(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0075844 A1
`Hagen
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 20, 2002
`
`US 20020075 844A1
`
`(54) INTEGRATING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
`NETWORK RESOURCES FOR OPTIMIZED
`BROADBAND WIRELESS ACCESS AND
`METHOD
`
`(76) Inventor: W. Alexander Hagen, Montara, CA
`(Us)
`Correspondence Address:
`TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW,
`LLP
`TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
`EIGHTH FLOOR
`SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111-3834 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`09/832,679
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Apr. 10, 2001
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(63) Non-provisional of provisional application No.
`60/256,158, ?led on Dec. 15, 2000.
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`(51) Int. Cl? ................................................... .. H04L 12/28
`(52) US. Cl. ..
`370/351; 370/328
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A system and method are disclosed for providing ubiquitous
`public network access to wireless, mobile terminals using
`private networks having private network access points and
`connections with the public network. The wireless, mobile
`terminals are permitted to use wireless, radio frequency
`communication devices comprising private network access
`points. A network access server (NAS) is associated with
`each wireless, radio frequency communication device and
`provides an interface between the wireless, mobile terminals
`and the private network. The NAS controls registration of
`wireless, mobile terminals as subscribers, and provides
`public network access to the mobile terminals through the
`private networks access point and public network connec
`tion. The NAS also restricts access by the mobile terminals
`to the private network, meters network useage by the mobile
`terminals, and controls use of bandwidth by the mobile
`terminals. The NAS also interfaces with integration operator
`distributed services over the public network. The integration
`operator services include databases and servers for storing
`and providing subscriber and network provider information
`for subscriber registration, network access and useage con
`trol, and accounting purposes. The NAS may be provided as
`a standalone element embodied in a computer, or may be
`integrated with the wireless radio frequency device and/or a
`network adaptor device for the private network.
`
`t
`mane iermmal or
`hosl
`
`u
`
`wlreless Access Film!
`urWlrelesS Adapter
`
`WIIEIGSS Access Pm!" “2m
`
`NAS interface
`
`NAS interface
`
`iii
`
`\5
`
`Network
`Access
`Server
`
`AE]
`
`Teleohone
`lSDN/
`wsm
`
`Router, as’. or Came Modem
`or Wwalass Luca‘ Leap
`
`Local Loop
`
`mwwarlun
`ODBIalcr
`Distributed
`semen
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 1 0f 17
`
`US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`1
`3
`moblle lermmai or \
`host
`
`Wlreless Access pm":
`or Wweiess Adapter
`
`WIFEIESS Access PD)!" nZ-nx
`
`NAS interface
`
`NAS interface
`
`19
`
`""
`
`5
`
`5
`
`Repeater or modular antenna
`
`100
`
`/’
`
`a
`
`Network
`Access
`Server
`
`‘
`
`_
`
`Teiephone
`IS ON!
`
`Router. DSL or Cable Modem
`or wlreless Luca! Loop \ 14
`
`FIG.1
`
`integration
`Operator
`Dlstnbuted
`Semces
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 2 0f 17
`
`US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`TOP LAYER OF HIERARCHY: lDENTlTIES
`
`3010
`
`/ 3100
`
`Subscriber Table
`
`/3200
`
`3300
`
`Resource Provider
`Table
`
`T
`Operator ables
`
`Subscriber lnformation
`Name and contact information
`Form Of Payment
`
`Credit Card Data
`Corporate Credit Account information
`
`_
`I
`Provider lnfo?'?allu?
`Name and contact information
`
`SECOND LEVEL OF HlERARCHY: OBJECTS AND POLICIES 3020
`
`3400
`
`/
`Adapter Table
`
`l
`
`/zson
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`Tab'e
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`t
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`Registered equipment
`addresses
`Each equipment lD's service
`plan
`Each equipment lD’s security
`plan.
