Apparatus, method and system for a tunneling client access point

• US 10,397,374 B2
• Filed: 09/22/2017
• Issued: 08/27/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IOENGINE, LLC
• Original Assignee: IOENGINE, LLC
• Inventors: McNulty, Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Boutah, Alina A
• Application Number:
  US15/712,714
• Publication Number:
  US 20180013863A1
• Time in Patent Office: 704 Days
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/56 Financial cryptography, e.g. electronic payment or e-cash
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/76 Proxy, i.e. using intermediary entity to perform cryptographic operations network architectures or network communication protocols using hop-by-hop encryption H04L63/0464
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/80 Wireless network architectures or network communication protocols for wireless network security H04W12/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0272 Virtual private networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/61 for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/01 Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/04 specially adapted for terminals or networks with limited capabilities; specially adapted for terminal portability
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/141 Setup of application sessions admission control or resource allocation in data switching networks H04L47/70
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3226 using a predetermined code, e.g. password, passphrase or PIN network architectures or network communication protocols for supporting authentication of entities using passwords in a packet data network H04L63/083
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3247 involving digital signatures

Abstract

The disclosure details the implementation of an apparatus, method, and system comprising a portable device configured to communicate with a terminal and a network server, and execute stored program code in response to user interaction with an interactive user interface. The portable device contains stored program code configured to render an interactive user interface on a terminal output component to enable the user the control processing activity on the portable device and access data and programs from the portable device and a network server.

Claims

1. A portable device configured to communicate with a communications network, the communication network comprising (i) a communications network node, and (ii) a terminal, the terminal comprising a processor, an output component configured to present a graphical interactive user interface comprising at least one user interface element configured to be manipulated by a user to enable control of the portable device, a network interface, and a memory configured to store executable program code, including first program code which, when executed by the terminal processor, presents the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component, receives a command resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the graphical interactive user interface, and causes a communication to be transmitted to the portable device in response to the command resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the graphical interactive user interface, the portable device comprising:

(a) at least one communication interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the communications network;

(b) a processor; and

(c) a memory having executable program code stored thereon, including;

(1) second program code which, when executed by the portable device processor, enables the portable device to cause a communication to be sent to the communications network node;

(2) third program code which, when executed by the portable device processor in response to a communication received from the terminal resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the graphical interactive user interface, causes a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node; and

(3) fourth program code which, when executed, affects the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component;

wherein the portable device is configured to communicate with the terminal and to securely communicate with the communications network node.

2. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes a secure communication to be transmitted to the communications network node.

3. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes a secure communication to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to the communications network node.

4. The portable device according to claim 3, wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes encrypted data to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to the communications network node.

5. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the portable device is configured to employ a secure communication protocol to securely communicate with the communications network node.

6. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the portable device is configured to employ an encryption format to securely communicate with the communications network node.

7. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the portable device is configured to employ a cryptographic technique to securely communicate with the communications network node.

8. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the portable device is configured to facilitate key exchange with the communications network node to enable secure communications between the portable device and the communications network node.

9. The portable device according to claim 3, wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes encrypted data to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to the communications network node.

10. The portable device according to claim 1, comprising a cryptographic processor configured to facilitate the transmission of a secure communication to the communications network node.

11. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one communication interface comprises a network interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the communications network node, and wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes the communication to be transmitted through the portable device network interface to the communications network node.

12. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the fourth program code.

13. The portable device according to claim 12, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the fourth program code in response to the execution of the third program code.

14. The portable device according to claim 12, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the fourth program code in response to a communication received from the terminal resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the graphical interactive user interface.

15. The portable device according to claim 12, wherein the fourth program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes a communication to be transmitted to the terminal to affect the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component.

16. The portable device according to claim 12, wherein the fourth program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes a communication to be transmitted to the terminal to cause the terminal processor to execute fifth program code to affect the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component.

17. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal processor is configured to execute the fourth program code.

18. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one communication interface comprises a wireless network interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the terminal and between the portable device and the communications network node.

19. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface element comprises one or more of the group consisting of a button, an icon, a dropdown list, a text link, a data entry field, a textbox, and a drag-and-drop zone.

20. The portable device according to claim 19, wherein the terminal comprises an input component configured to enable the user to manipulate a user interface element on the graphical interactive user interface, wherein the terminal input component comprises one or more of the group consisting of a mouse, a keyboard, a trackpad, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a trackball, a joystick, goggles, and a microphone.

21. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one communication interface comprises a first communication interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the terminal and a second communication interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the communications network node.

22. The portable device according to claim 21, wherein the first communication interface comprises a wireless communication interface.

23. The portable device according to claim 20, wherein the terminal input component is configured to enable the user to control a cursor presented on the graphical interactive user interface.

24. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the second program code, when executed by the portable device processor, enables the portable device to cause a secure communication to be sent to communications network node.

25. The portable device according to claim 21, wherein the first communication interface comprises a universal serial bus interface.

26. The portable device according to claim 21, wherein the second communication interface comprises a wireless communication interface.

27. The portable device according to claim 24, wherein the second program code, when executed by the portable device processor, facilitates a secure communication protocol to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be transmitted to the communications network node.

28. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the second program code, when executed by the portable device processor, facilitates an encryption format to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be transmitted to the communications network node.

29. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the second program code, when executed by the portable device processor, facilitates a cryptographic technique to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be transmitted to the communications network node.

30. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes the communication to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate verification of the portable device.

31. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes the communication to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate the download of data to the portable device.

32. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes the communication to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate access to data stored on a communications network node.

33. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the portable device is configured to receive data transmitted from the communications network node and the third program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate the transmission of data to the portable device.

34. The portable device according to claim 33, wherein the data comprises video data content.

35. The portable device according to claim 33, wherein the data comprises audio data content.

36. The portable device according to claim 33, wherein the data comprises a live data feed.

37. The portable device according to claim 34, wherein the terminal output component comprises a video monitor and the portable device is configured to transmit video data content to the terminal for presentation by the terminal video monitor.

38. The portable device according to claim 35, wherein the terminal output component comprises a speaker and the portable device is configured to transmit audio data content to the terminal for presentation by the terminal speaker.

39. The portable device according to claim 36, wherein the portable device is configured to transmit to the terminal the live data feed received from the communications network node.

40. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the second program code stored on the portable device memory comprises an operating system.

41. The portable device according to claim 3, wherein the communications network comprises an initial communications network node in communication with the terminal network interface, and wherein the portable device is configured to securely communicate through the terminal network interface with the communications network node without the portable device determining the initial communications network node.

42. The portable device according to claim 3, wherein the second program code, when executed by the portable device processor, enables the portable device to cause a communication to be sent through the terminal network interface to the communications network node without requiring the user to actuate a switch on the portable device.

43. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the first program code, when executed by the terminal processor, generates the graphical interactive user interface presented by the terminal output component without requiring the user to actuate a switch on the portable device.

44. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes the communication to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate the transmission of encrypted data to a communications network node.

45. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes the communication to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate the transmission of encrypted data to the portable device.

46. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes the communication to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate synchronizing data stored on the portable device memory with data stored on a communications network node.

47. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes the communication to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate synchronizing program code stored on the portable device with program code stored on a communications network node.

48. The portable device according to claim 3, wherein the communications network comprises an initial communications network node in communication with the terminal network interface, and wherein the portable device is configured to securely communicate through the terminal network interface with the communications network node without the portable device identifying the initial communications network node to the terminal.

49. A portable device comprising:

(a) at least one communication interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and a terminal comprising a terminal processor, an input component, an output component, and a network interface;

(b) a processor; and

(c) a memory having executable program code stored thereon, including;

(1) first program code which, when executed, causes a graphical interactive user interface to be presented by the terminal output component, wherein the graphical interactive user interface is configured to enable the user to cause the portable device processor to execute program code stored on the portable device memory;

(2) second program code which, when executed, enables the portable device to;

(i) receive a communication resulting from user interaction with the graphical interactive user interface, and

(ii) cause a communication to be sent through the terminal network interface to a communications network comprising at least one communications network node; and

(3) third program code which, when executed by the portable device processor in response to a communication resulting from user interaction with the graphical interactive user interface, causes a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node;

wherein the portable device is configured to affect the presentation by the terminal output component of processing activity of program code stored on the portable device memory; and

wherein the portable device is configured to communicate with the terminal and to securely communicate through the terminal network interface with the communications network node.

50. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the portable device is configured to employ a secure communication protocol to securely communicate through the terminal network interface with the communications network node.

51. The portable device according to claim 50, wherein the secure communication protocol comprises one or more of the group consisting of Secure HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTPS) and Secure Socket Layer (SSL).

52. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the portable device is configured to employ an encryption format to securely communicate through the terminal network interface with the communications network node.

53. The portable device according to claim 52, wherein the encryption format comprises one or more of the group consistent of checksum, Data Encryption Standard (DES), Elliptical Curve Encryption (EEC), International Data Encryption Algorithm (IDEA), Message Digest 5 (MD5) passwords, Rivest Cipher (RC5), Rijndael, RSA, and Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA).

54. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the portable device is configured to employ a cryptographic technique to securely communicate through the terminal network interface with the communications network node.

55. The portable device according to claim 54, wherein the cryptographic technique comprises one or more of the group consisting of digital certificates, digital signatures, dual signatures, enveloping, and public key management.

56. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the portable device is configured to facilitate encryption of data to securely communicate through the terminal network interface with the communications network node.

57. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the portable device is configured to facilitate the exchange of security tokens with the communications network node to securely communicate through the terminal network interface with the communications network node.

58. The portable device according to claim 57, wherein the security tokens are encryption keys.

59. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device processor, causes encrypted data to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to the communications network node.

60. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the portable device processor comprises a cryptographic unit configured to execute fourth program code to facilitate encryption of data.

61. The portable device according to claim 60, further comprising a cryptographic processor configured to execute fourth program code to facilitate encryption of data.

62. The portable device according to claim 60, wherein the cryptographic unit is configured to execute the fourth program code to facilitate decryption of data.

63. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the graphical interactive user interface has at least one user interface element configured to be manipulated by user interaction with the graphical interactive user interface.

64. The portable device according to claim 63, wherein the at least one user interface element comprises one or more of the group consisting of a button, an icon, a dropdown list, a text link, a data entry field, a textbox, and a drag-and-drop zone.

65. The portable device according to claim 63, wherein the terminal input component is configured to enable the user to manipulate a user interface element on the graphical interactive user interface.

66. The portable device according to claim 65, wherein the terminal input component comprises one or more of the group consisting of a mouse, a keyboard, a trackpad, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a trackball, a joystick, goggles, and a microphone.

67. The portable device according to claim 66, wherein the terminal input component is configured to enable the user to control a cursor presented by the graphical interactive user interface.

68. The portable device according to claim 67, wherein the cursor is a text cursor.

69. The portable device according to claim 67, wherein the cursor is a pointer.

70. The portable device according to claim 63, wherein the first program code, when executed, causes the terminal processor to execute fifth program code to present the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component.

71. The portable device according to claim 70, wherein the fifth program code, when executed by the terminal processor, causes a communication to be transmitted to the portable device in response to user manipulation of a user interface element on the graphical interactive user interface.

72. The portable device according to claim 71, wherein the communication transmitted to the portable device in response to user manipulation of a user interface element on the graphical interactive user interface causes the portable device processor to execute the third program code.

73. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the second program code, when executed, enables the portable device to cause a secure communication to be sent through the terminal network interface to a communications network node.

74. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the secure communication facilitates the portable device to perform a secure transaction through the terminal network interface with the communications network node.

75. The portable device according to claim 74, wherein the secure transaction comprises an electronic payment transaction.

76. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the second program code, when executed, enables the portable device to cause encrypted data to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to a communications network node.

77. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the second program code, when executed, facilitates a secure communication protocol to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to a communications network node.

78. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the second program code, when executed, facilitates an encryption format to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to a communications network node.

79. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the second program code, when executed, facilitates a cryptographic technique to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to a communications network node.

80. The portable device according to claim 78, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the second program code.

81. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the portable device is configured to securely communication through the terminal network interface with the communications network node without receiving terminal location information from the terminal.

82. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the portable device does not receive terminal location information from the terminal.

83. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the portable device does not determine a network pathway to be used to securely communicate through the terminal network interface with the communications network node.

84. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the communication network comprises an initial communications network node in communication with the terminal network interface, and wherein the portable device is configured to securely communicate through the terminal network interface with the communications network node without the portable device determining the initial communications network node.

85. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the portable device is configured to securely communicate through the terminal network interface with the communications network node without the portable device identifying the communications network node to the terminal.

86. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the communications network comprises an initial communications network node in communication with the terminal network interface, and wherein the portable device is configured to securely communicate through the terminal network interface with the communications network node without the portable device identifying the initial communications network node to the terminal.

87. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the communications network comprises an initial communications network node in communication with the terminal network interface, and wherein the terminal is configured to facilitate the portable device securely communicating through the terminal network interface with the communications network node by determining the initial communications network node.

88. The portable device according to claim 87, wherein the terminal determines the initial communications network node without receiving information about the initial communications network node from the portable device.

89. The portable device according to claim 88, wherein the terminal determines the initial communications network node without receiving information about the network pathway between the terminal and the communications network node from the portable device.

90. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the second program code, when executed, enables the portable device to cause a communication to be sent through the terminal network interface to the communications network node without requiring the user to actuate a switch on the portable device.

91. The portable device according to claim 49, wherein the second program code, when executed, enables the portable device to cause a communication to be sent through the terminal network interface to the communications network node without requiring the user to enter a passcode in the portable device.

92. A method implemented on a portable device comprising a processor, a memory having executable program code stored thereon, and at least one communication interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and a communications network, the communications network comprising (i) a communications network node, (ii) and a terminal, the terminal comprising a processor, an output component configured to present a graphical interactive user interface comprising at least one user interface element configured to be manipulated by a user to enable control of the portable device, a network interface, and a memory configured to store executable program code, including first program code which, when executed by the terminal processor, presents the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component, receives a command resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the graphical interactive user interface, and causes a communication to be transmitted to the portable device in response to the command resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the graphical interactive user interface, the method comprising:

(a) executing second program code stored on the portable device memory to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be sent to the communications network node;

(b) executing, in response to a communication received by the portable device from the terminal resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the graphical interactive user interface, third program code stored on the portable device memory to cause a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node; and

(e) affecting the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component.

93. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing the third program code to cause a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node comprises causing a secure communication to be transmitted to the communications network node.

94. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing the third program code to cause a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node comprises causing a secure communication to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to the communications network node.

95. The method according to claim 94, wherein the step of executing the third program code to cause a secure communication to be transmitted to the communications network node comprises causing encrypted data to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to the communications network node.

96. The method according to claim 92, further comprising employing a secure communication protocol to securely communicate with the communications network node.

97. The method according to claim 92, further comprising employing an encryption format to securely communicate with the communications network node.

98. The method according to claim 92, further comprising employing a cryptographic technique to securely communicate with the communications network node.

99. The method according to claim 92, further comprising facilitating key exchange with the communications network node to enable secure communications between the portable device and the communications network node.

100. The method according to claim 94, wherein the portable device comprises a cryptographic processor and the step of executing the third program code to cause a secure communication to be transmitted to the communication network node comprises employing the cryptographic processor to cause a secure communication to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to the communications network node.

101. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of affecting the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component comprises executing fourth program code stored on the portable device memory in response to a communication received from the terminal resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the graphical interactive user interface.

