Patent ID: 6831896
Filing Date: 2004-12-14
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
A short range RF network for providing wireless communication of data in a local environment to a wireless user terminal, comprising:a host device connectable to an external network; first primary beacon having a first operating range and disposed at a distance from said host within said operating range, said first primary beacon having a processor, a transceiver and a first identification code recognizable by the host for establishing a first wireless communication link between said first primary beacon and said host for facilitating transmission of the data along said first wireless communication link; a second primary beacon having a second operating range and disposed at a distance from said host within said second operating range, said second primary beacon having a processor, a transceiver and a second identification code recognizable by the host for establishing a second wireless communication link between said second primary beacon and said host for facilitating transmission of the data along said second wireless communication link; and a secondary beacon having a secondary beacon operating range and disposed at a distance from said first and said second primary beacons so that said first and said second primary beacons are within said secondary beacon operating range, said secondary beacon having a processor, a transceiver and a secondary beacon identification code recognizable by said host for establishing wireless communication links with said first primary beacon and said second primary beacon, said secondary beacon including means for determining whether to communicate with said host via communication with one of said first and second primary beacons depending on criteria associated with said first and said second primary beacons.