System for on-demand access to local area networks

US 7,849,173 B1

Sheet 2 of 2

Dec. 7, 2010

U.S. Patent

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SYSTEM FOR ON-DEMAND ACCESS TO LOCAL AREA NETWORKS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 60/344,899, filed Dec. 31, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to communication systems and, more particularly, to a business model for expanding a network architecture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Intemet services are available today, utilizing, for example, standard wireless protocols such as Cellular Digital Packet Data, also known as “wireless Internet Protocol” (wireless IP). (See CPDP System Specification and Implementation Guidelines, Release 1.1, Wireless Data Forum, Washington, D.C.) CDPD can be implemented in American Mobile Phone Systems (AMPS) cellular networks, and thus a wireless Internet service based thereon could become widely available, but the service is slow (given a data transmission rate of 19.2 kbps) and expensive (approximately $1.40 per megabyte of data transmitted). (The AMPS is a frequency division multiple access (FDMA) analog cellular system developed by AT&T Bell Labs in the 1970s).

Additionally, wireless local area networks (WLANs), for example, those based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, are emerging. (For further information regarding the IEEE 802.11 standard, refer to IEEE 802.11, 1999 Edition (ISO/ [EC 8802-11: 1999) IEEE Standardsfor Information Technology—Telecommunications and Information Exchange between Systems—Local and Metropolitan Area Network— Specific Requirements—Part ll: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications; IEEE 802.11a-1999: 8802-11: 1999/Amd 1:2000(E)), IEEE Standardfor Information technology Telecommunications and information exchange between systems—Local and metropolitan area networks—Specific requirements—Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY)>specifications—Amendment 1: High-speed Physical Layer in the 5 GHz band; and IEEE 802.11b-1999: Supplement to 802.11-1999, Wireless LAN MAC and PHY specifications. Higher speed Physical Layer (PHY) extension in the 2.4 GHz band.)

WLANs currently offerpeak instantaneous data rates of 1 1 Mbps (802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) over a range of approximately 100 meters. Despite the relatively high data rates achieved by IEEE 802.1 1 based WLANs, such WLANs have no standardized billing or service fee system. This lack of monetary incentive has limited the installation of 802.11 networks for public use. Thus coverage is primarily limited to private networks.

In summary, the wireless Internet service available today is an expensive, fragmented service with limited coverage. To obtain reasonable data transmission rates and service coverage, one could maintain a CDPD subscriber account, and carry a CDPD PCMCIA modem card, and an 802.1 1b WLAN PCMCIA card. A portable computer would utilize the 802.11b WLAN PCMCIA card for free in the home and ofiice. It would utilize the 802.11b WLAN PCMCIA card for a fee at each hot-spot travel location such as airports and some hotels. The portable computer would use the CPDP PCMCIA

modem card for general use outside the home or office. Access to the CDPD network incurs additional fees to yet another operator.

Network operators have not embraced development of a wireless infrastructure because of the perceived need to acquire sufiicient licensed radio frequency spectrum to build out a nation-wide network, a costly undertaking. With the uncertainties raised by the introduction of other technologies such as GPRS/EDGE and CDMA-2000, and the recent history of the wireless market, these operators are proceeding slowly and cautiously.

What is needed is a business model, network architecture and protocols that facilitate development and operation of a wireless infrastructure to provide ubiquitous wireless Intemet access.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not necessarily by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference throughout this specification to “one embodi

ment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

A business model, network architecture and software are described for implementing and operating a worldwide wireless intemetwork infrastructure. The infrastructure includes a distributed wireless packet data network based on wireless local area networking (WLAN) technology and utilizing high speed (e.g., 1-54 megabits per second data rates), low cost (e.g., less than $100) wireless data terminal equipment, also known as a “user terminal” or “UT”. However, it is appreciated that wireless technology and data terminal equipment are not sufficient incentives, on their own, to build a wireless network—also needed are the economic incentives to invest in building a comprehensive network necessary to support a wide variety of wireless network services.

Content Service Provider Model

An embodiment of the invention described herein aligns the interests of wireless base station operators, Intemet service providers (ISPs), and content providers, and provides a means by which money flows from end users to content providers and then back to the ISPs and wireless base-station operators, thus providing an incentive to expand the wireless network infrastructure. In this mamier, it is expected that, for example, thousands of entities become independent wireless base station operators. It is contemplated that some entities, such as individuals, will become base station operators for a cut of the subscriber revenue stream. Other entities, such as hotels and restaurants, will do so because their regular customers see wireless Intemet coverage as a value added service. Still others will set up and operate base stations in their homes and offices simply for personal use. As a side effect of