System and method for accessing network and data services
First Claim
1. A network access system comprising:
- a first network access hub communicatively coupled to a global communications network;
a second network access hub communicatively coupled to the global communications network;
an authentication engine communicatively coupled to the first network access hub and the second network access hub, the authentication engine operable to receive an initial set of credentials from a requesting user via the global communications network; and
an authorization engine operable to grant access to both transport services and data services in response to authorization of the first set of credentials.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for accessing network and data services are disclosed. In one embodiment of a system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure, a wireless networking hub may be communicatively coupled to a global communications network. A remote authentication engine may be communicatively coupled to the wireless networking hub. The authentication engine may be capable of receiving an initial set of credentials from a user seeking access to network transport services and data services. In preferred embodiments, the system may include an authorization engine capable of granting access to both the network transport services and the data services in response to authorization of the first set of credentials.
61 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A network access system comprising:
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a first network access hub communicatively coupled to a global communications network;
a second network access hub communicatively coupled to the global communications network;
an authentication engine communicatively coupled to the first network access hub and the second network access hub, the authentication engine operable to receive an initial set of credentials from a requesting user via the global communications network; and
an authorization engine operable to grant access to both transport services and data services in response to authorization of the first set of credentials. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A network access method comprising:
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receiving a first set of credentials; and
authorizing access to a network data service and a network transport service in response to authenticating the first set of credentials. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. A computer-readable medium having computer-readable data to access maintained credentials of a plurality of users, to direct an authentication engine to compare input credentials against maintained credentials, to signal an authorization engine of accepted input credentials, and to initiate communication authorizing access to both a network transport service and a network data service.
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12. A computer-readable medium having computer-readable data to initiate a query to find an 802.11 network, to initiate presentation of information that indicates at least one found network, to request connection to the at least one found network, to receive an input requesting retrieval of information associated with a network data service, to receive a request for user credentials, to initiate communication of input user credentials, and to maintain an authorization token indicating a right to access both the found network and the network data service.
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13. A network access system comprising:
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a plurality of hotspots communicatively coupled to a broad communications network;
an authorization engine communicatively coupled to the broad communications network and operable to issue an authentication token to an electronic device communicatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of hotspots; and
the authentication token operable as a valid indicator of access rights to both transport services and data services. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification