Abstract: A cloud-based onboarding server steers guest devices to a preferred SSID when detected as a guest of a homeowner access point also registered with the cloud-based onboarding server. Three different levels of network access include default, guest and private network access, and each network uses a different SSID from the homeowner access point.

Abstract: Responsive to detecting a referral event, a referral engine can automatically facilitate referrals for service providers by broadcasting a referral inquiry to associates. Any friend, business associate, class mate, e-mail contact, telephone contact, social networking friend or follower, or the like, having personal experience with an appropriate service provider can provide a referral to the inquirer. Referrals can be based on existing information stored in databases or provided by a referrer based on an inquiry. Optionally, the referrer can be incentivized and the system can complete transactions with referred service providers.

Abstract: A cloud-based Wi-Fi controller facilitates forced transitions. Dynamic RSSI thresholds for sticky-client stations are calculated and periodically updated based on changing conditions. When measured RSSI values reach a dynamic RSSI threshold, the cloud-based Wi-Fi controller reassociates the sticky-client station with a preferred access point, regardless of whether the sticky-client station has reached the same determination.

Abstract: Local runtime data is collected from the plurality of network devices using SDN (software-defined networking). The local runtime data is parsed and sent to an identified microservice for processing. The microservice applies the local runtime data to a set of rules to determine an action to be performed at a specific network device. An SDN controller can initiate and confirm execution of the action at the specific network device through a command to a specific SDN agent.

Abstract: A cloud control element distributes security keys prior to roaming to facilitate fast transition roaming across different IP subnets. The cloud control element distributes security keys to access points identified as neighboring and sharing a common SSID (service set identifier), but over different IP subnets. The security keys embed information related to authentication by stations for a specific SSID. Responsive to connecting with a specific wireless station roaming to a target access point from a source access point, fast transition by way of a security key is utilized to authenticate the specific wireless station without a full authentication protocol through a RADIUS server.

Abstract: A cloud-based onboarding server steers guest devices to a preferred SSID when detected as a guest of a homeowner access point also registered with the cloud-based onboarding server. Three different levels of network access include default, guest and private network access, and each network uses a different SSID from the homeowner access point.

Abstract: A cloud-based Wi-Fi controller facilitates fast BSS transitions. IEEE 802.11r or other fast BSS transition parameters are transferred through the cloud from the wireless station, for pre-population in neighboring or nearby access points. In more detail, a neighbor list is received from a wireless station connected to the data communication system through a first access point. The neighbor list identifying access points within range of the wireless station or that are otherwise nearby, from the cloud for pre-configuration.

Abstract: A cloud-based Wi-Fi controller facilitates forced transitions. Dynamic RSSI thresholds for sticky-client stations are calculated and periodically updated based on changing conditions. When measured RSSI values reach a dynamic RSSI threshold, the cloud-based Wi-Fi controller reassociates the sticky-client station with a preferred access point, regardless of whether the sticky-client station has reached the same determination.

Abstract: A cloud-based onboarding server detects a network change and facilitates an onboarding process for a new access point. An SSID and authentication credentials for an existing Wi-Fi channel are sent over a temporary Wi-Fi channel using a preconfigured SSID and passphrase generated by both the new access point and the master access point. A wireless station scans the identification information from a label on the new access point and sends it directly or indirectly to the master access point, so that both sides have the same seed for generating a matching passphrase. The master access point terminates the temporary channel and reactivates the existing Wi-Fi channel.

Abstract: A cloud-based onboarding server receives first identification information associated with a network device, from a wireless station authenticated to the cloud-based Wi-Fi onboarding server, the identification information being sent on behalf of the network device. Additionally, second identification information associated with the network device is received from the network device. Responsive to the first identification information matching the second identification information, the network device is associated with a user account.

Abstract: A method of activating and configuring a Wi-Fi enabled device to connect with a Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) by a cloud-based Wi-Fi service manager is disclosed. A unique identifier of the Wi-Fi enabled device and a unique identifier of the Wi-Fi AP are received by the cloud-based Wi-Fi service manager. The unique identifier of the Wi-Fi enabled device is used as a seed for a predetermined algorithm to generate a temporary service set identifier (SSID) and a temporary passphrase. The temporary SSID and the temporary passphrase are sent to the Wi-Fi AP for configuring the Wi-Fi AP with the temporary SSID and the temporary passphrase.

