Abstract: A server has a processor and a memory connected to the processor. The memory stores instructions executed by the processor to collect scan lists from client devices, where each scan list specifies a Wi-Fi access point identifier collected by a client device and geographic coordinates of the client device when the Wi-Fi access point identifier was collected. A cluster of geographic coordinates around a designated Wi-Fi access point is formed. A centroid within the cluster is identified. The location of the centroid is ascribed the geographic position of the designated Wi-Fi access point. The geographic position of the designated Wi-Fi access point is added to a Wi-Fi access point location database. A Wi-Fi tag scan list is processed to form a tag path listing known geographic locations of Wi-Fi access points observed by the Wi-Fi tag. The tag path is supplied in response to a request.

Abstract: A server has a processor and a memory connected to the processor. The memory stores instructions executed by the processor to collect scan lists from client devices, where each scan list specifies a Wi-Fi access point identifier collected by a client device and geographic coordinates of the client device when the Wi-Fi access point identifier was collected. A cluster of geographic coordinates around a designated Wi-Fi access point is formed. A centroid within the cluster is identified. The location of the centroid is ascribed the geographic position of the designated Wi-Fi access point. The geographic position of the designated Wi-Fi access point is added to a Wi-Fi access point location database. A Wi-Fi tag scan list is processed to form a tag path listing known geographic locations of Wi-Fi access points observed by the Wi-Fi tag. The tag path is supplied in response to a request.

Abstract: A system and method of securely sharing wireless access points that that guarantees a privileged set of users a pre-selected quality of service (QOS) when using a particular access point. Client modules running on the end-user's wireless computer effectively act as firewalls and make the method independent of the access point hardware or firmware. A network wireless access point owner sets up the access preferences for the different classes of users via a control portal and an authentication server. Access options include no access by guest users, or a restriction to a predetermined percentage of the bandwidth, when the access point is being used by the owner.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering metadata content relevant to a wireless access point to a user of the wireless access point. A user accessing the network via a wireless access point may be initially directed to an interactive metadata page related to the wireless access point they are using. The metadata page may display location-based information provided by prior users of the access point and users may themselves provide site relevant metadata in the form of, for instance, comments, links, tagged objects or edits of existing metadata, or some combination thereof. The metadata page may also supply automatically, or semi-automatically, generated content such as maps based on the access points location, images based on tags supplied by users or relevant to structures or enterprises in the vicinity of the access point.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a user to designate the types of advertising to which they may be exposed based on preferences that may include their choice of faith, lifestyle, location, technology or cause. A user designated application acts as a reverse proxy and filters incoming HTML pages, replacing advertising URLs that link to content that does not conform to the user's preferences, with links to content that does conform. The function of reverse proxy may effectively be performed by a domain name server (DNS) designated by the user. The DNS may include a list of replaceable resource such that resolution of the domain name results in direction to an alternate server that serves substitute advertising conforming to the end-user's designated content type. The user's preference parameters may be stored either on a server accessed database, as a cookie on the user's computer or as a designated DNS.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a user to authorize and effect the substitution of the advertising content in web pages. A designated, community domain name server (DNS) enables substitution of community content elements in place of advertising on third party web sites. The community content elements may include links to web pages of interest provided by other members of the community. The community content elements may also contain advertising related content relevant to a web page being viewed. The content relevant advertising may, for instance, take the form of URLs linked to advertising based on one or more words found on the web page currently being viewed by the user. The community content element may also include a key word box that allows the user to enter a key word. The content relevant advertising may then be based on the user entered key word.