APPROACH TO SELECTING A PREFERRED NETWORK USING MULTIPLE CONNECTIVITY CHIP SETS

Abstract

Technologies related to network scanning are described. An initial network scan is performed within a first frequency band. A network is selected based on this initial scan. Based on this selection, a second network scan is performed within a second frequency band that differs from the first.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the preliminary US application No. 63 / 645704 filed on May 10, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In wireless environments, network scanning by client devices is used to detect and identify available networks in the vicinity. Many networks support access points (APs) across multiple frequency bands, including the relatively new 6 GHz band. Brief description of the different views of the figures

[0003] For the sake of simplicity in the discussion of respective elements or processes, the highest-value digit or digits in the reference symbols refer to the number of the figure in which this element is initially introduced. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a wireless device according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of network scan logic operations according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for initiating a connection to a network according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a method 400 according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0004] This section describes technologies related to scanning for known or priority networks. Network scanning can refer to background network scanning or preferred network access point (PNO) scanning, which are processes by which a wireless local area network (WLAN)-enabled device searches for and selects a suitable or optimal network to connect to. PNOs often consider various criteria, such as signal strength, channel quality, and network load. For dual-band access points (APs) operating in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, a network scan can locate and select an AP based on multiple factors.For example, the 5 GHz band provides higher speeds but has a shorter range, so facilities closer to the access point (AP) might prefer the 5 GHz band for better performance, while facilities farther away or obstructed by walls might choose the 2.4 GHz band. The same logic applies between the 6 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with the 6 GHz band providing higher speeds than the 5 GHz band but having a shorter range. Traditionally, during a network scan, a wireless device sequentially scans the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and sometimes the 6 GHz band (if appropriate) to find and select a network. In the case of a tri-band AP (i.e., one that uses both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands), the 6 GHz band is used to scan the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and sometimes the 6 GHz bands (if appropriate) in turn.With an access point (AP) operating in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, networks found in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band may be detected and considered for connection first, before the wireless setup scans for networks in the 6 GHz band. This can negatively impact the wireless setup, as viable connections within 6 GHz might not be considered before a connection is initiated in either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band.

[0005] Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure address the aforementioned problem and other problems by providing network scans that first search for a suitable network within the 2.4 GHz and / or 5 GHz bands and, after finding the suitable network, perform a network scan within the 6 GHz band to locate an access point (AP) at the same location (e.g., a second AP) that corresponds to the suitable network. In at least some embodiments, priority can be given to the AP at the same location over an AP at the same location (e.g., a first AP) found within the 2.4 GHz and / or 5 GHz bands. Aspects and embodiments can provide network scans that consider 6 GHz links after finding a suitable network while scanning in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band.

[0006] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a wireless device 100 according to one embodiment. The wireless device 100 may comprise a host processor 110 and one or more connectivity chipsets 140. In at least one embodiment, the wireless device 100 may be a client device that performs network scans. These network scans may include the detection, monitoring, and / or analysis of devices or activities across a network. Network scans may generate one or more metrics relating to each identified network, as described in more detail below.

[0007] The Host Processor 110 can serve as the central control unit responsible for executing software applications and / or managing overall system operations. The Host Processor 110 can be connected via an interface to various hardware components, such as memory modules, input / output interfaces, and / or wireless communication subsystems. The Host Processor 110 can be implemented using a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a digital signal processor (DSP). The Host Processor 110 can include one or more processing cores, cache memory, and can support features such as virtualization and security protocols.The Host Processor 110 can run the operating system and software stack at a higher layer, handling tasks such as running applications, managing user interfaces, and coordinating with wireless transceivers for data transmission and reception.

[0008] In some embodiments, the Host Processor 110 can be integrated into a system-on-a-chip (SoC) package, combining the processor with other components, such as memory controllers, peripheral interfaces, and wireless modules, in a single integrated circuit to reduce size and power consumption. It can also include dedicated coprocessors or accelerator elements, such as graphics processing units (GPUs) or neural processing units (NPUs). In some designs, the Host Processor 110 may support multithreading and parallel processing capabilities. Alternatively, the Host Processor 110 can be optimized for low-power operation in energy-saving devices, employing techniques such as dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) and power gating to conserve energy.

