Authentication in a secure wireless communication system

摘要

A method of authentication via a secure wireless communication system; the method comprising sensing that a mobile device has come within range of a secure network; initiating a program (5) within the mobile device offering the user a plurality of authentication options; processing the chosen authentication option and providing requested user data to a service provider for the secure network (9), only if the chosen authentication option within the mobile device permits provision of the requested user data. This ensures that a user device (e.g. laptop, PDA) only connects to a wireless network (e.g. WLAN) if the user gives their permission by, for example, entering a password when prompted.