Dynamic generation of per-station realm lists for hot spot connections
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method for generating a list of per-station NAI (Network Access Identifier) realms for a hot spot WLAN connection, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving a query for a list of realms from a station during a connection to a hot spot;
responsive to detecting the query specifically from the station, generating the list of realms that are a subset of a list of realms available to the hot spot, including determining one or more realms to which the station has a subscription, and including at least one of one or more realms which the station has a subscription within the list of realms;
receiving a selection from the list of realms;
authenticating the station with the selected realm; and
forwarding data traffic concerning the station through the hot spot on behalf of the selected realm.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Per-station realm lists are dynamically generating per-station for hot spot connections to access points by roaming stations. A query for a list of realms is received from a roaming station when connecting to a hot spot. Using an MAC address or other station identity, a list of available realms narrowed to a subset of per-station realms sent to the station. Narrowing is performed on-the-fly with respect to at least one aspects. A last N realms are retrieved from a database record searched by MAC address. The list is further narrowed by removing realms that are inaccessible or otherwise recently shown to have bad link quality. Additional ranking factors can narrow or rearrange the realm list based on financial agreements, popularity, trends, and the like. A selection from the list of realms is received from the station. The access point then authenticates the station with the selected realm. If successful, data traffic concerning the station can be forwarded through the hot spot on behalf of the selected realm.
15 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method for generating a list of per-station NAI (Network Access Identifier) realms for a hot spot WLAN connection, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving a query for a list of realms from a station during a connection to a hot spot; responsive to detecting the query specifically from the station, generating the list of realms that are a subset of a list of realms available to the hot spot, including determining one or more realms to which the station has a subscription, and including at least one of one or more realms which the station has a subscription within the list of realms; receiving a selection from the list of realms; authenticating the station with the selected realm; and forwarding data traffic concerning the station through the hot spot on behalf of the selected realm. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, storing source code that, when executed by a processor, generates a list of per-station NAI (Network Access Identifier) realms for a hot spot WLAN connection, including:
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receiving a query for a list of realms from a station during a connection to a hot spot; responsive to detecting the query specifically from the station, generating the list of realms that are a subset of a list of realms available to the hot spot, including determining one or more realms to which the station has a subscription, and including at least one of one or more realms which the station has a subscription within the list of realms; receiving a selection from the list of realms; authenticating the station with the selected realm; and forwarding data traffic concerning the station through the hot spot on behalf of the selected realm. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. An access point to generate a list of per-station NAI (Network Access Identifier) realms for a hot spot WLAN connection, the access point comprising:
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memory; a processor, coupled to the memory and performing the following; receiving a query for a list of realms from a station during a connection to a hot spot; responsive to detecting the query specifically from the station, generating the list of realms that are a subset of a list of realms available to the hot spot, including determining one or more realms to which the station has a subscription, and including at least one of one or more realms which the station has a subscription within the list of realms; receiving a selection from the list of realms; authenticating the station with the selected realm; and forwarding data traffic concerning the station through the hot spot on behalf of the selected realm.
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Specification