Systems and methods for creating a wireless network

• US 20040165545A1
• Filed: 02/21/2003
• Published: 08/26/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qwest Communications International Incorporated (Lumen Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Qwest Communications International Incorporated (Lumen Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Cook, Charles I.
• Granted Patent: US 7,266,089 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/315
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/101 Access control lists [ACL]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/50 Secure pairing of devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/105 PBS [Private Base Station] network H04W84/12 - H04W84/16 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/10 adapted for operation in multiple networks, e.g. multi-mode access points
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/16 Gateway arrangements

Abstract

Systems and methods for transferring information are described herein. Some of the systems include one or more wireless access points providing access to a network for wireless client devices. In addition, the systems can include a modem coupling the wireless access point(s) to a network that includes a central gateway operable to authorize access to the network via the wireless access point. In some cases, the wireless access point is located at a customer premises. Various methods are also described for transferring information over a wireless network. Such methods can include receiving a request from a wireless client device at a central gateway via a wireless access point located at a customer premises, and authorizing access to a network associated with the central gateway. Other methods can include receiving multiple requests from the same wireless client device via different access points as the wireless client device moves from location to location.

Claims

1. A system for transferring information, the system comprising:

a wireless access point; and

a modem coupling the wireless access point to a network, wherein the network includes a central gateway operable to authorize access to the network via the wireless access point.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless access point is located at a customer premises.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the wireless access point is a Wi-Fi access point.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the modem is an xDSL modem.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the central gateway includes a computer readable medium, and wherein the computer readable medium includes computer instructions executable by the central gateway to:

receive a request from a wireless client device via the wireless access point; and

based at least in part on the request, authorizing access to the network.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the central gateway includes a computer readable medium, and wherein the computer readable medium includes computer instructions executable by the central gateway to:

receive a request from a wireless client device via the wireless access point; and

based at least in part on the request, denying access to the network.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the computer instructions are

further executable by the central gateway to:

access a database, wherein the database indicates authorized wireless client devices.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the database further indicates suspicious wireless client devices.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the central gateway includes a.

computer readable medium, and wherein the computer readable medium includes computer instructions executable by the central gateway to:

receive a request from a wireless client device via the wireless access point; and

based at least in part on the request, responding to the request by providing a web page displaying subscription directions.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the central gateway includes a.

computer readable medium, and wherein the computer readable medium includes computer instructions executable by the central gateway to:

receive a request from a wireless client device via the wireless access point; and

based at least in part on the request, responding to the request by providing a web page displaying a login for an ISP.

11. The system of claim 1, the system comprising:

a computer coupled to the modem.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the central gateway includes a computer readable medium, and wherein the computer readable medium includes computer instructions executable by the central gateway to:

provide rate shaping based at least in part on requests received from the computer and the wireless access point.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the central gateway includes a computer readable medium, and wherein the computer readable medium includes computer instructions executable by the central gateway to:

provide billing information associated with a wireless client access device based at least in part on requests received from the computer and the wireless access point.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless access point includes a wireless connection to a wireline network.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless access point is coupled directly to a network equipment location.

16. A system for transferring information, the system comprising:

a network including a central gateway operable to authorize access to the network via a wireless access point installed at a customer premises.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the central gateway includes a computer readable medium, and wherein the computer readable medium includes computer instructions executable by the central gateway to:

receive a request from a wireless client device via the wireless access point; and

based at least in part on the request, performing a function selected from the group consisting of;

authorizing access to the network, denying access to the network, and responding to the request by providing a web page displaying subscription directions.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the computer instructions are further executable by the central gateway to:

access a database, wherein the database indicates authorized wireless client devices and suspicious wireless client devices.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the network is further coupled to a computer via a modem, and wherein the computer is coupled to the network via a coupling selected from a group consisting of:

fiber optic cable, wire, and a combination of optic cable and wire.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the modem is an xDSL modem.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the central gateway includes a computer readable medium, and wherein the computer readable medium includes computer instructions executable by the central gateway to perform at least one function selected from a group consisting of:

providing rate shaping based at least in part on requests received from the computer and the wireless access point; and

providing billing information associated with a wireless client access device based at least in part on requests received from the computer and the wireless access point.

22. A method for transferring information, the method comprising:

receiving a request from a wireless client device at a central gateway via a wireless access point located at a customer premises; and

authorizing access to a network associated with the central gateway.

23. The method of claim 22, the method further comprising:

receiving a request from a computer coupled to the network via a modem, wherein the computer is coupled to the network via a coupling selected from a group consisting of;

fiber optic cable, wire, and a combination of optic cable and wire.

24. The method of claim 22, the method further comprising:

providing rate shaping based at least in part on the request from the computer and the request from the wireless client device.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein authorizing access includes accessing a database that indicates authorized wireless client devices.

26. The method of claim 22, the method further comprising:

providing billing based at least in part on the request from the wireless client device.

27. A method for transferring information, the method comprising:

receiving a first request from a roaming client device at a central gateway via a first wireless access point located at a first customer premises;

authorizing access to a network associated with the central gateway;

responding to the first request;

receiving a second request from the roaming client device at the central gateway via a second wireless access point located at a second customer premises; and

responding to the second request.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first wireless access point is coupled to the network via an xDSL modem.

29. The method of claim 27, the method further comprising:

providing billing based at least in part on the request from the roaming client device.

30. A method for expanding network coverage, the method comprising:

identifying a network edge of a network; and

supporting a wireless access point installed at a customer premises located near the network edge, wherein a wireless client access device beyond the network edge can access the network.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein supporting the wireless access point includes providing at least one service selected from the group consisting of:

billing;

rate shaping; and

authorizing.