Mobile, seamless, temporary, wireless network access apparatus and method

Abstract

A software and hardware “kit” provides users the ability to seamlessly connect to local area networks at temporary accommodations and remote locations. The “kit” provides the end user with the ability to install wireless network interface cards on a computer, while bypassing the standard “Plug and Play” process, and provides the system configuration necessary to enable the hardware functionality. This will also allow the end user to immediately connect to the local area network, such as a wireless local area network, provided that the user's system is physically located within signal range. This process may be accomplished without the requirement that hardware actually be present and without rebooting the computer system, thus providing a novel improvement over the standard “Plug and Play” process.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 236,041 filed Sep. 5, 2002, which claims the benefit of: (1) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 317,483 filed on Sep. 5, 2001, (2) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 339,153 filed on Nov. 30, 2001, (3) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 361,378 filed on Mar. 1, 2002.BACKGROUND [0002] 1. The Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to providing access to global computer networks and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for providing wireless and wired access to global computer networks. [0004] 2. The Background Art [0005] As appreciated by those of skill in the art, known systems for providing high speed access to global computer networks (e.g., the Internet) at temporary accommodations, such as hotels, motels, and the like typically require the installation of expensive and complex infrastructure (e.g., hardware and software...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] A primary object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for providing Internet and local area network access to users at temporary locations, remote locations, events and the like. For example, in one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, customers or users at temporary accommodations, such as hotels, motels, convention centers, schools, airports, and the like may be provided a kit by a network access provider. The kit may be designed to provide a convenient and seamless method for users to temporarily connect to a local area network providing Internet access at a use site, while eliminating many problems typical of connecting to a local area network.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the software in accordance with the present invention may be programmed to enable a “hot” insert of the network hardware to the user's personal computer, while bypassing various time-consuming steps typical of hardware installation on a personal computer. For example, software included with the kit may enable the user to install a wireless network card, or other network interface hardware, without rebooting the computer. In addition, full functionality of the hardware may be provided to the user while eliminating the need to step through the “Plug and Play” process. Thus, significant time may be saved to those desiring to connect to a computer network. This may be particularly important with certain customers, such as business travelers, who may have very little time to devote to connecting to a network, troubleshooting their personal computer, and the like.

[0012] The kit previously mentioned may be provided to the users in a case. The case may be used to couple the network hardware and the readable media into a unitary structure for delivery to a user. In addition, the case may provide a convenient method to provide instructions to users, protect the hardware and software, aid in tracking inventory, and prevent loss and theft of the contents thereof.

[0014] The kit may be installed, by the user, on a computer, such as a laptop. The kit may provide sufficient instructions to the user in order that the user may install the hardware and software included in the kit, respond to various prompts originating from the software, and connect to a local area network is a rapid and seamless manner. Once access to the local area network is no longer needed, the user may return the kit to the provider.

Problems solved by technology

As appreciated by those of skill in the art, known systems for providing high speed access to global computer networks (e.g., the Internet) at temporary accommodations, such as hotels, motels, and the like typically require the installation of expensive and complex infrastructure (e.g., hardware and software).

For example, many temporary accommodations spend immense amounts of money installing expensive infrastructure including routing network cable to various rooms, installing network hardware, and the like, to provide high speed Internet as well as other network services to their customers.

Not only is the installation of the infrastructure very expensive, but the infrastructure may become obsolete in a very short time, requiring the owners of the accommodations to reinvest in new hardware and software.

Moreover, temporary accommodations may be unable to recoup the money spent on the initial investment to install network hardware.

For example, many customers of temporary accommodations such as hotels, motels, and conference centers may be unwilling to pay a premium for network services.

Furthermore, current systems may be too inconvenient and may not easily permit a customer to tie into a hotel's network.

This may require too much time, effort, support personnel, and the like, to make the services worthwhile to a guest at a temporary accommodation.

However, factors such as cost, inconvenience, personnel requirements, and the like, may render providing Internet access and network services impractical.

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