Patent ID: 6982962
Filing Date: 2006-01-03
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for connecting to a data network access provider comprising: a portable information device wirelessly detecting and communicating with a plurality of available data network access provider devices; the portable information device evaluating the plurality of available data network access provider devices against a user's pre-stated preferences; and the portable information device connecting with at least one of the plurality of data network access provider devices based upon the user's preferences, wherein the step of the portable information device evaluating the plurality of available data network access provider devices further comprises: the user indicating an importance level for each pre-stated preference; the portable information device implementing a routine to gather the information about each pre-stated preference; the portable information device calculating a normalized value for each pre-stated preference; and the portable information device providing a rank for each of the plurality of data network access provider devices based upon a score for each pre-stated preference.