`(Optimal) Layer 2
`Cryptographic Keys‘
`LostOrStoten Flag
`
`Account details
`sen/ice p|an
`Usage Based
`Usage Based with
`priomy_
`Flat Rate
`Flat Rate with priority
`Free
`
`/ 3600
`Resource
`ObjectTable
`
`‘P address range
`“3 address sub‘
`range and locallon-
`Registered
`Equ'pmem
`Addresses‘ _
`crypwgraph'c keys‘
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`/asso
`I ohcy
`Tab'e
`
`3 .
`
`Provider Public Access
`Bandwidth Policy
`Priority Traffic,
`Normal Traffic
`Maximum Public
`Usage Policy
`Free "af?c
`
`THIRD LEVEL OF HIERARCHYI EVENTS, TRANSACTIONS AND STATUS 3030
`
`“on
`/
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`State Tame
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`Table
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`I
`SESSION
`Records
`(bimngs) Table
`
`Payment History
`Previous Payments
`.
`(Credits)
`Previous Charges
`‘
`(Debits)
`Current Balance
`Adapter
`Billing Cycle
`Time Session Start
`c°llesp°n¢ Address Bits transmitted received
`_
`.
`.
`v
`bits [Edd
`_
`this billing cycle (if usage
`bits sent
`t
`location
`
`based).
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`.
`
`Accounting
`.
`.
`Bits received ‘transmitted on
`behalfofpubli‘caccess _
`subscribers this accounting
`cycle
`I
`Accéum'ng Cycle
`previous payments to, wonder
`Previous credits provider
`generated
`
`Voice billings
`
`3950
`
`Adapter
`Time Session Start
`location (resource provider)
`phone number
`amttime
`cost per minute or incr. thereof
`
`FlG.2
`
`3000
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 3 0f 17
`
`US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`on
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`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 4
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 4
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 4 0f 17
`
`US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`259.250 5.212 Blow 383‘ foEwZ
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`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 5 0f 17
`
`US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`integration Operator Distributed Servers
`
`Server Load Balancing
`
`TCP/iP Stack iPv4/iPv6
`
`/ 5°’
`
`/5°2
`
`/ 503
`
`505 \
`
`Routing Services
`
`DHCP Service
`
`Other TCP/IP Services / 5°‘
`
`507
`
`\ m
`
`510
`
`\ 511
`
`\ 512
`
`514
`
`531
`
`506
`
`Encryption/Decryption
`
`PKI
`m / Certificate Services
`
`ISAKMP/iKE
`iPSec
`
`I
`
`509
`
`Mobile iP
`
`http/https Services
`
`iP Telephony Services
`
`C d't C d P cess'
`re I
`ar
`r0
`mg
`
`LDAP/LDUP interface
`
`Other DB interfaces
`
`Legacy AAA interfaces
`
`Database Event Monitoring Service
`
`51s /
`
`515 /
`
`52o /
`
`521
`
`Data
`Data
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`provider and providers
`Operator
`only
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`Subscriber
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`Only
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`
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`53o /
`
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`
`500
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 6 0f 17
`
`US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`Llnk Negohanon '
`
`Host - NAS \
`Auth animation '
`
`800
`
`900
`
`IP Assignment
`
`Network Resource
`Allocallon
`
`1000
`
`SCSSIOH
`Management And
`Accoummg
`
`Fraud Deiecuon '
`
`1 208
`
`Real Tlme
`\
`Application
`PIOCESSIHQ '
`
`1600
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 7 0f 17
`
`US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`user oowmaoos
`coverage map
`pnov 1o roammg
`
`100
`
`j
`
`“11
`
`host now in
`mm Imk range
`0! wlreless
`acczss palm
`
`102
`
`has! mmales
`Rama Lmk
`encrypwn
`request
`
`10 7
`
`105
`
`Acczss Pom!
`has NAS
`Interface
`
`Access Pom
`Does not have
`NAS interlace
`
`Dynamic Key
`Luokup Prnctssmg
`(Send MACVGH
`Key)
`
`Wireless Access
`Form nauve
`encrynuon mm!“
`pmcessmg
`
`Wireless access
`pomt has m:
`ohxamen
`enIryDunn key
`
`1 D4
`
`hos! equests
`OPEN
`Ridm Link
`
`NAS Gels
`Suhscnher
`Pmme
`
`Subscrlbel
`Pro?le Na!
