METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING HIGH SPEED CONNECTIVITY TO A HOTEL ENVIRONMENT

• US 20090052459A1
• Filed: 10/23/2008
• Published: 02/26/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Guest-tek Interactive Entertainment Ltd.
• Original Assignee: iBAHN General Holdings Corporation (Guest-tek Interactive Entertainment Ltd.)
• Inventors: West, William B., Smith, Wallace Eric, McDaniel, Steven R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,854,195 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/400
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2801 Broadband local area networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2854 Wide area networks, e.g. public data networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2859 Point-to-point connection between the data network and the subscribers encapsulation H04L12/4633; virtual LANs H04L12/4641; routing of packets H04L45/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/4645 Details on frame tagging routing of packets H04L45/00; support for virtual LAN H04L49/354
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2101/668 Internet protocol [IP] address subnets
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/02 Topology update or discovery
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/22 Alternate routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/54 Organization of routing tables
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/72 Routing based on the source address
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/2503 Translation of Internet protocol [IP] addresses
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/2514 between local and global IP addresses
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/5014 using dynamic host configuration protocol [DHCP] or bootstrap protocol [BOOTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/5061 Pools of addresses
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/5084 Providing for device mobility network addressing or numbering for mobility support in wireless networks H04W8/26; mobile IP H04W80/04
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/104 Grouping of entities
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/10 in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network software deployment G06F8/60; multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/46
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/141 Setup of application sessions admission control or resource allocation in data switching networks H04L47/70

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are described for providing access to a network via a first one of a plurality of network access nodes in the network. The network access nodes each have a network address associated therewith which is unique on the network, the first network access node having a first network address associated therewith. The first network address is associated with a first computer while the first computer is connected to the first network access node thereby providing access to the network.

Claims

1. A method for setting a parameter in a first room in a structure, the structure having a network interconnecting a plurality of network access nodes which facilitate access to the network, selected rooms in the structure having network access nodes associated therewith, the first room having a first network access node associated therewith, the method comprising:

transmitting control information corresponding to the parameter to the first network access node;

converting the control information into a control signal for controlling a control system associated with the parameter in the first room; and

controlling the control system to set the parameter in the first room in accordance with the converted control signal.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the control system comprises one or more of a temperature control system, a lighting control system, an information services system, a video control system, or an audio control system.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein controlling the control system comprises transmitting the control signal to the control system using one or more of an RF transmission element or an infrared transmission element.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the control information is derived from a previously stored database record corresponding to an individual scheduled to occupy the first room.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein controlling the control system to set the parameter in the first room occurs prior to occupation of the first room by the individual.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein controlling the control system to set the parameter in the first room occurs in response to a request to control the parameter generated by an individual occupying the first room.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the room parameter setting relates to one or more of a temperature control system, a lighting control system, an information services system, a video control system, or an audio control system.

7. A method for automatically customizing a first room in a structure for an individual, the structure having a network interconnecting a plurality of network access nodes which facilitate access to the network, selected rooms in the structure having network access nodes associated therewith, the first room having a first network access node associated therewith, the method comprising:

generating a database record corresponding to the individual, the database record comprising control information corresponding to a room parameter setting; and

transmitting the control information to the first network node via the network to effect automatic control of the room parameter setting in accordance with the control information.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein transmitting the control information to the first network node to effect automatic control of the room parameter setting is done prior to occupation of the first room by the individual.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein transmitting the control information to the first network node to effect automatic control of the room parameter setting is done in response to a request to control the room parameter setting generated by the individual.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the request to control the room parameter is received in a transmission from the first room.

12. At least one computer-readable medium having a database record stored therein for effecting automatic customization of a room for an individual, the database record comprising control information corresponding to a room parameter setting, the control information being configured for transmission to a control system associated with the room to effect automatic control of the room parameter setting in accordance with the control information.

13. The at least one computer readable medium of claim 12 wherein the room parameter setting relates to one or more of a temperature control system, a lighting control system, an information services system, a video control system, or an audio control system.