Methods for dynamically adjusting range of a wireless signal

An example method can comprise receiving a first wireless signal from a first device at a boundary device. The boundary device can measure one or more properties of the first wireless signal and can transmit information regarding the one or more measured properties of the first wireless signal to the first device, the information regarding the one or more measured properties of the first wireless signal causing the first device to adjust one or more properties of wireless transmission based on the information.

BACKGROUND

Generally, commercially available wireless communication devices transmit a wireless signal at a fixed signal strength. In scenarios where alteration of the transmission range is desired, solutions typically require altering hardware or adding additional hardware. For example, to increase transmission range, substitution of a higher-gain transmission antenna may be needed. Reducing signal transmission range is often dependent upon the physical surroundings of the wireless communication device. For example, specialty wall or window films can be used to help prevent a wireless signal from escaping a confined space, such as a home or conference room. However, these films are costly and cumbersome to implement. These solutions may also have additional, unintended effects, such as blocking other signals, such as cellular signals, radio communications, and the like. These and other problems are solved by the methods and systems described herein.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the following general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive. Provided are methods and systems for dynamically adjusting a range of a wireless signal. A wireless communication device can be positioned to transmit a wireless signal in a particular area and one or more boundary devices can be positioned near a desired outer boundary for the wireless signal (e.g., a point farthest from the wireless communication device that the wireless signal should reach). The wireless communication device can be configured to transmit the wireless signal at a default strength, (e.g., the maximum strength at which the device is capable of transmitting). The one or more boundary devices can each receive the wireless signal and measure one or more signal properties (e.g., signal strength, interference, and the like) at a boundary position. All of the one or more boundary devices can transmit information regarding the measured one or more signal properties to the wireless communication device. All of the one or more boundary devices can communicate with the wireless communication device on the same or on another wireless network. The wireless communication device can adjust properties of the wireless signal transmission based on the received information. In an aspect, plural boundary devices can be disposed at varied locations relative to the wireless communication device. When plural boundary devices are disposed at different positions relative to the wireless communication device, a footprint of the first wireless signal can be controlled and/or shaped with more specificity. In an aspect, all of the boundary devices can measure the one or more signal properties periodically to ensure that appropriate adjustments have been made and that no further adjustments are required.

In an aspect, an example method can comprise receiving a first wireless signal, from a first device, at a boundary device. The boundary device can measure one or more properties of the first wireless signal and can transmit information regarding the one or more measured properties of the first wireless signal to the first device, causing adjustment of one or more properties of wireless transmission in the first device based on the information.

In another aspect, an example method can comprise a boundary device receiving a first wireless signal from a first device and receiving a second wireless signal from a second device. The boundary device can measure one or more properties of the first wireless signal, and one or more properties of the second wireless signal. The boundary device can transmit information regarding the one or more measured properties of the first wireless signal to the first device to cause an increase in signal strength. Similarly, the boundary device can transmit information regarding the one or more measured properties of the second wireless signal to the second device to cause a decrease in signal strength.

In still another aspect, a wireless communication device can transmit a wireless signal. The wireless communication device can also receive information related to the wireless signal and can adjust one or more properties of the transmission based on the received information.