Abstract: A cloud-based onboarding server receives first identification information associated with a network device, from a wireless station authenticated to the cloud-based Wi-Fi onboarding server, the identification information being sent on behalf of the network device. Additionally, second identification information associated with the network device is received from the network device. Responsive to the first identification information matching the second identification information, the network device is associated with a user account.

Abstract: A cloud control element distributes security keys prior to roaming to facilitate fast transition roaming across different IP subnets. The cloud control element distributes security keys to access points identified as neighboring and sharing a common SSID (service set identifier), but over different IP subnets. The security keys embed information related to authentication by stations for a specific SSID. Responsive to connecting with a specific wireless station roaming to a target access point from a source access point, fast transition by way of a security key is utilized to authenticate the specific wireless station without a full authentication protocol through a RADIUS server.

Abstract: A cloud-based Wi-Fi controller facilitates fast BSS transitions. IEEE 802.11r or other fast BSS transition parameters are transferred through the cloud from the wireless station, for pre-population in neighboring or nearby access points. In more detail, a neighbor list is received from a wireless station connected to the data communication system through a first access point. The neighbor list identifying access points within range of the wireless station or that are otherwise nearby, from the cloud for pre-configuration.

Abstract: A cloud-based onboarding server detects a network change and facilitates an onboarding process for a new access point. An SSID and authentication credentials for an existing Wi-Fi channel are sent over a temporary Wi-Fi channel using a preconfigured SSID and passphrase generated by both the new access point and the master access point. A wireless station scans the identification information from a label on the new access point and sends it directly or indirectly to the master access point, so that both sides have the same seed for generating a matching passphrase. The master access point terminates the temporary channel and reactivates the existing Wi-Fi channel.

Abstract: Cloud-based authentication is provided for additional user stations of a user once a trusted user station has been established. Responsive to a match in a common QR-code received from the trusted user station and a second user station, one or more access points associated with the user is identified. The second station is associated with the user and with the one or more access points including sending credentials for authorizing the second station with the one or more access points. When a subsequent request for network access from the second station at the one or more access points, Wi-Fi services are automatically provided from the one of more access points to the second user station, without requiring the second user station to enter authentication credentials.

Abstract: Cloud-based authentication is provided for additional user stations of a user once a trusted user station has been established. Responsive to a match in a common QR-code received from the trusted user station and a second user station, one or more access points associated with the user is identified. The second station is associated with the user and with the one or more access points including sending credentials for authorizing the second station with the one or more access points. When a subsequent request for network access from the second station at the one or more access points, Wi-Fi services are automatically provided from the one of more access points to the second user station, without requiring the second user station to enter authentication credentials.

Abstract: Responsive to detecting a referral event, a referral engine can automatically facilitate referrals for service providers by broadcasting a referral inquiry to associates. Any friend, business associate, class mate, e-mail contact, telephone contact, social networking friend or follower, or the like, having personal experience with an appropriate service provider can provide a referral to the inquirer. Referrals can be based on existing information stored in databases or provided by a referrer based on an inquiry. Optionally, the referrer can be incentivized and the system can complete transactions with referred service providers.

Abstract: A method of managing heterogeneous wireless devices in three or more different types of networks is disclosed. Each type of network uses a different type of radio access technology. The method includes receiving measurement data from a plurality of heterogeneous wireless devices via a control interface, wherein a heterogeneous wireless device provides connections to client devices via one or more of the three or more radio access technologies. The method includes searching, using a processor, for optimized adjustments to one or more parameters associated with one or more of the plurality of heterogeneous wireless devices based at least in part on a set of network optimization goals and the measurement data received from the plurality of heterogeneous wireless devices. The method includes transmitting at least some of the optimized adjustments of the one or more parameters to the one or more of the plurality of heterogeneous wireless devices.

Abstract: Cloud-based onboarding authenticates potential friends on a network associated with a network owner. Authentication can be an explicit confirmation of friendship with a real-time approval of a request automatically forwarded to the network owner. Authentication can also be an implicit confirmation of friendship can be based on social network accounts. Further, confirmation of friendship can be inferred for automatic access grants.