Broadcasting availability of free internet access at wireless access points

摘要

Systems and methods are provided for broadcasting internet availability at a Wireless Access Point (WAP). The system is operable to process the memory to determine whether the WAP provides free internet access to wireless devices, and to generate a management frame for the WAP. The system is further operable to insert data indicating whether the WAP provides the free internet access into the management frame, and to broadcast the management frame via the WAP for receipt by wireless devices within range of the WAP.

主权项

1. A system, comprising:
a controller for a Wireless Access Point (WAP) wherein the WAP is operable to engage in wireless communications according to at least one of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 protocols; and a memory; the controller operable to process the memory to determine whether the WAP provides free internet access to wireless devices, to generate a Beacon frame for the WAP, to insert a bit into a Capability Information field of the Beacon frame indicating whether the WAP provides free internet access, and to broadcast the Beacon frame via the WAP for receipt by wireless devices within range of the WAP, wherein the controller is operable to insert the bit as a custom portion of the Capability Information field that is not defined by IEEE 802.11 protocols.