`Located
`
`131
`
`NAS 5M5 Kry In
`WAP
`
`WAP Key Stare
`Upaated wlln
`119w key
`
`mreless access
`POI!“ has
`“named
`encryphun key
`
`encryuxea llnk
`negcnaucm
`
`Encrymed
`Rama Lmk
`estahllshed
`
`7
`
`has! amen’:
`
`unencrypled
`mum .‘mk Imk
`ESlSbhShEd
`
`WIIBIGSS access
`
`wlreless access
`pom! teqmres
`encrypted
`aulhenhcahun
`
`if r
`hostu e ed
`open lmk
`
`11B
`
`121
`
`husl declmes
`unsecure lmk >
`
`/
`
`XOR
`
`122
`
`124
`
`»\ News: 256955 ‘
`poll“ mmazes
`sessmn
`lermmanon
`
`\ obtain access
`
`[
`
`ia'nure event
`YOCESSmg
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 8
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 8 0f 17
`
`US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`200
`
`802 -
`
`>
`
`Cll-nlcanhguullun
`pnlonnud
`lulomlllcllly or
`manullly
`
`SO!
`
`MAC “1 m
`mums
`
`vac "an"
`um" um u: was
`
`“mm.
`
`FIG.8
`
`B07
`
`ClmM Roqulqvl
`“ I... “hum...
`
`E27
`
`Mu: us! In
`Ccmr-ICR
`www- as
`
`4P mm wen"
`
`640
`
`“Emmi”
`P-in in“ Far
`Ann-"Hannah
`
`82
`
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`bane
`Auvmuznmn
`
`Allncahcn
`
`520
`
`MM Fain":
`"a", , hmni
`
`Levon
`Sucaoa'n
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 9 0f 17
`
`US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`Host Resource
`Auucatlun
`
`901
`
`User Prom:
`Remeved
`by Gatekeeper
`
`Allocalscn
`and CO5 updalmg
`
`904
`
`Secunty Policy
`Processmg
`
`9 Q5
`
`907
`
`Ready m
`recleve
`incoming Rea!
`Tlme
`
`P
`
`908
`
`Home Network
`Access
`\ Permllea
`
`Home Network
`?ccess
`Formdden
`
`IP Filter far local
`Home Network
`updated
`
`FIG.9
`
`User Pvof?e
`Processing
`Complexe
`
`SH
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 10 0f 17 US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`$258K)" Record
`Created m NAS
`DB
`
`DHCP Lease
`Logged in
`Database
`
`1003
`
`Network Metenng
`Agent
`Commits Activity
`every 1: seconds
`
`1006
`
`1005
`
`1004
`
`No acumy
`recolnen
`processing
`
`Database
`Uvdaled with
`encrypled (we
`I0 PK) achvlty
`IECO'G
`
`nAs 1mm -
`uuelaa Wlmcn
`Ace." Pom!
