Hybrid networking simple-connect setup using proxy device
AssigneeQualcomm Atheros, Inc.
InventorsLawrence W. Yonge, III, Sidney B. Schrum, Richard E. Newman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A simple connect setup function for hybrid networks is provided that allows a user to add devices optionally having a number of different network interfaces (e.g., that facilitate communications using different network technologies or protocols) to a hybrid network in a single, simplified operation that alleviates the need for the user to individually connect and/or configure a multitude of different network interfaces. The simple connect setup function also alleviates the need for the user to know on which devices the simple connect setup function must be activated for successful simple connect setup.
Claims23
A method for joining a selected device to a hybrid network having a plurality of member devices, comprising:
- activating the selected device to send a connect message in a first communication protocol;
- activating a first member device in the network to become an add device;
- sending a proxy connect message in a second communication protocol from the add device to a second member device in the network;
- and
- employing the second member device as a proxy device for the add device to join the selected device to the hybrid network in response to receiving the proxy connect message.
A system for joining a selected device to a hybrid network having a plurality of member devices, comprising:
- means for activating the selected device to send a connect message in a first communication protocol;
- means for activating a first member device in the network to become an add device;
- means for sending a proxy connect message in a second communication protocol from the add device to a second member device in the network;
- and
- means for employing the second member device as a proxy device for the add device to join the selected device to the hybrid network in response to receiving the proxy connect message.
A hybrid network including network interfaces employing first and second communication protocols that are different from each other, the network comprising:
- a join device, having a network interface of the first communication protocol and not currently a member of the network, to selectively enter a join state and thereafter broadcast a simple connect message;
- an add device, having a network interface of the second communication protocol and currently a member of the network, to selectively enter an add state and thereafter broadcast a proxy connect message in response to the simple connect message;
- and
- a proxy add device, having a first network interface of the first communication protocol, having a second network interface of the second communication protocol, and currently a member of the network, to selectively enter the add state in response to the proxy connect message and thereafter facilitate joining of the join device to the network.
A method for joining a join device to a hybrid network including network interfaces employing first and second communication protocols that are different from each other, the method comprising:
- activating a pushbutton on the join device to enter the join device into a join state, wherein the join device includes a network interface of the first communication protocol;
- activating a pushbutton on an add device that is a member of the network to enter the add device into an add state, wherein the add device includes a network interface of the second communication protocol;
- sending a simple connect message from the join device to all member devices of the network;
- sending a proxy connect message from the add device to neighboring member devices in response to entering the add state;
- receiving the proxy connect message in a selected neighboring member device, wherein the selected neighboring member device includes a first network interface of the first communication protocol and includes a second network interface of the second communication protocol;
- and
- employing the selected neighboring member device as a proxy add device, in response to receiving the proxy connect message, to join the join device to the hybrid network.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.