Transfer of messages to user devices of a wireless local area network access point

What is disclosed is a method of operating a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point. The method includes providing the WLAN for a user device to access a packet network, where the user device receives requested content transferred over the packet network through the WLAN access point. The method also includes receiving a message for delivery to the user device from a local interface of the WLAN access point, and in response to receiving the message for delivery to the user device, inhibiting transfer of the requested content received over the packet network to the user device. The method also includes transferring the message to the user device using addressing information associated with the requested content, and in response to receiving a confirmation of the message from the user device, resuming transfer of the requested content to the user device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the disclosure are related to the field of computer networks and communications, and in particular, message delivery to user devices of a wireless local-area network access point.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Wireless user devices, such as computers, smartphones, gaming devices, or other devices, are typically able to connect to communication services, such as Internet services, through wireless access point devices. These access points provide a wireless local area network for the user devices to communicate with the access points and also to access communication services. Wired local area networks can include Ethernet networks, among other examples, and wireless local area networks can include Wi-Fi-style local area wireless networks, among other examples. Access points can include router, gateway, or bridge functionality to connect user devices on the provided local area networks to other networks and systems, such as the Internet or other packet networks. In some examples, access points also include radio equipment for bridging communications of the local area network through a second wireless communication system, such as through a base station of a cellular communication system.

OVERVIEW

What is disclosed is a method of operating a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point. The method includes providing the WLAN for a user device to access a packet network, where the user device receives requested content transferred over the packet network through the WLAN access point. The method also includes receiving a message for delivery to the user device from a local interface of the WLAN access point, and in response to receiving the message for delivery to the user device, inhibiting transfer of the requested content received over the packet network to the user device. The method also includes transferring the message to the user device using addressing information associated with the requested content, and in response to receiving a confirmation of the message from the user device, resuming transfer of the requested content to the user device.

What is also disclosed is a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point. The WLAN access point includes a WLAN interface configured to provide the WLAN for a user device to access a packet network, where the user device receives requested content transferred over the packet network through the WLAN access point. The WLAN access point also includes a local interface of the WLAN access point configured to receive a message for delivery to the user device, and in response to receiving the message for delivery to the user device, the WLAN interface is configured to inhibit transfer of the requested content received over the packet network to the user device. The WLAN interface is configured to transfer the message to the user device using addressing information associated with the requested content, and receive a confirmation of the message from the user device, and in response to the confirmation of the message, resume transfer of the requested content to the user device.

What is also disclosed is a method of operating a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point. The method includes providing the WLAN for a user device to access a packet network, where the user device receives requested content transferred over the packet network through the WLAN access point. The method also includes processing device status of the WLAN access point to determine a message for delivery to the user device, and in response to determining the message for delivery to the user device, inhibiting transfer of the requested content received over the packet network to the user device. The method also includes transferring the message to the user device using addressing information associated with the requested content, and in response to receiving a confirmation of the message from the user device, resuming transfer of the requested content to the user device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a system diagram illustrating communication system100. Communication system100includes wireless local area network access point110(hereinafter WLAN access point110), user device120, and packet network130. User device120and WLAN access point110communicate over wireless link140. Packet network130and WLAN access point110communicate over link141. In the example shown inFIG. 1, WLAN access point110can provide a wireless local area network for user devices, such as user device120. Through WLAN access point110, user device120can access communication services of packet network130, or communicate over packet network130. Although one user device is shown inFIG. 1, it should be understood that a different number of user devices could be included.

FIG. 2is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operation of wireless local-area network access point110. The operations inFIG. 2are referenced herein parenthetically. InFIG. 2, WLAN access point110provides (201) a wireless local area network for user device120to access packet network130, where user device120receives requested content transferred over packet network130through WLAN access point110. The wireless local area network provided over wireless link140could comprise an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network, although other wireless local area networks could be employed. User device120requests content over wireless link140through WLAN access point110. The requested content could be for communication services over packet network130, such as web applications, web pages, data transfer, voice over packet calls, video, or audio, among other user communications. Packet network130or systems communicating over packet network130transfer the requested content for delivery to user device120. The requested content is received over link141from packet network130by WLAN access point110for delivery to user device120, and link141could include further systems, equipment, or links.

WLAN access point110receives (202) a message for delivery to user device120form a local interface of WLAN access point110. The local interface of WLAN access point110could include the wireless local area network provided by WLAN access point110. In other examples, a user interface of WLAN access point110receives the message. The message could be received over the wireless local area network from another user device, or could be entered into a user interface of WLAN access point110by an operator of WLAN access point110. In further examples, WLAN access point110determines the message based on equipment or device status of WLAN access point110. The message could comprise text or a graphical message, such as an announcement, emergency notification, web page, data content, or other notification for user device120, and could include information which indicates user device120is an intended recipient of the message, such as addressing information, destination indicators, a network identifier, or other destination information.

