Method and system for providing registration, authentication and access via broadband access gateway

Abstract

A system and method supporting user registration, authentication and access to multimedia services via a broadband access gateway is disclosed. A representative embodiment of the present invention may comprise a wireless interface and may be capable of exchanging multimedia communication between the wireless interface and a broadband network. The gateway may determine access to available media-related services based upon information that is provisioned in a broadband access gateway prior to the first access by a user of an access device. The gateway may automatically allow access to access devices that are pre-registered, and may support opportunistic registration for those users of access devices that have not been pre-registered. Restricted access to services and networks available through the gateway may be provided even when registration is not successful, or when the access device is not pre-registered. Interactive registration for gateway access may be supported, and one-button access using either soft or hard buttons may be provided.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application makes reference to, claims priority to, and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 563,894, entitled “Method And System For Handling And Backhauling Traffic From A Wired And / Or Wireless WAN, LAN, And / Or PAN Using A Broadband Access Gateway” (Attorney Docket No. 15656US01 BP3607), filed Apr. 16, 2004, the complete subject matter of which is hereby incorporate herein by reference, in its entirety. [0002] The present application makes reference to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Method And System For Extended Network Access Services Advertising Via A Broadband Access Gateway” (Attorney Docket No. 15723US02 BU3607.2), filed Dec. 23, 2004, the complete subject matter of which is hereby incorporate herein by reference, in its entirety.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0003] [Not Applicable]MICROFICHE / COPYRIGHT REFERENCE [0004] [Not Applicable]BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] One ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] These and other advantages, aspects, and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of illustrated embodiments, thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

Problems solved by technology

One major common problem faced by cellular and landline service providers is market competition.

Although the formation of alliances and partnerships between cellular service providers and landline service providers may help to ward off competition, such alliances and partnerships are faced with other problems.

For example, the erection of cellular infrastructure such as cellular towers may be an expensive venture since this may require acquisition of real estate, whether in the form of outright purchases or through leasing.

Cellular infrastructure also requires the establishment of one or more expensive backbone links to handle core network traffic.

Another cellular-related problem is that the cellular signals do not penetrate and propagate in buildings such as homes and offices very well.

Many users find the configuration or programming of such electronic devices to be intimidating and confusing.

Hence, potential users fail to adopt such systems that involve the use of new information or procedures, or if they do, they have difficultly during setup.

This is demonstrated by the anecdotal evidence of the “flashing VCR clock”, that suggests that many consumers find even the programming of the clock on their VCRs to be too complex and / or intimidating.

Users of current wireless networks find a lack of consistency in how system parameters are to be entered into their access device, and the management of such parameters over a population of intimidated or confused users is a continual source of frustration for operators of these types of networks.

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