English:
[0001] Conventionally, it may be difficult for less technologically-savvy end users to set up a new router or replace an older router with a newly-purchased router. Even for technologically-sophisticated users, however, the present expectation is that even complex devices such as routers will install and work right out of the box, in the same manner as a common household appliance.
[0002] The problem is compounded when the user has forgotten the network name (the Service Set Identifier, hereafter, "SSID") and/or the router password. Wi-Fi Protected Setup (hereafter, "WPS") allows users to add new devices to a network without typing long passphrases. However, the WPS protocol has not been effective in all situations. For example, when a user wishes to replace an older router with a newer model, there is no established mechanism enabling the new router to be configured using the older router's settings (the older router's SSID and the router password).
[0003] These difficulties may cause frustration during the initial setup of the router. If the user is unable to properly configure their new purchase, they may resort to costly calls to tech support and may ultimately return the router to the point of purchase. In turn, these difficulties could engender a negative perception of the quality and user- friendliness of the manufacturer of the router.
[0004] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating aspects of a conventional method of replacing an older router with a newer router.
[0005] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating aspects a replacing a first router with a second router within a network, according to one embodiment.
[0006] Fig. 3 shows an exemplary User Interface (Ul) embodying aspects of one embodiment.
[0007] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method of replacing a first router with a second router within a network, according to one embodiment.
[0008] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a second router as a range-extending Access Point (AP) on a network comprising a first router, according to one embodiment.
[0009] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary Ul for setting up a router as a range extending access point, according to one embodiment.
[0010] Fig. 7 shows an exemplary Ul indicating success in setting up a router as a range extending access point, according to one embodiment.
[0011] Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a method of configuring a second router as a range-extending access point on a network comprising a first router, according to one embodiment.
[0012] According to one embodiment, even a technological neophyte may successfully set up a new router as either a drop-in replacement for an older router or as a range-extending AP. The user need not remember the network's SSID or the router's password as, according to one embodiment, the WPS protocol is invoked, while the router is placed in "client mode", to enable the router to learn the SSID and password of the router it is to replace. The new router may then be switched back to router mode (replacement case) or left in client mode (AP case). Indeed, one embodiment enables any user to replace an older router with a newly-purchased router, while keeping the older router's settings, such as SSID and password. At the end of the process, according to one embodiment, the new router may be configured in router mode; that is, as a drop-in replacement for the older router. Similarly, according to one embodiment, the router may be configured as an AP and configured according to the SSID and password of the older router.
[0013] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating aspects of a conventional method of replacing an older router with a newer router. As shown therein, a network gateway 104, such as a modem, may be coupled to a network 102, which may comprise the Internet. Coupled to the first router 106 may be a number of client computing devices such as shown at 1 10. The client computing devices may comprise desktop computers, laptops, tablet computing devices, telephones and the like. As shown in Fig. 1 , an existing or old router 106 is to be replaced with a new or newer router 108. Conventionally, a user 1 12 must either provide the network name (SSID) and the password of the existing router 106 or must create a new network and provide a new network name and password to the new router 108. Assuming that process is carried out successfully, the existing router 106 may be replaced with the new router 108. As is often the case, however, the user may have forgotten the network name and the password stored in the older router, and may lack the technological know-how to look up and/or reset such information. However, this may pose difficulties for technologically unsophisticated users, who may not know how to provide the requested values for the SSID and passwords. Moreover, if a new network name and password are provided, all client devices accessing the network will have to be re-configured to access the new network. This is time-consuming and may be such a daunting task for some users that the prospect thereof may cause them to forgo or delay purchasing a new router.
[0014] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating aspects of a method for replacing a first router with a second router within a network, according to one embodiment. As shown therein, a network gateway device 202 may be coupled to a network 102 that may comprise, for example, the Internet. The network gateway device 202 may comprise, for example, a modem. A first router 204 may be coupled to the network gateway device 202, as shown at (1 ). For example, the first router 204 may be an existing, older router. A second router 206 may also be provided. The second router 206 may, for example, be a new or newer router. For example, the second router 206 may be a newly-purchased router, right out of its packaging. The first and second routers 204, 206 may be from the same or different manufacturers and each may be a single or dual-band router.
