Apple Inc.
Association based on shared network-state information

Abstract:

The present disclosure describes an electronic device that includes an antenna and an interface circuit. The interface circuit communicates, via the antenna, with a companion electronic device and/or a communication hub (e.g., an access point). The companion electronic device may communicate with the communication hub over a wireless network. During operation, the electronic device receives, from the companion electronic device or an archive electronic device, network-state information including an identifier of the companion electronic device, an identifier of the communication hub, or timing-synchronization information for beacons from the communication hub. In some embodiments, the network-state information may further include a channel associated with the connection. Moreover, the electronic device may disable communication via a first communication technique (e.g., Bluetooth) and enable communication via a second communication technique (e.g., WiFi). Furthermore, the electronic device may associate with the communication hub on the wireless network based on the network-state information.