Methods and apparatus for client-based dynamic control of connections to co-existing radio access networks

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for monitoring and controlling access to coexisting first and second networks, such as within a venue. In one embodiment, the first network is a managed network that includes wireless access points (APs) in data communication with a backend controller, which communicates with a client process on a user device. The client process uses indigenous radio technology of the user device to scan for coexisting networks, and report results to the controller. In one variant, the controller dynamically adjusts transmit characteristics of the AP(s) to manage interference between the coexisting networks. In another variant, the controller causes the energy detect threshold of the user device to be lowered so that it may detect WLAN signals when a coexisting RAT (for example, LTE-U or LTE-LAA) occupies the same channel and/or frequency. In another variant, the client process autonomously adjusts user device operation based on the scan.