[0016] According to one embodiment, if the first router 204 does not have a dual-band (e.g., 5 GHz as of this writing) setting, the second router in client mode 208 may use the older router's settings (network name and password) to set up the dual- band wireless network. A new network name may be generated, using the old network's name as a seed. For example, the old network name, as previously used by the first router 204, may be used, and a "5G" or "DB" (for example) designation may be appended thereto. For example, the new network name may be configured as "OLD_NETWORK_NAME_5G" or some similar designation. The password previously stored by the first router 204 may be retained by the second router 208 in client mode, for ease of access. The similar network name, with the added designation and the password previously used by the first router 204, may then be used when the router 212 is switched back into router mode as shown at 216 and coupled to the network gateway device 202.
[0017] Fig. 3 shows an exemplary Ul embodying aspects of one embodiment. The Ul 300 may be rendered on a computing device coupled to the router 206 or, for example, on a display on the router 206, if the router is so equipped. For example, the Ul may be rendered on or configured for display on a web browser. As shown, the exemplary Ul 300 may provide the user with the option of manual configuration via, for example, a radio button 302. For example, the "manual mode" of configuring the router 206 may comprise reading a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from either a sticker or a display on the second router 206 and entering the PIN on the first router 202 or, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) method, in which network name and password information is manually transferred to the second router 206 via a USB memory device. According to one embodiment, a particular protocol ("XYZ Protocol" in Fig. 3) may be invoked by selecting radio button 304. When the user makes a selection, further instructions appropriate to the selection may be displayed on the Ul, as shown at (1 ) and (2) in Fig. 3. According to one embodiment, the "XYZ Protocol" may be or comprise the WPS protocol.
[0018] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method of replacing a first router with a second router within a network, according to one embodiment. As shown, Block B41 calls for placing the second router in client mode within the network such that the second router is not configured to route network traffic (such that it is no longer, at least functionally, a router) and is configured to search for a network AP provided by the first router. Block B42, as shown, calls for invoking a protocol on the first and second routers. The protocol may be configured to enable an exchange of at least network name and password information from the first router to the second router in client mode. According to one embodiment, the protocol may be configured to carry out the functionality of Block B41. In that case, Block B41 would be subsumed into Block B42. As shown at Block B43, the second router in client mode may be configured according to the network name and password information obtained from the first router. Thereafter, as shown at B44, the second router may be switched from client mode to router mode, enabling the second router to route network traffic on the network. As shown in Fig. 4, Block B45 calls for replacing the first router with the configured and switched second router, now configured according to the network name and password obtained from the first router and reconfigured in router mode. Connectivity and routing functionality may now be tested, to ensure proper operation of the second router.
[0019] According to one embodiment, the security protocol currently in force on the first router may be transferred, along with the SSID and the password, to the second router.
[0020] According to one embodiment, the new router may be configured as a range-extending AP, keeping the older router in the network. Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a second router as a range-extending AP on a network comprising a first router, according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, a network gateway 202 may be coupled to the network 102 and to a first router 204. According to one embodiment, the network gateway device 202 may be integrated with the first router 204 (or vice-versa) to form a an integrated router-modem device. A second router 206 may be provided, in the same manner as was the second router 206 in Fig. 2. According to one embodiment, the second router 206 may be placed in client mode, as shown at 208. According to one embodiment, in client mode, the second router is not configured to route network traffic. As noted above, the router in client mode 208 is, at least functionally, no longer a router, but is a client computing device that is configured to search for a network AP provided by the first router 204. A predetermined protocol may then be invoked on the first and second routers 204, 208. According to one embodiment, the predetermined protocol may be configured to enable, for example, an automated exchange of the network name of the LAN and password information from the first router 204 to the second router 208 in client mode. According to one embodiment, the predetermined protocol may comprise placing the second router 206 in client mode, such as shown at 208 in Fig. 2. For example, the predetermined protocol may comprise the WPS protocol. To invoke WPS, the user may be requested to, for example, push a button on at least the second router 206. As described relative to Fig. 2, the button may be a virtual button (a graphic of a button, for example) provided to the user via a suitable Ul rendered on a display. Alternatively, the button may be a physical button provided on the router 206, 208. Actuation of the button, however provided or rendered, on at least the second router in client mode 208 may cause the first router 204 and the second router 208 in client mode to exchange messages. Via such messages, the first router 204 may provide, and the second router 208 in client mode may receive and acknowledge receipt of, at least the network name such as the SSID and the password of the network, as shown at 210. In receipt of the network name and password from the first router 204, the second router 208, still in client mode, may now configure itself according to the received network name and password information obtained from the first router 204, as shown at 212 in Fig. 5.