In response to receiving the message for delivery to user device120, WLAN access point110inhibits (203) transfer of the requested content received over packet network130to user device120. As discussed in operation201, content requested by user device120is transferred by WLAN access point110to user device120over wireless link140. In this example, the requested content is transferred by packet network130and is received by WLAN access point110, and could include content which is transferred over a period of time, such as streaming content, data downloads, or web page content, among other content. In some examples, this content is formatted into a packet format, such as a packet format employed over wireless link140or link141. The requested content is received by WLAN access point110and inhibited from transfer to user device120in response to WLAN access point110receiving the message for delivery to user device120. In some examples, inhibiting the transfer of the requested content includes halting transfer of the requested content to user device120. In further examples, WLAN access point110buffers the requested content as received during the inhibit process. In yet further examples, WLAN access point110could transfer a pause or hold message for delivery to the equipment or systems originating the requested content over packet network130to indicate that the originating equipment or systems should pause transfer of the requested content.

WLAN access point110transfers (204) the message to user device120using addressing information associated with the requested content. WLAN access point110transfers the message over wireless link140. The content received by WLAN access point110for delivery to user device120in this example includes addressing information to indicate delivery to user device120. This addressing information could include header information of packets transferred by packet network130, network addressing information associated with the requested content or user device120, a network address associated with systems or equipment originating the requested content, among other addressing information associated with the requested content. WLAN access point110could create a packet or packets which include the message for delivery to user device120, and include the addressing information into the packet or packets. The message could also be encapsulated into traffic addressed for delivery to user device120by WLAN access point110.

WLAN access point110receives (205) a confirmation message from user device120. User device120receives a message transferred by WLAN access point110over wireless link140, and responsively transfers a confirmation message over wireless link140to WLAN access point110. The confirmation message could include addressing information associated with the requested content, such as equipment or systems which originated the requested content, or could include addressing information associated with WLAN access point110, among other configurations. The confirmation message could also be included in a confirmation packet or packets for transfer over wireless link140.

In response to receiving the confirmation message, WLAN access point110resumes transfer (206) of the requested content to user device120. As discussed in operation203, WLAN access point110inhibits transfer of the requested content during the message transfer and confirmation process. Once the confirmation message is received by WLAN access point110, WLAN access point110resumes transfer of the requested content received over link141and packet network130for delivery to user device120. In examples where the requested content is interrupted and not buffered in WLAN access point110, the requested content may have missing data which is dropped during the inhibit process. In other examples where the requested content is buffered in WLAN access point110, the buffered requested content could be transferred to user device120.

FIG. 3is a system diagram illustrating communication system300. Communication system300includes wireless hotspot device310, user devices320-321, wireless communication system330, base station (BS)332, Internet340, and content provider342. Wireless hotspot device310and user devices320-321communicate over wireless links350-351, respectively. In this example, wireless links350-351comprise an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (LAN), such as a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network. Although individual wireless links350-351are shown, it should be understood that these links are merely representative of wireless local area network communications between user devices320-321and wireless hotspot device310. Also, although two user devices320-321are shown inFIG. 3, it should be understood that a different number of user devices could be included. Wireless hotspot device310and base station332communicate over wireless link352. In this example, wireless link352comprises an Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO) link for exchanging user communications associated with user devices320-321, and could also include single-carrier radio transmission technology link (1xRTT) portions for exchanging overhead communications associated with wireless link352. Wireless communication network330and Internet340communicate over link353. In this example, link353is a metropolitan-area network (MAN) optical link. Content provider342and Internet340communicate over link354. In this example, link354is a metropolitan-area network (MAN) optical link.

InFIG. 3, wireless hotspot device310includes transceiver equipment to provide a wireless LAN, associated with wireless links350-351, to user devices, such as user devices320-321. Wireless hotspot device310also includes transceiver equipment to communicate over a cellular communication link, such as with base station332of wireless communication system330over wireless link352. Wireless hotspot device310includes network routing and gateway equipment for exchanging communications over the wireless LAN and routing LAN communications over wireless link352for delivery over Internet340. Wireless hotspot device310also includes processing systems for providing the wireless LAN, communicating over wireless link352, receiving or determining messages for delivery to user devices, and inhibiting or resuming content transfer to user devices, among other operations. Wireless hotspot device310could contain application programs, firmware, or some other form of computer-readable processing instructions. InFIG. 3, wireless hotspot device310also includes buffer312. Buffer312includes a computer-readable medium for storing content received over wireless link352for delivery to user devices320-321. Buffer312comprises a computer-readable medium such as a disk, integrated circuit, server, tape, or some other memory device, and also may be distributed among multiple memory devices. Wireless hotspot device310may include a database, operating system, logs, utilities, drivers, networking software, and other software typically loaded onto a computer system.

