Methods and systems for accessing networks, methods and systems for accessing the internet
US7032241B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L63/104
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for providing network access, e.g. Internet access, are described. An architecture includes a host organization network through which network access is provided. The host organization network can be advantageously deployed in public areas such as airports and shopping malls. An authentication/negotiation component is provided for authenticating various users and negotiating for services with service providers on behalf of the system users. The authentication/negotiation component can include one or more specialized servers and a policy manager that contains policies that govern user access to the Internet. An authentication database is provided and authenticates various users of the system. An access module is provided through which individual client computing devices can access the Internet. In one embodiment, the access module comprises individual wireless access points that permit the client computing devices to wirelessly communicate data packets that are intended for the Internet. In one aspect, users are given a variety of choices of different service levels that they can use for accessing the Internet. The service levels can vary in such things as bandwid…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.