Patent ID: 7929973
Filing Date: 2011-04-19
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A machine-implemented method, comprising: a computer receiving, from a first access node in a plurality of access nodes, a request to provide wireless access to a wireless client to connect the wireless client with the first access node, wherein each of said plurality of access nodes is configured to provide wireless access to one or more clients; the computer selecting, from among a plurality of stored policies, a first access policy applicable to said first access node; wherein said first access policy comprises, at least in part, one or more rules that, based on characteristics of a user of the wireless client, limit a number of wireless clients that are able to wirelessly access said first access node; the computer determining whether to allow said first access node to provide wireless access to said wireless client based on said first access policy; the computer, upon determining that said first access policy allows said first access node to provide wireless access to said wireless client, transmitting a first message, to said first access node, that instructs said first access node to provide wireless access to said wireless client; and the computer, upon determining that said first access policy does not allow said first access node to provide wireless access to said wireless client, transmitting a second message, to said first access node, that instructs said first access node to deny wireless access to said wireless client and instructs said wireless client not to send another request to said first access node to provide wireless access.