User devices320-321each comprise user computing devices in this example, and could each comprise a computer, wireless smartphone, gaming device, or other user equipment capable of communicating over a wireless LAN. Each of user devices320-321can request content via the wireless LAN provided by wireless hotspot device310, such as requesting content provided by content provider342over Internet340, or from other systems.

Base station332comprises RF communication and control circuitry, antenna elements, and communication routing equipment and systems. The RF communication circuitry typically includes amplifiers, filters, RF modulators, transceivers, and signal processing circuitry. Base station332also includes equipment to communicate with wireless communication devices, such as wireless hotspot device310or other wireless communication devices, over wireless link352. Base station332may route communications between wireless communication system330and wireless communication devices such as wireless hotspot device310, receive registration requests from wireless communication devices to establish wireless links, or provide network information, handoff information, or configuration information to wireless communication devices, among other operations.

Wireless communication system330includes equipment, including base station332, to provide wireless access to communication services within different geographic coverage areas to wireless communication devices and route communications of the communication services to and from wireless communication devices through base stations. Wireless communication system330may also comprise further base stations, base transceiver stations (BTS), base station controllers (BSC), mobile switching centers (MSC), radio node controllers (RNC), call processing systems, authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) equipment, access service network gateways (ASN-GW), packet data switching nodes (PDSN), home agents (HA), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) support nodes, Internet access nodes, telephony service nodes, wireless data access points, or other wireless communication equipment.

Internet340includes packet networks, communication links, routers, gateways, and other associated equipment for routing packet communications, such as Internet protocol (IP) packets, between different endpoints. Additional systems and equipment could communicate through Internet340, such as content providers, application service providers, web content providers, streaming media providers, voice over packet providers, among other communication service providers and content providers. Packet communications transferred by the various endpoints, such as content provider342, are transferred by Internet340for delivery to destinations associated with the packets.

Content provider342includes computer systems and computer readable storage media to provide content, as requested by user devices, for delivery over Internet340. The content could be encapsulated into packets appropriate for transfer over Internet340, such as IP packets. Content provider342may include equipment to communicate with user devices over Internet340and other intermediary systems by establishing packet links between the user devices and content provider342. In further examples, content provider342comprises a user device. Example content could include video streams, audio streams, email, web pages, voice communications, or other content.

FIG. 4is a sequence diagram illustrating a method of operation of communication system300. InFIG. 4, user device320transfers a content request for content of content provider342over wireless link350. In this example, wireless link350represents a wireless LAN link, and the content request is transferred over the wireless LAN by user device320. Wireless hotspot device310(hereinafter hotspot310) receives this content request over the wireless LAN and transfers the content request for delivery to content provider342. Hotspot310receives access to Internet340over a wireless link provided by base station332of wireless communication system330in this example, namely EVDO link352. Thus, the content request is transferred over EVDO link352. Base station332forwards this content request over wireless communication system330, and through Internet340, for delivery to content provider342. Although not shown inFIG. 3for clarity, packet communications exchanged by base station332could be routed by equipment and systems of wireless communication system330, such as packet processing nodes, access service network gateways (ASN-GW), packet data switching nodes (PDSN), home agents (HA), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) support nodes, among other equipment and systems. In some examples, base station332and wireless communication system330communicate over a backhaul link, such as a T1 link.

Once the content request is received by content provider342, then content provider342transfers content for delivery to user device320. This content is typically responsive to the content request, and could include web application data, web pages, data transfer, voice over packet calls, video, or audio, among other user communications. The content is transferred over Internet340by content provider342, and received by wireless communication system330. Base station332of wireless communication system330transfers the content over EVDO link352to hotspot310. Hotspot310transfers the content over the wireless LAN for delivery to user device320. Throughout the transit of the content from content provider342to user device320, additional systems and equipment may be involved in the routing and transfer of the content. Additionally, the content is incorporated into packets, such as IP packets, transferred by content provider342, although other packet formats and protocols may be employed. The content is transferred over a period of time inFIG. 4, as indicated by the vertical ellipses after the initial content transfer. It should be understood that user device321could also be involved in a content request or content receipt process with content provider342or another content provider.