102. The method according to claim 92, wherein the at least one communication interface comprises a network interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the communications network node, and the step of executing the third program code to cause a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node comprises causing a communication to be transmitted through the portable device network interface to the communications network node.

103. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of affecting the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component comprises executing fourth program code stored on the portable device memory to in response to the execution of the third program code.

104. The method according to claim 101, wherein executing the fourth program code causes a communication to be transmitted to the terminal to affect the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component.

105. The method according to claim 101, wherein executing the fourth program code causes a communication to be transmitted to the terminal to cause the terminal processor to execute fifth program code to affect the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component.

106. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing the third program code causes a communication comprising a digital certificate stored on the portable device memory to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate verification of the portable device.

107. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing the third program code causes a communication comprising portable device identification information stored on the portable device memory to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate verification of the portable device.

108. The method according to claim 92, wherein the at least one communication interface comprises a wireless network interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the terminal and between the portable device and the communications network node.

109. The method according to claim 108, further comprising employing a WiFi connectivity protocol to enable the transmission of wireless communications between the portable device and the terminal and between the portable device and the communications network node.

110. The method according to claim 108, further comprising employing a Bluetooth connectivity protocol to enable the transmission of wireless communications between the portable device and the terminal and between the portable device and the communications network node.

111. The method according to claim 92, wherein the at least one communication interface comprises a first communication interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the terminal and a second communication interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the communications network node.

112. The method according to claim 111, wherein the first communication interface comprises a wireless communication interface.

113. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing second program code stored on the portable device memory to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be sent to the communications network node comprises employing a secure communication protocol to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be sent to the communications network node.

114. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing second program code stored on the portable device memory to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be sent to the communications network node comprises employing an encryption format to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be sent to the communications network node.

115. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing second program code stored on the portable device memory to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be sent to the communications network node comprises employing a cryptographic technique to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be sent to the communications network node.

116. The method according to claim 111, wherein the second communication interface comprises a wireless communication interface.

117. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing the third program code to cause a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node facilitates download of data to the portable device.

118. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing the third program code to cause a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node facilitates verification of the portable device.

119. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing the third program code to cause a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node facilitates access to data stored on a communications network node.

120. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing the third program code to cause a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node facilitates the transmission of data to the portable device.

121. The method according to claim 120, wherein the data comprises encrypted data.

122. The method according to claim 120, wherein the data comprises video data content.

123. The method according to claim 120, wherein the data comprises audio data content.

124. The method according to claim 120, wherein the data comprises a live data feed.

125. The method according to claim 122, further comprising transmitting the video data content to the terminal for presentation by the terminal output component.

126. The method according to claim 123, further comprising transmitting the audio data content to the terminal for presentation by the terminal output component.

127. The method according to claim 124, further comprising transmitting the live data feed to the terminal for presentation by the terminal output component.

128. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing the third program code to cause a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node facilitates the transmission of encrypted data to a communications network node.

129. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing the third program code to cause a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node facilitates synchronizing data stored on the portable device memory with data stored on a communications network node.

130. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing the third program code to cause a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node facilitates synchronizing program code stored on the portable device memory with program code stored on a communications network node.

131. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of affecting the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component comprises providing the terminal processor with access to fourth program code stored on the portable device memory which, when executed by the terminal processor, is configured to affect the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component.

132. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing second program code stored on the portable device memory to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be sent to the communications network node does not require the user to actuate a switch on the portable device.

133. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of affecting the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component does not require the user to actuate a switch on the portable device.

134. The method according to claim 94, wherein the communications network comprises an initial communications network node in communication with the terminal network interface, and wherein step of executing the third program code to cause a secure communication to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to the communications network node occurs without the portable device identifying the initial communications network node to the terminal.

135. The method according to claim 94, wherein the communications network comprises an initial communications network node in communication with the terminal network interface, and wherein the step of executing the third program code to cause a secure communication to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to the communications network node occurs without the portable device determining the initial communications network node.

136. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of executing second program code stored on the portable device memory to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be sent to the communications network node occurs without the portable device receiving terminal location information from the terminal.

137. The method according to claim 92, wherein the step of affecting the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component results from executing the third program code.

138. A system implementing a communications network, the communications network comprising (i) a communications network node, and (ii) a terminal, the terminal comprising a processor, an output component configured to present a graphical interactive user interface comprising at least one user interface element configured to be manipulated by a user to enable control of the portable device, a network interface, and a memory configured to store executable program code, including first program code which, when executed by the terminal processor, presents the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component, receives a command resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the graphical interactive user interface, and causes a communication to be transmitted to the portable device in response to the command resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the graphical interactive user interface, the system comprising:

(a) a portable device comprising at least one communication interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the communications network, a processor, and a memory having executable program code stored thereon, the portable device configured to;

(1) execute second program code stored on the portable device memory to enable the portable device to cause a communication to be sent to the communications network node;

(2) execute, in response to a communication received by the portable device from the terminal resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the graphical interactive user interface, third program code stored on the portable device memory to cause a communication to be transmitted to the communications network node; and

(3) affect the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component.

139. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the third program code to cause a secure communication to be transmitted to the communications network node.

140. The system according to claim 139, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the third program code to cause a secure communication to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to the communications network node.

141. The system according to claim 140, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the third program code to cause encrypted data to be transmitted through the terminal network interface to the communications network node.

142. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device is configured to employ a secure communication protocol to securely communicate with the communications network node.

143. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device is configured to employ an encryption format to securely communicate with the communications network node.

144. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device is configured to employ a cryptographic technique to securely communicate with the communications network node.

145. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device is configured to facilitate key exchange with the communications network node to enable secure communications between the portable device and the communications network node.

146. The system according to claim 139, wherein the portable device processor comprises a cryptographic processor configured to execute the third program code to cause the secure communication to be transmitted to the communications network node.

147. The system according to claim 138, wherein, in response to a communication received from the terminal resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the graphical interactive user interface, the portable device processor is configured to execute fourth program code stored on the portable device memory to affect the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component.

148. The system according to claim 138, wherein the at least one communication interface comprises a network interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the communications network node and the portable device processor is configured to execute the third program code to cause the communication to be transmitted through the portable device network interface to the communications network node.

149. The system according to claim 138, wherein, in response to executing the third program code, the portable device processor is configured to execute fourth program code stored on the portable device memory to affect the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component.

150. The system according to claim 147, wherein executing the fourth program code causes the portable device to transmit a communication to the terminal to affect the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component.

151. The system according to claim 147, wherein executing the fourth program code causes the portable device to transmit a communication to the terminal to cause the terminal processor to execute fifth program code to affect the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component.

152. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the third program code to cause a communication comprising a digital certificate stored on the portable device memory to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate verification of the portable device.

153. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the third program code to cause a communication comprising portable device identification information stored on the portable device memory to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate verification of the portable device.

154. The system according to claim 138, wherein the at least one communication interface comprises a wireless network interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the terminal and between the portable device and the communications network node.

155. The system according to claim 154, wherein the at least one user interface element comprises one or more of the group consisting of a button, an icon, a dropdown list, a text link, a data entry field, a textbox, and a drag-and-drop zone.

156. The system according to claim 154, wherein the terminal comprises an input component configured to enable the user to manipulate a user interface element on the graphical interactive user interface, wherein the terminal input component comprises one or more of the group consisting of a mouse, a keyboard, a trackpad, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a trackball, a joystick, goggles, and a microphone.

157. The system according to claim 138, wherein the at least one communication interface comprises a first communication interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the terminal and a second communication interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the communications network node.

158. The system according to claim 157, wherein the first communication interface comprises a wireless communication interface.

159. The system according to claim 156, wherein the terminal input component is configured to enable the user to control a cursor presented on the graphical interactive user interface.

