Methods and systems for providing variable rates of service for accessing networks, methods and systems for accessing the internet
First Claim
1. A method for providing access to the Internet comprising:
- offering one or more services for purchase via a wireless link, the services pertaining to those that are used in conjunction with a user accessing the Internet over the wireless link, the wireless link being established in a public location; and
responsive to a user wirelessly purchasing one or more of the services, providing the user with Internet access while rendering the one or more services for the user.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for providing network access, e.g. Internet access, are described. An architecture includes a host organization network through which network access is provided. The host organization network can be advantageously deployed in public areas such as airports and shopping malls. An authentication/negotiation component is provided for authenticating various users and negotiating for services with service providers on behalf of the system users. The authentication/negotiation component can include one or more specialized servers and a policy manager that contains policies that govern user access to the Internet. An authentication database is provided and authenticates various users of the system. An access module is provided through which individual client computing devices can access the Internet. In one embodiment, the access module comprises individual wireless access points that permit the client computing devices to wirelessly communicate data packets that are intended for the Internet. In one aspect, users are given a variety of choices of different service levels that they can use for accessing the Internet. The service levels can vary in such things as bandwidth allocation and security measures. The various service levels can be purchased by the users using their computing devices.
99 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for providing access to the Internet comprising:
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offering one or more services for purchase via a wireless link, the services pertaining to those that are used in conjunction with a user accessing the Internet over the wireless link, the wireless link being established in a public location; and
responsive to a user wirelessly purchasing one or more of the services, providing the user with Internet access while rendering the one or more services for the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for providing access to the Internet comprising:
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offering one or more services for purchase via a wireless link, the services pertaining to those that are used in conjunction with a user accessing the Internet over the wireless link, the wireless link being established in a public location; and
arranging at least some users into groups based upon the one or more services that they purchase, each group being provided the same service or services. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification