the public network. In another embodiment, processor 210 can establish a tethered connection 204 with external electronic device 202 via interface module 240, i.e., connect to electronic device 202 via a wired cable (e.g., Ethernet cable, USB, or USB Ethernet) or a wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), and map the Internet connection via wireless communication module 215 to tethered connection 204 via interface module 240. In this mapping, processor 210 can provide Internet connectivity to external electronic device 202. Processor 210 can transmit data packets received from external electronic device 202 via interface module 240 to the Internet (e.g., a server on the Internet) via wireless communication module 215. Processor 210 can also transmit data packets received from the Internet (e.g., a server on the Internet) via interface module 240 to external electronic device 202 via wireless communication module 215. When sending data packets, processor 210 can activate or deactivate Network Address Translation (NAT) functionality based on the operating mode of the tethered connection to external electronic device 202 or the IP address allocation scheme used for the external electronic device. NAT functionality may include changing the IP address included in the IP header of each packet while the electronic device 200 routes the packets.

[0077] The electronic device 200 according to an embodiment may include an interface module 240 and at least one processor 210 connected to the interface module 240, wherein the at least one processor is configured to establish a first Ethernet connection with an external electronic device 202 via the interface module using an Ethernet driver executed by the at least one processor, provide Internet service to the external electronic device via the first Ethernet tethered connection using a first IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the first Ethernet tethered connection, identify a change in the IP address of the electronic device while providing Internet service, identify whether the first Ethernet tethered connection is in bridging mode when a change in the IP address of the electronic device is identified, deactivate the Ethernet driver in response to identifying a change in the IP address of the electronic device while providing Internet service and the first Ethernet tethered connection is in bridging mode, reactivate the deactivated Ethernet driver after deactivation, establish a second Ethernet tethered connection with the external electronic device via the reactivated Ethernet driver, and provide Internet service to the external electronic device via the second Ethernet tethered connection using a second IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the second Ethernet tethered connection.

[0078] In an embodiment, at least one processor may be further configured to execute network framework 510, configured to process the first Ethernet tethered connection and the Ethernet driver, and at least one processor may be further configured to control the network framework to disable the Ethernet driver when the first Ethernet tethered connection is identified to be in bridged mode.

[0079] In an embodiment, when the first Ethernet tethered connection is identified as being in bridged mode, at least one processor can be configured to control the network framework to send a deactivation command to the Ethernet driver to deactivate the Ethernet driver.

[0080] In an embodiment, at least one processor may be further configured to execute a network framework, configured to handle a first Ethernet tethered connection and an Ethernet driver, and at least one processor may be further configured to control the network framework to activate the Ethernet driver after the Ethernet driver has been deactivated.

[0081] In one embodiment, at least one processor may be configured to control the network framework to transmit an activation command to the Ethernet driver to activate the Ethernet driver after it has been deactivated.

[0082] In an embodiment, the interface module can be configured to connect to the Ethernet adapter 500 via the USB connector 545, and the Ethernet adapter 500 can be configured for conversion between Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Ethernet, and can be connected to the Ethernet connector 570 of an external electronic device.

[0083] In an embodiment, in response to the first Ethernet tethered connection being in bridged mode, at least one processor may also be configured to disable Network Address Translation (NAT) in a second Ethernet tethered connection in bridged mode, the second IP address being the same as the changed IP address of the electronic device.

[0084] An electronic device 200 according to an embodiment includes an interface module 240 and at least one processor 210 connected to the interface module, wherein the at least one processor is configured to establish a first Ethernet tethered connection with an external electronic device through the interface module using an Ethernet driver executed by the at least one processor, provide Internet service to the external electronic device through the first Ethernet tethered connection using a first IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the first Ethernet tethered connection, disable the Ethernet driver when it is recognized that a bridging mode for the external electronic device is configured via user input while providing Internet service, reactivate the disabled Ethernet driver after disabling it, establish a second Ethernet tethered connection with the external electronic device in bridging mode using the reactivated Ethernet driver, and provide Internet service to the external electronic device through the second Ethernet tethered connection using a second IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the second Ethernet tethered connection.

[0085] In an embodiment, at least one processor may be further configured to execute a network framework 510 configured to handle a first Ethernet tethered connection and an Ethernet driver, and to control the network framework to disable the Ethernet driver when it is recognized that a bridging mode for external electronic devices is configured via user input while providing Internet service through the first Ethernet tethered connection.

[0086] In an embodiment, when it is recognized that a bridging mode for an external electronic device is configured via user input while providing Internet service through a first Ethernet tethered connection, at least one processor can be configured to control the network framework to transmit a deactivation command to the Ethernet driver to deactivate the Ethernet driver.

[0087] In an embodiment, at least one processor may be further configured to execute a network framework, to process a first Ethernet tethered connection and an Ethernet driver, and at least one processor may be further configured to control the network framework to activate the Ethernet driver after the Ethernet driver has been deactivated.

[0088] In one embodiment, at least one processor may be configured to control the network framework to transmit an activation command to the Ethernet driver to activate the Ethernet driver after it has been deactivated.

[0089] In an embodiment, the interface module can be configured to connect to the Ethernet adapter 500 via the USB connector 545, and the Ethernet adapter 500 can be configured for conversion between Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Ethernet, and can be connected to the Ethernet connector 570 of an external electronic device.

[0090] In an embodiment, when the first Ethernet tethered connection is identified as being in bridged mode, at least one processor may be further configured to disable the Network Address Translation (NAT) function in the second Ethernet tethered connection in bridged mode, and the second IP address may be the same as the IP address of the electronic device.