[0009] The host processor 110 can include an application layer 112. The application layer 112 can be responsible for running user-level applications and providing a platform for application development and deployment. The application layer 112 can be connected via an interface to the underlying operating system and hardware components to execute these user-level applications. The application layer 112 can include various software modules, libraries, and frameworks that facilitate tasks such as rendering user interfaces, data processing, and network communication. The application layer 112 can enable applications to perform specific functions by granting them access to system resources such as memory, processing power, and input / output peripherals.In some implementations, the application layer may support a multitasking environment, allowing multiple applications to run concurrently while efficiently managing system resources. It may include security features such as authentication protocols, encryption algorithms, and sandboxing techniques to protect against unauthorized access and ensure data integrity.

[0010] The host processor 110 can include a Media Access Control (MAC) interface 114 that communicates with the application layer 112. The MAC interface 114 can be responsible for providing the application layer 112 with the ability to interact with MAC functions of the wireless device 100. These MAC functions can correspond to one or more MAC layers of the connectivity chipsets 140, as described below. The MAC interface 114 can act as an intermediary between higher-level functions, such as those executed by the application layer 112, and the host driver 116's access to MAC layer services, without directly processing lower-level MAC or hardware specifications.

[0011] The host processor 110 can include a host driver 116. The host driver 116 can include a hardware abstraction layer 118, a first driver 120, and a second driver 122. The host driver 116 can facilitate communication between the MAC interface 114 and one or more connectivity chipsets 140. The host driver can include a hardware abstraction layer 118, a first driver 120 (also referred to as DHD1), and a second driver 122 (DHD2).

[0012] The hardware abstraction layer 118 can provide a standardized interface between the host processor's operating system and the underlying hardware components, abstracting hardware-specific details to enable seamless interaction. This hardware abstraction layer 118 allows software to communicate with the hardware at a higher level without requiring the management of hardware operations at a lower level.

[0013] The first driver 120 (DHD1) and the second driver 122 (DHD2) facilitate communication between the connectivity chipsets 140 and the hardware abstraction layer 118, which is connected via an interface to the MAC interface 114 and other hardware components. Drivers 120 and 122 can be used to perform wireless communication tasks, such as network scans, initiating connections, managing packet transmission and reception, and / or processing standard wireless protocols. Drivers 120 and 122 can each be responsible for establishing and maintaining basic network connectivity for various communication chipsets within the connectivity chipsets 140, configuring network parameters, and / or ensuring compliance with standard communication protocols.

[0014] Both drivers 120 and 122 can communicate with the hardware abstraction layer 118 to interact with the underlying hardware without directly managing hardware-specific operations. The hardware abstraction layer 118 provides a standardized interface that abstracts the complexities of the hardware components, allowing the drivers to execute hardware operations at a high level through function calls or APIs. This layer translates driver commands into hardware-specific instructions and manages hardware resources, enabling efficient and secure access to the MAC interface 114 and other components.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first and second drivers 120, 122 may operate independently or together, with the first driver 120 handling the wireless communication functions of a first connectivity chipset 142, while the second driver 122 handles the wireless communication functions of a second connectivity chipset 144.

[0016] Communication between drivers 120 and 122 and the first and second connectivity chipsets 142 and 144 can include standardized protocols and interfaces such as Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe), Universal Serial Bus (USB), Secure Digital Input / Output (SDIO), Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART), Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM), Inter-IC (Integrated Circuit) Sound (I2S), custom inter-process communication mechanisms, or similar. Drivers 120 and 122 can send commands and data to the hardware abstraction layer, which then interacts with the hardware components to perform the necessary operations.

[0017] One or more of the drivers 120, 122 can include network scan logic 124. In at least some embodiments, the drivers 120, 122 can be considered processing units. The network scan logic 124 can comprise software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof that causes the drivers 120, 122 and / or the connectivity chipsets 142, 144 to perform certain tasks, such as scanning for networks. According to embodiments, the network scan logic 124 can perform a preferred network offload (PNO) scan. In at least one embodiment, the network scan logic 124 can cause the wireless device 100 to first perform a first network scan via the first connectivity chipset 142 and then perform a second network scan via the second connectivity chipset 144 based on the result of the first network scan.In at least one embodiment, the first connectivity chipset 142 can be referred to as a primary or central (e.g., master) connectivity chipset, while the second connectivity chipset 144 can be referred to as a secondary or peripheral (e.g., slave) connectivity chipset.