In another aspect, an example system can comprise a first wireless communication device and a boundary device. The first wireless communication device can comprise a transceiver for transmitting a first wireless signal and for receiving information related to the one or more measured properties of the first wireless signal and a processor for adjusting one or more properties of the first wireless signal based on the received information related to the one or more measured properties of the first wireless signal. The boundary device can comprise a transceiver for receiving the first wireless signal and a processor for measuring one or more properties of the first wireless signal. The boundary device transceiver can further transmit information related to the one or more measured properties of the first wireless signal. The boundary device can transmit the information related to the one or more measured properties of the first wireless signal to the first wireless communication device. The first wireless communication device can receive the information related to the one or more measured properties, and can adjust the one or more properties of the first wireless signal based on the information related to the one or more measured properties.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and systems for dynamically adjusting properties of a wireless signal being transmitted by a wireless communication device. Typically, wireless communication devices transmit a wireless signal such that the wireless signal covers a fixed area to form a wireless communication network. However, it can be desirable to modify a range (or other characteristic) of the wireless signal to reduce and/or increase the fixed area and/or otherwise alter the shape of the fixed area, in situations where the wireless communication network is not secured (e.g., a publically-accessible network) and secured (e.g., a private network). A wireless communication device can be positioned to transmit a wireless signal in a particular area, and one or more boundary devices can be positioned near one or more desired outer boundaries for the wireless signal (e.g., a point farthest from the wireless communication device that a usable signal should reach or a point some distance away from the wireless communication device such that a connection to a network provided by the signal cannot be maintained). In another aspect, one or more boundary devices can be positioned at or near an area where transmission of the wireless signal is undesirable. In an aspect, the wireless communication device can comprise one or more omnidirectional antennas and/or one or more directional antennas. The wireless communication device can initially be configured to transmit the wireless signal at a default strength, (e.g., the maximum strength at which the device is capable of transmitting), creating a wireless network. The boundary device can receive the wireless signal, and can measure one or more signal properties (e.g., signal strength, interference, and the like) at a boundary position. The boundary device can then transmit information regarding the measurements to the wireless communication device on another wireless network (or on the same wireless network). The wireless communication device can adjust properties of the wireless signal transmission based on the received information to affect the signal received at the boundary device. For example, the wireless communication device can increase or decrease a signal transmission power level. Multiple boundary devices can be used to shape the wireless network. For example, the wireless communication device can adjust the power provided to each of one or more antennas so that the signal strength measured at each boundary device is within a predefined range, thus shaping the network boundary. In an aspect, the one or more antennas can comprise one or more motorized antennas that are, for example, rotatable, and the wireless communication device can rotate the one or more antennas to affect the signal received at the boundary devices. In another aspect, the wireless communication device can individually adjust a transmission strength of networks transmitting using a particular frequency.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating various aspects of an exemplary system100in which the present methods and systems can operate. One skilled in the art will appreciate that provided herein is a functional description and that the respective functions can be performed by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

The system100can comprise a wireless communication device102, such as a wireless router, a wireless switch, or a wireless access point, in communication with one or more boundary devices104a,b,c,d. In an aspect, each boundary device104a,b,c,dcan comprise a personal computer, a router, or any other device that comprises at least a wireless transceiver and a processor. Each boundary device104a,b,c,dcan be disposed locally relative to the wireless communication device102. As an example, the wireless communication device102and the boundary devices104a,b,c,dcan be disposed within the same room or on the same floor, and the distance between each of the boundary devices104a,b,c,dand the wireless communication device102can be selected based on, for example, a desired maximum transmission distance of a wireless communication signal. The wireless communication device102can optionally be in communication with a private and/or public network such as the Internet or a local area network.

In an aspect, the wireless communication device102can facilitate the connection of a device, such as a user device, to a network. As a further example, the wireless communication device102can be configured as a wireless access point (WAP). In an aspect, the wireless communication device102can be configured to allow one or more wireless devices to connect to a wired and/or wireless network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or any desired method or standard.

In an aspect, the wireless communication device102can be configured as part of a local area network (LAN). As an example, the wireless communication device102can comprise a dual band wireless access point. As an example, the wireless communication device102can comprise a transceiver106, and can be configured with a first service set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a public network) to function as a local network for a particular user or users. As a further example, the wireless communication device102can be configured with a second service set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a private network or a hidden network) to communicate with the boundary devices104a,b,c,d.

In an aspect, the wireless communication device102can comprise an identifier108. As an example, one or more identifiers can be or relate to an Internet Protocol (IP) Address IPV4/IPV6 or a content access control address (MAC address) or the like. As a further example, one or more identifiers108can be a unique identifier for facilitating communications on the physical network segment. As an example, the identifier108can be associated with a physical location of the wireless communication device102.

In an aspect, the wireless communication device102can comprise a processor110. The processor110can be capable of adjusting wireless transmission properties of the wireless communication device102to affect the properties of the wireless communication signal. As examples, the wireless communication device102can adjust properties such as wireless channel, transmission strength, uplink quality of service, downlink quality of service, and a service priority.

In an aspect, each of the boundary devices104a,b,c,dcan connect to the first service set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a public network) to receive a transmitted wireless communication signal from the wireless communication device102using a corresponding transceiver112a,b,c,d. As a further example, the transceiver112a,b,c,dcan be configured to connect to the second service set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with the private network or the hidden network) to communicate directly with the wireless communication device102.

In another aspect, each of the boundary devices104a,b,c,dcan connect to an SSID of the wireless communication device to receive a transmitted wireless communication signal using the transceiver112a,b,c,d. The transceiver112a,b,c,dcan also be configured to transmit information to the wireless communication device102on the same SSID.

In an aspect, each boundary device104a,b,c,dcan comprise a processor114a,b,c,dfor measuring various properties of the wireless communication signal transmitted by the wireless communication device102and received through the first SSID. For example, the processor114a,b,c,dcan measure properties such as signal strength, channel interference, frequency band interference, and the like. For example, any signal properties that can be gathered using the transceiver112a,b,c,dand an antenna can be measured using the processor114a,b,c,d.

In an aspect, each boundary device104a,b,c,dcan comprise an identifier116a,b,c,d. As an example, one or more identifiers can be or relate to an Internet Protocol (IP) Address IPV4/IPV6 or a medium access control address (MAC address) or the like. As a further example, the identifiers116a,b,c,dcan be unique identifiers for facilitating communications on the physical network segment. In an aspect, each boundary device104a,b,c,dcan comprise a distinct identifier116a,b,c,d. As an example, the identifiers116a,b,c,dcan be associated with a physical location of the boundary device104a,b,c,d.

In an aspect, the wireless communication device102can comprise an omnidirectional antenna for transmitting the wireless communication signal. According, adjusting power provided to the omnidirectional antenna affects the range of the wireless communications, but produces a network footprint having a similar shape. In another aspect, when adjusting the shape of the network footprint is desirable, the wireless communication device102can comprise one or more directional antennas. One or more boundary devices104a,b,c,dcan be associated with each of the one or more directional antennas. Information received from each boundary device104a,b,c,dcan be used to adjust transmission settings for a particular one of the directional antennas, allowing for manipulation of the shape of the network footprint. As an example, a wireless communication device102can comprise one or more directional antennas105, and each of the one or more directional antennas105can have an associated transceiver106. The wireless communication device102can receive and interpret data coming from the one or more boundary devices104a,b,c,dto adjust individual settings of each transceiver106. One or more of the directional antennas can be moved to increase accuracy, for example, and the changes in the signal at the one or more boundary devices104a,b,c,dcan be measured and provided to the wireless communication device to re-adjust the network. For example, this feature is useful when it is desirable to provide network coverage in substantially all of a long rectangular room, such as a conference room or hallway, without allowing the signal to pass through the walls.

FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating various aspects of an exemplary system200in which the present methods and systems can operate. One skilled in the art will appreciate that provided herein is a functional description and that the respective functions can be performed by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. In particular,FIG.2shows the system200for use in a shared space, such as an apartment complex or office space, with multiple rooms R1, R2.

The system200can comprise a plurality of wireless communication devices202, such as a wireless router, a wireless switch, or a wireless access point, each in communication with a plurality of boundary devices204a,b. In an aspect the boundary devices204a,bcan be disposed such that each boundary device is located in a separate room. For example, the boundary device204acan be disposed in the room R1and the boundary device204bcan be disposed in the room R2. In an aspect, each boundary device204a,bcan comprise a personal computer, a router, or any other device that includes at least a wireless transceiver and a processor. Each boundary device204a,bcan be disposed locally relative to connected wireless communication devices202. As an example, wireless communication devices202and their connected boundary devices204a,bcan be disposed within the same room or on the same floor, and the distance between the boundary devices204a,band the wireless communication device202can be selected based on a desired maximum transmission distance of a wireless communication signal. Each boundary device204a,bcan optionally be connected to a plurality of wireless communication devices202. As an example, boundary devices204a,bcan be connected to two wireless communication devices202to establish a border C (shown as a dashed line) between the transmission areas of the wireless communications devices202and to help limit or prevent overlap of the networks. Each wireless communication device202can optionally be in communication with a private and/or public network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN).

In an aspect, each wireless communication device202can facilitate the connection of a device, such as a user device, to the network. As a further example, each wireless communication device202can be configured as a wireless access point (WAP). In an aspect, each wireless communication device202can be configured to allow one or more wireless devices to connect to a wired and/or wireless network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or any desired method or standard.

In an aspect, each wireless communication device202can be configured as a local area network (LAN). As an example, each wireless communication device202can comprise a dual band wireless access point. As an example, each wireless communication device202can comprise one or more directional antennas205, and each of the one or more directional antennas205can have an associated transceiver206. Further, each wireless communication device202can be configured with a first service set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a public network) to function as a local network for a particular user or users. As a further example, each wireless communication device202can be configured with a second service set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a private network or a hidden network) to communicate with connected boundary devices204a,b.

