Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring and controlling access to coexisting first and second networks within a venue. In one embodiment, the first network is a managed content delivery network that includes one or more wireless access points (APs) in data communication with a backend controller which communicates with a dedicated background scanner. The background scanner scans for coexisting networks within the venue, and reports this 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 a client device to be lowered so that the device may detect WLAN signals in a scenario where a coexisting RAT (for example, LTE-U or LTE-LAA) occupies the same channel and/or frequency.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring a wireless network such as a WLAN to characterize a venue or other area. In one embodiment, the network comprises a WLAN which includes one or more access points (APs) in data communication with a controller, which in turn communicates with managed network entities via a backhaul connection. The controller s is configured to monitor the operation of the network components including the APs, as well as one or more fixed or mobile sensors. In one variant, the sensors provide data relating to wireless signal performance at their current location, which can be provided to a cloud-based evaluation process for enhanced characterization of the venue in conjunction with the AP-derived data. In the exemplary embodiment, logic operative to run on the system includes automated seating allocation suggestions, thereby providing end users with a better quality experience.

Abstract: A WiFi network manager stores a unique identifier value such as a network address associated with a communication device as being a valid credential for the communication device to subsequently access a WiFi network including one or more access points. The WiFi network manager monitors use of the unique identifier value to access the WiFi network. In response to detecting misuse of the unique identifier value by two or more communication devices using the unique identifier value to use the WiFi network, the WiFi network manager at least temporarily prevents access to the WiFi network.

Abstract: A policy engine receives monitor information indicating operating conditions of both a wireless network and corresponding communication link. Multiple communication devices share the wireless network to communicate with a wireless access point. The wireless access point is in communication with a remote network such as the Internet through the corresponding communication link. To control end-to-end communications between the communication devices and the remote network, the policy engine produces policy information based on the received monitor information. The policy engine or other suitable resource initiates execution of the policy to control subsequent conveyance of communications over a combination of: i) the wireless network, and ii) the corresponding communication link.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing scanning from a multi-band communications device. A multi-band communications device scans for identifiers from one or more base stations. The multi-band communications device determines whether the received base station identifiers are associated with an access point (AP) on a list of APs. The multi-band communications device connects to the AP when the received base station identifiers are associated with the AP. The terms “base station” and “access point” encompass transmit and receive sites that provide communications using various technologies that may include Wi-Fi and cellular.

Abstract: A wireless gateway disposed in a subscriber domain detects presence of a communication device communicating in a vicinity of the subscriber domain over a first wireless communication link such as a wireless cellular phone link. In response to detecting the communication device in the subscriber domain, the wireless gateway provides notification of a presence of the wireless gateway hardware to the communication device. The wireless gateway participates in establishing a second wireless communication link between the communication device and the wireless gateway to facilitate a handoff of a communication session from the first wireless communication link to the second wireless communication link.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring a wireless local area network (WLAN) to identify inoperative or degraded devices and restore network connectivity to end users. In one embodiment, the network includes one or more access points (APs) in data communication with a cable modem, which in turn communicates with managed network entities via a backhaul connection. Each AP is configured to provide connectivity to client devices, as well as monitor the operation of other network components including the cable modem, via logic indigenous to the AP, and invoke corrective action when failures or degraded performance is detected. In one variant, the logic operative to run on the AP includes both diagnostic and self-healing functionality, so as to enable at least partial automated diagnosis, localization, and recovery from faults, thereby obviating costly troubleshooting by the network operator or service personnel.

Abstract: A wireless gateway controls access through a communication portal to a shared communication link. By way of non-limiting example, the wireless gateway receives input (such as a passcode) from a user operating a communication device in a subscriber domain. The user provides the input to communicate through the communication portal or wireless gateway over the shared communication link. The wireless gateway maps the received input to corresponding access profile information stored in a repository of the wireless gateway hardware. The wireless gateway then provides the communication device access to a remote network over the shared communication link through the communication portal in a manner as specified by the corresponding access profile information.

Abstract: A wireless gateway controls access through a communication portal to a shared communication link. By way of non-limiting example, the wireless gateway receives input (such as a passcode) from a user operating a communication device in a subscriber domain. The user provides the input to communicate through the communication portal or wireless gateway over the shared communication link. The wireless gateway maps the received input to corresponding access profile information stored in a repository of the wireless gateway hardware. The wireless gateway then provides the communication device access to a remote network over the shared communication link through the communication portal in a manner as specified by the corresponding access profile information.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for providing active mobility of Wi-Fi enabled devices within a given wireless local area network (WLAN). In general, techniques include dynamically commanding Wi-Fi enabled devices to disconnect from a corresponding access point in response to meeting predetermined conditions. A forced disconnect can be based on various criteria such as low-power or lost packet thresholds triggering the forced disconnect. Such techniques cause a Wi-Fi enabled device to disconnect from one access point and connect to another access point before a connection quality deteriorates to a point that causes noticeable interruptions in connectivity or a generally poor experience, thereby enabling a smooth transition among access points.

