Method and system for proximity detection for an in-building wireless repeater
AssigneeSprint Spectrum L.P.
InventorJohn Cheong Wai Ngan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A repeater for a wireless network might use a first communication interface to detect the presence of a wireless device. Alternatively, another network element might use the first communication interface to detect the presence of the wireless device and then provide a notification to the repeater. The first communication interface might be a low-power communication interface, such as one that uses Bluetooth. In response to detecting a wireless device or receiving a notification, the repeater might switch to an active mode and begin repeating signals on the wireless network via a second communication interface, such as one that uses CDMA.
Claims20
A method for activating a repeater for a wireless network, the method comprising:
- a presence terminal determining that a wireless device is within range of the repeater by detecting signals sent from the wireless device over a first communication interface that uses a first communication protocol, wherein the repeater and presence terminal are in different locations, and wherein the wireless device is able to communicate using the first communication protocol and a second communication protocol;
- and
- responsively activating the repeater, wherein the repeater repeats signals on the wireless network by communicating with the wireless device over a second communication interface that uses the second communication protocol.
A repeater for a wireless network comprising:
- a repeater module for repeating signals on the wireless network;
- a presence module, separate from the repeater module, for using a first communication interface to detect when a wireless device is within range of the repeater and for switching the repeater module from a standby mode to an active mode in response to detecting that the wireless device is within range of the repeater, wherein the wireless device is able to communicate using a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol;
- and
- wherein the first communication interface uses the first communication protocol, and wherein the repeater module repeats signals on the wireless network by communicating with the wireless device over a second communication interface that uses the second communication protocol.
A system for repeating signals in a wireless network, the system comprising:
- at least one repeater for repeating signals on the wireless network;
- at least one presence terminal communicatively coupled to the at least one repeater for using a first communication interface to detect when a wireless device is within range of the at least one repeater and for switching the at least one repeater from a standby mode to an active mode in response to detecting that the wireless device is within range of the repeater, wherein the at least one repeater and the at least one presence terminal are in different locations, and wherein the wireless device is able to communicate using a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol;
- and
- wherein the first communication interface uses the first communication protocol, and wherein the at least one repeater repeats signals on the wireless network by communicating with the wireless device over a second communication interface that uses the second communication protocol.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.