`alum
`annual-mm
`
`wlreless Access
`Pom! sends
`
`vollhubon comm
`mu "me-um
`nun-mm
`
`Gatekeeper sends
`lamp packets in
`node
`
`1010
`
`FIG.10
`
`Node Is
`GE‘SITHITIEG In
`no longer be
`BEING
`
`1012
`
`Node Is achve
`
`1011
`
`Gatekeeper node
`presence
`ven?cahon counter
`zeroed
`
`1 013
`
`Sessmrl Record
`Closed
`
`Sessmn Record
`yec?zaled to IDDS
`
`! IPFmer Uauated
`/ 1014
`
`CA)
`
`If
`
`¥
`7
`
`Terminated V1017
`
`Session
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 11
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 11 0f 17 US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`Chem cu n?nurahan
`perlormed
`:ulomancally or
`manuwy
`
`1101
`
`1 1 0
`
`hem Uses DHCP
`1m mqugsww
`network
`co "?aming"
`parameter:
`
`110
`
`hem Uses Mobllz
`IP stack lnr
`New/cm
`con?g ma non
`Dimmei?fi
`
`DHCP Dlscnver
`Renewed by
`NAS
`
`1 1 1
`
`Mobile \‘P
`Ccmhgurahun
`Requem
`Remevea by
`NAS
`
`107
`
`DHCF' O?er
`Generation
`commences
`
`11D
`
`D\SCOVER
`renewed by
`DHCP Server
`
`I
`
`_ v
`
`I‘ A
`
`1111
`
`P mm: a! N AS
`resources
`YeIl'lEVEd
`
`IP acdress of
`NAS requeslof
`recxeved
`
`MAC address of \
`
`gnemrecewed /
`
`Account Dexasls
`re\evan\ to hos!
`relneved
`
`111
`
`MODIl! IP
`COn?gmamn
`Faramele-Ys
`transrnmed
`
`generated 1w chem
`
`Chem Recewes
`
`Offer #1 1 13
`
`I 1 1
`
`1 1 14/ Chen! Accepts
`Cffer
`
`Chem Rejects
`Offer
`
`1115
`
`111
`
`DrcP NACK
`logged in
`
`/
`
`\
`MobllelP
`con?guration ‘
`offer relecuon )
`
`/ Use! Pro?le
`Pracessing
`\
`Com piele
`
`/
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 12 0f 17
`
`US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`1202
`
`1203
`
`1204
`
`1205
`
`f 1206
`
`can: mm
`‘um mm.
`
`1224
`
`has! detected
`a! M0 or more
`locanuns
`smuhaneusly
`
`host bdhng
`greater lhan x
`umes DYEVIDUS
`mum; cycle
`
`Multiple
`unsucces'ul
`logan allempts
`
`R ecewe
`Noimcntmn I)!
`SusplcIcn from
`outside pany
`
`FYDV’QEI or
`subscnber
`complains
`about
`
`1206
`
`120B
`
`1209
`
`Intruder
`menb?zatlnn
`
`12“)
`
`Suuscnber.
`Renu'ce
`Pmvmer and
`Intruder can be
`0mm mshen
`
`Faise Alavm
`
`1212
`
`subm‘w‘
`Rulmnzo mum"
`m1 mum-l
`mmmu mt
`dulmgulnmd
`
`W
`
`1 21 1
`
`Resource
`Providers“)
`
`Noti?ed
`
`Sunscnber
`Nmmcamn
`
`I
`
`1 2 D 7
`
`1214
`
`Subscnber Asked 1
`to provlde proof 0|‘
`laenmy
`
`'
`
`4
`
`1 215
`
`lntmau
`Apprenensmn
`Attempt
`
`1216
`
`Sensmvuly ol
`Fraud Deiech<m\
`Parameters /
`lncreasedJ
`
`\
`
`1 2 1 T
`
`‘V
`
`(>>
`1220 \/, Access
`
`Subscnner \
`
`Intruder No: \
`Apurehendeo
`Aware O1
`DelBClmn E?nn
`
`1 221
`
`IMIUGQ!
`Apprehended
`
`1 21 8
`
`/
`
`lnivuder Non
`Anprehende a
`Not Aware 0?