[0018] According to embodiments, during network scan logic operations, networks 124 can be detected either by actively sending probing requests to solicit responses from nearby access points (APs) or by passively monitoring for beacon frames that these nearby APs may periodically broadcast. The network scan logic 124 can evaluate each of these detected networks against a stored list of networks. The networks on this stored list may be networks to which the wireless device 100 has previously connected, or they may be other networks considered to have high priority.The Network Scan Logic 124 can test each detected network by evaluating various metrics, such as whether a particular detected network is on the stored list of networks, or assessing signal strength (sometimes measured by a received signal strength indicator (RSSI)), network security protocols, the Service Set Identifier (SSID), network congestion levels, latency, bandwidth availability, or previous connection performance (e.g., previous connection success rates or speeds), and so on. The Network Scan Logic 124 can rank the detected networks based on these various metrics, and it can select a network based on one or more of these metrics.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first network scan can allow the wireless device to detect 100 networks within one or more frequency bands. These frequency bands can include the 2.4 GHz and / or the 5 GHz frequency band. The second network scan can allow the wireless device to detect 100 networks within one or more frequency bands that are different from those scanned during the first network scan. These frequency bands can include the 5 GHz or the 6 GHz frequency band.

[0020] According to embodiments, the network scan logic 124 can select a first network based on (or during) the first network scan. This first network can provide a suitable connection to the wireless device 100 based on one or more of the various metrics provided above. These various metrics can be based, at least in part, on a first access point (AP) of the first network, wherein the first AP can provide client devices with a connection to the first network within either the 2.4 GHz or the 5 GHz frequency band. In response to the selection of the first network, the network scan logic 124 can perform the second network scan. The second network scan can include searching for a second AP corresponding to the first network. In at least one embodiment, the second AP can be located in the same location as the first AP. For example, the first AP can be a 2.4 GHz AP (i.e., a 2.4 GHz AP).The first network can be an access point (AP) operating in the 2.4 GHz band or a 5 GHz AP (i.e., an AP operating in the 5 GHz band), and the second AP can be a 6 GHz AP (i.e., an AP operating in the 6 GHz band) for the first network. In other words, the second AP can provide client devices with connections to the first network within a frequency band (e.g., the second frequency band) that is higher than the frequency band (e.g., the first frequency band) of the first AP.

[0021] The network scan logic 124 can select the first network using one or more of the metrics mentioned above. In at least some embodiments, the network scan logic 124 can compare these metrics against one or more respective thresholds. Metrics that meet these respective thresholds can indicate that the detected network is suitable for a connection. In at least some cases, the network scan logic 124 can prioritize known networks (i.e., networks to which the wireless device 100 has previously connected) over unknown networks (i.e., networks to which the wireless device 100 has not previously connected). The network scan logic 124 can also prioritize the selection of a detected network based on RSSI values, security protocols, bandwidth availability, latency, or the like.If no detected network has metrics that meet its respective thresholds, the network scan logic 124 can perform another scan (i.e., one or more subsequent network scans) until a suitable network is detected. This suitable network can be a detected network that has one or more relevant metrics that meet its respective thresholds. In some cases, this suitable network can be defined as a detected network to which the wireless facility 100 can establish and maintain a connection.

[0022] Although the network scan logic 124 is described herein as operations of the host driver 116 (or operations of the first driver 120 and / or the second driver 122), some or all of the network scan logic 124 operations may also be performed within the wireless setup 100. For example, the connectivity chipsets 140 may also perform some or all of the network scan logic 124 operations. The connectivity chipsets 140 can communicate with each other via global coexistence interface (GCI) bits, which are intended to coordinate network scan logic 124 operations between the first connectivity chipset 142 and the second connectivity chipset 144. In another embodiment, the network scan logic 124 can also be executed at least partially by the hardware abstraction layer 118 and / or the MAC interface 114 and / or the application layer 112.

