Sprint Spectrum L.p.

Daniel R Durig

Robert C Lamb

Methods and systems are provided for selective scanning for WLAN coverage by a multi-mode device. In at least one embodiment, the multi-mode device determines whether it is both charging and authenticated via a wireless network that operates according to a first protocol, and if it is both, responsively storing reference data&#x2014;in a profile corresponding with that wireless network&#x2014;that reflects a current environment of a second wireless network that operates according to a second air-interface protocol that is different from the first. At a later point in time, the multi-mode device detects that a current environment of the second wireless network sufficiently matches the stored reference data, and responsively scanning for coverage according to the first air-interface protocol.

Selective scanning for WLAN coverage by a multi-mode device

Methods and systems are provided for selective scanning for WLAN coverage by a multi-mode device. In one embodiment, a multi-mode device determines whether it is charging and whether it is authenticated via a WLAN. If the device is charging and so authenticated, it stores reference data in a WLAN profile corresponding with the WLAN via which the device is authenticated, where the reference data reflects a current environment of a WWAN. If the device is charging and is not so authenticated, it scans on a fixed interval for at least one WLAN. If the device is not charging and is not so authenticated, it iteratively: (a) calculates a scanning period based at least in part on comparing the current environment of the WWAN with reference data from at least one stored WLAN profile that includes WWAN reference data and (b) scans once every scanning period for at least one WLAN.

Methods and systems are provided for automatic over-the-air updating of a preferred roaming list (PRL) in a multi-mode device, based on an account association between the device and a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point. For each of a plurality of subscriber accounts, a set of subscriber account data is maintained in data storage, indicating an association between the subscriber account and one or more telecommunication devices. A determination is made that a given subscriber account is associated with both (i) a multi-mode device and (ii) a WLAN access point. In response to the determination, a PRL for the multi-mode device is automatically updated to include access data for the WLAN access point.

Automatic over-the-air updating of a preferred roaming list (PRL) in a multi-mode device, based on an account association between the device and a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point

A plurality of public safety answering points (PSAPs) are accessible via a voice-over-packet (VoP) network. Each wireless access point of the VoP network is identified by a basic service set identifier (BSSID). A mobile node associates with a wireless access point and stores the wireless access point's BSSID as an indicator of the mobile node's location. A user of the mobile node dials digits for an emergency services call. In response, the mobile node transmits a SIP INVITE message that includes the BSSID and an additional indicator of the mobile node's location, e.g., determined using GPS or tower triangulation. A SIP proxy server receives the SIP INVITE message and attempts to determine the appropriate PSAP to answer the call based on the BSSID. If the attempt is unsuccessful, the SIP proxy server determines the appropriate PSAP based on the additional indicator.

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Olathe, KS, United States of America

Daniel R Durig