In an aspect, each wireless communication device202can comprise an identifier208. As an example, one or more identifiers can be or relate to an Internet Protocol (IP) Address IPV4/IPV6 or a content access control address (MAC address) or the like. As a further example, one or more identifiers208can be a unique identifier for facilitating communications on the physical network segment. As an example, the identifier208can be associated with a physical location of the wireless communication device202.

In an aspect, the wireless communication device202can comprise a processor210. The processor210can be capable of adjusting wireless transmission properties of at least the first SSID of the wireless communication device202.

In an aspect, each boundary device204a,bcan connect to the first service set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a public network) to receive a transmitted wireless communication signal from one or more wireless communication devices202, using a corresponding transceiver212a,b. As a further example, each boundary device transceiver212a,bcan be configured to connect to the second service set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with the private network or the hidden network) to communicate directly with the one or more wireless communication devices202.

In another aspect, the boundary devices204a,bcan connect to an SSID of the wireless communication device to receive a transmitted wireless communication signal using the respective transceivers212a,b. Each transceiver212a,bcan also be configured to transmit information to the wireless communication device202on the same SSID.

In an aspect, each boundary device204a,bcan comprise a processor214a,bfor measuring various properties of the wireless communication signal transmitted by each connected wireless communication device202and received through the first SSID. For example, the processor214a,bcan measure properties such as signal strength, channel interference, frequency band interference, a signal measurement, a noise measurement, a signal to noise ratio, and the like. Accordingly, each of the wireless communication devices202can receive information regarding its respective wireless communication signal from both the boundary device204aand the boundary device204b. This can help facilitate more detailed shaping of a network footprint from each wireless device202.

In an aspect, each of the boundary devices204a,bcan comprise a respective identifier216a,b. As an example, one or more identifiers can be or relate to an Internet Protocol (IP) Address IPV4/IPV6 or a medium access control address (MAC address) or the like. As a further example, each of the identifiers216a,bcan be a unique identifier for facilitating communications on the physical network segment. In an aspect, each boundary device204a,bcan comprise a distinct identifier216a,b. As an example, the identifiers216a,bcan be associated with a physical location of the boundary device204a,b.

FIG.3shows an exemplary method300. In step302, a boundary device, such as the boundary device104or the boundary device204, can receive a wireless communication signal from a wireless communication device, such as the wireless communication device102or the wireless communication device202. In an aspect, the wireless communication signal can be a Wi-Fi signal in compliance with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards. In another aspect, the wireless communication signal can be any other wireless transmission such as, for example, a Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1) transmission. In an aspect, the wireless communication signal can be protected via known security protocols, such as Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2), Wi-Fi protected Access (WPA), Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), or the like, or the wireless communication signal can be unsecured. In an aspect, the wireless communication device can comprise a wireless router, a wireless switch, a wireless access point, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or the like. In an aspect, the boundary device can be any device that comprises a wireless transceiver and a processor. For example, the boundary device can be a wireless router, a wireless access point, a computer, a media streaming device, or the like.

In step304, the boundary device can measure one or more properties of the received wireless communication signal. In an aspect, the one or more properties measured can comprise signal strength, channel interference, frequency band interference, and/or one or more of a signal measurement, a noise measurement, a signal to noise ratio, and the like.

In step306, the boundary device can transmit information regarding the one or more properties measured to the wireless communication device. In an aspect, the transmitted information can comprise the actual measurements from the boundary device. In another aspect, the information can comprise instructions to adjust one or more properties of the wireless communication signal. For example, the information can comprise an instruction to increase or decrease the one or more properties by a particular amount, or to set the one or more properties to a particular value. As a particular example, the boundary device can transmit one or more of a network name, a transmission channel, a signal width, a transmission band, security information, a signal strength measurement, a noise measurement, detected protocols, and the like. In an aspect, the boundary device can transmit the information regarding the one or more properties to a device associated with the wireless communication device. As examples, the boundary device can transmit the information to a device acting as a proxy to the wireless communication device, to a device in communication with the wireless communication device, or a device otherwise associated with the wireless communication device. In an aspect, the boundary device can also transmit a tolerance value. In another aspect, the wireless communication device can establish the tolerance value. The tolerance value can provide an acceptable variance from a target value for one or more of the data items transmitted by the boundary device. This can be useful when, for example, an edge of the network is to extend past the boundary device.

