Automatic switching network points based on configuration profiles

Abstract

Methods and apparatus to reconfigure parameters for establishing a link with a new host after a computer is moved to a new location or a new network. A computer-implemented method for networking includes steps of examining an established link for a need to establish a new link, establishing the new link by selecting a network profile from a plurality of network profiles stored in a profile database, and reconfiguring parameters for a current network setting automatically without user input. The network profile contains a plurality of configuration parameters for establishing links.

1 . A computer-implemented method for networking, the method comprising: 
 periodically examining an established link for a need to establish a new link, the new link being different from the established link, wherein the periodic examination is paused when criteria are satisfied, at least one of the criteria being based on whether an access point device used for the established link is a same access point used for a previous link and also on a measure of link quality; and    establishing the new link when examination indicates that the new link is needed, including: 
 selecting, without requiring user input, a network profile from a plurality of network profiles stored in a profile database setting without requiring the user to manually select the network profile, the network profile containing a plurality of configuration parameters for establishing the new link; and  
 reconfiguring parameters automatically in accordance with the network profile for a current network.  
   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 periodically examining includes periodically examining every three seconds.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein establishing a new link further comprises: 
 determining whether the correct destination address was used; and    when the correct destination address was not used, selecting, without requiring user input, another network profile, reconfiguring parameters automatically in accordance with the network profile currently selected.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the new link is established using a wireless card.    
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein reconfiguring further comprises: 
 searching for a static TCP/IP setting for a current location.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein reconfiguring further comprises: 
 searching for a dynamic TCP/IP setting for a current location.    
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 reconfiguration parameters include one or more of SSID, IP address, subnet mask, gateway, domain name, and DNS address.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the plurality of network profiles are prioritized.    
   
   
       9 . A computer program product, tangibly stored a machine-readable medium, the product comprising instructions operable to cause a processor to perform a method comprising: 
 periodically examining an established link for a need to establish a new link, the new link being different from the established link, wherein the periodic examination is paused when criteria are satisfied, at least one of the criteria being based on whether an access point device used for the established link is a same access point used for a previous link and also on a measure of link quality; and    establishing the new link when examination indicates that the new link is needed, including: 
 selecting, without requiring user input, a network profile from a plurality of network profiles stored in a profile database setting without requiring the user to manually select the network profile, the network profile containing a plurality of configuration parameters for establishing the new link; and  
 reconfiguring parameters automatically in accordance with the network profile for a current network.  
   
   
   
       10 . The product of  claim 9 , wherein: 
 periodically examining includes periodically examining every three seconds.    
   
   
       11 . The product of  claim 9 , wherein establishing a new link further comprises: 
 determining whether the correct destination address was used; and    when the correct destination address was not used, selecting, without requiring user input, another network profile, reconfiguring parameters automatically in accordance with the network profile currently selected.    
   
   
       12 . The product of  claim 9 , wherein: 
 the new link is established using a wireless card.    
   
   
       13 . The product of  claim 9 , wherein reconfiguring further comprises: 
 searching for a static TCP/IP setting for a current location.    
   
   
       14 . The product of  claim 9 , wherein reconfiguring further comprises: 
 searching for a dynamic TCP/IP setting for a current location.    
   
   
       15 . The product of  claim 9 , wherein: 
 reconfiguration parameters include one or more of SSID, IP address, subnet mask, gateway, domain name, and DNS address.    
   
   
       16 . The product of  claim 9 , wherein: 
 the plurality of network profiles are prioritized.    
   
   
       17 . A computer-implemented method for networking, the method comprising: 
 (a) initiating connection with one of multiple access points that is specified by a currently selected profile and determine if the connection is successful, the access points providing access to one or more networks, and the profile specifying hardware and software configurations of a device being connected to the access point;    (b) if the connection is determined to be unsuccessful, then selecting, without requiring user input, another profile and performing step (a);    (c) if the connection is determined to be successful, then determining if the access point being used in the current connection was used in a previous connection;    (e) if the access point being used in the current connection was used in the previous connection, then assessing a link quality of the current connection and determining whether the assessed link quality satisfies criteria; and    (d) if the assessed link quality is determined to satisfy the criteria, then waiting for a predefined interval and performing step (e), otherwise, returning to step (a).    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein: 
 the connection is determined to be unsuccessful if an incorrect destination address is used.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein: 
 hardware and software configurations include a static TCP/IP setting or a dynamic TCP/IP setting.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein: 
 the connection is determined to be unsuccessful when an incorrect destination address is used.