Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an interface between programmed instructions (e.g., an operating system) and a miniport driver configured to communicate with radio hardware on a computer. The interface may include components operable to invoke various wireless connectivity-related functionality implemented by the radio hardware and/or miniport driver. The functionality may, for example, include a capability whereby the computer may maintain simultaneous connections on a plurality of wireless networks using a single radio, and/or a capability whereby the computer may function as an access point for a wireless network.

Abstract: A controllable and/or configurable device that communicates wirelessly with a station may be used to test the station. For example, the device may be configured to communicate in multiple different wireless communication modes. As another example, the device may be controlled to engage in wireless communications that do not comply with the communication standard, e.g., IEEE standard 802.11. As a further example, the device may be controlled to reduce the strength of the wireless signal that is transmitted. The station's response to the wireless communication may be evaluated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing simultaneous virtual connections with multiple wireless networks. A plurality of ports in a hardware driver may be each associated with a corresponding wireless network and maintain a unique MAC state relative to other ports. Each port may have a corresponding virtual NIC that communicates directly with the radio hardware via a hardware virtualization layer that multiplexes communication between the virtual NICs and the radio hardware. Simultaneous virtual connections may be made with one or more infrastructure networks or adhoc networks, and/or the computer may function as an access point for one or more of the networks.

Abstract: Techniques for testing a station, such as a wireless-enabled device, are described. A first method relates to evaluating a station configured to communicate with at least one access point. Another device is controlled to communicate wirelessly with the station by transmitting a wireless signal. The first device is controlled, via software, to reduce the strength of the wireless signal, and the response of the station is evaluated. A second method relates to evaluating a station configured to communicate in accordance with a wireless communication standard. Another device is controlled to engage in wireless communication with the station in a manner that does not comply with the wireless communication standard, and the station's response is evaluated. A third method relates to evaluating a station that can be configured to communicate in different communication modes.