Abstract: Instead of monitoring a wireless region for beacons, to learn of availability of different wireless access points in a particular geographical region, an end user-operated communication device generates a network discovery request message. The communication device initiates wireless broadcast of the network discovery request message from the user-operated communication device to any of one or more listening non-beacon-generating wireless access points in a wireless network environment. Each of the non-beacon generating wireless access points receiving the network discovery request message from the user-operated communication device produces a respective network discovery response message including network identity information (such as one or more SSIDs) associated with the respective non-beacon generating wireless access point.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for providing active mobility of Wi-Fi enabled devices within a given wireless local area network (WLAN). In general, techniques include dynamically commanding Wi-Fi enabled devices to disconnect from a corresponding access point in response to meeting predetermined conditions. A forced disconnect can be based on various criteria such as low-power or lost packet thresholds triggering the forced disconnect. Such techniques cause a Wi-Fi enabled device to disconnect from one access point and connect to another access point before a connection quality deteriorates to a point that causes noticeable interruptions in connectivity or a generally poor experience, thereby enabling a smooth transition among access points.

Abstract: A wireless gateway disposed in a subscriber domain detects presence of a communication device communicating in a vicinity of the subscriber domain over a first wireless communication link such as a wireless cellular phone link. In response to detecting the communication device in the subscriber domain, the wireless gateway provides notification of a presence of the wireless gateway hardware to the communication device. The wireless gateway participates in establishing a second wireless communication link between the communication device and the wireless gateway to facilitate a handoff of a communication session from the first wireless communication link to the second wireless communication link.

Abstract: A wireless gateway disposed in a subscriber domain detects presence of a communication device communicating in a vicinity of the subscriber domain over a first wireless communication link such as a wireless cellular phone link. In response to detecting the communication device in the subscriber domain, the wireless gateway provides notification of a presence of the wireless gateway hardware to the communication device. The wireless gateway participates in establishing a second wireless communication link between the communication device and the wireless gateway to facilitate a handoff of a communication session from the first wireless communication link to the second wireless communication link.

Abstract: A WiFi network manager stores a unique identifier value such as a network address associated with a communication device as being a valid credential for the communication device to subsequently access a WiFi network including one or more access points. The WiFi network manager monitors use of the unique identifier value to access the WiFi network. In response to detecting misuse of the unique identifier value by two or more communication devices using the unique identifier value to use the WiFi network, the WiFi network manager at least temporarily prevents access to the WiFi network.

Abstract: A WiFi network manager stores a unique identifier value such as a network address associated with a communication device as being a valid credential for the communication device to subsequently access a WiFi network including one or more access points. The WiFi network manager monitors use of the unique identifier value to access the WiFi network. In response to detecting misuse of the unique identifier value by two or more communication devices using the unique identifier value to use the WiFi network, the WiFi network manager at least temporarily prevents access to the WiFi network.

Abstract: A policy engine receives monitor information indicating operating conditions of both a wireless network and corresponding communication link. Multiple communication devices share the wireless network to communicate with a wireless access point. The wireless access point is in communication with a remote network such as the Internet through the corresponding communication link. To control end-to-end communications between the communication devices and the remote network, the policy engine produces policy information based on the received monitor information. The policy engine or other suitable resource initiates execution of the policy to control subsequent conveyance of communications over a combination of: i) the wireless network, and ii) the corresponding communication link.

Abstract: A mobile computer device obtains location information indicating a geographical location in which the mobile computer device resides. The mobile computer device produces a list based on the location information. The list specifies one or more WiFi networks present in a vicinity of the geographical location. The computer device then establishes a wireless connection between the computer device and a WiFi network as specified in the list. Thus, a geographical location of the computer device can be used as a basis to initiate connectivity to a respective network.

Abstract: A wireless gateway disposed in a subscriber domain detects presence of a communication device communicating in a vicinity of the subscriber domain over a first wireless communication link such as a wireless cellular phone link. In response to detecting the communication device in the subscriber domain, the wireless gateway provides notification of a presence of the wireless gateway hardware to the communication device. The wireless gateway participates in establishing a second wireless communication link between the communication device and the wireless gateway to facilitate a handoff of a communication session from the first wireless communication link to the second wireless communication link.

Abstract: A wireless gateway controls access through a communication portal to a shared communication link. By way of non-limiting example, the wireless gateway receives input (such as a passcode) from a user operating a communication device in a subscriber domain. The user provides the input to communicate through the communication portal or wireless gateway over the shared communication link. The wireless gateway maps the received input to corresponding access profile information stored in a repository of the wireless gateway hardware. The wireless gateway then provides the communication device access to a remote network over the shared communication link through the communication portal in a manner as specified by the corresponding access profile information.