`D eieclmn Effort
`\______J
`
`/
`/
`
`Intruderts
`Resource
`Provider
`
`1222
`
`hacker
`(Tvespassmg)
`
`1223
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 13
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 13 0f 17 US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`a
`1
`publlc user mobile \
`gamma‘ or has‘
`Public Wrreless Accass Porn:
`or Wareless Adapter
`
`4
`
`\
`
`Public Wureless Acccss Pom: :12
`
`NAS interface
`
`NAS interface
`
`19
`
`Repeater or modular
`30180":
`
`10 M server
`
`11
`
`19
`
`Network
`Access L-—-7
`
`H 1b
`
`13 -——-'
`
`‘l2
`
`Telephone
`ISDNI
`
`24
`
`21
`
`Prlvale Wueless Access
`Pom! nl-m:
`
`9
`
`NAS mlerface
`
`Router. DSL or Cable Modem
`or Wireless Local Loop \ “
`
`5
`
`2a
`pnvale user mobile
`lermlnal or host
`
`15
`
`_.__
`
`Local Loop
`
`18
`
`Integration
`Operator
`Dusmbmed
`SEI’VlCBS
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 14
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 14 0f 17 US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`/1516
`
`a:
`
`Cenificate Auihnrity
`
`host home network router!
`
`FIG. 14
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 15
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 15 0f 17 US 2002/0075844 A1
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`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 16
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 16 0f 17 US 2002/0075844 A1
`
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`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 17
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 17 0f 17 US 2002/0075844 A1
`
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`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 18
`
`

`

`US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`Jun. 20, 2002
`
`INTEGRATING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE NETWORK
`RESOURCES FOR OPTIMIZED BROADBAND
`WIRELESS ACCESS AND METHOD
`
`RELATED CASE
`[0001] This application is related to and claims priority to
`provisional Application No. 60/256,158 entitled Integrating
`Public and Private NetWork Resources for OptimiZed Broad
`band Wireless Access and Method naming as inventor W.
`Alexander Hagen and ?led Dec. 15, 2000. That application
`is incorporated herein for all purposes as if set forth herein
`in full.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
`[0003] The invention relates to digital netWorks generally.
`More speci?cally, the invention relates to the integration and
`interoperability of diverse private and public netWorks to
`provide ubiquitous broadband netWork access. Still more
`speci?cally, the invention relates to a system and method for
`providing and managing public netWork access by Wireless,
`mobile terminals using the eXisting netWork connection
`resources of otherWise private netWorks.
`
`[0004] 2. Statement of Related Art
`[0005] Present systems designed to provide Wireless net
`Work access are limited by a number of factors. First, such
`systems are typically characteriZed by relatively large cell
`siZes Which adversely affect signal quality and hence limit
`bandWidth. Typical cell siZes today are one mile or greater
`in radius. Economic considerations generally prohibit the
`construction and operation of cells at greater densities even
`though by reducing the radius of each cell, greater available
`spectral resources Would become available. This Would
`result both because the number of users a single cell Would
`have to accommodate Would be reduced, and because the
`signal quality Would improve due to shorter distances
`betWeen transmitter and receiver, thus reducing poWer
`requirements and permitting more efficient modulation
`schemes. Thus, such systems are generally ill-equipped to
`provide Wireless, broadband netWork access.
`
`[0006] Efforts are underWay to develop so-called broad
`band Wireless or “3G” netWorks. HoWever, a number of
`serious problems have arisen. First, the proposed commu
`nication protocols have certain limitations that inhibit or
`even prevent broadband access. These limitations render
`such protocols particularly unsuitable for use in Wireless
`local loop netWorks. The primary problem is that such
`protocols are designed for use With data communications at
`relatively high frequencies. HoWever, data communications
`at such frequencies do not perform Well over long distances,
`particularly to indoors or non-line-of-sight mobile terminals.
`Thus, in common useage, data rates commonly drop out of
`the “broadband” range and doWn to 128/64 kbps. In some
`circumstances, it may not be possible to successfully estab
`lish a netWork data connection at all. Second, the cost to
`build and operate netWorks in the frequency spectrum
`assigned for use by 3G netWorks, the so-called IMT 2000
`band, is so high that such netWorks While technically fea
`sible, may be economically infeasible. Third, the original
`plan for a single global band has thus far been unsuccessful,
`and has noW been postponed to aWait development of
`so-called fourth generation or 4G global Wireless access
`netWorks.