[0091] The electronic device 200 according to an embodiment may include an input module 220, an output module 230, an interface module 240, and at least one processor 210 connected to the input module, the output module, and the interface module. The at least one processor may be configured to display a network settings screen 1005 (including a bridging mode activation menu 1010a associated with at least one Ethernet tethered connection provided through the interface module) via the output module, display a selection menu 1015 (including a list of at least one external electronic device connected through the interface module in response to detecting a first user input via the input module on the bridging mode activation menu 1010a), store parameters for activating a bridging mode for the Ethernet tethered connection with the first external electronic device in response to detecting a second user input via the input module selecting the device name of the first external electronic device on the selection menu 1015, and establish an Ethernet tethered connection with the first external electronic device provided through the interface module in bridging mode.

[0092] In an embodiment, at least one processor may be further configured to switch the Ethernet tethered connection with the first external electronic device to bridged mode in response to parameters for activating bridged mode.

[0093] Figure 3 A tethered connection 204 in a tethered mode according to an embodiment is shown.

[0094] refer to Figure 3Electronic device 200 can establish an Internet connection with public network 206 and communicate with Internet server 300 on the Internet via public network 206. In embodiments, public network 206 can be a cellular network (e.g., 2G, 3G, LTE, 5G, or NR) or a Wi-Fi network. Electronic device 200 can provide Internet service to external electronic device 202 by establishing a tethered connection 204 with external electronic device 202 via USB Ethernet in tethered mode. The tethered connection can operate based on a wired cable (e.g., Ethernet cable, USB, or USB Ethernet) or a wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). In embodiments, the range of IP addresses that can be used in public network 206 can be 10.20.30.0 / 24, and electronic device 200 can receive an IP address 304 uniquely assigned within the range, such as 10.20.30.40, from Internet server (e.g., Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server). In an embodiment, the range of IP addresses that can be used for tethered connection 204 may be 192.168.42.0 / 24, and electronic device 200 may transmit a uniquely assigned IP address (e.g., 192.168.42.10) within the range to external electronic device 202 in tethered mode.

[0095] In this embodiment, the electronic device 200 can use NAT functionality in tethered mode. When the electronic device 200 operates in tethered mode, the processor 210 can convert the source IP address 302 (e.g., 192.168.42.10) of a data packet received from the external electronic device 202 via the interface module 240 into the IP address 304 (e.g., 10.20.30.40) of the electronic device 200, and then transmit the data packet including the converted IP address (e.g., 10.20.30.40) to the Internet server in the public network 206 via the wireless communication module 215. Similarly, when the electronic device 200 is operating in tethered mode, the processor 210 can convert the destination IP address 304 (e.g., 10.20.30.40) of a data packet received from an Internet server in the public network 206 via the wireless communication module 215 into the IP address 302 (e.g., 192.168.42.10) of the external electronic device 202, and then transmit the data packet including the converted IP address 302 (e.g., 192.168.42.10) to the external electronic device 202 via the interface module 240.

[0096] In embodiments, the term "tethered mode" may refer to an operating mode in which the NAT function is activated when the electronic device 200 provides a tethered connection to the external electronic device 202, and may be expressed by other terms such as router mode or non-bridged mode.

[0097] Figure 4 A tethered connection 204 in bridging mode is shown according to an embodiment.

[0098] refer to Figure 4 Electronic device 200 can establish an Internet connection with public network 206 and communicate with Internet server 300 on the Internet through public network 206. In embodiments, public network 206 can be a cellular network (e.g., 2G, 3G, LTE, 5G, or NR) or a Wi-Fi network. Electronic device 200 can provide Internet service to external electronic device 202 by establishing a tethered connection 204 in bridged mode. The tethered connection can operate based on a wired cable (e.g., Ethernet cable, USB, or USB Ethernet) or a wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). In embodiments, the range of IP addresses that can be used in public network 206 can be 10.20.30.0 / 24, and electronic device 200 can receive an IP address 404 uniquely assigned within the scope of the public network, for example, 10.20.30.40. In this embodiment, the range of IP addresses that can be used for tethered connection 204 is 10.20.30.0 / 24, which is the same as the IP address in cellular network 206, and electronic device 200 can transmit IP address 402, which is the same as its own IP address 404, such as 10.20.30.40, to external electronic device 202 in bridged mode.

[0099] In this embodiment, electronic device 200 can disable NAT functionality in bridged mode. When electronic device 200 operates in bridged mode, data packets received from external electronic device 202 via interface module 240 may include the external electronic device's IP address 402, and processor 210 can transmit the data packets to internet server 300 in public network 206 via wireless communication module 215 without changing the IP address. Similarly, when electronic device 200 operates in bridged mode, data packets received from internet server in public network 206 via wireless communication module 215 may include electronic device 200's IP address 404, and processor 210 can transmit the data packets to external electronic device 202 via interface module 240 without changing the IP address. The bridged mode operating as described above allows external electronic device 202 to directly access internet services, thereby providing private communication with enhanced security compared to tethered mode.

[0100] In embodiments, the term "bridging mode" may refer to an operating mode in which NAT functionality is disabled when electronic device 200 provides tethered connection 204 to external electronic device 202.

[0101] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device 200 providing a tethered connection 204 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the electronic device 200 may be implemented to provide a dongle for the tethered connection 204 to an external electronic device 202.

[0102] refer to Figure 5 The processor 210 of electronic device 200 may include at least one of a USB frame 505, a network frame 510, a USB port manager 515, a USB driver 520, an Ethernet driver 525, or a power delivery integrated circuit (PDIC) driver 530. The interface module 240 of electronic device 200 may include at least one of a USB controller 535 and a PDIC chipset 540. Electronic device 200 may also include a USB connector 545 (e.g., Figure 1 The connection terminal 178 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., Ethernet adapter 500 or external electronic device 202).

[0103] In an embodiment, the USB framework 505, the network framework 510, and the USB port manager 515 may be software frameworks executed by the processor 210, and each of them may include at least one program, code, and / or application programming interface (API).

[0104] In this embodiment, the USB driver 520, Ethernet driver 525, and PDIC driver 530 can be software kernels executed by the processor 210, and can handle the interaction between hardware components (e.g., USB controller 535 or PDIC chipset 540) and software components (e.g., USB frame 505, network frame 510, and USB port manager 515). The USB driver 520 can control power delivery through the PDIC driver 530, handle the interaction between the USB controller 535 corresponding to the USB hardware and the USB frame 505, and transmit USB connections to the Ethernet driver 525.

[0105] In this embodiment, the USB controller 535 can communicate with the USB frame 505 and the Ethernet driver 525 via the USB driver 520. The network frame 510 can establish a connection with the external electronic device 202 via the USB frame 505 and the Ethernet driver 525, and perform communication through the connection. In this embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is connected to the external electronic device 202 via the Ethernet adapter 500 for performing USB-Ethernet conversion, the Ethernet driver 525 can be a software program executed by the processor 210 to provide hardware and software interaction between the network frame 510, which executes in the operating system (OS) of the electronic device 200, and the Ethernet connector 560 included in the Ethernet adapter 500. The Ethernet driver 525 can access the USB controller 535 via the USB driver 520, and the USB controller 535 can control the Ethernet chipset 555 within the Ethernet adapter 500 to allow the external electronic device 202, which supports Ethernet connectivity, to access the network. Network framework 510 can establish and maintain tethered connections (hereinafter referred to as "Ethernet tethered connections") on Ethernet between electronic device 200 and external electronic device 202, and communicate with Ethernet driver 525 via API.

[0106] In one embodiment, electronic device 200 can be connected to external electronic device 202, whose user wishes to receive tethered services via USB connector 545. In another embodiment, electronic device 200 can be connected to external electronic device 202 via Ethernet adapter 500, and then to USB connector 545.

[0107] In an embodiment, the Ethernet adapter 500 may include a USB connector 550 and an Ethernet connector 560 (e.g., an RJ45 connector), the USB connector 550 being physically in contact with a USB connector 545 of the electronic device 200. The Ethernet connector 560 may be connected via an Ethernet cable 565 to an Ethernet connector 570 (e.g., an RJ45 connector) of an external electronic device 202. An Ethernet chipset 555 included in the Ethernet adapter 500 may handle the adaptation between the USB connector 550 and the Ethernet connector 560.

[0108] In this embodiment, when the electronic device 200 operates in tethered mode, the public network 206 between the electronic device 200 and the Internet server 300, and the tethered connection 204 between the electronic device 200 and the external electronic device 202, can be configured separately (independently). When the IP address of the electronic device 200 changes in tethered mode, communication failures through the tethered connection 204 between the electronic device 200 and the external electronic device 202 may not occur, and the electronic device 200 may not need to reconfigure the tethered connection 204.

[0109] Figure 6 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating a communication failure between electronic device 200 and external electronic device 202 in bridging mode according to an embodiment.

[0110] refer to Figure 6 In operation 605, electronic device 200 can recognize a physical connection to external electronic device 202 via an Ethernet cable (e.g., Ethernet cable 565). In an embodiment, electronic device 202 can be connected to the USB connector 550 of Ethernet adapter 500 via USB connector 545, and the Ethernet connector 560 of Ethernet adapter 500 can be connected to the Ethernet connector 570 of external electronic device 202 via cable 565 (e.g., a cable supporting a local area network (LAN), hereinafter referred to as a LAN cable).

[0111] In operation 610, electronic device 200 can be configured to establish an Ethernet tethered connection with external electronic device 202, which is a client device desiring tethered service. In an embodiment, the Ethernet tethered connection can be configured in bridged mode based on internal settings (e.g., user-inputted settings). In an embodiment, network framework 510 of electronic device 200 can identify (enumerate) connections to external electronic device 202 via Ethernet driver 525 and establish an Ethernet tethered connection with external electronic device 202. In an embodiment, establishing the Ethernet tethered connection may include assigning an IP address to external electronic device 202. In bridged mode, electronic device 200 can assign an IP address to external electronic device 202 that is the same as the IP address of electronic device 200 (e.g., IP address 404).

[0112] In operation 615, external electronic device 202 can request an IP address for Internet service via an Ethernet tethered connection to electronic device 200. In operation 620, electronic device 200 can transmit the assigned IP address to external electronic device 202 in response to the request. Although in Figure 6 Although not shown, external electronic device 202 can use the assigned IP address to receive Internet services through electronic device 200.

[0113] In operation 625, electronic device 200 may change its own IP address (e.g., IP address 404). In one embodiment, electronic device 200 may change its IP address when switching between a cellular network and a Wi-Fi network. In another embodiment, electronic device 200 may change its IP address when switching between a first network and a second network with different IP address ranges. In operation 630, electronic device 200 may re-establish an Ethernet tethered connection with external electronic device 202 to allow the external electronic device to use the new IP address after the IP address change. By re-establishing the connection, external electronic device 202 can receive the allocation of a new IP address from electronic device 200.

[0114] In operation 635, external electronic device 202 may be unaware of the IP address change and new IP address allocation performed by electronic device 200. When external electronic device 202 attempts to continuously use Internet service using the previous IP address, Internet access using the previous IP address may fail. For example, when receiving a data packet containing the previous IP address from external electronic device 202, electronic device 200 may discard the data packet instead of sending it over public network 206. Similarly, when receiving a data packet containing the previous IP address of external electronic device 202 from public network 206, electronic device 200 may discard the data packet instead of sending it to external electronic device.

[0115] To update the external electronic device 202 with a new IP address, the Ethernet cable 565 connecting the Ethernet adapter 500 and the external electronic device may need to be disconnected and reconnected. This can be inconvenient for the user and cause unnecessary communication interruptions. In the following embodiment, the IP address of the external electronic device can be updated without any physical reconnection between the electronic device 200 and the external electronic device 202, and communication failures with the external electronic device 202 can be prevented when the electronic device 202 is operating in bridged mode.

[0116] Figure 7 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating the communication between electronic device 200 and external electronic device 202 according to the change of IP address in the embodiment.

[0117] refer to Figure 7 In operation 705, electronic device 200 can recognize a connection to external electronic device 202 via, for example, an Ethernet cable 565. In an embodiment, electronic device 202 can be connected to the USB connector 550 of Ethernet adapter 500 via USB connector 545, and the Ethernet connector 560 of Ethernet connector 500 can be connected to the Ethernet connector 570 of external electronic device 202 via Ethernet cable 565.

[0118] In operation 710, electronic device 200 may establish a first Ethernet tethered connection with external electronic device 202. Establishing the first Ethernet tethered connection may include the allocation of an IP address (e.g., a first IP address) to external electronic device 202. In operation 715, external electronic device 202 may request an IP address from electronic device 200 for Internet services. In operation 720, electronic device 200 may transmit the first IP address allocated to external electronic device 202 via the established first Ethernet tethered connection to external electronic device 202. The first IP address of external electronic device 202 may be the same as (e.g., in bridged mode) or different (e.g., in tethered mode) the IP address used by electronic device 200 when it accesses Internet server 300 via public network 206.

[0119] In operation 725, electronic device 200 can recognize changes to its own IP address. For example, electronic device 200 can change its own IP address from 10.20.30.40 to 10.20.30.50. In an embodiment, electronic device 200 can change its IP address when switching between a cellular network and a Wi-Fi network. For example, when electronic device 200 uses IP address 10.20.30.40 to communicate with an internet server via a cellular network and moves from a cellular network to a Wi-Fi network, electronic device 200 can use IP address 10.20.30.50 to communicate with the internet server via the Wi-Fi network. In another embodiment, electronic device 200 can change its IP address when switching between a first network and a second network with different IP address ranges. Electronic device 200 can change its IP address for various reasons, and the detailed process is not limited in this disclosure.

[0120] In operation 730, electronic device 200 can determine whether a bridging mode is configured for a first Ethernet tethered connection with external electronic device 202. If the first Ethernet tethered connection is not configured in bridging mode, but rather in, for example, tethered mode, electronic device 200 can proceed to operation 765, in which case the first Ethernet tethered connection can be maintained. On the other hand, if the first Ethernet tethered connection is configured in bridging mode, in operation 735, electronic device 200 can disable the Ethernet driver 525 associated with the first Ethernet tethered connection. In an embodiment, by disabling the Ethernet driver 525, the network frame 510 of electronic device 200 can terminate the first Ethernet tethered connection or temporarily suspend the connection. In an embodiment, by disabling the Ethernet driver 525, external electronic device 202 can recognize that the first Ethernet tethered connection with electronic device 200 has been disconnected.

[0121] In operation 740, electronic device 200 can reactivate Ethernet driver 525. In operation 745, external electronic device 202 can identify the connection to electronic device 200 via Ethernet based on the activation of Ethernet driver 525.

[0122] In operation 750, electronic device 200 can establish a second Ethernet tethered connection with external electronic device 202 upon activation of Ethernet driver 525. Upon establishment of the second Ethernet tethered connection, a new IP address (e.g., a second IP address) can be assigned to external electronic device 202. Since electronic device 200 is configured to operate in bridged mode, the second IP address of external electronic device 202 can be the same as the new IP address of electronic device 200 changed in operation 725 (e.g., 10.20.30.50).

[0123] In operation 755, external electronic device 202 can send an IP address request for using Internet service to electronic device 200 via electronic device 200. In operation 760, electronic device 200 can respond to the IP address request from external electronic device 202 by transmitting a second IP address assigned to external electronic device 202. In operation 765, electronic device 200 can use the second IP address of external electronic device 202 to provide Internet service to external electronic device 202 via a second Ethernet tethered connection.

[0124] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electronic device 200 according to the change of IP address in an embodiment. In this embodiment, the following operations may be performed by the processor 210 of the electronic device 200.

[0125] refer to Figure 8 In operation 805, via interface module 240, processor 210 can identify that electronic device 200 is connected to external electronic device 202 via Ethernet. In an embodiment, processor 210 (e.g., Ethernet driver 525) can identify that Ethernet connector 570 of external electronic device 202 is connected to Ethernet connector 560 of Ethernet adapter 500 via Ethernet cable 565. In operation 810, processor 210 can establish a first Ethernet tethered connection with external electronic device 202 and provide Internet service to external electronic device through the first Ethernet tethered connection. In an embodiment, processor 210 can establish the first Ethernet tethered connection by executing at least one of network framework 510 and Ethernet driver 525. In an embodiment, establishing the first Ethernet tethered connection may include assigning an IP address (e.g., a first IP address) to external electronic device 202.

[0126] In operation 815, processor 210 can recognize that the IP address of electronic device 200 has been changed to a new IP address. In an embodiment, processor 210 can recognize that electronic device 200 has moved from a first public network (e.g., a cellular network or a Wi-Fi network) to a second public network (e.g., a cellular network or a Wi-Fi network) and has received the allocation of a new IP address to be used in the second public network via wireless communication module 215.

[0127] In operation 820, processor 210 can determine whether the first Ethernet tethered connection for external electronic device 202 is configured in bridged mode in response to a change in the IP address of electronic device 200. If the first Ethernet tethered connection is not configured in bridged mode, processor 210 can proceed to operation 840. On the other hand, if the first Ethernet tethered connection is configured in bridged mode, processor 210 can proceed to operation 825.

