Mechanism for users with internet service provider smart cards to roam among geographically disparate authorized network computer client devices without mediation of a central authority
First Claim
1. A method for a network computer client device (NC) to connect to an internet service provider (ISP), the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) detecting a smart card inserted into the NC;
(b) comparing a smart card enterprise identification number to an NC enterprise identification number;
(c) if the smart card enterprise identification number matches the NC enterprise identification number, dialing an internet access provider (IAP) telephone number stored in the NC which corresponds to the NC enterprise identification number; and
(d) if the smart card enterprise identification number does not match the NC enterprise identification number, dialing a relationship server telephone number stored in the NC.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
User specific internet service provider (ISP) account information is stored on the user'"'"'s smart card, but the ISP specific connection information is stored within a network computer client device (NC). When the NC is first powered on and used, it calls the relationship server to receive connection information corresponding to the ISP that is either specified on the first user'"'"'s smart card or is otherwise chosen by the first user. This connection information is preferably stored in non-volatile memory within the NC, so that even if the NC is powered down, it maintains the ability to connect to the ISP designated by its previous user. Each ISP is designated by a unique enterprise identification number assigned by the relationship server. When a subsequent user inserts his smart card into an NC, the NC compares the enterprise identification number on the smart card to the enterprise identification number within the NC. If the enterprise identification numbers match, the NC connects to the IAP already stored in the NC without dialing the relationship server. Only if the enterprise identification numbers do not match must the NC then dial the relationship server to download connection information for the ISP designated by the smart card enterprise identification number. In the preferred embodiment, the ISP contents of the smart card are digitally signed by the ISP. If the enterprise identification numbers match, then the ISP contents of the smart card are cryptographically authenticated using the public key within the authorized usage certificate for the ISP. If the cryptographic authentication fails, then the NC reprograms the smart card.
102 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method for a network computer client device (NC) to connect to an internet service provider (ISP), the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) detecting a smart card inserted into the NC; (b) comparing a smart card enterprise identification number to an NC enterprise identification number; (c) if the smart card enterprise identification number matches the NC enterprise identification number, dialing an internet access provider (IAP) telephone number stored in the NC which corresponds to the NC enterprise identification number; and (d) if the smart card enterprise identification number does not match the NC enterprise identification number, dialing a relationship server telephone number stored in the NC. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A computer readable storage medium comprising:
computer readable program code embodied on said computer readable storage medium, said computer readable program code for programming a computer to perform a method for connecting said computer (NC) to an internet service provider (ISP), the method comprising the steps of; (a) detecting a smart card inserted into the NC; (b) comparing a smart card enterprise identification number to an NC enterprise identification number; (c) if the smart card enterprise identification number matches the NC enterprise identification number, dialing an internet access provider (IAP) telephone number stored in the NC which corresponds to the NC enterprise identification number; and (d) if the smart card enterprise identification number does not match the NC enterprise identification number, dialing a relationship server telephone number stored in the NC. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An apparatus for connecting a network computer client device (NC) to an internet service provider (ISP), the apparatus comprising:
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(a) means for detecting a smart card inserted into the NC; (b) means for comparing a smart card enterprise identification number to an NC enterprise identification number; (c) means for dialing an internet access provider (IAP) telephone number stored in the NC which corresponds to the NC enterprise identification number if the smart card enterprise identification number matches the NC enterprise identification number; and (d) means for dialing a relationship server telephone number stored in the NC if the smart card enterprise identification number does not match the NC enterprise identification number. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification