System, method and user interface for network status reporting
US8285855B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W76/20
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and user interface for informing a user of the status of a network connection are provided. Conventionally, the “connected” icon in the system tray only informs the user that the computer is linked to a network medium, such as an Ethernet or wireless access point. This icon does not indicate whether a routable IP address has been obtained. In this invention, an icon is used to inform the user that the network connection is disabled, connecting, connected (routable IP address obtained), or in a warning state. The warning state indicates that a non-routable IP address (e.g. autonet address) has been obtained, which will likely be unsatisfactory to the user. However, when connected to an 802.11 ad-hoc network, or when IP status checking is disabled, a non-routable IP address is deemed acceptable, and thus the “connected” icon is displayed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.