Importance

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Abstract

A service advisor detects the availability of a wireless communication service, communication being consistent with one or more protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 MAC layer) each having a plurality of packet formats. The service advisor includes an interface, a receiver, and an engine. The interface couples the service advisor to a provided consumer electronics product-(e.g., a cell phone or personal digital assistant (PDA)) having an annunciator (e.g., a display, speaker, or vibrator). The receiver receives communication by scanning a plurality of channels. The engine, coupled to the receiver and to the product via the interface, recognizes in response to the communication, only a limited set of packet formats of the plurality of formats; determines, from a packet having a format of the set, indicia of an available service; and facilitates operation of the annunciator in accordance with the indicia of available service. Use of the available service by the product involves recognizing a packet format not included in the set. In one implementation, the provided product includes a transmitter for use of the available service. Power consumption by the product may be reduced when desired communication services are not available. Another service advisor discovers services for purposes of horizontal and vertical handover.

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First Claim