Determination of a network identity for a wlan access point

Abstract

An apparatus (101) for accessing an access point of a Wireless Local Area Network, (WLAN) comprises an access message generator (207) which generates encrypted probe messages that are encrypted in response to a plurality of test network identities. The access message generator (207) is coupled to a WLAN transceiver (203) which transmits the encrypted probe messages to an access point (113). The access point (113) decodes received access messages using a decryption key which depends on a network identity of the access point (113). If an encrypted probe message is successfully decrypted, a positive acknowledgement message is transmitted to the apparatus (101). This is received by the WLAN transceiver (203) and fed to an identity processor (211) which determines the network identity of the access point (113) as the test network identity of the encrypted probe message for which the positive acknowledgement message is received. The invention may be particularly suitable for interworking of WLAN and cellular communication systems.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a device for accessing an access point of a wireless local area network (WLAN), and a method for determining the identifier of a WLAN access point. Background technique [0002] The use of wireless communications has become increasingly popular and widespread. For example, cellular communication systems are widespread, with usage rates approaching 100 percent in many places. [0003] Furthermore, wireless local area networks (WLANs) have become commonplace and are gradually replacing wired networks as a better choice for many environments. [0004] WLAN and cellular communication systems each have specific advantages. Typically, cellular communication systems provide greater coverage than WLANs, which tend to be limited to hotspot areas. However, WLANs tend to offer improved data rates, quality of service, and effectively reduced costs. [0005] There is therefore an increasing interest in using cellular communication syste...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, it must use the WLAN receiver circuit to monitor the signal level in the WLAN frequency band

[0016] Furthermore, in order to determine the SSID (which is sent infrequently and at unknown times), the receiver has to work continuously

This results in substantially increased energy consumption and reduced battery life for mobile terminals

Images