`
`[0007] There are currently protocols available Which are at
`least theoretically capable of supporting Wireless, broadband
`netWork access. Such protocols include the Wireless LAN
`protocol speci?ed in IEEE 802.11 and the proprietary Blue
`tooth protocol. The Wireless LAN 802.11b protocol is
`designed to provide Wireless communication at data rates of
`up to 11 mbps. Bluetooth is presently designed to provide
`such communications at data rates of approximately 1 mbps.
`HoWever, these protocols also have a number of limitations
`Which can render true Widespread “broadband” Wireless
`access dif?cult or impossible to achieve. Most notably, they
`are speci?cally designed for short-range Wireless netWork
`communications and are unsuitable for establishing data
`links over long ranges, or in non-line-of-sight conditions.
`Thus, their ability to provide broadband Wireless netWork
`access is typically limited to relatively short distances.
`Moreover, they only operate in the ISM (unlicensed spec
`trum) of 2.4 GHZ Where radio interference can be a problem.
`Thus, they are generally not able to provide broadband
`levels of performance in open environments Where radio
`frequency signal interference is likely. Still further, there is
`presently no effective method available to alloW users of
`such protocols, Which are intended primarily for proprietary
`Wireless LAN useage, to roam When aWay from their
`“home” netWork. That is, there is presently no “integrator”
`operator entity to logically connect the various proprietary
`and private Wireless netWorks having Wireless LAN and
`Bluetooth access points to provide ubiquitous connectivity
`for mobile users. Thus users can only receive the bandWidth
`bene?ts of these protocols in connection With accessing their
`oWn private home networks.
`[0008] Finally, in the United States, there is a third net
`Work, called the Metricom netWork. This proprietary net
`Work is presently constrained to operation at 900 MHZ, an
`unlicensed frequency, and does not presently have an effec
`tive system for dealing With radio interference problems. It
`also is limited to data rates of 128 kbps, making it unsuitable
`for Wireless local loop applications. It is also limited by an
`apparent inability to deploy suf?cient infrastructure for
`reliable nationWide coverage, and in any event the radio
`modems manufactured for it are useless outside the United
`States.
`[0009] In short, While various forms of public and private
`Wireless mobile access netWorks presently eXist or are
`proposed, none is presently capable of providing true Wide
`spread Wireless mobile netWork access at broadband data
`rates. Nor do present netWorks provide the ability for
`Wireless devices to readily sWitch betWeen cellular and
`private netWorks. A need to provide and manage such access
`clearly eXists, and the present invention addresses that need.
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0010] The present invention provides a system and
`method that enables terminals to access public netWorks,
`such as the Internet, at broadband data rates, via ?Xed,
`Wireline, or Wireless netWork connections, and at geographi
`cally dispersed netWork access points using the eXisting
`public netWork connections of private or proprietary net
`Works. The present invention thus effectively integrates
`diverse private and public netWorks to provide ubiquitous,
`netWork access at broadband data rates using eXisting infra
`structure.
`[0011] According to the invention, a plurality of netWork
`access points are provided at geographically dispersed loca
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 19
`
`

`

`US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`Jun. 20, 2002
`
`tions. Some or all of such network access points may be
`Wireless access points. A network access server (NAS),
`Which may be software, hardware, or a combination of both,
`functions as an intermediary or interface betWeen one or
`more such Wireless access points and the existing public
`netWork connection resources of an associated, otherWise
`private netWork. The NAS provides and manages public
`netWork access for authoriZed terminals, including mobile,
`Wireless terminals, using the existing public netWork con
`nection of the associated private netWork, While also pre
`venting unauthoriZed access to the private netWork by such
`terminals.
`
`[0012] The NAS may provide a variety of netWork access
`and management features including registration of subscrib
`ers, metering of netWork activity for accounting and billing
`purposes, and monitoring and control of bandWidth useage
`by authoriZed subscribers.
