Abstract: Apparatus and system for configuring a wireless bridge for a computing device such as a game console. The wireless bridge must include a key (not known to the public) employed in producing a digest. The digest is passed to the game console to authenticate that the wireless bridge is compatible and can thus be configured by the game console. Once the wireless bridge proves its compatibility, a configuration procedure included in an operating system on the game console configures the wireless bridge to connect to a wireless network so that the game console can communicate through the wireless bridge with a gaming site that is accessed over the Internet. The configuration is done without using a web browser program or a configuration program that is specific to a particular model and manufacturer of the wireless bridge.

Abstract: A computing device is enabled to join a secure network with minimal user interaction. Either a user of the computing device, or a person authorized to control access to the secure network can initiate a bind step to enable the computing device to join the network. A temporary alternate network is then created between an access point of the network and the computing device network interface card (NIC). Network credentials (optionally, encrypted) are then transmitted to the computing device NIC. These parameters are decrypted by the computing device NIC (if they were encrypted) and used by it to join the secure network. Optionally, a secret can be encrypted, transmitted to the access point, and verified prior to the access point providing these parameters to the computing device. The secret ensures that a third party is not improperly authorized to access the secure network.