160. The system according to claim 138, wherein the second program code, when executed by the portable device processor, enables the portable device to cause a secure communication to be sent to the communications network node.

161. The system according to claim 157, wherein the first communication interface comprises a universal serial bus interface.

162. The system according to claim 157, wherein the second communication interface comprises a wireless communication interface.

163. The system according to claim 160, wherein the second program code, when executed by the portable device processor, facilitates a secure communication protocol to enable the portable device to cause a secure communication to be transmitted to the communications network node.

164. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the third program code to cause the communication to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate verification of the portable device.

165. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the third program code to cause the communication to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate access to data stored on a communications network node.

166. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the third program code to cause the communication to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate the transmission of data to the portable device.

167. The system according to claim 166, wherein the data comprises encrypted data.

168. The system according to claim 166, wherein the data comprises video data content.

169. The system according to claim 166, wherein the data comprises audio data content.

170. The system according to claim 166, wherein the data comprises a live data feed.

171. The system according to claim 168, wherein the portable device is configured to transmit the video data content to the terminal for presentation by the terminal output component.

172. The system according to claim 169, wherein the portable device is configured to transmit the audio data content to the terminal for presentation by the terminal output component.

173. The system according to claim 170, wherein the portable device is configured to transmit the live data feed to the terminal for presentation by the terminal output component.

174. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the third program code to cause the communication to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate the transmission of encrypted data to a communications network node.

175. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the third program code to cause the communication to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate synchronizing data stored on the portable device memory with data stored on a communications network node.

176. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device processor is configured to execute the third program code to cause the communication to be transmitted to the communications network node to facilitate synchronizing program code stored on the portable device memory with program code stored on a communications network node.

177. The system according to claim 140, wherein the communications network comprises an initial communications network node in communication with the terminal network interface, and wherein the portable device is configured to securely communicate through the terminal network interface with the communications network node without the portable device determining the initial communications node.

178. The system according to claim 140, wherein the communications network comprises an initial communications network node in communication with the terminal network interface, and wherein the terminal determines the initial communications network node for secure communications from the portable device through the terminal network interface to the communications network node without receiving information about the initial communications network node from the portable device.

179. The system according to claim 140, wherein the portable device does not determine a network pathway to be used to securely communicate through the terminal network interface with the communications network node.

180. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device is configured to affect the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component by causing a communication to be transmitted to the terminal to cause the terminal processor to execute fourth program code stored on the terminal memory to affect the presentation of an interactive user interface by the terminal output component.

181. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device is configured to affect the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component by executing fifth program code stored on the portable device memory to cause a communication to be transmitted to the terminal to cause the terminal processor to execute fourth program code stored on the terminal memory to affect the presentation of an interactive user interface by the terminal output component.

182. The system according to claim 181, wherein the portable device is configured to affect the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component by executing the fifth program code in response to a communication received by the portable device resulting from user interaction with an interactive user interface presented by the terminal output component.

183. The system according to claim 138, wherein the portable device is configured to affect the presentation of the graphical interactive user interface by the terminal output component as a result of executing the third program code.

184. A portable device configured to communicate with a communications network comprising a communications network node and with a terminal comprising a processor and an output component configured to present an interactive user interface comprising at least one user interface element configured to be manipulated by a user to enable control of the portable device, the portable device comprising:

a. a network interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the communications network node, wherein the communications comprise a data stream transmitted from the communications network node to the portable device;

b. a communications interface configured to enable the transmission of communications between the portable device and the terminal, wherein the communications comprise a data stream transmitted from the portable device to the terminal;

c. a processor; and

d. a memory having executable program code stored thereon, including;

i. first program code which, when executed, presents an interactive user interface on the terminal output component, receives a command resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the interactive user interface, and causes a communication to the portable device processor in response to the command resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the interactive user interface;

ii. second program code which, when executed by the portable device processor, enables the portable device to communicate with the communications network node;

iii. third program code which, when executed by the portable device in response to a communication resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the interactive user interface, causes a communication to be transmitted through the portable device network interface to the communications network node; and

iv. fourth program code which, when executed by the portable device, processes a data stream received from the communications network node through the portable device network interface for transmission through the communications interface to the terminal and presentation by the terminal output component.

