Method and apparatus for assisted/coordinated intra-home communications

Abstract

Systems, methods, and instrumentalities are disclosed that may provide assistance across networks using different radio access technologies. A centralized gateway (CGW) may be provided to facilitate the assistance via client devices in the networks. The CGW and client devices may use a common protocol and common interface to take actions relating to the assistance.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method of managing communications among devices, the method comprising:
 broadcasting, by an access point, AP, that is configured for communication via a first radio access technology, RAT, and a second RAT, an indication that the AP is capable of communicating via the first RAT and the second RAT, wherein the AP includes a management entity that is common to the first RAT and the second RAT;   receiving, via the first RAT, an attachment request indicative of a station, STA, that is configured to communicate via the first RAT and the second RAT; and   transmitting, responsive to the attachment request, an attachment response via the first RAT, wherein the attachment response indicates an operating mode change for the STA.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein broadcasting the indication is performed periodically. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the attachment request indicates that the STA is configured to operate the first RAT and the second RAT simultaneously. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the operating mode change includes the STA switching from communicating with the AP via the first RAT, to communicating with the AP via the second RAT. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the operating mode change includes activating the second RAT on the STA. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first RAT corresponds to 2.4 GHz and the second RAT corresponds to 60 GHz. 
     
     
         21 . An access point, AP, that is configured for communication via a first radio access technology, RAT, and a second RAT, the AP comprising:
 a management entity that is common to the first RAT and the second RAT;   a processor; and   a memory comprising instructions that when executed by the processor, cause the AP to:   broadcast an indication that the AP is capable of communicating via the first RAT and the second RAT;   receive, via the first RAT, an attachment request indicative of a station, STA, that is configured to communicate via the first RAT and the second RAT; and   transmit, responsive to the attachment request, an attachment response via the first RAT, wherein the attachment response indicates an operating mode change for the STA.   
     
     
         22 . The AP of  claim 21 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the AP to broadcast the indication periodically. 
     
     
         23 . The AP of  claim 21 , wherein the attachment request is further indicative that the STA is configured to operate the first RAT and the second RAT simultaneously. 
     
     
         24 . The AP of  claim 21 , wherein the operating mode change includes the STA switching from communicating with the AP via the first RAT, to communicating with the AP via the second RAT. 
     
     
         25 . The AP of  claim 21 , wherein the operating mode change includes activating the second RAT on the STA. 
     
     
         26 . The AP of  claim 21 , wherein the first RAT corresponds to 2.4 GHz and the second RAT corresponds to 60 GHz. 
     
     
         27 . An access point, AP, for managing communications among devices, the AP configured at least in part to:
 communicate via a first radio access technology, RAT, and a second RAT;   broadcast an indication that the AP is capable of communicating via the first RAT and the second RAT;   receive, via the first RAT, an attachment request indicative of a station, STA, that is configured to communicate via the first RAT and the second RAT; and   transmit, responsive to the attachment request, an attachment response via the first RAT, wherein the attachment response indicates an operating mode change for the STA,   wherein the AP includes a management entity that is common to the first RAT and the second RAT.   
     
     
         28 . The AP of  claim 27 , wherein the AP is further configured to broadcast the indication periodically. 
     
     
         29 . The AP of  claim 27 , wherein the attachment request is further indicative that the STA is configured to operate the first RAT and the second RAT simultaneously. 
     
     
         30 . The AP of  claim 27 , wherein the operating mode change includes the STA switching from communicating with the AP via the first RAT, to communicating with the AP via the second RAT. 
     
     
         31 . The AP of  claim 27 , wherein the operating mode change includes activating the second RAT on the STA. 
     
     
         32 . The AP of  claim 27 , wherein the first RAT corresponds to 2.4 GHz and the second RAT corresponds to 60 GHz.