[0023] The wireless facility 100 can also include short-range communication stacks 126. Stacks that are part of the short-range communication stacks 126 (e.g., a first stack 128, a second stack 130) can each be connected to one of the connectivity chipsets 140. The stacks 128 and 130 can act as an interface between the connectivity chipsets 140 and the application layer 112. The stacks 128 and 130 can be responsible for implementing protocol-specific operations required for short-range wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth®, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE®), as well as alternative protocols such as Near Field Communication (NFC) or Zigbee®.

[0024] In the case of the Bluetooth® protocol, stacks 128 and 130 can be responsible for various layers of the Bluetooth® architecture, including device discovery, pairing, connection establishment, and data exchange. Stacks 128 and 130 can manage functions such as the Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol (L2CAP), the Attribute Protocol (ATT), and the Generic Attribute Profile (GATT), which are essential for data transmission and device interoperability in BLE® communications. By abstracting the complex details of the Bluetooth® protocol, stacks 128 and 130 can provide simplified interfaces and APIs to application layer 112.

[0025] Alternative short-range communication networks supported by stacks 128 and 130 may also include NFC, which enables secure near-field interactions ideal for contactless payments and data sharing, or Zigbee®, designed for low-power, low-data-rate applications commonly used in Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart home systems. By integrating multiple communication stacks, the wireless setup 100 can allow each stack to operate independently based on operations performed by its respective connectivity chipsets 140 (i.e., the first connectivity chipset 142, the second connectivity chipset 144).

[0026] The connectivity chipsets 140 can comprise one or more connectivity chipsets. Each of these connectivity chipsets can include, among other things, a MAC layer, a physical layer (PHY), and one or more baseband processors. The MAC layer can be responsible for implementing MAC layer protocols that manage how data packets are transmitted and received over the wireless medium. The MAC layer can act as an intermediary between (i) the host driver 116 and / or the short-range communication stacks 126 and (ii) lower-level hardware, software, or firmware (e.g., the host driver 116). The MAC layer can translate high-level data into formatted frames suitable for wireless transmission.The MAC layer can perform tasks such as frame assembly and disassembly, addressing, error detection and correction, and control access to the communication medium to prevent collisions and optimize data flow. Before transmitting data, the MAC layer can encapsulate it into frames with appropriate headers and tags before passing it to the PHY layer for transmission. Conversely, the MAC layer can receive incoming frames from the physical layer, decapsulate them, and forward the extracted data (i.e., via the host driver 116 or the short-range communication stack 126) to the application layer 112 for processing.

[0027] The PHY layer can manage tasks such as modulation, error correction coding, and / or various signal processing functions. During transmission, the PHY layer prepares the signal for the RF (radio frequency) hardware by modulating it to the correct frequency, amplifying it, and filtering out unwanted signals. The PHY layer may include a transmit chain (TX chain) capable of performing these processes. The prepared signal is transmitted by a TX antenna, which broadcasts the signal into the environment. The antenna may be designed to support specific frequency bands and may include multiple antennas (e.g., for MIMO) to increase data capacity and reliability. On the receiving side, a receive chain (RX chain) of the PHY layer begins with the antenna capturing incoming electromagnetic signals via an RX antenna.These signals are filtered, amplified, and down-converted to a baseband signal, which can then be processed using components of the PHY layer. The RX and TX chains can share at least some PHY layer components, such as a shared antenna (e.g., the TX and RX antennas can be the same), but are not limited to this. The received signals can undergo decoding and error correction, enabling the PHY layer to accurately reconstruct the transmitted data.

[0028] The one or more baseband processors can orchestrate operations of the connectivity chipset. For example, once received signals have been down-converted to a baseband signal, the one or more baseband processors can cause the baseband signal to be sampled and digitized (e.g., via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)). The one or more baseband processors can then perform decoding and / or error correction operations using the digitized baseband signal. During signal transmission, the one or more baseband processors can receive digital data from higher layers, such as the MAC layer or the host processor 110. The one or more baseband processors can perform signal processing tasks such as encoding, modulation, or scrambling to prepare the data for transmission across free space.This can involve applying error correction codes, mapping data symbols according to modulation schemes, and dividing the data into frames suitable for the physical medium. After processing, the baseband processor can forward the formatted signal to the high-frequency (RF) front end (e.g., the PHY layer), where it is converted into analog signals, amplified, and transmitted via the antenna.

