WIRELESS NETWORK HOST IN SILENT MODE

摘要

An access point that implements operating modes in which beacons may be selectively disabled. Beacons may be disabled when no device is actively associated through the access point. Beacons may be enabled in response to one or more triggers, which may include events such as a client forming an association through the access point following a probe request message identifying the access point. In addition, active beaconing may be triggered by user input or may occur during periodic brief intervals that allow client devices to discover the network identifier for the access point. Selective control of beaconing may lead to more effective wireless communication, particularly in areas where users congregate with computers implementing soft APs for personal networks.

主权项

1. An apparatus for providing access point functionality for a wireless network, the apparatus comprising:
a wireless network interface configured to send and receive wireless communication signals; and a memory and a processor that are respectively configured to store and execute instructions that cause the computing device to:
operate the wireless network interface in a first mode in which the wireless network interface does not transmit information regarding the access point functionality;receive a first trigger indicative of communications between the wireless network interface and a remote device over the wireless network;transition the wireless network interface to a second mode;operate the wireless network interface in the second mode in which the wireless network interface transmits the information regarding the access point functionality;receive a second trigger indicative of an end of communications between the wireless network interface and the remote device, wherein the second trigger comprises at least one of:
an occurrence of a lack of active associations with the wireless network interface over the wireless network,an expiration of a predetermined time period during which no associations are established with the wireless network interface over the wireless network, ora disassociation of a last wireless client device from the wireless network interface; andin response to the second trigger, transition the wireless network interface to the first mode.