In an aspect, the information regarding the one or more properties measured can be transmitted to the wireless communication device using a wireless network separate from the wireless communication network used to transmit the wireless communication signal. In an aspect, the separate wireless network can be a private wireless network. For example, the separate wireless network can be secured using a hardware whitelist so that only the boundary device and the wireless communication device can communicate using the network. As another example, the separate wireless network can be secured using a security protocol, such as WPA2. WPA. WEP, and the like. In an aspect, the use of the separate network can help to reduce traffic on the wireless communication network, and help to ensure that the boundary device is the device transmitting information to the wireless communication device.

In an aspect, the information regarding the one or more properties of the wireless signal transmitted by the boundary device can cause the wireless communication device to adjust one or more properties of wireless transmission. In an aspect, the wireless communication device can receive the information regarding the one or more properties of the wireless signal and can adjust the one or more properties of the wireless signal based on the received information. As a particular example, the one or more properties measured by the boundary device can comprise signal strength, with the desired signal strength measured at the boundary device being within a predetermined range. For example, the wireless communication device can rely on analysis software and/or firmware to analyze the information regarding the one or more properties of the wireless signal transmitted by the boundary device. When the analysis of the received information regarding the one or more properties of the wireless signal indicates that the signal strength measured at the boundary is outside of the predetermined range, the wireless communication device can increase or decrease the power to the antenna to affect the signal strength. For example, the analysis software and/or firmware can adjust one or more properties of a configuration file used to establish one or more operating parameters of the wireless communication device on the basis of the received information regarding the one or more properties of the wireless signal, thereby adjusting one or more properties of the wireless transmission. For example, a voltage applied to the antenna of the wireless communication device can be adjusted to thereby adjust the signal strength of the wireless signal.

The ratio of power available at the input of a receiving antenna to output power to the transmitting antenna can be, in ideal situations, given by the Friis transmission equation:

Pr=Pt+Gt+Gr+20⁢⁢log10⁡(λ4⁢π⁢⁢R)
where Pris the power available at the input of the receiving antenna, Ptis the output power at the transmitting antenna, Gris the antenna gain of the receiving antenna in decibels, Gt is the antenna gain of the transmitting antenna in decibels, λ is the signal wavelength, and R is the distance between the antennas. Antenna gain is a physical property of the antenna, and thus does not change for a given antenna. Similarly, distance between the two antennas can be assumed to be constant in most situations. Accordingly, adjustments made to the output power of the transmitting antenna should see proportional changes to power available at the input of the receiving antenna.

In an aspect, the process of measuring the one or more properties of the wireless signal at the boundary device can be repeated periodically. When the one or more properties can be re-measured, the boundary device again can transmit information regarding the measured properties and cause the wireless communication device to adjust one or more properties of wireless transmission if additional adjustment is warranted. Alternatively, the boundary device can transmit an approval message indicating that the one or more properties have been appropriately adjusted.

FIG.4shows another exemplary method. In step402, a boundary device, such as the boundary device104or the boundary device204, can receive a first wireless communication signal from a first wireless communication device, such as the wireless communication device102or the wireless communication device202. In an aspect, the first wireless communication signal can be a Wi-Fi signal in compliance with IEEE 802.11 standards. In another aspect, the wireless communication signal can be any other wireless transmission such as, for example, a Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1) transmission. In an aspect, the first wireless communication signal can be protected via known security protocols, such as WPA2, WPA, WEP, or the like, or the first wireless communication signal can be unsecured. In an aspect, the boundary device can be any device that comprises a wireless transceiver and a processor. For example, the boundary device can be a wireless router, a wireless access point, a computer, or the like. In an aspect, the first wireless communication device can comprise a wireless router, a wireless switch, a wireless access point, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or the like.

In step404, the boundary device can receive a second wireless communication signal from a second wireless communication device. In an aspect, the second wireless communication signal can be a Wi-Fi signal in compliance with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards. In an aspect, the second wireless communication signal can be protected via known security protocols, such as WPA2, WPA, WEP, or the like, or the second wireless communication signal can be unsecured. In an aspect, the second wireless communication device can comprise a wireless router, a wireless switch, a wireless access point, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or the like, and can be the same type of device as the first wireless communication device, or a different type.