During the transfer of the content, hotspot310determines a message for delivery to user device320. In this example, the message is determined by hotspot310as an alert message based on device status of hotspot310. Hotspot310could include a battery and associated power circuitry to provide power for hotspot310, such as when hotspot310is a portable device. Hotspot310could also include radio-frequency (RF) signal strength determining circuitry. Hotspot310could also include hours of operation of hotspot310stored on a computer readable medium therein. Other functionality or circuitry could be included in hotspot310from which a device status could be derived. The device status which triggers an alert message for delivery to user device320could be based on the various functionality or circuitry included in hotspot310. For example, when a battery of hotspot310reaches a low power status, an alert message could be determined which will alert user devices, communicating on the wireless LAN provided by hotspot310, to the battery status. User devices could then take appropriate action, such as disconnecting from the wireless LAN, powering down, or determining alternate network access devices, among other actions. In another example, hotspot310could be associated with a local business, such as a coffee shop which has associated hours of operation. Hotspot310could determine a current time of day and process the hours of operation stored on a computer readable medium therein, and determine an alert message indicating the wireless LAN access would be ended within a period of time. Additionally, an operator of hotspot310could determine an alert message for delivery to user devices associated with hotspot310. The operator interacts with hotspot310over a local interface, where the local interface could include another user device communicating on the wireless LAN provided by hotspot310, or could include a human interface device on hotspot310, among other local interfaces. The message could comprise text or a graphical message, such as an announcement, emergency notification, or other notifications for user devices, and could include information which indicates which user devices are intended recipients of the message, such as addressing information, destination indicators, a network identifier, or other destination information. Hotspot310could format the message into a format appropriate for transfer to user devices on the wireless LAN, such as a packet format, IP packet format, transmission control protocol (TCP) packet format, Ethernet data format, web page, javascript format, or hypertext markup language (HTML) format, among other formats.

In response to determining the alert message for delivery to user device320, hotspot310inhibits transfer of the requested content received over Internet340and wireless communication system330for delivery to user device320. In this example, inhibiting the transfer of the requested content includes halting transfer of the requested content to user device320. Hotspot310also buffers the requested content received during the inhibit process by storing the content in buffer312. In further examples, the alert message could be transferred to multiple user devices concurrently, such as using multicast packets or individually inhibiting content transfer to each user device and transferring separate alert messages to each user device. Hotspot310transfers the alert message over wireless link350. Hotspot310transfers the alert message to user device320using addressing information associated with the requested content. In this example, the alert message is transferred using a packet or packets generated by hotspot310. The packets include destination addressing information to indicate delivery to user device320, and include source addressing information associated with the content transferred by content provider342. Hotspot310creates these packets for the alert message and inserts the addressing information as the addressing portion of the headers of the packets.

User device320receives the alert message over wireless link350as transferred by hotspot310, and responsively transfers a confirmation message over wireless link350to hotspot310. Hotspot310receives the confirmation message from user device320. The confirmation message could comprise a packet or packet which includes destination addressing information associated with the content provider342, and source addressing information associated with user device320. Hotspot310intercepts these packets associated with the confirmation message and prevents transfer of the confirmation message packets beyond hotspot310. Receipt of the confirmation message indicates to hotspot310that the alert message was received by user device320. The confirmation message could comprise a TCP acknowledge packet or packets transferred by user device320in response to receiving the alert message packets, a confirmation message generated in response to the alert message or contents of the alert message, among other formats. In further examples, the alert message comprises Internet packets, such as IP packets or TCP packets, for communicating web content to user device320, such as using the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). The web content could be received by user device320and rendered into a web page by a browser application of user device320. The web page could include a confirmation user interface element, such as a button, click-through content notification, or other active confirmation element to receive feedback from a user of user device320. The web page could also include content comprising the alert information about the device status, hours of operation, among other information transferred in the alert message.

In response to receiving the confirmation message, hotspot310resumes transfer of the requested content to user device320. As discussed in above, hotspot310inhibits transfer of the requested content during the message transfer and confirmation process, and buffers any of the requested content received into hotspot310transferred by content provider342. Once the confirmation message is received, hotspot310resumes transfer of the requested content transferred by content provider342, beginning with the buffered content of buffer312. Once the buffered content has been transferred to user device320, further received content transferred by content provider342would be transferred to user device320.

FIG. 5is a sequence diagram illustrating a method of operation of communication system300. InFIG. 5, user device320transfers a content request for content of content provider342over wireless link350. In this example, wireless link350represents a wireless LAN link, and the content request is transferred over the wireless LAN by user device320. Wireless hotspot device310(hereinafter hotspot310) receives this content request over the wireless LAN and transfers the content request for delivery to content provider342. Hotspot310receives access to Internet340over a wireless link provided by base station332of wireless communication system330in this example, namely EVDO link352. Thus, the content request is transferred over EVDO link352. Base station332forwards this content request over wireless communication system330, and through Internet340, for delivery to content provider342.

Once the content request is received by content provider342, then content provider342transfers content for delivery to user device320. This content is typically responsive to the content request, and could include web application data, web pages, data transfer, voice over packet calls, video, or audio, among other user communications. The content is transferred over Internet340by content provider342, and received by wireless communication system330. Base station332of wireless communication system330transfers the content over EVDO link352to hotspot310. Hotspot310transfers the content over the wireless LAN for delivery to user device320. Throughout the transit of the content from content provider342to user device320, additional systems and equipment may be involved in the routing and transfer of the content. Additionally, the content is incorporated into packets, such as IP packets, transferred by content provider342, although other packet formats and protocols may be employed. The content is transferred over a period of time inFIG. 5, as indicated by the vertical ellipses after the initial content transfer. It should be understood that user device321could also be involved in a content request or content receipt process with content provider342or another content provider.

In this example, providing the wireless LAN for user device320includes transferring first network configuration message to user device320to establish a first network configuration between hotspot310and user device320. The first network configuration could include determining an Internet protocol (IP) address for user device320through a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) configuration process, and providing wireless access to communication services for user device320based on the first network configuration message or first IP address. The first network configuration could be then used by user device320when requesting content from content provider342. In some examples, hotspot310could also modify a first IP address associated with user device320to a different IP address when routing communications to systems over Internet340, and use a local pool of IP addresses which includes the first IP address for user devices on the wireless LAN associated with hotspot310. The received content, as requested by user device320, is transferred by hotspot310to user device320using the first network configuration.

During the transfer of the content, hotspot310determines a message for delivery to user device320. In this example, the message is determined by hotspot310as an alert message based on hours of operation of hotspot310. Hotspot310could include a listing of the hours of operation of hotspot310stored on a computer readable medium therein, such as when hotspot310provides a wireless LAN for a limited-hours business. Hotspot310determines a current time of day and processes the hours of operation stored on the computer readable medium therein, and determines an alert message indicating the wireless LAN access will be ended within a period of time. In this example, hotspot310formats the message into a web page format appropriate for transfer to user devices on the wireless LAN.

In response to determining the alert message for delivery to user device320, hotspot310inhibits transfer of the requested content received over Internet340and wireless communication system330for delivery to user device320. In this example, inhibiting the transfer of the requested content includes halting transfer of the requested content to user device320. In some examples, the alert message could be transferred to multiple user devices concurrently, such as using multicast packets or individually inhibiting content transfer to each user device and transferring separate alert messages to each user device. In further examples, inhibiting transfer of requested content to user device320could include intercepting and suppressing packet acknowledgement messages transferred by user device320for the requested content. In yet further examples, hotspot310could transfer a pause or hold message to content provider342using addressing information associated with the requested content, such as addressing information associated with user device320. Hotspot310may process the content delivered to user device320, such as packets or overhead messaging associated with the content, to determine addressing information, content type, or other information about the content transferred by content provider342, or content request information transferred by user device320.

Also in response to determining the alert message for delivery to user device320, hotspot310determines a second network configuration message for user device320, where the second network configuration message establishes a second network configuration between hotspot310and user device320. This second network configuration could establish a second IP address for user device320. In this example, the alert message for user device320is transferred using the second network configuration. The second network configuration could include determining a second IP address for user device320through a DHCP configuration process, and providing wireless access to communication services for user device320based on the second network configuration message or second IP address.

