Abstract: One or more content providers push data related to: movies, movie products, digital movie content over a network (e.g., a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, or a wireless network) onto an information filling station which, in turn, wirelessly transacts (over a network based on the 802.11b protocol) and transmits any requested data to a portable computer-based device (e.g., laptop, a pen-based computer device, a PDA, a wireless phone, or a pager). The portable device performs financial transactions for: purchasing movie tickets (directly or via auctions), downloading digital entertainment content of interest (e.g., copy of a movie of interest, copy of a movie identified based on a pre-stored profile, copy of soundtrack of a movie of interest), or movie related products. Any purchased digital content is either transferred wirelessly onto the portable device or, optionally, sent on a storage medium to a physical address associated with the profile.

Abstract: A wireless local area network access point includes a memory that stores a program for enabling a separate dual mode device to access a wireless local area network through the wireless local area network access point, a processor that executes the program, and a transmitter that transmits a beacon signal that identifies the wireless local area network. The wireless local area network access point receives instructions to allow the separate dual mode device to access the wireless local area network, in response to the separate dual mode device transmitting information about the wireless local area network access point and about the dual mode device via a cellular network distinct from the wireless local area network. The wireless local area network access point provides access to the wireless local area network to the separate dual mode device in response to receiving the instructions.

Abstract: One or more content providers push data related to: movies, movie products, digital movie content over a network (e.g., a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, or a wireless network) onto an information filling station which, in turn, wirelessly transacts (over a network based on the 802.11b protocol) and transmits any requested data to a portable computer-based device (e.g., laptop, a pen-based computer device, a PDA, a wireless phone, or a pager). The portable device performs financial transactions for: purchasing movie tickets (directly or via auctions), downloading digital entertainment content of interest (e.g., copy of a movie of interest, copy of a movie identified based on a pre-stored profile, copy of soundtrack of a movie of interest), or movie related products. Any purchased digital content is either transferred wirelessly onto the portable device or, optionally, sent on a storage medium to a physical address associated with the profile.

Abstract: One or more content providers push data related to: movies, movie products, digital movie content over a network (e.g., a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, or a wireless network) onto an information filling station which, in turn, wirelessly transacts (over a network based on the 802.11b protocol) and transmits any requested data to a portable computer-based device (e.g., laptop, a pen-based computer device, a PDA, a wireless phone, or a pager). The portable device performs financial transactions for: purchasing movie tickets (directly or via auctions), downloading digital entertainment content of interest (e.g., copy of a movie of interest, copy of a movie identified based on a pre-stored profile, copy of soundtrack of a movie of interest), or movie related products. Any purchased digital content is either transferred wirelessly onto the portable device or, optionally, sent on a storage medium to a physical address associated with the profile.

Abstract: A method includes automatically sending a request from a wireless access point to a configuration server during a power-up procedure for the wireless access point. The method includes receiving virtual private network tunnel parameters at the wireless access point from the configuration server in response to the request. The virtual private network tunnel parameters identify an access gateway. The method also includes establishing a virtual private network tunnel between the wireless access point and the centralized access gateway during the power-up procedure based on the virtual private network tunnel parameters. The virtual private network tunnel enables the wireless access point to provide one or more wireless devices access to a wide area network.

Abstract: A wireless local area network access point includes a memory that stores a program for enabling a separate dual mode device to access a wireless local area network through the wireless local area network access point, a processor that executes the program, and a transmitter that transmits a beacon signal that identifies the wireless local area network. The wireless local area network access point receives instructions to allow the separate dual mode device to access the wireless local area network, in response to the separate dual mode device transmitting information about the wireless local area network access point and about the dual mode device via a cellular network distinct from the wireless local area network. The wireless local area network access point provides access to the wireless local area network to the separate dual mode device in response to receiving the instructions.

Abstract: A centralized wireless local area network access controller includes a memory that stores instructions, and a processor that executes the instructions. The instructions cause the centralized wireless local area network access controller to perform a process. The process includes receiving, via a cellular network, information from a dual mode mobile device within range of a wireless local area network. The process also includes confirming that the dual mode mobile device can communicate via the wireless local area network. The process also includes sending instructions for the dual mode mobile device to communicate via the wireless local area network.

Abstract: A centralized wireless local area network access controller includes a memory that stores instructions, and a processor that executes the instructions. The instructions cause the centralized wireless local area network access controller to perform a process. The process includes receiving, via a cellular network, information from a dual mode mobile device within range of a wireless local area network. The process also includes confirming that the dual mode mobile device can communicate via the wireless local area network. The process also includes sending instructions for the dual mode mobile device to communicate via the wireless local area network.

Abstract: A computer readable medium stores a program for enabling access to a wireless local area network (WLAN) from a dual mode device. The program enables the dual mode device to detect presence of a WLAN access point. The program also transmits information about the access point and about the dual mode device via a cellular network to a clearinghouse server. A portion of the program receives the information via the cellular network, the information identifying the dual mode device and an access point of a WLAN provider. The program then determines whether the dual mode device has permission to access the access point. When permission exists, the program informs the WLAN provider. The dual mode device accesses the WLAN access point in response to the clearinghouse server approving access.