In step406, the boundary device can measure one or more properties of the received first wireless communication signal. In an aspect, the one or more properties measured can comprise signal strength, channel interference, and/or frequency band interference, and the like. Similarly, in step408, the boundary device can measure one or more properties of the received second wireless communication signal. For example, signal strength, channel interference, and/or frequency band interference, and the like, can be measured.

In step410, the boundary device can transmit first information regarding the one or more measured properties of the first wireless communication signal to the first wireless communication device. In an aspect, the transmitted first information can comprise the actual measurements from the boundary device. In another aspect, the first information can comprise instructions to adjust one or more properties of transmission of the first wireless communication signal. For example, the first information can comprise an instruction to increase or decrease the one or more properties of transmission by a particular amount, or to set the one or more properties of transmission to a particular value. In an aspect, the boundary device can transmit one or more of a network name, a transmission channel, a signal width, a transmission band, security information, a signal strength measurement, a noise measurement, detected protocols, and the like. In an aspect, the boundary device also transmits a tolerance value that provides an acceptable variance from a target value for one or more of the measurements transmitted by the boundary device. As a particular example, the boundary device can transmit first information indicating that the power to the antenna of the first wireless communication device should be increased so that the signal strength from the first wireless communication device can be increased.

In step412, the boundary device can transmit second information regarding the one or more measured properties of the second wireless communication signal to the second wireless communication device. In an aspect, the transmitted second information can comprise the actual measurements from the boundary device. In another aspect, the second information can comprise instructions to adjust one or more properties of transmission of the first wireless communication signal. For example, the second information can comprise an instruction to increase or decrease the one or more properties of transmission by a particular amount, or to set the one or more properties of transmission to a particular value. In an aspect, the boundary device can transmit one or more of a network name, a transmission channel, a signal width, a transmission band, security information, a signal strength measurement, a noise measurement, detected protocols, and the like. In an aspect, the boundary device also transmits a tolerance value that provides an acceptable variance from a target value for one or more of the measurements transmitted by the boundary device. As a particular example, the boundary device can transmit second information indicating that the power to the antenna of the second wireless communication device should be decreased so that the signal strength from the second wireless communication device is decreased. As another example, the boundary device can transmit second information indicating that there is significant channel interference on the channel used by the second wireless communication device and indicating that the second wireless communication device should switch to operating on a less congested channel.

As a particular example,FIG.5Ashows a first wireless communications device502aand a second wireless communication device502b. A boundary device504can be located between the first and second wireless communication devices502a,bat a desired boundary C, shown as a dashed line. The first wireless communication device can transmit a first signal to enable, support or create a first wireless network having a footprint A. Similarly, the second wireless communication device502bcan transmit a second signal to enable, support or create a second wireless network having a footprint B. As shown inFIG.5A, the footprints A and B of the first and second wireless networks overlap, and the footprint B crosses over the boundary C.

The boundary device504can be disposed between the first and second wireless communication devices502a,bto establish the boundary C between the first and second networks. This can be desirable, for example, in shared occupancy space, such as apartment buildings, office buildings, or other spaces where a user may desire to provide a wireless network for user purposes without extending the wireless network beyond the user's area of control. The boundary device504can transmit first information regarding one or more measured properties of the first network to the first wireless communication device502aand second information regarding one or more measured properties of the second network to the second wireless communication device502b. As shown inFIG.5A, the footprint A of the first network is such that any signal transmitted beyond the boundary device504would not be usable. The footprint B of the second network is such that a usable signal is being transmitted beyond the boundary device504.

The first wireless device502acan receive the first information from the boundary device504. A determination can be made that no changes are needed to the properties of wireless transmission in the first wireless communication device502a. The second wireless device502bcan receive the second information from the boundary device504. Based on the received second information, the second wireless device502bcan adjust properties of wireless transmission for the second wireless network. These adjustments to the properties of wireless transmission can cause a shift in the footprint B of the second wireless communication network so that the second wireless communication device502bdoes not transmit a usable signal beyond the boundary device504, as shown inFIG.5B.

In an aspect, the first information regarding the one or more properties measured from the first wireless communication signal and/or the second information regarding the one or more properties measured from the second wireless communication signal can be transmitted from the boundary device using a wireless network separate from the wireless communication network used to receive either the first wireless communication signal or the second wireless communication signal. In another aspect, the first information regarding the one or more properties of the first wireless communication signal can be transmitted on a network separate from the network used to transmit the second information regarding the one or more properties of the second wireless communication signal. In an aspect, the separate wireless networks can be private wireless networks. For example, the separate wireless networks can be secured using a hardware whitelist so that only the boundary device and the wireless communication device can communicate using the network. In another aspect, the separate wireless network can be secured using a security protocol, such as WPA2, WPA, WEP, and the like. In an aspect, the use of the separate network can help to reduce traffic on the wireless communication network, and help to ensure that the boundary device is the device transmitting information to the wireless communication device.

