System and method for concurrently utilizing multiple system identifiers
First Claim
1. An access point for providing network access to a plurality of computing devices, wherein the access point is configured to couple to a network, the access point comprising:
- a wireless transceiver;
a processor;
a tangible memory medium coupled to the processor, wherein the memory medium stores program instructions executable by the processor, wherein the program instructions are executable to;
instantiate and concurrently execute a plurality of virtual access point instances, wherein each virtual access point instance includes a wireless network protocol stack and wherein each virtual access point corresponds to a unique System ID of a plurality of System IDs (SIDs);
wherein each virtual access point instance of the plurality of virtual access point instances is operative to implement a wireless local area network identified by its corresponding unique SID and provide network access to one or more wireless communication devices.
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Accused Products
Abstract
System and Method for providing access to multiple wireless service providers (WSPs) on a shared network infrastructure. The system includes a plurality of access points (Aps) coupled to a network which may be distributed in airports, mass-transit stations, businesses, etc. The network may couple to a wide area network, such as the Internet. Each AP may include a plurality of virtual Aps (VAPs), each corresponding to a WSP. A portable computing device (PCD) of a user stores identification information indicating a WSP of a plurality of possible WSPs, and which may include an access level of the user. Each AP “listens for” or detects identification information associated with numerous WSPs. When the AP receives the identification information from the PCD, it determines the VAP/WSP for the PCD using the identification information. Network access is then provided to the PCD through the determined WSP at the determined access level.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An access point for providing network access to a plurality of computing devices, wherein the access point is configured to couple to a network, the access point comprising:
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a wireless transceiver; a processor; a tangible memory medium coupled to the processor, wherein the memory medium stores program instructions executable by the processor, wherein the program instructions are executable to; instantiate and concurrently execute a plurality of virtual access point instances, wherein each virtual access point instance includes a wireless network protocol stack and wherein each virtual access point corresponds to a unique System ID of a plurality of System IDs (SIDs); wherein each virtual access point instance of the plurality of virtual access point instances is operative to implement a wireless local area network identified by its corresponding unique SID and provide network access to one or more wireless communication devices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method comprising:
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concurrently executing, on a single physical access point, a plurality of virtual access point instances, wherein each virtual access point instance includes a wireless network protocol stack and wherein each virtual access point corresponds to a unique System ID of a plurality of System IDs (SIDs); wherein each virtual access point instance of the plurality of virtual access point instances is operative to implement a wireless local area network identified by its corresponding unique SID and provide network access to one or more wireless communication devices. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification