Patent ID: 7565529
Filing Date: 2009-07-21
Classification: G06F,H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A Wi-Fi wireless local area network comprising: At least one access point device having a Wi-Fi radio; A plurality of end user devices attachable to the network forming nodes thereof, each end user device having input plugs for coupling accessories thereto; An authentication device for authenticating the end user devices attached to the network; and A plurality of authenticating keys, with each key attachable to an input plug of an end user device, each key containing a validation certificate therein, wherein the authentication device verifies the presence of a current validation certificate on a key coupled to the end users device prior to granting access to the network, and wherein each key further includes incorporation of a personal profile on an individual's key that grant privileges on the network associated with the particular user to whom the key is assigned, and wherein each key is on the order of 1″ to 5″ and includes indicia thereon indicative of an operator of the Wi-Fi wireless local area network, and wherein each key further includes network protection software that at least verifies the presence of a minimal level of network protection software on the users device, and wherein if a minimal level of network protection software is not present, the users device is automatically updated prior to the authentication device granting access to the network.