[0029] When receiving signals, the one or more baseband processors can operate in reverse. They can take analog signals picked up by the antenna and convert them into digital form. The baseband processors can then perform demodulation, decoding, and error correction to extract the original transmitted data. This can include tasks such as synchronizing with the transmitter's timing, equalizing the signal to reduce channel effects, and re-mapping the received symbols into bits.

[0030] In addition to signal transmission and reception, baseband processors can facilitate intercommunication between multiple connectivity chipsets (e.g., between the first connectivity chipset 142 and the second connectivity chipset 144) within the wireless device 100. This intercommunication can support the coordination of operations between the different connectivity chipsets and help ensure efficient coexistence of different wireless technologies (or APs of different frequency bands) operating simultaneously. In some embodiments, this intercommunication can be achieved using GCI bits, which may be dedicated signals or protocols used for exchanging control information between chipsets.By using GCI bits, baseband processors can share status updates, coordinate timing, and manage access to shared resources such as the RF spectrum. For example, in scenarios where the network scan logic operations 124 are performed at least partially by the first connectivity chipset 142 and / or the second connectivity chipset 144, GCI bits allow the connectivity chipsets to share information about detected networks or status updates about their respective network scans. Additionally, these GCI bits can be used to send instructions between the different connectivity chipsets 142 and 144.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram 200 illustrating an exemplary implementation of operations of the network scan logic 124 according to one embodiment. Some or all of the operations of the network scan logic 124 may correspond to the illustrated diagram 200. As illustrated, the diagram 200 shows operations of a primary connectivity chip 202 and a secondary connectivity chip 204. The primary connectivity chip 202 may include one or more features of the first connectivity chipset 142, while the secondary connectivity chip 204 may include one or more features of the second connectivity chipset 144, as described above. Fig. 1 described. The primary connectivity chip 202 can include one or more features of the first driver 120, and the secondary connectivity chip 204 can include one or more features of the second driver 122. Conversely, the primary connectivity chip 202 can correspond to the second connectivity chipset 144 (and / or the second driver 122), while the secondary connectivity chip 204 can correspond to the first connectivity chipset 142 (and / or the first driver 120). The operations discussed with respect to the illustrated diagram 200 can be performed by the network scan logic 124.

[0032] First, the primary connectivity chip 202 can perform an initial network scan. This initial network scan can include detecting networks that support the 2.4 GHz or the 5 GHz frequency band. To support one of these frequency bands, the detected network can have a corresponding access point (AP) that supports the respective frequency band. This initial network scan can be performed as described above. After the network scan logic 124 has selected the first network, an indication that the first network has been selected can be sent from the primary connectivity chip 202 to the secondary connectivity chip 204. This indication can be sent from the first driver 120 to the second driver 122, or vice versa. In another embodiment, this indication can be sent directly from the first connectivity chipset 142 to the second connectivity chipset 144, or vice versa, via GCI bits.This setting can cause the secondary connectivity chip 204 to search for a 6 GHz access point (AP) corresponding to the first network. This 6 GHz AP can be located in the same location as a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz AP corresponding to the first network.

[0033] Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method 300 for initiating a connection to a network according to one embodiment. The method 300 can be performed by processing logic that may include hardware (e.g., circuits, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, etc.), software (e.g., instructions executed in a processing device to perform hardware simulation), firmware, or a combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the processing logic may relate to one or more parts of a wireless device, such as one or more drivers, a MAC layer, a PHY layer, and / or one or more processors (e.g., the host processor 110). According to embodiments, the processing logic may relate to one or more processing units of a wireless device.The processing logic can comprise one or more processing units and a memory that stores instructions which, when executed by the one or more processing units, perform the procedure 300. One or more operations of the procedure 300 can be performed by the network scan logic 124, as described herein. In at least one embodiment, the processing logic comprises the network scan logic 124. The procedure 300 can also be performed, at least in part, by other units described herein.