[0128] When in a first Ethernet tethered connection in bridged mode, in operation 825, processor 210 may disable the Ethernet driver 525 associated with the first Ethernet tethered connection in response to a change in IP address. In an embodiment, processor 210 (executing, for example, network frame 510) may input a disable command (e.g., API's claimInterface()) into the Ethernet driver 525. Here, API's claimInterface() may be an API command used to disconnect the connection between network frame 510 and Ethernet driver 525. Ethernet driver 525 can be disabled by the disable command, and processor 210 (executing, for example, network frame 510) can consider the Ethernet connection to external electronics 202 to be disconnected. Therefore, external electronics 202 can also be considered to disconnect the Ethernet connection to electronics 200.

[0129] In the first Ethernet tethered connection in bridged mode, after the Ethernet driver 525 is deactivated in response to a change in IP address, the processor 210 can activate the Ethernet driver 525 in operation 830. In an embodiment, the processor 210 (executing, for example, network frame 510) can input an activation command (e.g., API's releaseInterface()) to the Ethernet driver 525. Here, the API's releaseInterface() may be an API command used to re-establish the connection between the network frame 510 and the Ethernet driver 525. The Ethernet driver 525 can be activated by the activation command, and the network frame 510 can recognize the Ethernet connection to the external electronic device 202 via Ethernet. Similarly, the external electronic device 202 can recognize the Ethernet connection to the electronic device 200.

[0130] In operation 835, processor 210 can establish a second Ethernet tethered connection with external electronic device 202. In an embodiment, processor 210 can control network framework 510 to establish the second Ethernet tethered connection. Establishing the second Ethernet tethered connection may include assigning an IP address (e.g., a second IP address) to external electronic device 202. In an embodiment, the second IP address in bridged mode may be the same as a new IP address (i.e., a changed IP address) for electronic device 200.

[0131] In operation 840, processor 210 can use a second IP address to provide Internet service to external electronic device 202 via a second Ethernet tethered connection.

[0132] Figure 9 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating the communication between electronic device 200 and external electronic device 202 when switching to bridge mode in an embodiment.

[0133] refer to Figure 9 In operation 905, electronic device 200 can recognize a connection to external electronic device 202 via an Ethernet cable (e.g., Ethernet cable 565). In an embodiment, electronic device 202 can be connected to the USB connector 550 of Ethernet adapter 500 via USB connector 545, and the Ethernet connector 560 of Ethernet connector 500 can be connected to the Ethernet connector 570 of external electronic device 202 via Ethernet cable 565.

[0134] In operation 910, electronic device 200 can establish a first Ethernet tethered connection with external electronic device 202. In an embodiment, the first Ethernet tethered connection can be established in tethered mode when bridging mode is not configured in electronic device 200. In operation 915, external electronic device 202 can request an IP address for Internet service from electronic device 200. In operation 920, electronic device 200 can transmit an IP address (e.g., a first IP address) assigned to external electronic device 202 to external electronic device 202 via the establishment of the first Ethernet tethered connection. In tethered mode, the first IP address of external electronic device 202 may be different from the IP address used when electronic device 200 accesses Internet server 300 via public network 206 (e.g., 10.20.30.40).

[0135] In operation 925, electronic device 200 can recognize that the bridging mode was configured by user input. For example, when providing internet service to external electronic device 202 via a first Ethernet tethered connection, electronic device 200 can receive user input requesting a switch to bridging mode and switch to bridging mode. In operation 930, electronic device 200 can disable the Ethernet driver 525 associated with the first Ethernet tethered connection in response to the switch to bridging mode. In an embodiment, by disabling the Ethernet driver 525, the network framework 510 of electronic device 200 can terminate the first Ethernet tethered connection or temporarily suspend the connection. In an embodiment, by disabling the Ethernet driver 525, external electronic device 202 can recognize that the first Ethernet tethered connection with electronic device 200 has been disconnected.

[0136] In operation 935, electronic device 200 can reactivate Ethernet driver 525. In operation 940, external electronic device 202 can identify the connection to electronic device 200 via Ethernet based on the activation of Ethernet driver 525.

[0137] In operation 945, electronic device 200 can establish a second Ethernet tethered connection with external electronic device 202 based on the activation of Ethernet driver 525. Based on the establishment of the second Ethernet tethered connection, a new IP address (e.g., a second IP address) can be assigned to external electronic device 202. Since electronic device 200 has switched to bridged mode, the second IP address of external electronic device 202 can be the same as the IP address of electronic device 200 (e.g., 10.20.30.40).

[0138] In operation 950, external electronic device 202 can transmit an IP address request for Internet service to electronic device 200 via electronic device 200. In operation 955, electronic device 200 can, in response to the IP address request from external electronic device 202, transmit a second IP address assigned to external electronic device 202. In operation 960, electronic device 200 can use the second IP address of external electronic device 202 to provide Internet service to external electronic device 202 via a second Ethernet tethered connection.

[0139] Figure 10a , Figure 10b and Figure 10c The user interface (user experience (UX)) for switching electronic device 200 to bridge mode is shown in the embodiment.

[0140] refer to Figure 10aThe processor 210 can display the bridge mode activation menu 1010a on the network settings screen 1005 for Ethernet tethered connections via the output module 230 (e.g., a display).

[0141] refer to Figure 10b In response to user input to activate the bridging mode menu 1010a, the processor 210 can display a selection menu 1015 that includes a list of external electronic devices connected to the Ethernet connector 560. For example, the selection menu 1015 may include the device name of the external electronic device 202, such as LAPTOP-XXXX.

