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. A computer storage medium, comprising at least one of a memory or a disk, having computer-executable instructions stored therein for performing actions that operate a wireless network interface of a first computing device as an access point for a wireless network, the actions comprising:
operating in a first mode in which beaconing for the wireless network by the first computing device is disabled; receiving a first trigger that is indicative of an establishment of an active association between the first computing device and another device over the wireless network; in response to receiving the first trigger, operating in a second mode in which beaconing for the wireless network by the first computing device is enabled, wherein operating in the second mode includes operating the first computing device as an access point for the wireless network; receiving a second trigger that is indicative of a determination that no active associations exist between the first computing device and other devices over the wireless network; and returning to operation in the first mode after a delay time following the second trigger.