`
`[0013] Another aspect of the invention is the provision of
`integration operator distributed services (IODS). The IODS
`provides master facilities for accounting, user authoriZation
`and security, as Well as NAS management and control. The
`IODS and the various NAS‘ of the system communicate
`remotely over the public netWork. The IODS and NAS‘ in
`combination provide a geographically dispersed, ubiquitous
`access, publicly accessible, distributed netWork system.
`
`[0014] A particularly advantageous feature of the inven
`tion With respect to mobile Wireless terminal netWork access
`is that it greatly reduces the average distance betWeen
`Wireless, mobile terminals and their Wireless netWork access
`points, thereby greatly improving the quality of netWork
`connections and data communications While reducing trans
`mission poWer requirements, reducing data error rates, and
`consequently improving data rates. In so doing, the inven
`tion achieves the ability to provide true Widespread broad
`band netWork access for Wireless, mobile terminals.
`
`[0015] Still another advantageous feature of the invention
`is that it does not require additional softWare be added or
`alterations be made to eXisting terminals or netWork access
`devices, including Wireless terminals and devices. The NAS
`and IODS handle con?guration requirements, connections,
`registration, security, accounting, settlements, management
`and other functions transparently. Thus, the present inven
`tion takes advantage of eXisting infrastructure and devices.
`
`[0016] Still another advantageous feature of the invention
`is that it does not require manually recon?guring the net
`Work adaptor of a terminal each time the terminal connects
`to a neW netWork access point, even if the netWork access
`point is not located in the terminal’s “home” netWork. The
`NAS and IODS handle con?guration functions transparently
`at the logical netWork layer.
`
`[0017] Still another advantageous feature of the invention
`is that the terminals require no special softWare or hardWare
`beyond the current standard softWare and hardWare for
`netWork data communications, including Wireless netWork
`communications. The NAS transparently handles terminal
`registration, authentication, and netWork access processing.
`
`[0018] Additional features and advantages of the inven
`tion Will become apparent by reference to the folloWing
`detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in
`connection With the draWings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a presently preferred
`system architecture according to the invention.
`
`[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the elements
`of a presently preferred integration operator database.
`[0021] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the elements
`of a presently preferred netWork access server.
`
`[0022] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the elements
`of a preferred gatekeeper service of the netWork access
`server of FIG. 3.
`
`[0023] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the func
`tional elements of the presently preferred integration opera
`tor distributed services.
`
`[0024] FIG. 6 is a How diagram illustrating a high-level
`process How in the system of FIG. 1.
`
`[0025] FIG. 7 is a How diagram illustrating the details of
`establishing a communications link betWeen a Wireless,
`mobile terminal and a Wireless access point device.
`
`[0026] FIG. 8 is a How diagram illustrating the details of
`authenticating and authoriZing a Wireless, mobile terminal.
`[0027] FIG. 9 is a How diagram illustrating the details of
`processing user pro?les to authoriZe netWork access by and
`to allocate netWork resources to Wireless, mobile terminals.
`
`[0028] FIG. 10 is a How diagram illustrating the details of
`managing netWork sessions by Wireless, mobile terminals
`and performing netWork accounting.
`[0029] FIG. 11 is a How diagram illustrating the details of
`providing IP address assignments to authoriZed Wireless,
`mobile terminals to enable netWork communications.
`
`[0030] FIG. 12 is a How diagram illustrating the details of
`certain security procedures including detection of fraudulent
`netWork useage and unauthoriZed netWork intrusion.
`
`[0031] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an alterna
`tive preferred system architecture according to the inven
`tion.
`
`[0032] FIG. 14 is a graphical illustration shoWing various
`options for providing encrypted netWork communications
`betWeen Wireless, mobile terminals and various elements of
`the system.
`[0033] FIG. 15 is a How diagram illustrating optional
`voice/call processing in the system.
`[0034] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the ele
`ments of an alternative preferred embodiment for a Wireless
`access point/network access server employing Wireless tele
`phony components.
`[0035] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating the pre
`ferred data elements for a bandWidth allocation manager
`functionality of the netWork access server.