[0034] At block 302, the processing logic can instruct a primary connectivity chip, such as the primary connectivity chip 202 (or one of the connectivity chipsets 140), to perform an initial network scan over the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. This initial network scan can include one or more of the features described herein with respect to network scans. In some embodiments, this initial network scan can be a preferred network offload (PNO) scan.

[0035] At decision block 304, the processing logic can determine whether a suitable network was found by the initial network scan. Here, this suitable network can be any network detected by the initial network scan that has one or more relevant metrics that meet one or more respective thresholds. These metrics and thresholds can be as described herein. In some cases, this suitable network can be defined as a detected network to which the wireless device 100 can establish and maintain a connection. In at least one embodiment, the processing logic can determine a suitable network if the wireless device 100 has previously connected to the network.If the processing logic does not find a suitable network, it can repeat the first network scan over the 2.4 GHz frequency band and / or the 5 GHz frequency band. If the processing logic finds a suitable network, it can initiate a second network scan at block 306.

[0036] At block 306, the processing logic can perform a second network scan. This can be performed by a secondary connectivity chip, such as the secondary connectivity chip 204 (or one of the connectivity chipsets 140). This second network scan can be performed over the 6 GHz frequency band. The second network scan can include one or more of the features described herein with respect to network scans. According to embodiments, the second network scan can search for a 6 GHz access point (AP) located in the same location as the 5 GHz AP or the 2.4 GHz AP found during the first network scan. In other words, the second network scan can search for a 6 GHz AP belonging to the same suitable network that was identified or otherwise determined during the first network scan.

[0037] At decision block 308, the processing logic can determine whether this 6 GHz AP has been found. If so, the processing logic can cause the secondary connectivity chip at block 310 to initiate a connection to the 6 GHz AP. If not, the processing logic can cause the secondary connectivity chip to initiate a connection to the AP found during the initial network scan (i.e., a 2.4 GHz AP or a 5 GHz AP). In at least some embodiments, the primary connectivity can initiate the connection to the appropriate network, rather than the secondary connectivity chip initiating the connection to the appropriate network.

[0038] Fig.Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method 400 for performing network scans according to one embodiment. The method 400 can be performed by processing logic that may include hardware (e.g., circuits, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, etc.), software (e.g., instructions executed in a processing device to perform a hardware simulation), firmware, or a combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the processing logic may relate to one or more parts of a wireless device, such as one or more drivers, a MAC layer, a PHY layer, and / or one or more processors (e.g., the host processor 110). According to embodiments, the processing logic may relate to one or more processing units of a wireless device.The processing logic can comprise one or more processing units and a memory that stores instructions which, when executed by the one or more processing units, perform the procedure 400. One or more operations of the procedure 400 can be performed by the network scan logic 124, as described herein. In at least one embodiment, the processing logic comprises the network scan logic 124. The procedure 400 can also be performed, at least in part, by other units described herein.

[0039] At block 402, the processing logic can perform an initial network scan within a first frequency band. During this initial network scan, the processing logic can identify an initial access point (AP) within either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band. This first AP can belong to a network identified during the initial network scan.

[0040] At block 404, the processing logic can select the network. In some embodiments, the network can be selected based on a determination that a first metric corresponding to the first AP satisfies a first threshold. According to embodiments, the network can be selected if a wireless device in which the processing logic is located has previously connected to the network (i.e., the wireless device's network is known).

[0041] At block 406, the processing logic can perform a second network scan within a second frequency band that differs from the first. This second network scan can be performed based on network selection. In some embodiments, the second network scan can only be performed if a suitable network (i.e., a selectable network) is identified during the first network scan. In other words, the second network scan can be performed in response to network selection. In at least some embodiments, the second network scan is intended to detect a second access point (AP) that is part of the selected network. This second AP can operate in the 6 GHz frequency band. During the second network scan, the processing logic can obtain a second metric corresponding to the second AP.If the second metric meets a second threshold, the processing logic can initiate a connection to the second AP within the 6 GHz frequency band. If the second metric does not meet the second threshold, the processing logic can initiate a connection to the first AP within either the 2.4 GHz or the 5 GHz frequency band.