[0021] According to one embodiment, as shown at 502 in Fig. 5, the second router, still configured in client mode and according to the network name and password obtained from the first router 204, may be left in in client mode; and coupled to the first router 204 as a range-extending AP 502 by a connection 506. According to one embodiment, the connection 506 may comprise an Ethernet or other cable. The second router, configured as shown at 502, may be moved away from the first router 204, to an area to which the range of the first router 204 is desired to be extended. The range- extending functionality of the second router may then be tested.
[0022] Figs. 6 and 7 show exemplary Uls configured to enable or facilitate the functionality described above. As shown in Fig. 6, the Ul 600 may be rendered on a computing device coupled to the router 206. For example, the Ul may be rendered on or configured for display on a web browser or on a display on one or more of the first and second routers. As shown, the exemplary Ul 600 may provide the user with the option of manual configuration via, for example, a radio button 602. For example, the "manual mode" of configuring the router 206 may comprise reading a PIN from either a sticker or a display on the second router 206 and entering the PIN on the first router 204 or, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) method, in which network name and password information is manually transferred to the second router 206 via a USB memory device. According to one embodiment, a particular protocol ("XYZ Protocol" in Fig. 3) may be invoked by selecting radio button 604. When the user makes a selection, further instructions appropriate to the selection may be displayed on the Ul, as shown at (1 ) and (2) in Fig. 3. According to one embodiment, the "XYZ Protocol" may be or comprise the WPS protocol. Using the WPS protocol, according to one embodiment, the newly-purchased router may be successfully configured as an AP as shown at 502 even if the user no longer remembers the older router's SSID and/or password.
[0023] When the router 502 has been successfully configured as a range- extending AP, the Ul 700 of Fig. 7 may be displayed. The Ul 700 may provide further instructions for the user such as, for example, to disconnect cables and to physically carry the router - range extending AP to the area in which the user wants to extend coverage of the router 204. In this manner, even a technologically-unsophisticated user may successfully configure their new router with existing network settings and configure their new router as a range-extending AP.
[0024] Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a method of configuring a second router as a range-extending access point on a network comprising a first router, according to one embodiment. As shown at B81 , the second router in client mode within the network such that the second router is not configured to route network traffic and is configured to search for a network access point provided by the first router. Block B82 calls for invoking a protocol on the first and second routers. The protocol, such as WPS according to one embodiment, may be configured to enable an exchange of at least network name and password information from the first router to the second router in client mode. The second router may be configured in client mode and according to the network name and password information obtained from the first router, as shown at B83. According to one embodiment, the second router may then be left in client mode, as shown at Block B84. The second router in client mode may then be connected to the first router and moving the second router away from the first router, as shown at B85. The range-extending functionality of the second router may then be tested, as described above.
[0026] While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel methods, devices and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in various embodiments, the actual structures (such as, for example,) may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described in the example above may be removed, others may be added. Also, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the present disclosure provides certain preferred embodiments and applications, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined only by reference to the appended claims.

