Methods and systems for providing variable rates of service for accessing networks, methods and systems for accessing the internet
First Claim
1. A method for providing access to the Internet comprising:
- monitoring data packet traffic from one or more client computing devices that are wirelessly transmitting data packets that are intended to be transmitted to the Internet;
generating a signal that indicates when one or more client computing devices should wirelessly transmit their data packets;
receiving the generated signal; and
responsive to receiving the generated signal, wirelessly transmitting at least one data packet to a wireless access point that is configured to receive wireless communication.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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 bandwidth allocation and security measures. The various service levels can be purchased by the users using their computing devices.
118 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for providing access to the Internet comprising:
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monitoring data packet traffic from one or more client computing devices that are wirelessly transmitting data packets that are intended to be transmitted to the Internet;
generating a signal that indicates when one or more client computing devices should wirelessly transmit their data packets;
receiving the generated signal; and
responsive to receiving the generated signal, wirelessly transmitting at least one data packet to a wireless access point that is configured to receive wireless communication. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method for providing access to the Internet comprising:
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receiving a generated signal that indicates when one or more client computing devices should wirelessly transmit their data packets, wherein the signal is generated based on monitoring data packet traffic from one or more client computing devices that are wirelessly transmitting data packets that are intended to be transmitted to the Internet; and
responsive to receiving the generated signal, wirelessly transmitting at least one data packet to a wireless access point that is configured to receive wireless communication. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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7. A method for providing access to the Internet comprising:
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receiving a generated signal that indicates when one or more client computing devices should wirelessly transmit their data packets, wherein the signal is generated based on monitoring data packet traffic from one or more client computing devices that are wirelessly transmitting data packets that are intended to be transmitted to the Internet; and
responsive to receiving the generated signal, arbitrating among a number of different users for available bandwidth. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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Specification