185. The portable device according to claim 184, wherein the terminal output component comprises a video monitor and the data stream comprises video data content transmitted from the portable device through the communications interface to the terminal for display by the terminal video monitor.

186. The portable device according to claim 184, wherein the terminal output component comprises a speaker and the data stream comprises audio data content transmitted from the portable device through the communications interface to the terminal for presentation by the terminal speaker.

187. The portable device according to claim 185, wherein the data stream comprises a live data feed.

188. The portable device according to claim 184, wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device in response to a communication resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the interactive user interface, causes a communication to be transmitted through the portable device network interface to the communications network node to facilitate verification of the portable device.

189. The portable device according to claim 184, wherein the third program code, when executed by the portable device in response to a communication resulting from user manipulation of a user interface element of the interactive user interface, causes a communication to be transmitted through the portable device network interface to the communications network node to facilitate the transmission of a data stream from the communications network node to the portable device.

190. The portable device according to claim 184, wherein the interactive user interface further comprises at least one user interface element configured to be manipulated by a user to control the transmission of a data stream through the communications interface to the terminal for presentation by the terminal output component.

191. The portable device according to claim 190, wherein the at least one user interface element is configured to be manipulated by a user to start and stop the transmission of a data stream through the communications interface to the terminal for presentation by the terminal output component.

192. The portable device according to claim 191, wherein the portable device memory has fifth program code stored thereon, which, when executed by the portable device processor in response to a communication resulting from user manipulation of the user interface element to start the data stream transmission to the terminal, causes a communication to be transmitted through the portable device network interface to the communications network node indicating the start of data stream transmission to the terminal.

193. The portable device according to claim 191, wherein the portable device memory has fifth program code stored thereon, which, when executed by the portable device processor in response to a communication resulting from user manipulation of the user interface element to stop the data stream transmission to the terminal, causes a communication to be transmitted through the portable device network interface to the communications network node indicating the stop of data stream transmission to the terminal.

194. The portable device according to claim 184, wherein the presentation of the interactive user interface by the terminal output component is configured to reflect the identity of the user.

195. The portable device according to claim 184, wherein the presentation of the interactive user interface by the terminal output component comprises advertisement content.

196. The portable device according to claim 184, wherein the interactive user interface further comprises at least one user interface element configured to be manipulated by a user to control the selection of the data stream content received from the communications network node through the portable device network interface for transmission through the communications interface to the terminal and presentation by the terminal output component.

197. The portable device according to claim 196, wherein the portable device is configured to store the user'"'"'s data stream content selection inputs in the portable device memory.

198. The portable device according to claim 197, wherein the portable device is configured to transmit the user'"'"'s stored data stream content selection inputs to the communications network node.

199. The portable device according to claim 184, wherein the portable device is configured to enable the user to search data stream content stored on the portable device memory.

200. The portable device according to claim 199, wherein the interactive user interface further comprises at least one user interface element configured to enable the user to initiate a search request for designated data stream content stored on the portable device memory.

201. The portable device according to claim 184, wherein the portable device is configured to enable the user to search data stream content stored on the communications network node.

202. The portable device according to claim 201, wherein the interactive user interface further comprises at least one user interface element configured to enable the user to initiate a search request for designated data stream content stored on the communications network node.

203. The portable device according to claim 202, wherein the portable device memory has fifth program code stored thereon, which, when executed by the portable device processor in response to a communication resulting from the user'"'"'s search request for designated data stream content, causes a communication requesting the designated data stream content to be transmitted through the portable device network interface to the communications network node.

204. The portable device according to claim 184, wherein the portable device is configured to employ a secure communication protocol to securely communicate through the network interface with the communications network node.

205. The portable device according to claim 204, wherein the secure communication protocol facilitates secure communications to enable a secure electronic payment transaction.