中文:
[0001]通常,对于不太了解技术的终端用户而言很难设置新的路由器或者利用新购买的路由器来替换较旧的路由器。然而,甚至对于精通技术的用户,当前的期望是甚至诸如路由器等的复杂的设备在从盒子中拿出时就可以与常见的家用电器一样的方式来安装和工作。
[0002]当用户忘记了网络名(服务设置标识符,下文称为“SSID”)和/或路由器密钥时,问题变得复杂。Wi-Fi保护设置(下文称为“WPS”)允许用户将新的设备添加到网络中,而无需键入长的口令句。然而,WPS协议并不是在所有情形下都有效。例如,当用户希望用较新的型号来替换较旧的路由器时,没有已建立的机制能够使得新路由器能够利用较旧路由器的设置(较旧路由器的SSID和路由器密钥)来进行配置。
[0003]这些困难可能在路由器的初始设置过程期间造成困扰。如果用户不能正确地配置他们的新购品,则他们会诉诸于费用高的呼叫技术支持并且可能最终将路由器返回到购买点。继而,这些困难会导致对路由器制造商的品质和用户友好性产生负面感觉。
[0004]图1是示出了利用较新路由器来替换较旧路由器的常规方法的方面的框图。
[0005]图2是示出了根据一个实施例的在网络内利用第二路由器来替换第一路由器的方面的框图。
[0006]图3示出了采用一个实施例的方面的示例性的用户界面(UI)。
[0007]图4是根据一个实施例的在网络内利用第二路由器来替换第一路由器的方法的流程图。
[0008]图5是示出根据一个实施例的将第二路由器配置作为在包括第一路由器的网络上的范围扩展接入点(AP)的框图。
[0009]图6示出了根据一个实施例的用于将路由器设置为范围扩展接入点的示例性UI。
[0010]图7示出了根据一个实施例的指示成功地将路由器设置为范围扩展接入点的示例性的UI。
[0011]图8是根据一个实施例的将第二路由器配置为在包括第一路由器的网络上的范围扩展接入点的方法的流程图。
[0012]根据一个实施例,即使技术初学者也能够成功地将新路由器设置为用于较旧路由器的直接替代元件或者设置为范围扩展AP。用户无需记住网络的SSID或路由器的密钥,因为根据一个实施例,WPS协议被调用,同时路由器被置于“客户端模式”中,以使路由器能够获知其要替换的路由器的SSID和密钥。新的路由器随后可以切换回到路由器模式(替换情况)或者留在客户端模式(AP情况)。事实上,一个实施例使任何用户都能够用新购买的路由器来替换较旧的路由器,同时保持较旧路由器的设置,例如,SSID和密钥。在过程结束时,根据一个实施例,新路由器可以被配置于路由器模式中;也即,作为较旧路由器的直接替代元件。类似地,根据一个实施例,路由器可以被配置为AP并且根据较旧路由器的SSID和密钥来进行配置。
[0013]图1是示出了用较新的路由器来替换较旧的路由器的常规方法的方面的框图。如本文所示出的,诸如调制解调器的网络网关104可以与可以包括因特网的网络102耦合。与第一路由器106耦合的还可以为诸如110处所示的多个客户端计算设备。客户端计算设备可以包括桌面型计算机、膝上型计算机、平板计算设备、电话等。如图1所示,要用新的或较新的路由器108来替换现有的或旧的路由器106。常规地,用户112必须提供现有路由器106的网络名(SSID)和密钥,或者必须创建新的网络并且将新的网络名和密钥提供给新路由器108。假设成功地实施该过程,则可以用新路由器108来替换现有的路由器106。然而,常见的情况是,用户可能已经忘记了存储在较旧路由器中的网络名和密钥,并且可能缺乏知道如何查找和/或重置这样的信息的技术能力。然而,这可能为技术上不精通的用户造成了困难,这些用户不知道如何提供所请求的SSID和密钥的值。而且,如果提供了新的网络名和密钥,则访问网络的所有客户端设备将必须被重新配置以访问新的网络。这是耗时的,并且对于一些用户而言这可能是望而生畏的任务而使得其展望可能造成他们放弃或推迟购买新的路由器。
[0014]图2是示出了根据一个实施例的用于在网络内用第二路由器替换第一路由器的方法的方面的框图。如本文所示,网络网关设备202可以与可以包括例如因特网的网络102耦合。网络网关设备202可以包括例如调制解调器。第一路由器204可以与网络网关设备202耦合,如(1)所示。例如,第一路由器204可以为现有的、较旧的路由器。还可以提供第二路由器206。第二路由器206可以为例如新的或较新的路由器。例如,第二路由器206可以是刚刚出包装的新购买的路由器。第一路由器204和第二路由器206可以来自相同的或不同的制造商,并且每一个可以是单带或双带路由器。