Once the second network configuration is established for user device320, the alert message is transferred to user device320. In some examples, hotspot310generates web content comprising the alert message, such as a web page which includes the alert message. The web page is served by hotspot310using the second network configuration. For example, the web page could be served by monitoring for content requests which include the second IP address from user device320and responsively transferring the web content to user device320. The monitored content requests could include content requests for content of content provider342or other content providers, and hotspot310could intercept these content requests by not transferring the content requests for delivery to the associated content provider and instead transferring the web content comprising the alert message in response to the content request from user device320. For example, user device320could transfer a request for content for delivery to content provider342using the second network configuration, and hotspot310could prevent transfer of the content request for delivery to content provider342and responsively transfer the alert message to user device320using a web page generated by hotspot310or an operator of hotspot310. The content request could be transferred by user device320in response to a user action of user device320, such as clicking a link in a web browser, requesting streaming media content, requesting a file transfer, or establishing a web browser session, among other user actions. The content comprising the web alert message could include automated portions, such as including a web page redirect instruction, script, or web page reload instruction. The automated portions could initiate a further network configuration process with hotspot310, transfer a confirmation message to hotspot310, or redirect a current web page to another web page comprising further alert information, among other operations. The content request prevented from transfer by hotspot310could be buffered in buffer312and transferred for delivery to content provider342after the alert message has been transferred to user device320. Although web content, such as a web page, is discussed in this example, other types of content comprising the alert messages could be employed, such as streaming media, text messages, or file transfer protocol (FTP) messaging, among other application-level messaging and content types.

In other examples, such as when a DHCP configuration process is used to establish the first or second network configurations, the DHCP configuration process itself could be used to transfer the alert message within the DHCP configuration messaging. The DHCP process could be included in the inhibiting of content for delivery to user device310. A DHCP configuration process typically includes messages exchanged between two devices, such as hotspot310and user device320, where the messages can include discovery, offer, request, and acknowledge DHCP messages. Hotspot310, acting as a DHCP server, could determine DHCP information associated with the DHCP messages for transfer to user device320. Hotspot310could include the alert message in the DHCP messages used in the DHCP configuration process. For example, the alert message could be included in a DHCP offer or acknowledge message, such as within vendor-specific data fields of the DHCP messages. Other portions or data fields of the DHCP messages could be used to transfer the alert message. User device320may include instructions or software to interpret the alert messages included in DHCP configuration messages.

Although the second network configuration is used for transfer of the alert message to user device320in this example, in other examples, the first network configuration could be used to transfer the alert message to user device320. For example, hotspot310could redirect content requests received from user device320to a different destination included within hotspot310, such as a web server portion of hotspot310. The web server portion of hotspot310could determine alternate content in response to the content request transferred by user device320. The alternate content comprising the alert message could then be transferred in response to receiving a content request after an alert message has been determined by hotspot310. The alternate content could comprise the alert message and be formatted in a data format of the content requested by user device320. The alternate content could be transferred to user device320for display in a software application on user device320which is expecting the requested content in response to the content request. It should be understood that the alternate content example discussed above could also be employed in examples using a second network configuration.

User device320receives the alert message over wireless link350as transferred by hotspot310. In some examples user device320responsively transfers a confirmation message over wireless link350to hotspot310, while in other examples no configuration message is transferred by user device320and hotspot310assumes delivery of the alert message. If transferred, hotspot310receives the confirmation message from user device320. In examples where web content is provided by hotspot310which comprises the alert message, further web content could accompany the alert message. The further content could include other information, such as device status information for hotspot310, time and date information, usage information for user device320, as well as interactive elements, such as confirmation buttons, billing request forms, or other interactive features. A web browser or other application used by user device320to issue the content requests could render the content comprising the alert message for display to the user of user device320.

In examples where a second network configuration is employed, a further network configuration process could proceed to re-establish the first network configuration. After the first network configuration has been re-established, then further content requests could be transferred to content provider342, and content transferred by content provider342for delivery to user device320could be transferred to user device320by hotspot310, thus resuming transfer of the content. As discussed in above, hotspot310inhibits transfer of the requested content during the message transfer and optional confirmation process, and may buffer any of the requested content received into hotspot310transferred by content provider342. Once the alert message is transferred, hotspot310resumes transfer of the requested content transferred by content provider342, beginning with the buffered content. Once the buffered content has been transferred to user device320, further received content transferred by content provider342would be transferred to user device320. The buffered content could be stored in buffer312and subsequently retrieved from buffer312.

FIG. 6is a block diagram illustrating wireless local area network (LAN) access device600, as an example of wireless local area network access point110found inFIG. 1or wireless hotspot device310found inFIG. 3, although wireless local area network access point110or wireless hotspot device310could use other configurations. Wireless LAN access device600includes network interface610, wireless local area network (WLAN) interface612, local interface614, processing system620, buffer640, and power system650. Network interface610, wireless LAN interface612, local interface614, processing system620, buffer640, and power system650communicate over bus660. Wireless LAN access device600may be distributed among multiple devices that together form elements610,612,614,620-621,630-632,640,650, and660-663.

Network interface610comprises communication equipment for communicating over link661, such as transferring content requests, receiving content, routing packet communications, communicating over a packet network, and communicating with a wireless communication system, among other equipment. In some examples, network interface610comprises a wireless communication device, such as a cellular data communication device, and includes RF communication and control circuitry, and antenna elements. Network interface610also receives command and control information and instructions from processing system620over bus660. Link661could use various protocols or communication formats as described herein for links141or352, including combinations, variations, or improvements thereof.

WLAN interface612comprises RF communication and control circuitry, antenna elements, and communication routing equipment and systems. The RF communication circuitry typically includes amplifiers, filters, RF modulators, transceivers, and signal processing circuitry. In many examples, WLAN interface612includes circuitry and equipment to provide a wireless local area network to user devices, route user communications between network interface610and user devices over wireless link662and bus660, transfer messages to user devices, and inhibit transfer of content requested by user devices, among other operations. Wireless link662could use various protocols or communication formats as described herein for links140or350-351, including combinations, variations, or improvements thereof.

Local interface614comprises an interface for a user or operator of wireless LAN access device600to transfer messages to wireless LAN access device600. In some examples, local interface614is incorporated into the elements of WLAN interface612, network interface610, or processing system620, and is configured to allow a user device communicating over wireless link662to transfer a message for delivery to other user devices. In other examples, local interface614includes a user interface system, such as a display, human input device, or other user interface to allow a user or operator to enter a message for delivery to user devices associated with wireless link662. In further examples, local interface614provides a software or web-based user interface over link663. A combination of software and human interface device interfaces could comprise local interface614. Link663could be incorporated into wireless link662or link661in some examples, or comprise a portion of wireless link662or link661. Link663could use various protocols or communication formats as described herein for links140-141or350-352, including combinations, variations, or improvements thereof.

Processing system620includes storage system621. Processing system620retrieves and executes software630from storage system621. In some examples, processing system620is located within the same equipment in which network interface610, wireless LAN interface612, local interface614, buffer640, or power system650are located. In further examples, processing system620comprises specialized circuitry, and software630or storage system621could be included in the specialized circuitry to operate processing system620as described herein. Storage system621could include a computer-readable medium such as a disk, tape, integrated circuit, server, or some other memory device, and also may be distributed among multiple memory devices.

Software630may include an operating system, logs, utilities, drivers, networking software, and other software typically loaded onto a computer system. Software630could contain application programs, web server software, firmware, or some other form of computer-readable processing instructions. When executed by processing system620, software630directs processing system620to operate as described herein, such as control a wireless LAN, control the various interfaces of wireless LAN access device600, determine device status of wireless LAN access device600, inhibit transfer of content to user devices, determine messages for delivery to user devices, and resume transfer of content to user devices, among other operations.

In this example, software630includes message module631and content module632. It should be understood that a different configuration could be employed, and individual modules of software630could be included in different equipment than wireless LAN access device600. Message module631determines messages for delivery to user devices associated with wireless LAN access device600. In some examples, the messages are received from a user or operator over local interface614. In other examples, message module631presents a user interface, such as a web interface using hypertext markup language (HTML), for local interface614to present to a user or operator. In further examples, message module631monitors device status or equipment status for wireless LAN access device600and determines messages for user devices based on the device or equipment status. For example, message module631could process status of power system650, such as a battery level status, and determine a message based on the status. Message module631also formats the messages for delivery to user devices, such as packetizing, determining addresses for packets associated with the messages, or determining web page content to present the messages to user devices. Content module632communicates with message module631to determine when messages are ready for transfer to user devices. When messages are available for transfer to user devices, content module632identifies content currently being transferred to user devices which are recipients of the messages, and inhibits transfer of the content. Content module632also receives confirmation information from message module631to determine when to resume transfer of content after message delivery. The content could be buffered in buffer640for later transfer to user devices after the message has been successfully delivered to the user devices. In some examples, content module632determines addressing information associated with the content being transferred to user devices. The addressing information is then used by message module631to format messages using the addressing information. This addressing information could include content packet header information, such as network addressing information, which may include destination and source addressing information. Additionally, content module632could determine a content type of the content being transferred to user devices. This content type could be communicated to message module631, where message module631formats the messages into a content type similar to the content type of the content being transferred to user devices.

Buffer640stores and retrieves content captured during content transfer inhibit operations of wireless LAN access device600. Buffer640comprises a computer-readable medium such as a disk, tape, integrated circuit, server, or some other memory device, and also may be distributed among multiple memory devices. Buffer640may include a database, operating system, logs, utilities, drivers, networking software, and other software typically loaded onto a computer system. Buffer640could contain application programs, web server programs, firmware, or some other form of computer-readable processing instructions.

Power system650includes circuitry and a power source to provide power to the elements of wireless LAN access device600. The power source could include a battery, solar cell, spring, flywheel, capacitor, thermoelectric generator, chemical power source, dynamo, or other power source. In some examples, power system650receives power from an external source, such as a wall outlet. Power system650also includes circuitry to condition, monitor, and distribute electrical power to the elements of wireless LAN access device600.

Bus660comprises a physical, logical, or virtual communication link, capable of communicating data, control signals, power, and communications, along with other information. In some examples, bus660is encapsulated within the elements of network interface610, wireless LAN interface612, local interface614, processing system620, buffer640, or power system650, and may be a software or logical link, apart from the associated power elements. In other examples, bus660includes various communication media, such as air, space, metal, optical fiber, or some other signal propagation path, including combinations thereof. Bus660could be a direct link or might include various equipment, intermediate components, systems, and networks.

Referring back toFIG. 1, user device120comprises radio frequency (RF) communication circuitry and antenna elements. The RF communication circuitry typically includes amplifiers, filters, modulators, and signal processing circuitry. In many examples, user device120includes circuitry and equipment to exchange communications of wireless communication services over a wireless link, request content, and exchange control information for wireless access, among other operations. User device120may also include user interface systems, memory devices, computer-readable storage mediums, software, processing circuitry, or other communication components. User device120may be a wireless communication device, computer, subscriber equipment, customer equipment, access terminal, smartphone, mobile wireless telephone, e-book, mobile Internet appliance, wireless network interface card, media player, game console, or some other wireless communication apparatus, including combinations thereof.

Wireless local area network access point110comprises RF communication and control circuitry, antenna elements, and communication routing equipment and systems. The RF communication circuitry typically includes amplifiers, filters, RF modulators, transceivers, and signal processing circuitry. In many examples, wireless local area network access point110includes circuitry and equipment to provide a wireless local area network to user devices, route user communications between packet network130and user devices, transfer messages to user devices, inhibit transfer of content requested by user devices, among other operations. Wireless local area network access point110may also comprise a wireless hotspot, a wireless router, data buffers, data modems, packet routers, servers, memory devices, software, processing systems, cabling, network communication interfaces, physical structural supports, user interfaces, or other communication apparatuses. Wireless local area network access point110may also comprise transceiver equipment to communicate over a cellular communication link, such as with a base station of a cellular communication system. Wireless local area network access point110may also include processing systems, computer-readable media, application programs, firmware, or some other form of computer-readable processing instructions. The computer-readable media may include a disk, tape, integrated circuit, server, or some other memory device, and also may be distributed among multiple memory devices.

Packet network130includes packet network systems, communication links, routers, gateways, and other associated equipment for routing packet communications, such as Internet protocol (IP) packets, between different endpoints. Additional systems and equipment could communicate through packet network130, such as content providers, application service providers, web content providers, streaming media providers, voice over packet providers, among other communication service providers and content providers. Packet communications transferred by the various endpoints are transferred by packet network130for delivery to destinations associated with the packets. Packet network130could also include base stations, base station controllers (BSC), mobile switching centers (MSC), radio node controllers (RNC), call processing systems, authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) equipment, access service network gateways (ASN-GW), Internet access nodes, telephony service nodes, wireless data access points, or other communication systems, including combinations thereof. Packet network130may also comprise optical networks, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks, packet networks, metropolitan-area networks (MAN), Internet systems, or other network topologies, equipment, or systems, including combinations thereof.

Wireless link140uses the air or space as the transport media. Wireless link140may use various protocols, such as IEEE 802.11, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Internet Protocol (IP), wireless Ethernet, or some other wireless communication format, including combinations, improvements, or variations thereof. Although one wireless link is shown inFIG. 1, it should be understood that the wireless link is merely illustrative to show communications associated with user device120.

Communication link141uses metal, glass, optical, air, space, or some other material as the transport media. Communication link141could use various communication protocols, such as Internet Protocol (IP), Ethernet, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), single-carrier radio transmission technology link (1xRTT), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Radio Link Protocol (RLP), Time Division Multiplex (TDM), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), synchronous optical networking (SONET), circuit-switched, communication signaling, or some other communication format, including combinations, improvements, or variations thereof. Communication link141could be a direct link or may include intermediate networks, systems, or devices.

Links140-141may each include many different signals sharing the same link—as represented by the associated lines in FIG.1—comprising access channels, paging channels, notification channels, forward links, reverse links, user communications, communication sessions, overhead communications, frequencies, other channels, carriers, timeslots, spreading codes, transportation ports, logical transportation links, network sockets, packets, or communication directions.