Abstract: An “open-host” wireless access system includes a wireless access point (AP) that identifies the SSID from a WLAN connection request. A wireless service provider (WSP) is associated with the SSID. The AP is coupled to a demarcation switch within the access system. The demarcation switch includes a series of ports, where one or more ports are associated with a particular WSP. A WSP can connect equipment such as a router to its associated port or ports. The AP opens a VLAN to the designated port or ports to establish connections to the WSPS equipment based on the SSID. The WSP provides IP address assignments and authentication as a native process on the network such that the user experience is customizable by each WSP. Unique login screens and authentication methods can be employed by each WSP.

Abstract: A communication system having a wireless trunk for connecting multiple phone lines over wireless communication links to a cellular network comprises a central telephone switch, such as a private branch exchange or key system, connected through one or more trunk lines to a wireless access communication unit. The wireless access communication unit preferably comprises a separate subscriber interface for each trunk line from the central telephone switch. The wireless access communication unit collects data from each of the subscriber interfaces, formats the data into a format compatible with an over-the-air protocol, and transmits the information over one or more wireless channels to a cellular base station. The wireless access communication unit thereby connects calls received from the central telephone switch's trunk lines over a wireless trunk to a network.