[0042] Numerous details are set forth in the foregoing description. However, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure that embodiments of the present disclosure can also be carried out without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and devices are shown by means of block diagrams rather than in detail, in order to avoid complicating the description. Furthermore, the foregoing description refers to the accompanying figures, which form part of this document and in which several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown for illustrative purposes. It is understood that other embodiments can also be used and structural modifications made without derogating from the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0043] Some parts of the detailed description are presented in the form of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by data processing professionals to most effectively communicate the content of their work to other professionals. The steps are those that require physical manipulations of physical quantities. These quantities are usually in the form of electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, transmitted, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated, although this need not be the case. It has sometimes proven useful to refer to these signals primarily based on common usage as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, concepts, numbers, or the like.

[0044] It should be noted, however, that all these and similar terms are related to the corresponding physical quantities and are merely convenient designations applied to those quantities. Unless expressly stated otherwise, as is evident from the preceding discussion, it is understood that throughout this description, discussions using terms such as "receive," "adapt," or the like refer to the actions and processes of a computing system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the registers and memories of the computing system into other data, likewise represented as physical quantities within the computing system's memories or registers, or other such devices for storing, transmitting, or displaying information.

[0045] The words "example" or "exemplary" are used herein to serve as an example, case study, or illustration. Any aspects or configurations described herein as "example" or "exemplary" are not necessarily to be construed as preferential or advantageous over other aspects or configurations. Rather, the use of the words "example" and "exemplary" is intended to illustrate concepts. The word "or," as used in this application, has the meaning of an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or." That is to say, unless otherwise stated or the context makes otherwise clear, "X includes A or B" in its meaning includes any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is to say, "X includes A or B" is satisfied in any of the following cases: X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B.In addition, the articles “a” and “an”, as used in this application and the attached claims, are generally to be interpreted as meaning “one or more”, unless otherwise specified or it is clear from the context that they refer to a singular form. Furthermore, the use of the terms “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” herein is not intended to imply that they are the same embodiment or embodiments, unless described as such.

[0046] The embodiments described herein may also relate to a device for carrying out the operations described herein. This device may be specially designed for the required purposes, or it may include a general-purpose computer that is selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium, such as disks of any type, including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs and magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROMs), random-access memory (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, but not limited to such. The term "computer-readable storage medium" is to be understood as including a single medium or multiple media (e.g.,The term "computer-readable medium" includes a central or distributed database and / or associated cache storage and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" is also to be understood as including any media capable of storing, encoding, or containing a set of instructions to be executed by the machine, causing the machine to perform one or more of the methodologies of the present embodiments. Accordingly, the term "computer-readable storage medium" is to be understood as including, but not limited to, solid-state storage media, optical media, magnetic media, and any media capable of storing a set of instructions to be executed by the machine, causing the machine to perform one or more of the methodologies of the present embodiments.

[0047] The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently tied to any particular computer or other device. Various general-purpose systems can be used with programs according to the teachings herein, or it may prove practical to construct a more specialized device for carrying out the necessary process steps. The required structure for several of these systems will be evident from the description below. Furthermore, the present embodiments are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It is understood that various programming languages ​​can be used to implement the teachings of the embodiments as described herein.

[0048] The foregoing description sets forth numerous specific details, such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, and so forth, to enable a sufficient understanding of several embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure can be practically implemented even without these specific details. In other cases, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are illustrated by means of a simple block diagram in order not to unnecessarily complicate the understanding of the present disclosure. Thus, the specific details set forth above are merely exemplary. Concrete embodiments may deviate from these exemplary details and still be considered to be within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0049] It is understood that the foregoing description is intended to be exemplary and not limiting. Upon reading and understanding the foregoing description, a person skilled in the art will recognize many further embodiments. The scope of protection afforded by the disclosure must therefore be determined with reference to the attached claims in conjunction with the full scope of protection afforded to equivalent claims.

[0050] The above description presents numerous specific details for illustrative purposes, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the present disclosure can also be implemented practically without these specific details. In other cases, widely known circuits, structures, and techniques are not shown in detail but rather in a block diagram, so as not to unnecessarily complicate the understanding of this description.

