Channel scanning method and apparatus for use in dual-mode mobile station

摘要

A channel scanning method and apparatus for use in a dual-mode mobile station are provided. A mobile communication interface is wirelessly connected to a mobile communication network. An unlicensed wireless interface is wirelessly connected to an unlicensed wireless network and based on Internet protocol. A storage stores at least one element of priority channel information and scan period information for searching for a wireless local area network access point (WLAN AP) of the unlicensed wireless network. A central processor alternately scans all channels and priority channels in order to search for the WLAN AP according to the scan period information stored in the storage. The number of channels to be scanned can be minimized by alternately scanning channels, and consumption of electricity can be minimized by reducing the number of scans during a given time in a region where the unlicensed wireless network is not configured.