Patent ID: 8634393
Filing Date: 2014-01-21
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of using different frequency bands to programmatically reduce a number of channels that are scanned in order to join a network, the method comprising: scanning a first frequency band to identify a first wireless access point (WAP), wherein the first frequency band is divided into at least a first plurality of channels, and wherein the first WAP provides access to the network via a first channel of the first plurality of channels, wherein the first frequency band is scanned according to a scanning policy under which a specified set of channels in the first plurality of channels is scanned prior to scanning other channels in the first plurality of channels, wherein the specified set of channels includes at least two non-overlapping channels; receiving a first message from the first WAP via the first channel, the first message specifying at least a second channel different from the first channel and via which the network is accessible, wherein the second channel is selected from a second plurality of channels more numerous than the first plurality of channels and of a second frequency band specified by the first message and different from the first frequency band; responsive to the first message, scanning the specified second channel to identify a second WAP providing access to the network via the second frequency band, including receiving, from the second WAP, a second message containing a channel indicator matching the second channel; and generate, based on the second WAP identified by scanning the specified second channel, an association request that is sent to the second WAP in order to join the network via the second frequency band and without having to scan any other channel in the more numerous second plurality of channels of the second frequency band.