Mobile Terminal AP Mode Control for Enterprise WLAN Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile APs operating in IEEE 802.11 standards interfere with WLAN installations, particularly in enterprises, and are unable to scan for other networks while in AP mode, as they must be tuned to an AP operation channel, leading to interference issues and limitations in network identification.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal operates in AP mode, receives network information from associated devices, and disables the AP mode when it identifies specific network identifiers or types, such as enterprise networks, allowing it to switch to a client mode and perform scanning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile terminal operates in AP mode to enable direct RF communications, then communication capability between mobile devices is improved, but interference to WLAN installations (especially enterprise networks) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal performs scanning operations to detect surrounding WLAN networks and receives feedback about enterprise networks. Based on this feedback, the system automatically disables AP mode when enterprise networks are detected, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to the environment and eliminates interference while maintaining communication capability when appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces scanning operations and network detection mechanisms as intermediaries between the mobile terminal's communication needs and the WLAN environment. This intermediary process allows the system to identify enterprise networks and mediate by disabling AP mode accordingly, preventing direct interference while preserving the ability to communicate when no enterprise networks are present
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile terminal operates in AP mode, then direct communication with other mobile devices is enabled, but the ability to scan for other WLANs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic scanning operations that occur at specific intervals even when operating in AP mode. This periodic action allows the mobile terminal to maintain its AP functionality for direct communications while periodically performing scanning operations to identify surrounding WLANs, thus preserving both communication capability and network identification capability through time-division multiplexing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the mobile terminal to perform preliminary scanning operations before fully entering AP mode, or to conduct rapid scanning during transitions. This preliminary action ensures that the device has network identification capability activated before committing to AP mode operation, allowing it to make informed decisions about whether to enable AP mode based on the detected environment
3Object-generated harmful factors
If IT policies require mobile devices to disable AP mode in enterprise WLAN coverage, then interference is reduced, but the devices cannot provide direct communication benefits in those areas
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal automatically detects enterprise WLAN networks through scanning operations and receives feedback about the network type. When enterprise networks are detected, the system complies with IT policies by disabling AP mode. When non-enterprise networks are detected, the system enables AP mode to provide direct communication benefits, thus adaptively following IT policies while maximizing communication functionality where appropriate
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques for use in controlling an access point mode of operation of a mobile terminal are described. Initially, the mobile terminal operates in the access point mode of operation for communication with one or more other mobile terminals. While operating in the access point mode, the mobile terminal receives, from the one or more other mobile terminals, network information comprising one or more network identifiers which identify one or more wireless networks within coverage of the one or more other mobile terminals. The mobile terminal disables the access point mode of operation in response to identifying that at least one of the received network identifiers corresponds to a predetermined wireless network or predetermined type of wireless network. In one example, the mobile terminal is operative in accordance with IEEE 802.11, the received network identifiers comprise service set identifiers (SSIDs), and the predetermined wireless network is an enterprise network.