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  Auto configuration of portable computers for use in wireless local area networksUSPTO Application #: 20060153385Title: Auto configuration of portable computers for use in wireless local area networks Abstract: A method and apparatus for the configuration of a wireless network adapter is disclosed. A wireless network adapter is provided with software that enables the adapter to recognize and connect with one or more networks. Software profiles are loaded onto or created on the adapter. The software profiles each correspond to a unique network. (end of abstract) Agent: Williams, Morgan & Amerson - Houston, TX, US Inventor: John Raymond Klein USPTO Applicaton #: 20060153385 - Class: 380270000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Cryptography, Communication System Using Cryptography, Wireless Communication The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060153385. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/236,981 filed on Sep. 29, 2000 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/217,796 filed on Jul. 12, 2000. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to wireless local area networks, and more particularly to auto configuration software for use in portable computers communicating with wireless local area networks. BACKGROUND OF THE PRIOR ART [0003] Wireless local area networks (WLANs) use infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) communications channels to communicate between portable or mobile computer terminals and stationary access points or base stations. These access points are connected by wired or wireless communication channels to a network infrastructure which connects groups of access points together to form a local area network (LAN), which can include one or more host computers. In turn, the LAN can be connected to another larger network such as the Internet and the World Wide Web (Web). Several protocols, including the IEEE 802.11 standard, "Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications" have been designed to standardize WLAN communications. Such standardization is useful for optimizing user requirements, including spatial layout, response time, loading and throughput requirements of the network. [0004] "Roaming" terminals are mobile units that can associate with any access point (AP) associated with a WLAN and seamlessly move from AP to AP. Each roaming terminal analyzes received signals from access points in its vicinity and associates with a single access point. Communication with an access point connects a terminal with the LAN and therefore with external networks such as the Internet. The region around an access point can be referred to as a "cell". Roaming terminals can move from cell to cell and remain connected to the LAN and any other network to which the LAN has connected. [0005] The IEEE 802.11 standard is one protocol used for WLAN communications. Typically, a mobile unit must be configured by hand by the manual entry of network and user parameters in order to be able to communicate with an access point. Once configured, each unit must be reconfigured if it is to communicate with another WLAN. Furthermore, each access point is associated with a finite number of frequency channels. Often, there can be several unrelated WLANs in a dense area such as an office building. These unrelated WLANs, or other RF communication systems, may use the same frequencies. Therefore it is possible for a mobile unit associated with one WLAN to pick up a communications interference with an unrelated WLAN. This situation is not desirable. Therefore, even if a roaming unit is to have the broadest possible communication coverage with an associated WLAN, unauthorized users from unrelated WLANs can possibly breach the communication link. [0006] However, many users of roaming terminals expect to connect to multiple unrelated WLANs that do not create a security breach. For example, a company may have multiple offices around the world with a WLAN in every office. In such a situation, an employee of the company may want to use one roaming unit in several of the offices. The ability to connect to several unrelated WLANs requires a different configuration. However, it is burdensome to have to reconfigure the terminal each time the user desires to use the terminal with a different WLAN. Furthermore, if there are several roaming terminals for the several WLANs, attended installation of a new configuration is required for each of the terminals. SUMMARY [0007] The present invention provides an auto configuration method and apparatus for seamless connection of a single terminal to numerous different WLANs. The method and apparatus also allow an unattended installation for a large number of wireless clients. [0008] In general, in one aspect, the invention features a software-implemented method of configuring a computer to associate with a network through a wireless communication link. The method includes creating a computer profile corresponding to a network having an Extended Service Set identifier, using the computer profile to cause the computer to recognize the network and creating a communication link between the computer and the network. [0009] Implementations may include one or more of the following advantages. Variable network parameters such as encryption key status, frequency and power requirements may be used to create the computer profile. The software may be integrated into the operating system of the computer. Data passing over the communication link between the computer and the network may be encrypted. The computer may be programmed to contain multiple profiles to recognize and connect with multiple unrelated networks. The name of a selected profile may be stored for use by other programs. [0010] Once profiles that define a communications link between a remote unit and a WLAN are established, they are stored, encrypted and can be password protected. [0011] WLAN service providers can create profiles away from the client computer and load the profiles on a network such as the Internet. A customer signing up for service can download the profiles and store on their computer. Users who download can't change the encryption that creates a default security system. [0012] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a network environment in which the present invention operates. [0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a system level view of a host computer and a base station in the network. [0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a system level view of a mobile unit. [0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an operating system having an application environment. [0017] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of establishing quality of service over a communication channel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. [0018] FIG. 5A is a flow chart illustrating a method of creating and using profiles in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. [0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a screen shot of an implementation of a configuration window of the invention. Continue reading... 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