Patent ID: 7650115
Filing Date: 2010-01-19
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method of protecting an apparatus from radiofrequency interference in a predetermined radio-frequency band, comprising, at a policing terminal: detecting the presence of a radio terminal operable to generate interference in the predetermined radio-frequency band and in accordance with a first predetermined signaling protocol, wherein the signaling protocol specifies operation of a wireless local area network in which the network comprises a plurality of terminals, and wherein the protocol requires that the operation of the terminals is either as a slave station or as a master station; transmitting a first signal in accordance with the first predetermined signaling protocol; wherein, in response to the transmission of the first signal, the radio terminal is inhibited as a source of interference; and wherein if the radio terminal forms part of an existing network, the first signal is such that: the policing terminal mimics a slave station of the existing network by transmitting a response to inquiry messages from the master station, so as to join the existing network; the policing terminal transmits a signal to swap the master/slave roles; and the policing terminal, acting as master station, transmits a disconnect message to each of the slave stations.