Patent ID: 7920518
Filing Date: 2011-04-05
Classification: G06Q,H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for providing access to a distributed wireless network system, the method comprising: a first wireless access point in a distributed wireless network system receiving identification information from a portable computing device; wherein the distributed wireless network system includes a plurality of wireless access points coupled to a network, and wherein the first wireless access point is coupled to the network and communicate with one or more portable computing devices in a wireless fashion; wherein said identification information includes a name associated with a selected network service provider; determining if said selected network service provider is one of a plurality of network service providers supported by said access point; if said selected network service provider is one of the plurality of said network service providers supported by said access point, determining an access level based on payment information and providing network access from said selected network service provider based on the determined access level, wherein the access level indicates access to one or more network services including external network access or internal network access; if said selected network service provider is not one of the plurality of said network service providers supported by said access point, automatically selecting one of said network service providers supported by said access point; and obtaining payment information and providing network access from said selected network service provider based on an access level corresponding to the payment information.