[0142] refer to Figure 10c In response to user input that selects the device name of the external electronic device 202 in the selection menu 1015 to be in bridging mode, the processor 210 can activate the bridging mode for the Ethernet tethered connection to the external electronic device 202. In an embodiment, the processor 210 can store parameters indicating the bridging mode in memory 235 and refer to these parameters when establishing and controlling the Ethernet tethered connection to the external electronic device 202 using the network framework 510.

[0143] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of electronic device 200 when switched to bridge mode in an embodiment. In this embodiment, the following operations may be performed by processor 210 of electronic device 200.

[0144] refer to Figure 11 In operation 1105, processor 210 can identify that electronic device 200 is connected to external electronic device 202 via Ethernet. In an embodiment, via Ethernet driver 525, processor 210 can identify that Ethernet connector 570 of external electronic device 202 is connected to Ethernet connector 560 of Ethernet adapter 500 via Ethernet cable 565. In operation 1110, processor 210 can establish a first Ethernet tethered connection with external electronic device 202 and provide Internet service to external electronic device via the Ethernet tethered connection. In an embodiment, establishing the first Ethernet tethered connection may include assigning an IP address (e.g., a first IP address) to external electronic device 202. In an embodiment, processor 210 can establish the first Ethernet tethered connection in tethered mode according to the default settings or user settings of electronic device 200. Therefore, the first IP address of external electronic device 202 used in the first Ethernet tethered connection in tethered mode may be different from the IP address of electronic device 200 (e.g., 10.20.30.40).

[0145] In operation 1115, processor 210 can recognize that the first Ethernet tethered connection will be switched to bridged mode. For example, processor 210 can... Figure 10a , Figure 10b and Figure 10c The UX receives user input configuring the bridging mode of external electronics 202 and switches the first Ethernet tethered connection to bridging mode. In operation 1120, in response to the first Ethernet tethered connection switching from tethered mode to bridging mode, processor 210 can disable the Ethernet driver 525 associated with the first Ethernet tethered connection. In an embodiment, processor 210 can control network framework 510 to input a disable command (e.g., API's claimInterface()) to Ethernet driver 525. Ethernet driver 525 can be disabled via the disable command, and network framework 510 can consider the Ethernet connection with external electronics 202 to be disconnected. Therefore, external electronics 202 can also be considered to disconnect its Ethernet connection with electronics 200.

[0146] In operation 1125, processor 210 can activate Ethernet driver 525. In an embodiment, processor 210 can control network framework 510 to input an activation command (e.g., API's releaseInterface()) to Ethernet driver 525. Ethernet driver 525 can be activated by the activation command, and network framework 510 can recognize the connection to external electronics 202 via Ethernet. Similarly, external electronics 202 can recognize the Ethernet connection to electronics 200.

[0147] In operation 1130, processor 210 can establish a second Ethernet tethered connection with external electronic device 202. In an embodiment, processor 210 can control network frame 510 to establish the second Ethernet tethered connection. In an embodiment, processor 210 can establish the second Ethernet tethered connection in bridging mode based on parameters indicating a bridging mode, the bridging mode being, for example, through... Figure 10a , Figure 10b and Figure 10c The user input shown is used for configuration. Establishing a second Ethernet tethered connection may include assigning an IP address (e.g., a second IP address) to the external electronic device 202. According to an embodiment, the second IP address in bridged mode may be the same as the IP address of the electronic device 200 (e.g., 10.20.30.40).

[0148] In operation 1135, processor 210 can use a second IP address to provide Internet service to external electronic devices via a second Ethernet tethered connection.

[0149] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device 200 according to a USB communication device category in an embodiment. In this embodiment, the following operations may replace... Figure 11 Operations 1120 and 1125.

[0150] refer to Figure 12 In operation 1205, processor 210 can identify the USB category indicating the use of external electronic device 202 connected to electronic device 200 via USB connector 545 and Ethernet adapter 500. The USB category can specify the use of external electronic device 202 and can, for example, have one of the values ​​in [Table 1] below.

[0151] [Table 1]

[0152]

[0153]

[0154] Electronic device 200 may include a USB port, an Ethernet port, and a multi-port adapter providing HDMI output. In the case of a multi-port adapter, file transfer failures may occur between external electronic device 202 and electronic device 200 when the Ethernet connection is lost and subsequently re-established, regardless of USB CDC, for example, when external electronic device 202 includes USB storage. Furthermore, maintaining connectivity between external electronic device 200 and electronic device 202 is also necessary, for example, when external electronic device 202 includes HID such as a keyboard or mouse.

[0155] To prevent the aforementioned problems, in operation 1205, the processor 210 can determine whether the USB category of the external electronic device 202 indicates HID (03h) or mass storage (08h). If the external electronic device 202 is used as HID or mass storage, the processor 210 can terminate the process. Figure 12 On the other hand, if the external electronic device 202 is not used as HID or mass storage, the processor 210 can execute a command, such as the API's claimInterface(), to deactivate the Ethernet driver 525 associated with the external electronic device 202 in operation 1210. Subsequently, in operation 1215, the processor 210 can execute a command, such as the API's releaseInterface(), to reactivate the Ethernet driver 525.

[0156] In one embodiment, processor 210 may temporarily disable the Ethernet driver 525, which executes on the kernel, in connection with an external electronic device 202 connected to electronic device 200 using a USB host API. In another embodiment, the USB host API may be a set of APIs that allow the USB host functionality of electronic device 200 operating on Android OS to be implemented directly in the application. In this case, within the API set, claimInterface() can be used to disconnect the connection between network frame 510 and Ethernet driver 525, and releaseInterface() can be used to rebuild the connection between network frame 510 and Ethernet driver 525. Processor 210 can provide the effect of disconnecting and then reconnecting the connection between Ethernet connector 560 and Ethernet connector 570 by sequentially executing claimInterface() and releaseInterface().

[0157] In operation 1220, processor 210 may determine whether an additional external electronic device is connected to electronic device 200. In an embodiment, when electronic device 200 includes a multiport adapter, processor 210 may perform operations 1205, 1210, and 1215 on multiple external electronic devices connected via the multiport adapter.

[0158] The advantages that can be obtained through the above embodiments are described below.

[0159] In some embodiments of this disclosure, it may not be necessary to physically release the cable connection, and the USB connection may be rebuilt only for the external electronic device 202 corresponding to a specific USB port among a plurality of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device 200.

[0160] In some embodiments of this disclosure, without any physical release of the Ethernet cable connection used to connect the electronic device 200 and the external electronic device 202, or without any physical removal of the external electronic device, a user can conveniently switch the Ethernet tethered connection of the external electronic device 202 to bridged mode by obtaining a new IP address and providing it to the external electronic device 202 simply by controlling the configuration of the electronic device 200.

[0161] According to an embodiment, the method of using an operating electronic device 200 for wireless communication includes the following operations: 810 establishing a first Ethernet tethered connection with an external electronic device using an Ethernet driver 525 executed by the processor 210 of the electronic device; using a first IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the first Ethernet tethered connection; providing Internet service to the external electronic device via the first Ethernet tethered connection; 815 recognizing a change in the IP address of the electronic device while providing Internet service; 820 recognizing whether the first Ethernet tethered connection is in bridging mode when a change in the first IP address of the electronic device is recognized; 825 deactivating the Ethernet driver in response to recognizing that the IP address of the electronic device has changed while providing Internet service and the first Ethernet tethered connection is in bridging mode; 830 reactivating the deactivated Ethernet driver after deactivation; establishing a second Ethernet tethered connection with the external electronic device using the reactivated Ethernet driver in operation 835; and providing Internet service to the external electronic device via the second Ethernet tethered connection using a second IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the second Ethernet tethered connection in operation 840.

[0162] In an embodiment, disabling the Ethernet driver may include inputting a deactivation command to the Ethernet driver from the network framework handling the first Ethernet tethered connection when the first Ethernet tethered connection is identified as being in bridged mode.

[0163] In an embodiment, the deactivation command may include the command "claimInterface()" from the application programmable interface (API) between the network framework and the Ethernet driver.

[0164] In an embodiment, reactivating a deactivated Ethernet driver may include inputting an activation command from the network frame that handles the first Ethernet tethered connection into the Ethernet driver after it has been deactivated.

[0165] In an embodiment, the deactivation command may include the command "releaseInterface()" of the application programmable interface (API) between the network framework and the Ethernet driver.

[0166] In an embodiment, the method may further include disabling Network Address Translation (NAT) in the second Ethernet tethered connection in bridged mode. In an embodiment, the second IP address may be the same as the IP address of the electronic device.

[0167] According to an embodiment, the method of using the operating electronic device 200 for wireless communication includes the following operations: 1110 establishing a first Ethernet tethered connection for an external electronic device via an Ethernet driver 525 executed by the processor 210 of the electronic device; 1110 providing Internet service to the external electronic device using a first IP address allocated via the establishment of the first Ethernet tethered connection; 1120 deactivating the Ethernet driver upon recognizing a situation 1115 in which a bridging mode for the external electronic device is configured via user input while providing Internet service; 1125 reactivating the deactivated Ethernet driver after deactivation; 1130 establishing a second Ethernet connection for the external electronic device using the reactivated Ethernet driver; and 1135 providing Internet service to the external electronic device using a second IP address allocated via the establishment of the second Ethernet tethered connection.

[0168] In an embodiment, disabling the Ethernet driver may include the operation of inputting a deactivation command from the network frame handling the first Ethernet tethered connection to the Ethernet driver when it is recognized that a bridging mode for external electronic devices is configured via user input while providing Internet service through the first Ethernet tethered connection.

[0169] In an embodiment, the deactivation command may include the command "claimInterface()" from the application programmable interface (API) between the network framework and the Ethernet driver.

[0170] In an embodiment, reactivating a deactivated Ethernet driver may include inputting an activation command from the network frame that handles the first Ethernet tethered connection into the Ethernet driver.

[0171] In an embodiment, the activation command may include the command "releaseInterface()" of the application programmable interface (API) between the network framework and the Ethernet driver.

[0172] In an embodiment, the method may further include disabling the Network Address Translation (NAT) function in the second Ethernet tether in bridging mode when the first Ethernet tethered connection is identified as being in bridging mode, and the second IP address may be the same as the IP address of the electronic device.

[0173] The method of using the operating electronic device 200 for wireless communication according to an embodiment may include operation of displaying a network settings screen 1005, the network settings screen including a bridging mode activation menu 1010a associated with at least one Ethernet tethered connection for at least one external electronic device, operation of displaying a selection menu 1015 including a list of at least one external electronic device connected to the electronic device in response to detecting a first user input on the bridging mode activation menu 1010a, operation of storing parameters for activating the bridging mode for the Ethernet tethered connection with the first external electronic device in response to detecting a second user input that selects the device name of the first external electronic device on the selection menu 1015, and operation of establishing an Ethernet tethered connection with the first external electronic device in the bridging mode.

[0174] In an embodiment, the method may further include switching the Ethernet tethered connection with the first external electronic device to bridged mode in response to parameters used to activate the bridged mode.