[0016]根据一个实施例,如果第一路由器204不具有双带(例如,撰写本文时为5GHz)设置,则处于客户端模式的第二路由器208可以使用较旧的路由器设置(网络名和密钥)来设置双带无线网络。可以使用旧的网络名作为种子来生成新的网络名。例如,可以使用如之前由第一路由器204所使用的旧的网络名,并且可以将“5G”或“DB”(例如)的标识附于其上。例如,新的网络名可以被配置为“OLD_NETWORK_NAME_5G”或某种类似标识。为便于访问,可以通过处于客户端模式的第二路由器208来保留第一路由器204之前存储的密钥。然后,当如216所示路由器212被切换回到路由器模式并且与网络网关设备202耦合时,可以使用带有添加的标识的类似网络名和第一路由器204之前所使用的密钥。
[0017]图3示出了使用一个实施例的方面的示例性的UI。UI 300可以呈现在与路由器206耦合的计算设备上,或者如果路由器装备有显示器则例如呈现在路由器206的显示器上。例如,UI可以呈现在网络浏览器上或者被配置为在网络浏览器上显示。如图所示,示例性UI 300可以经由例如无线按钮302为用户提供进行手动配置的选项。例如,配置路由器206的“手动模式”可以包括:从第二路由器206上的附贴物或显示器上读取个人识别码(PIN),以及将PIN输入到第一路由器202上,或者例如通用串行总线(USB)法,其中经由USB存储器设备将网络名和密钥信息手动地传送到第二路由器206。根据一个实施例,可以通过选择无线按钮304来调用特别的协议(图3中的“XYZ协议”)。当用户做出选择时,适合于选择的进一步指令可以显示在UI上,如图3中的(1)和(2)所示。根据一个实施例,“XYZ协议”可以为WPS协议或者包括WPS协议。
[0018]图4是根据一个实施例的在网络内利用第二路由器来替换第一路由器的方法的流程图。如图所示,框B41要求在网络内将第二路由器置于客户端模式,使得第二路由器不被配置为对网络业务进行路由(使得其不再是至少在功能上不是路由器)并且被配置为搜索由第一路由器提供的网络AP。如图所示,框B42要求调用第一和第二路由器上的协议。协议可以被配置为使得从第一路由器能够将至少网络名和密钥信息交换到处于客户端模式的第二路由器。根据一个实施例,协议可以被配置为实施框B41的功能。在该情况下,框B41将被包含在框B42中。如框B43所示,处于客户端模式的第二路由器可以根据从第一路由器获得的网络名和密钥信息来进行配置。此后,如B44处所示,第二路由器可以从客户端模式切换回到路由器模式,使第二路由器能够对网络上的网络业务进行路由。如图4所示,框B45要求用现在根据从第一路由器获得的网络名和密钥进行配置的并且被重新配置在路由器模式中的、经配置的并且经切换的第二路由器来替换第一路由器。现在可以对连接性和路由功能进行测试,以确保第二路由器的正确运行。
[0019]根据一个实施例,当前在第一路由器上有效的安全协议可以连同SSID和密钥一起传送到第二路由器。
[0020]根据一个实施例,新路由器可以被配置为范围扩展AP,使较旧的路由器保持在网络中。图5是示出了根据一个实施例的将第二路由器配置为包括第一路由器的网络上的范围扩展AP的框图。如图5所示,网络网关202可以与网络102耦合并且与第一路由器204耦合。根据一个实施例,网络网关设备202可以与第一路由器204集成(或者反之亦然)以形成集成式路由器-调制解调器设备。可以以与图2中的第二路由器206相同的方式来提供第二路由器206。根据一个实施例,第二路由器206可以被置于客户端模式中,如208处所示。根据一个实施例,在客户端模式下,第二路由器不被配置为对网络业务进行路由。如上所述,处于客户端模式的路由器208不再是,至少在功能上不是路由器,而是被配置为搜索由第一路由器204提供的网络AP的客户端计算设备。然后,可以在第一路由器204和第二路由器208上调用预定协议。根据一个实施例,所述预定协议可以被配置为使例如从第一路由器204能够自动将LAN的网络名和密钥信息交换到处于客户端模式的第二路由器208。根据一个实施例,预定协议可以包括将第二路由器206置于客户端模式,诸如图2中的208处所示。例如,预定协议可以包括WPS协议。为了调用WPS,用户可以被请求例如按下至少第二路由器206上的按钮。如关于图2所描述的,按钮可以是经由显示器上呈现的适合的UI而提供给用户的虚拟按钮(例如,按钮的图形)。可替换地,按钮可以是被提供在路由器206、208上的物理按钮。然而,在处于客户端模式的至少第二路由器208上提供的或呈现的按钮的启动可以使第一路由器204和处于客户端模式的第二路由器208交换消息。经由这样的消息,第一路由器204可以提供至少网络的诸如SSID的网络名和网络密钥,并且处于客户端模式的第二路由器208可以接收至少网络的诸如SSID的网络名和网络密钥并且确认其接收,如210处所示出的。在从第一路由器204接收到网络名和密钥时,仍处于客户端模式的第二路由器208现在可以根据接收到的从第一路由器204获得的网络名和密钥信息来进行自我配置,如图5中的212处所示出的。