[0051] The reference in the description to "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or property described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The phrase "in an embodiment" or "in some embodiments," which appears at various points in this description, does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or embodiments. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 645704

[0001]

Claims

[1] A procedure comprising: Performing an initial network scan within a first frequency band; Selecting a network identified during the initial network scan; and Perform, in response to the selection of the network, a second network scan within a second frequency band that differs from the first frequency band. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the first network scan detects a first AP of the network and wherein the method further comprises: Detect, via the second network scan, a second AP; Determine that the second AP belongs to the network; and Initiating a connection to the second AP. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the second frequency band is higher than the first frequency band. [4] Method according to claim 1, further comprising: Obtained via the initial network scan, an initial metric corresponding to a first access point (AP) in the network; and in response to a determination that the first metric meets a first threshold, obtained, via the second network scan, a second metric corresponding to a second AP appropriate to the network. [5] Method according to claim 3, further comprising: In response to a determination that the second metric meets a second threshold, initiating a connection to the second AP. [6] Method according to claim 3, further comprising: In response to a determination that the second metric does not meet a second threshold, initiating a connection to the first AP. [7] Method according to claim 1, wherein the first network scan is performed by a first connectivity chipset and wherein the second network scan is performed by a second connectivity chipset which differs from the first connectivity chipset. [8] A wireless device comprising: one or more processors; and a memory that stores instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the wireless setup for the following: Performing an initial network scan within a first frequency band; Selecting a network identified during the initial network scan; and Perform, in response to the selection of the network, a second network scan within a second frequency band that differs from the first frequency band. [9] Wireless device according to claim 8, wherein the first network scan detects a first AP of the network and wherein the instructions further configure the wireless device to do the following: Detect, via the second network scan, a second AP; Determine that the second AP belongs to the network; and Initiating a connection to the second AP. [10] Wireless device according to claim 8, wherein the instructions further configure the wireless device to do the following: Obtained via the initial network scan, an initial metric corresponding to a first access point (AP) in the network; and in response to a determination that the first metric meets a first threshold, obtained, via the second network scan, a second metric corresponding to a second AP appropriate to the network. [11] Wireless device according to claim 10, wherein the instructions further configure the wireless device to do the following: In response to a determination that the second metric meets a second threshold, initiating a connection to the second AP. [12] Wireless device according to claim 10, wherein the instructions further configure the wireless device to do the following: In response to a determination that the second metric does not meet a second threshold, initiating a connection to the first AP. [13] Wireless device according to claim 8, wherein the wireless device includes a first connectivity chipset and a second connectivity chipset, and wherein the first network scan is performed by the first connectivity chipset and the second network scan is performed by the second connectivity chipset. [14] Wireless device according to claim 8, wherein the second frequency band is higher than the first frequency band. [15] A wireless device comprising: a first connectivity chipset; a second connectivity chipset that differs from the first connectivity chipset; one or more processing facilities; and a memory that stores instructions which, when executed by the one or more processing units, configure the wireless setup to do the following: Performing an initial network scan across the first connectivity chipset within a first frequency band; Selecting a network identified during the initial network scan; and Perform, in response to the network selection, a second network scan over the second connectivity chipset within a second frequency band that differs from the first frequency band. [16] Wireless device according to claim 15, wherein the first network scan detects a first AP of the network and wherein the instructions further configure the wireless device to do the following: Detect, via the second network scan, a second AP; Determine that the second AP belongs to the network; and Initiating a connection to the second AP. [17] Wireless device according to claim 15, wherein the instructions further configure the wireless device to do the following: Obtained via the initial network scan, an initial metric corresponding to a first access point (AP) in the network; and in response to a determination that the first metric meets a first threshold, obtained, via the second network scan, a second metric corresponding to a second AP appropriate to the network. [18] Wireless device according to claim 17, wherein the instructions further configure the wireless device to do the following: In response to a determination that the second metric meets a second threshold, initiating a connection to the second AP. [19] Wireless device according to claim 17, wherein the instructions further configure the wireless device to do the following: In response to a determination that the second metric does not meet a second threshold, initiating a connection to the first AP. [20] Wireless device according to claim 15, wherein the second frequency band is higher than the first frequency band.

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