In an aspect, the boundary device can re-measure the one or more properties of the first wireless signal. For example, one or more properties of the first wireless signal can be measured periodically. When the one or more properties of the first wireless communication signal are re-measured, the boundary device again can transmit information regarding the measured properties and the tolerance to the first wireless communication device. The wireless communication device can then interpret the re-measured values transmitted by the boundary device. As an example, if the measured values are still outside of the tolerance specified by the boundary device, the wireless communication device can re-adjust the transmission properties to affect the signal properties measured at the boundary device. Alternatively, if the measured values are within the tolerance at that boundary device, the transmission (including the re-measured values) can be interpreted at the wireless communication device as an approval message.

Similarly, in another aspect, the boundary device can re-measure the one or more properties of the second wireless signal. For example, one or more properties of the second wireless signal can be measured periodically. When the one or more properties of the second wireless communication signal are re-measured, the boundary device again can transmit information regarding the measured properties and the tolerance to the first wireless communication device. The wireless communication device can then interpret the re-measured values transmitted by the boundary device. As an example, if the measured values are still outside of the tolerance specified by the boundary device, the wireless communication device can re-adjust the transmission properties to affect the signal properties measured at the boundary device. Alternatively, if the measured values are within the tolerance at that boundary device, if the transmission (including the re-measured values) can be interpreted at the wireless communication device as an approval message.

FIG.6shows another exemplary method600. In step602, a wireless communication device transmits a wireless communication signal. In an aspect, the wireless communication device can comprise a wireless router, a wireless switch, a wireless access point, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or the like. In an aspect, the wireless communication signal can be a transmitted Wi-Fi signal in compliance with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards. In an aspect, the wireless communication signal can be any other wireless transmission, such as a Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1) transmission. In an aspect, the wireless communication signal can be protected via known security protocols, such as WPA2, WPA, WEP, or the like, or can be unsecured.

In step604, the wireless communication device can receive information related to the wireless communication signal from a boundary device. In an aspect, the boundary device can be any device that comprises a wireless transceiver and a processor. For example, the boundary device can comprise a wireless router, a wireless access point, a computer, or the like. In an aspect, the received information related to the wireless communication can comprise measurements of one or more properties of the wireless communication signal as received at the boundary device. In another aspect, the received information can comprise instructions to adjust one or more properties of the transmission of the wireless communication signal. For example, the information can comprise an instruction to increase or decrease one or more properties of transmission by a particular amount, or to set the one or more properties of transmission to a particular value. In an aspect, the boundary device can transmit one or more of a network name, a transmission channel, a signal width, a transmission band, security information, a signal strength measurement, a noise measurement, detected protocols, and the like. In an aspect, the boundary device can also transmit a tolerance value, which provides an acceptable variance from a target value for one or more of the data items measured at the boundary device. As a particular example, the one or more properties measured by the boundary device can comprise signal strength, with the desired signal strength measured at the boundary device being within a predetermined range. The received information can indicate that the signal strength measured at the boundary is outside of the predetermined range.

In an aspect, the wireless communication device can receive information related to the wireless communication signal periodically. For example, the information can be received one per second, once per minute, or the like. In an aspect, the information related to the one or more properties of the wireless communication signal can be received at the wireless communication device using a wireless network separate from the wireless communication network used to transmit the wireless communication signal. In an aspect, the separate wireless network can be a private wireless network. For example, the separate wireless network can be secured using a hardware whitelist so that only the boundary device and the wireless communication device can communicate using the network. In another aspect, the separate wireless network can be secured using a security protocol, such as WPA2. WPA. WEP, and the like. In an aspect, the use of the separate network can help to reduce traffic on the wireless communication network, and help to ensure that the boundary device is the device transmitting information to the wireless communication device.

In step606, the wireless communication device can adjust one or more properties of transmission of the wireless communication signal based on the received information related to the wireless communication signal. For example, the wireless communication device can increase or decrease the power to the antenna to affect the signal strength depending on information regarding the signal strength received from the boundary device.