[0175] Some embodiments of the above-described embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented using hardware, firmware, or by executing software or computer code that can be stored in recording media such as CD-ROM, digital multifunction disc (DVD), magnetic tape, RAM, floppy disk, hard disk, or magneto-optical disk, or by computer code downloaded over a network and initially stored on a remote recording medium or a non-transitory machine-readable medium and then stored on a local recording medium, thereby presenting the methods described herein via software that can be stored on a recording medium or in programmable or special-purpose hardware such as ASIC or FPGA, and can be used with a general-purpose computer or special-purpose processor. As understood in the art, a computer, processor, microprocessor controller, or programmable hardware includes memory components such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc., which can store or receive software or computer code that, when accessed and executed by a computer, processor, or hardware, implements the processing methods described herein.

[0176] Although this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the disclosure as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: Interface module; as well as At least one processor connected to the interface module. At least one processor is configured as follows: By using an Ethernet driver executed by at least one processor, a first Ethernet tethered connection is established with an external electronic device via an interface module. Using the first IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the first Ethernet tethered connection, Internet service is provided to the external electronic device through the first Ethernet tethered connection. While providing internet services, it can identify changes in the IP address of electronic devices. When a change in the IP address of an electronic device is detected, it is determined whether the first Ethernet tethered connection is in bridged mode. In response to the detection that the IP address of an electronic device has been changed while providing Internet service and the first Ethernet tethered connection is in bridged mode, the Ethernet driver is disabled. Reactivate the disabled Ethernet driver after disabling it. A second Ethernet tethered connection is established with external electronic devices by using a reactivated Ethernet driver, and Using the second IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the second Ethernet tethered connection, Internet service is provided to the external electronic device through the second Ethernet tethered connection. 2.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, At least one processor is also configured to execute a network framework and an Ethernet driver configured to handle the first Ethernet tethered connection, and at least one processor is also configured to control the network framework to activate or deactivate the Ethernet driver. 3.The electronic device of claim 2, wherein, At least one processor is also configured to control the network framework to transmit activation or deactivation commands to the Ethernet driver to activate or deactivate the Ethernet driver. 4.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein The interface module is configured to connect to an Ethernet adapter via a USB connector, wherein the Ethernet adapter is configured to convert between Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Ethernet and is connected to an Ethernet connector of an external electronic device. 5.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein In response to the identification that the first Ethernet tethered connection is in bridged mode, at least one processor is also configured to disable Network Address Translation (NAT) in the second Ethernet tethered connection in bridged mode, and the second IP address is the same as the changed IP address of the electronic device.

6. An electronic device comprising: Interface module; as well as At least one processor connected to the interface module. At least one processor is configured as follows: By using an Ethernet driver executed by at least one processor, a first Ethernet tethered connection is established with an external electronic device via an interface module. Internet service is provided to the external electronic device via the first Ethernet tethered connection using the first IP address assigned to the external electronic device through the establishment of the first Ethernet tethered connection. When it is detected that a bridging mode for external electronic devices has been configured via user input while providing internet service, the Ethernet driver is disabled. Reactivate the disabled Ethernet driver after disabling it. A second Ethernet tethered connection is established with external electronic devices in bridged mode by using a reactivated Ethernet driver, and Internet services are provided to external electronic devices via the second Ethernet tethered connection using the second IP address assigned to the external electronic device through the establishment of the second Ethernet tethered connection. 7.The electronic device of claim 6, wherein At least one processor is also configured to execute a network framework and an Ethernet driver configured to handle the first Ethernet tethered connection, and at least one processor is also configured to control the network framework to activate or deactivate the Ethernet driver. 8.The electronic device of claim 7, wherein, At least one processor is also configured to control the network framework to transmit activation or deactivation commands to the Ethernet driver to activate or deactivate the Ethernet driver. 9.The electronic device of claim 6, wherein The interface module is configured to connect to an Ethernet adapter via a USB connector, wherein the Ethernet adapter is configured to convert between Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Ethernet and is connected to an Ethernet connector of an external electronic device. 10.The electronic device of claim 8, wherein When the first Ethernet tethered connection is identified as being in bridged mode, at least one processor is also configured to disable Network Address Translation (NAT) in the second Ethernet tethered connection in bridged mode, and the second IP address is the same as the changed IP address of the electronic device.

11. A method of operating an electronic device for wireless communication, the method comprising: A first Ethernet tethered connection with an external electronic device is established by using an Ethernet driver executed by the processor of the external electronic device; Using the first IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the first Ethernet tethered connection, Internet service is provided to the external electronic device via the first Ethernet tethered connection; Identify changes in the IP address of electronic devices while providing internet services; When a change in the IP address of an electronic device is detected, determine whether the first Ethernet tethered connection is in bridged mode; In response to the detection that the IP address of the electronic device has been changed while providing Internet service and the first Ethernet tethered connection is in bridged mode, the Ethernet driver is disabled; Reactivate the deactivated Ethernet driver after it has been deactivated; A second Ethernet tethered connection to an external electronic device is established by using a reactivated Ethernet driver; as well as Using the second IP address assigned to the external electronic device via the establishment of the second Ethernet tethered connection, Internet service is provided to the external electronic device through the second Ethernet tethered connection.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The deactivation of the Ethernet driver also includes, when the first Ethernet tethered connection is detected to be in bridged mode, inputting a deactivation command to the Ethernet driver from the network frame handling the first Ethernet tethered connection. Among them, the deactivation command includes the command "claimInterface()" for the application programmable interface (API) between the network framework and the Ethernet driver.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Reactivation of a deactivated Ethernet driver also includes: after deactivating the Ethernet driver, inputting an activation command to the Ethernet driver from the network frame that handled the first Ethernet tethered connection. Among them, the activation command includes the command "releaseInterface()" for the application programmable interface (API) between the network framework and the Ethernet driver.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising disabling Network Address Translation (NAT) in the second Ethernet tethered connection in bridged mode.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The second IP address is the same as the changed IP address of the electronic device.

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