Patent ID: 9002319
Filing Date: 2015-04-07
Classification: H04M,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for providing access to a service provider network associated with a service provider and comprising at least one network node, comprising: establishing, by the at least one network node, a cellular communication link with a mobile hotspot device associated with a first subscriber of the service provider, the mobile hotspot device configured to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication link with at least one client device associated with a second subscriber of the service provider; automatically provisioning, by the at least one network node, the mobile hotspot device with a wireless network having a predetermined service set identifier (SSID); receiving, by the at least one network node, an access request message from the mobile hotspot device, the access request message comprising credentials provided by the at least one client device, wherein the at least one client device seeks access to the mobile hotspot device in response to detecting the predetermined SSID; determining, by the at least one network node, that the at least one client device is authorized to access the service provider network through the mobile hotspot device based on the credentials, the credentials identifying the second subscriber as having permission to access the service provider network; and indicating to the mobile hotspot device that the at least one client device is authorized to access the service provider network through the mobile hotspot device.