Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing network profiles and/or access to a network. Network profiles stored in a computer may be deleted and/or a connection to a wireless network may be disabled when a corresponding access period for the network has been exhausted. The access period may define an amount of time, a number of connections, a number of bits or packets of information, or other measure of connectivity to a network and/or maintenance of profile information related to the network that may be limited in some fashion.

Abstract: It is determined whether a mobile user device is within transmission range of one or hidden networks. A list of known networks may be accessed, the list including broadcast and hidden networks. For the hidden networks, the network connection component may instruct a network interface to actively probe for the hidden networks. If the response is received for a communication corresponding to a particular network, then it may be considered that the mobile user interface is within transmission range of the hidden network. If auto-connection logic is activated, a preference order may be applied to select which of the detected broadcasts and/or hidden networks to connect. A user interface displays broadcast and hidden networks determined to be within transmission range of the mobile user device. The user device also displays hidden networks for which it has not yet been attempted to determine whether the hidden networks are in range.

Abstract: A framework is provided that decouples credential acquisition from authentication processes using those credentials in a way that facilitates dynamic update of credential information. An authentication component may receive credential information for authentication of a user or a device for access to a resource. During interactions with an external authenticator, the authentication component may identify that updated credential information is required and issue a request to the application including credential parameters defining the updated credential information. An application component receiving the request may acquire updated credential information from a user or another entity. In addition, the authentication method may issue notifications to the application. The framework enables the application to update credentials in a context specific way.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing network profiles and/or access to a network. Network profiles stored in a computer may be deleted and/or a connection to a wireless network may be disabled when a corresponding access period for the network has been exhausted. The access period may define an amount of time, a number of connections, a number of bits or packets of information, or other measure of connectivity to a network and/or maintenance of profile information related to the network that may be limited in some fashion.

Abstract: It is determined whether a mobile user device is within transmission range of one or hidden networks. A list of known networks may be accessed, the list including broadcast and hidden networks. For the hidden networks, the network connection component may instruct a network interface to actively probe for the hidden networks. If the response is received for a communication corresponding to a particular network, then it may be considered that the mobile user interface is within transmission range of the hidden network. If auto-connection logic is activated, a preference order may be applied to select which of the detected broadcasts and/or hidden networks to connect. A user interface displays broadcast and hidden networks determined to be within transmission range of the mobile user device. The user device also displays hidden networks for which it has not yet been attempted to determine whether the hidden networks are in range.