[0021]根据一个实施例,如图5中的502所示出的,仍被配置为客户端模式并且根据从第一路由器204获得的网络名和密钥配置的第二路由器可以保留在客户端模式中;并且作为范围扩展AP 502通过连接506来与第一路由器204耦合。根据一个实施例,连接506可以包括以太网或其他电缆。如502所示配置的第二路由器可以从第一路由器204移出到第一路由器204的范围被期望扩展到的区域。然后,可以对第二路由器的范围扩展功能进行测试。
[0022]图6和图7示出了被配置为能够实现或利于上述功能的示例性的UI。如图6所示,UI 600可以呈现在与路由器206耦合的计算设备上。例如,UI可以呈现在或者被配置用于网络浏览器上的显示器上或者在第一路由器和第二路由器中的一个或多个上的显示器上。如图所示,示例性的UI 600可以经由例如无线按钮602来为用户提供手动配置的选项。例如,配置路由器206的“手动模式”可以包括:从第二路由器206上的附贴物或显示器上读取PIN,以及将PIN输入到第一路由器204上,或者例如通用串行总线(USB)法,其中经由USB存储器设备将网络名和密钥信息手动地传送到第二路由器206。根据一个实施例,可以通过选择无线按钮604来调用特定的协议(图3中的“XYZ协议”)。当用户做出选择时,适合于选择的进一步指令可以显示在UI上,如图3中的(1)和(2)处所示出的。根据一个实施例,“XYZ协议”可以是WPS协议或者可以包括WPS协议。利用WPS协议,根据一个实施例,新购买的路由器可以成功地被配置为如502处所示出的AP,即使用户不再记得旧的路由器的SSID和/或密钥。
[0023]当路由器502已成功地被配置为范围扩展AP时,可以显示图7的UI 700。UI 700可以针对用户提供进一步的指令,用于例如断开电缆,以及物理地将范围扩展AP携带到用户需要扩展路由器204的覆盖的区域。通过这种方式,即使是技术上不精通的用户,也可以成功地通过现有的网络设置来配置他们的新路由器以及将他们的新路由器配置为范围扩展AP。
[0024]图8是根据一个实施例的将第二路由器配置为包括第一路由器的网络上的范围扩展接入点的方法的流程图。如B81处所示出的,网络内处于客户端模式的第二路由器使得第二路由器不被配置为对网络业务进行路由并且被配置为搜索由第一路由器提供的网络接入点。框B82要求调用第一路由器和第二路由器上的协议。根据一个实施例,诸如WPS的协议可以被配置为使得能够从第一路由器将至少网络名和密钥信息交换到处于客户端模式的第二路由器。第二路由器可以被配置为处于客户端模式并且根据从第一路由器获得的网络名和密钥信息来进行配置,如B83处示出的。根据一个实施例,第二路由器随后可以保留在客户端模式,如B84处示出的。然后,处于客户端模式的第二路由器可以连接到第一路由器并且将第二路由器移离第一路由器,如B85处示出的。然后,可以对第二路由器的范围扩展功能进行测试,如上所述。
[0026]虽然已经描述了本发明的一些实施例,但是这些实施例仅通过示例的方式来提供,并且不是要限制本发明的范围。事实上,本文所描述的新颖的方法、设备和系统可以各种其他形式来具体实施。此外,可以在不偏离本发明精神的情况下做出本文所描述的方法和系统形式上的各种省略、替代和改变。附图及其等效物是要涵盖落在本发明精神和范围内的这样的形式或修改。例如,本领域技术人员将意识到的是,在各个实施例中,实际的结构(诸如、例如)可以与图中所示的不同。取决于实施例,在上述的示例中描述的一些步骤可以去除,可以添加其他步骤。而且,上文公开的具体实施例的特征和属性可以按不同方式组合以形成额外的实施例,所有这些都落在本公开的范围内。虽然本公开提供了一些优选的实施例和应用,但是对于本领域的普通技术人员而言显而易见的其他实施例,包括未提供本文阐述的所有特征和优点的实施例,也在本公开的范围内。因此,本公开的范围使用仅参考随附的权利要求书来进行限定。