Automated updating of access points in a distributed network

• US 20020157090A1
• Filed: 04/20/2001
• Published: 10/24/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/20/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hereuare Communications, Inc. (hereUare, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hereuare Communications, Inc. (hereUare, Inc.)
• Inventors: Anton, Francis M. Jr.
• Application Number:
  US09/839,336
• Publication Number:
  US 20020157090A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 717/178
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/082 the condition being updates or upgrades of network functionality
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0856 by backing up or archiving configuration information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0869 Validating the configuration within one network element
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0886 Fully automatic configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/10 for controlling access to devices or network resources
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/34 involving the movement of software or configuration parameters network booting or remote initial program loading [RIPL] G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/37 Managing security policies for mobile devices or for controlling mobile applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/02 Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 Access point devices

Abstract

A method and system for maintaining network access point equipment including installing and upgrading software. The system includes a network server, and access point equipment including one or more access point devices, with each device equipped with a CPU including a random access memory (RAM) and a programmable read only memory (PROM). The server is configured for receiving software for maintaining the programming of access point devices. Both the access point devices and the server are programmed with authentication software for identifying each other prior to transmission of maintenance data. The access point devices are further programmed to periodically do a software check with the server. If the current software version in the device is the same as that stored in the server, no action is taken. If the version in the server is different, then the server and device automatically load the current software version into the device.

Claims

1. A system for software maintenance of a wireless Internet access device, said system comprising:

(a) an access point device for making a wireless connection between a mobile computer and a communications network, said device including

(i) a memory containing first device management software for providing a device management function; and

(ii) loading apparatus for loading second software through said network for replacing said first software.

2. A system as recited in claim 1 further comprising a server including apparatus for receiving data input from a computer for installation and storing said second software for said loading by said loading apparatus through said network.

3. A system as recited in claim 2 wherein said device further includes version checker apparatus for checking a version of said second software, and wherein said loading apparatus loads said second software if a version of said second software is different from a version of said first software.

4. A system as recited in claim 3 further comprising first authentication apparatus for authenticating an identity of said server to said device.

5. A system as recited in claim 4 further comprising second authentication apparatus for authenticating an identity of said device to said server.

6. A system as recited in claim 3 further comprising automatic apparatus for automatically performing said checking and said loading at a preset time.

7. A system as recited in claim 6 further comprising shut-down apparatus for stopping an acceptance of new connections prior to said loading.

8. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said loading is performed automatically at a preset time.

9. A method of maintaining software on a wireless network access device, said method comprising:

(a) first storing a first device management software in a memory in said device; and

(b) loading a second device management software through said network for replacing said first software.

10. A method as recited in claim 9 further comprising inputting upgrade data to a server from a computer, said data for installing and storing said second device management software in said server.

11. A method as recited in claim 10 further comprising checking a version of said second software, and wherein said loading is performed if said second software is a different version from said first software.

12. A method as recited in claim 11 further comprising first authenticating an identity of said server to said device.

13. A method as recited in claim 12 further comprising second authenticating an identity of said device to said server.

14. A method as recited in claim 11 further comprising automatically performing said checking and said loading at a preset time.

15. A method as recited in claim 14 further comprising stopping an acceptance of a new connection prior to said loading.

16. A method as recited in claim 9 further comprising automatically performing said loading at a preset time.

18. A system as recited in claim 17 wherein said authorization server apparatus includes

(a) source network server apparatus including apparatus for receiving a request from said mobile user to access said Internet, and for determining if said mobile user is currently authorized to access the Internet, and if so to allow said authorized mobile user said access, and if not to forward said request;

(b) redirection server apparatus for receiving from said source server said forwarded request by said unauthorized mobile user for Internet access, and for redirecting said request; and

(c) authentication server apparatus for receiving said unauthorized user'"'"'s request from said redirection server, and for authorizing said unauthorized mobile user to access said Internet; and

(d) gate keeper server apparatus for receiving an authorization from said authentication server and for informing said source network apparatus that said mobile user is to be allowed access to said Internet.

19. A system as recited in claim 17 wherein said access point device further includes version checker apparatus for checking a version of said second software, and wherein said loading apparatus loads said second software if a version of said second software is different from a version of said first software.

20. A system as recited in claim 19 further comprising first authentication apparatus for authenticating an identity of said remote maintenance server to said access point device.

21. A system as recited in claim 20 further comprising second authentication apparatus for authenticating an identity of said access point device to said remote maintenance server.

22. A system as recited in claim 19 further comprising apparatus for automatically performing said checking and said loading at a preset time.

23. A system as recited in claim 22 further comprising shut-down apparatus for stopping an acceptance of new connections prior to said loading.

24. A system as recited in claim 17 wherein said loading is performed automatically at a preset time.

17. A system providing Internet access comprising:

(a) an access point device for making a wireless connection between a mobile user and a source network, said access point device including

(i) first device management software for providing a device management function;

(ii) access device loading apparatus for loading second device management software through a network for replacing said first software;

(b) authorization server apparatus for authorizing a mobile user to access the Internet through said access point device and said source network; and

(c) remote maintenance server apparatus including apparatus for receiving and storing an upgrade to said first software from a network connected computer for creation of said second software, and for facilitating said loading in cooperation with said access point device.