Wireless device registration, such as automatic registration of a Wi-Fi enabled device

摘要

A system for providing a wireless device with access to a computer network includes an access point that sets up a radio link with the wireless device and couples the wireless device to the network. The system also includes a server that receives data packets from the access point through the computer network. The data packets include at least one data packet that has a first identifier that uniquely identifies the wireless device and a second identifier that corresponds to the wireless device. The system further includes a database that is coupled to the server and stores data for associating a service plan with the first and second identifiers and basing the service plan, at least in part, on the second identifier. Other features and systems are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A wireless device configured to request and obtain Wi-Fi access to a computer network, the device comprising:
at least one wireless transceiver; at least one memory storing instructions; at least one processor, coupled to the wireless transceiver and memory, and configured to execute the instructions, wherein the instructions are configured to cause the device to:
transmit, from the wireless device, a message regarding a request for the wireless device to access a computer network,
wherein the message includes a device identifier and a Wi-Fi service identifier; andaccess, by the wireless device, information via the computer network, wherein prior to accessing the information:
a service plan is associated with the wireless device based on at least the Wi-Fi service identifier,
wherein the service plan is for wireless access to the computer network and not to a cellular phone network;in response to a determination that the service plan has expired, receiving, by the wireless device, one or more instructions to re-activate the service plan or obtain a new service plan; andwireless access between the wireless device and a Wi-Fi access point coupled to the computer network is authenticated based on the service plan,
wherein the authenticating of the wireless access is not performed based on use of a subscriber identity module (SIM) associated with the wireless device.