Methods and apparatus for use in efficiently scanning for wireless networks based on application type

摘要

A mobile communication device invokes a first application or a second application. When the first application is invoked, the mobile device scans to search for one or more WLANs identified in a first subset of WLAN profiles. When the second application is invoked, the mobile device scans to search for one or more WLANs identified in a second subset of WLAN profiles. The first application may be a messaging application, such as a personal information manager (PIM) application, which may utilize WLANs having external network connectivity. The second application may be a streaming media application, which may utilize WLAN appliances having no external network connectivity. Alternatively, the second application may be a conference meeting application or military application which may utilize ad hoc networks having no external network connectivity.