Method for selectively providing access to voice and data networks by use of intelligent hardware
First Claim
1. A method for selectively providing access to a network, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) receiving a request to access said network at intelligent hardware communicatively coupled to said network and configured to allow access to said network according to predetermined criteria, said request initiated by an electronic device communicatively coupled to said intelligent hardware; and
b) provided said request satisfies said predetermined criteria, allowing said electronic device to access said network such that said electronic device is communicatively coupled to said network through said intelligent device.
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Abstract
A method for selectively providing access to voice and data networks by use of intelligent hardware. The present invention provides security measures for controlling access to a network connection. An electronic device communicatively coupled to intelligent hardware initiates a request to access a network. The request is received at the intelligent hardware communicatively coupled to the network and configured to allow access to the network according to predetermined criteria. Provided the request satisfies the predetermined criteria, the electronic device is provided access to the network. The predetermined criteria may include placing geographic restrictions (e.g., the room the port is located in), temporal restrictions (e.g., weekend or nighttime restrictions), and user class restrictions (e.g., visitor restrictions or low-level employee restrictions) on specific ports of the intelligent hardware. In one embodiment, a central control site manages the predetermined criteria. In one embodiment, the present invention controls access to a corporate Intranet. In one embodiment, the intelligent device has specific access port serial number. The present invention provides a method of easier management of information systems.
85 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method for selectively providing access to a network, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) receiving a request to access said network at intelligent hardware communicatively coupled to said network and configured to allow access to said network according to predetermined criteria, said request initiated by an electronic device communicatively coupled to said intelligent hardware; and
b) provided said request satisfies said predetermined criteria, allowing said electronic device to access said network such that said electronic device is communicatively coupled to said network through said intelligent device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An intelligent device for providing access to a network comprising:
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a first interface for communicatively coupling said intelligent device to said network;
a second interface for communicatively coupling said intelligent device to a plurality of electronic devices such that said plurality of electronic devices is communicatively coupled to said network through said intelligent device;
a processor coupled to said first interface and said second interface; and
an access provider coupled to said processor, said access provider configured to receive a request to access said network at said intelligent device and configured to provide access to said network according to predetermined criteria, said request initiated by one of said plurality of electronic devices. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. An intelligent device for providing access to a network comprising:
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a first interface for communicatively coupling said intelligent device to said network;
a second interface for communicatively coupling said intelligent device to a plurality of electronic devices such that said plurality of electronic devices is communicatively coupled to said network through said intelligent device;
a means for processing and interpreting data coupled to said first interface and said second interface; and
an access provision means coupled to said means for processing and interpreting data, said access provision means for receiving a request to access said network at said intelligent device and for providing access to said network according to predetermined criteria, said request initiated by one of said plurality of electronic devices. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification