Providing different network access levels in a network communication system
US7472191B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W74/004
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for providing multiple access levels to users of a wireless network system. The network system includes a plurality of wireless access points coupled to a network. Access points (APs) for the network may be widely distributed in various facilities, such as airports, mass-transit stations, and various businesses. The network may couple to a wide area network, such as the Internet. A portable computing device (PCD) of a user may store identification information which indicates an access or privilege level for the user of the PCD. The access level may determine the network access and/or services available to the user of the PCD. The identification information may include a System ID of the PCD. Each of the access points may be operable to “listen for” or detect the identification information of the PCD. The network system may store a list of identification information and a corresponding list of access levels. When the access point receives the identification information from a PCD of a user, the access point may determine the appropriate access level for the portable computing device using the identification information. Network access and services may then be pro…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.