`
`[0036] FIG. 18 is a graphical illustration of an eXemplary
`bandWidth parameter scheme for use in connection With the
`bandWidth allocation manager data elements depicted in
`FIG. 17.
`
`[0037] FIG. 19 is a How diagram shoWing a preferred
`process of bandWidth allocation management by the netWork
`access server.
`
`STARWOOD Ex 1005, page 20
`
`

`

`US 2002/0075844 A1
`
`Jun. 20, 2002
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0038] The preferred embodiments of the present inven-
`tion will now be described in detail with reference to the
`
`drawings, in which like elements are identified by the same
`references. The following description is exemplary and not
`limiting.
`
`In general, the radio link terminology used herein
`[0039]
`is based on the IEEE 802.11b standard for Wireless Ethernet.
`
`the principles and implementations described
`However,
`herein are not
`intended to be limited to any particular
`wireless network communication protocol, but rather are
`intended to take advantage of any appropriate broadband
`wireless network communication protocol, including but not
`limited to the Wireless LAN protocol specified by IEEE
`802.11 and the Bluetooth protocol, recently adopted as IEEE
`802.15.
`
`[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a functional
`block diagram illustrating a presently preferred system 100
`embodying the invention. The primary purpose of the sys-
`tem 100 is to provide mobile, wireless terminals 1 with
`access to network resources, although it can also provide
`such access to fixed or mobile terminals over wireline
`connections as well. Mobile, wireless terminal as used
`herein means any mobile, wireless terminal having a MAC
`or other unique equipment address, such as a digital cellular
`handset, wireless PIA or PDA, or a computer with a wireless
`network adaptor. Other fixed and mobile terminals which
`may take advantage of the services provided by the system
`100 include desktop and laptop computers and the like,
`particularly when visiting and connecting to a foreign net-
`work.
`
`[0041] Mobile wireless terminal 1 communicates with the
`system 100 directly via radio waves 21 using conventional
`wireless network communication technology. Alternatively,
`if additional range is required or desired, a conventional
`repeater or external antenna 2 may be provided to receive
`and transmit radio waves 19, 20 between the mobile terminal
`1 and the system 100.
`
`[0042] The system 100 generally comprises one or more
`geographically dispersed network access points, which in
`this embodiment are radio frequency wireless access points
`(WAP) 3, 4. The WAPs 3, 4 may be conventional devices
`equipped with wireless network adaptors embodying the
`IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN or Bluetooth wireless network
`
`communications standards, or other devices providing simi-
`lar functionality. Examples of such devices include the
`Home Wireless Gateway product sold by 3COM Corpora-
`tion,
`the Spectrum High Rate AP 41X1 Ethernet Access
`Point product sold by Symbol Technologies, and the Aironet
`340 Series Access Points product sold by Cisco Systems.
`
`[0043] The system 100 also preferably includes one or
`more network access servers (NAS) 7. The NAS 7 may be
`implemented in software or a combination of software and
`hardware as described in detail herein. The NAS 7 is an
`
`of otherwise private networks, such as LAN 10. The NAS
`also controls and manages access to such private networks
`by such mobile terminals 1. Thus, as described in detail
`herein, the NAS performs registration, authentication, and
`other functions necessary to provide visiting mobile termi-
`nals with access to the public network 16, while simulta-
`neously controlling access by such visitors to the local
`private network 10, whose public network connection
`resources are being used to provide such access. The NAS
`7 also preferably provides such services as bandwidth allo-
`cation management, quality of service management, net-
`work useage accounting and settlement, provision of voice/
`telephony services via telephony equipment 12, and others.
`
`[0044] While only one NAS 7 is shown in the exemplary
`system 100, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that
`multiple NAS' may be employed to interface multiple WAPs
`3, 4 to one or more private networks 10 and the public
`network 16. Similarly, while WAP 4 is illustrated without a
`corresponding mobile terminal 1 or repeater/antenna 2 asso-
`ciated with it, this is simply for ease of illustration.
`
`[0045] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that each
`WAP represents a wireless network acces