Abstract: A method for collecting data that can be used to characterize the performance of a wireless communications system is disclosed. The method comprises determining data characterizing a wireless data communication that occurs between an internet service provider and a data collection system. The data collection system comprises a data exchanger and a routing device through which communications can be routed between client devices and an internet via the internet service provider. The routing device includes a memory. The routing device collects the data and stores the data in the memory of the routing device. A system for collecting data is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for communicating network status information includes receiving, via a first link, a request for status information from a client device, the first link being a link between a router device and a client device. In response to the request, a data exchanger is polled for status information via a second link. The second link is a link between the router device and the data exchanger. The status information identifies a state of a third link between the data exchanger and a wide area network. The status information is received via the second link and communicated to the client device via the first link.

Abstract: A method for collecting individualized network usage data includes routing Internet communications between a plurality of local clients and a plurality of remote servers over a common data link between a router device and the Internet. For each of the plurality of clients, characteristics of that client's communications routed over the data link are monitored at the router device. A collection of statistics reflecting the monitored characteristics are maintained. From the router device, the collection of statistics are periodically communicated over the data link to an interested server.

Abstract: A method for configuring a router is disclosed. The method comprises providing router configuration information. The router configuration information is sent to the router over a cellular data network.

Abstract: A method of utilizing device indicator lights is disclosed herein. The method includes providing a device that includes a plurality of device indicator lights and a user control, and monitoring a first set and a second set of device states. The first set of device states correspond to binary device states, and the second set of device states correspond to analog device states. The method also includes utilizing each of the plurality of device indicator lights individually to communicate one of first set of device states, determining whether the user control has been activated, and utilizing at least two of the plurality of device indicator lights in concert to communicate one of the second set of device states upon a determination that the user control has been activated.

Abstract: A method, implemented by a router device, for guiding a user in establishing access privileges for a data exchanger includes causing the data exchanger to establish a remote link with a data service provider. Access content is obtained from the data service provider and presented to a client device. Access data provided in response to the presenting of the access content is received. The access content when presented by the client device enables a user to supply the access data. The access data is useable by the data service provider to set access privileges associated with the data exchanger that enable the data exchanger to be utilized to perform a desired function. The access data is returned to the data service provider via the remote link. The data exchanger is utilized to implement the desired function.

Abstract: A method of initiating router functions includes providing a router device having an integrated user interface having a user control and an indicator. From the router device, a first data link to a wide area network is established. From the router device, a second data link to enable a local area network is established. Via the indicator, state information regarding the first and second data links is communicated. It is determined if the user control has been activated. Upon detecting that the user control has been activated one or both of the first and second data links are modified. Information indicating the modification is communicated via the indicator.

Abstract: A method of utilizing device indicator lights is disclosed herein. The method includes providing a device that includes a plurality of device indicator lights and a user control, and monitoring a first set and a second set of device states. The first set of device states correspond to binary device states, and the second set of device states correspond to analog device states. The method also includes utilizing each of the plurality of device indicator lights individually to communicate one of first set of device states, determining whether the user control has been activated, and utilizing at least two of the plurality of device indicator lights in concert to communicate one of the second set of device states upon a determination that the user control has been activated.

Abstract: A router comprises a local network interface and routing services. The router also includes a data exchanger interface that can be configured to connect to a data exchanger. A security enclosure is configured to cover the data exchanger when the data exchanger is connected to the data exchanger interface.

Abstract: A method for communicating network status information includes receiving, via a first link, a request for status information from a client device, the first link being a link between a router device and a client device. In response to the request, a data exchanger is polled for status information via a second link. The second link is a link between the router device and the data exchanger. The status information identifies a state of a third link between the data exchanger and a wide area network. The status information is received via the second link and communicated to the client device via the first link.

Abstract: A method for communicating network status information includes receiving, via a first link, a request for status information from a client device, the first link being a link between a router device and a client device. In response to the request, a data exchanger is polled for status information via a second link. The second link is a link between the router device and the data exchanger. The status information identifies a state of a third link between the data exchanger and a wide area network. The status information is received via the second link and communicated to the client device via the first link.

Abstract: A method of utilizing device indicator lights includes providing a device that includes a plurality of device indicator lights and a user control. A first set and a second set of device states are monitored. The plurality of device indicator lights are individually utilized to communicate each of the first set of device states. It is determined if the user control has been activated. The plurality of device indicator lights are used in concert to communicate one of the second set of device states upon a determination that the user control has been activated.

Abstract: A method for accessing an enhanced command set includes utilizing a generic command set to obtain identifying data from a data exchanger in communication with a router device. The generic command set is utilized to cause the data exchanger to establish a remote link between with a data service provider. A remote enhanced command set associated with the identifying data is obtained via the established remote link. The obtained enhanced command set is utilized to access a feature of the data exchanger not available utilizing the generic command set.

Abstract: An embodiment is directed to a method for selectively routing a DNS request in which a DNS request to translate a domain name is received from a local client device. The DNS request is directed to a remote DNS server on a remote network. A link status to the remote network is identified. If the link status indicates that a connection to the remote network is not possible, the DNS request is routed to a locally embedded DNS server. If the link status indicates that a connection to the remote network is possible, the DNS request is routed to the remote DNS server on the remote network.

Abstract: An embodiment of a handset cradle includes a base component and a handset component configured to couple with the base component. The handset component provides an interface with a particular type of handset selected from a plurality of handset types. This interface enables an exchange of data between the base component and a handset interfacing with the handset component.