Abstract: A system and methods are disclosed for communications between a communication device and wireless access points. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a multimode communication device (MCD), a controller, a global position (GPS) receiver, and a multimode wireless transceiver. The controller can be programmed to authenticate the MCD with a first wireless access point, request and receive a first internet protocol (IP) address, establish communications with a network management system (NMS) according to the first IP address, transmit to the NMS a location of the MCD, receive a second IP address from the NMS in response to the NMS determining that the MCD is near a second wireless access point, and establish communications over the second wireless access point according to the second IP address.

Abstract: Data content providers transfer data content (including DRM protected content) over a broadband network onto one or more information filling stations (IFSs) situated at one or more physical locations. Users are able to wirelessly communicate with the IFSs via one or more of portable devices that are operable in close proximity to the IFS. Data content requested by the portable devices include, but are not limited to: multimedia files, WWW data, real-time and interactive games, e-mail (with or without attachments), electronic newspapers, news and sports information, traffic and weather information, e-books, interactive messaging, and/or data files. Additionally, the portable devices are also capable of facilitating point-of-sale purchases and electronic funds transfers. Optionally, the IFS also forwards advertisements promoting products and services to the portable devices.

Abstract: An apparatus (100, 200) and method are disclosed for managing voicemail messages. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a voicemail system (100) having a communications interface (110) and a controller (102) for managing operations of the communications interface. The controller is programmed to store (310) voicemail messages corresponding to a communication device (102), transmit (316) a log of the voicemail messages to the communication device, and receive (318) from the communication device a request to delete a voicemail message selectively chosen from a user interface corresponding to the voicemail log. The present disclosure further describes embodiments for the communication device.

Abstract: A system and methods (300, 400) are disclosed for seamless communications between a communication device and wireless access points. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a multimode communication device (MCD) (106) having a controller (214) to manage operations of a global position (GPS) receiver (212), and a multimode wireless transceiver (202). The controller can be programmed to authenticate (304) the MCD with a first wireless access point, request and receive (306) a first IP address, establish (308) communications with a network management system (NMS) (100) according to the first IP address, transmit (310) to the NMS a location of the MCD, receive (320) a second IP address from the NMS in response to the NMS determining that the MCD is near a second wireless access point, and establish (330) communications over the second wireless access point according to the second IP address. Embodiments for the NMS are also disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings herein, a wireless access point module having a plug and play feature and an auto-configuration engine may be used to provide substantial benefits to business owners, Internet service providers, and subscribers. The wireless access point module may have memory and a processor configured such that during “power-up” the processor reads instruction from memory and automatically creates a virtual private network (VPN) with a centralized access gateway via a network VPN server. In turn, the wireless access point module may utilize this VPN for subscriber communications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method (200) are disclosed for expanded coverage in a mesh network (100). A communication device (140) incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a controller (302) managing operation of a transceiver (320) in communication with the mesh and programmed to acquire (202) a network identification from a mesh node (120), transmit (204) the network identification and appear as another mesh node to clients, and forward traffic from wireless clients to the mesh node. The communication device can operate (206) as a node in the mesh using the network identification and operate (208) as an independent router using a separate wireless router identifier. In another embodiment, the controller can be programmed to detect a network identification of an access point within a coverage area of a communication device (120), transmit a join message, and transmit authenticating information and security associations. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to request from an alternate communication device a log of subscribed content acquired by the alternate communication device from an alternate source, identify from the log a desired portion of the subscribed content, and transmit to the alternate communication device a peer-to-peer request for the desired portion of the subscribed content according to one or more available subscriptions. Additional embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and methods (300, 500) are disclosed for enabling communications between a communication device and a wireless access point. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a multimode communication device (MCD) (106) having a controller (214) for managing operations of a multimode wireless transceiver (202) supporting communications on a plurality of wireless access technologies (103). The controller can be programmed to transmit (324) to a network management system (NMS) (100) over a first wireless access technology a request for configuration information associated with a wireless access point, receive (326) the configuration information from the NMS, and enable (320) communications with the wireless access point over a second wireless access technology according to the configuration information. Embodiments for the NMS are also disclosed.

Abstract: A location services controller (104) for locating multimode communication devices (MCDs) (102) has a communication element (302) for communicating with two or more communication networks (106) and MCDs coupled thereto, a memory (304), and a processor (306) for controlling operations thereof. The processor is programmed to request (402) location information of an MCD from at least two sources selected among a group that can include the MCD and one or more communication networks coupled to the MCD, and determine (426) from the sources of location information the location of the MCD.

Abstract: A location services controller (104) for locating multimode communication devices (MCDs) (102) has a communication element (302) for communicating with two or more communication networks (106) and MCDs coupled thereto, a memory (304), and a processor (306) for controlling operations thereof. The processor is programmed to request (402) location information of an MCD from at least two sources selected among a group that can include the MCD and one or more communication networks coupled to the MCD, and determine (426) from the sources of location information the location of the MCD.

Abstract: One or more content providers push data related to: movies, movie products, digital movie content over a network (e.g., a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, or a wireless network) onto an information filling station which, in turn, wirelessly transacts (over a network based on the 802.11b protocol) and transmits any requested data to a portable computer-based device (e.g., laptop, a pen-based computer device, a PDA, a wireless phone, or a pager). The portable device performs financial transactions for: purchasing movie tickets (directly or via auctions), downloading digital entertainment content of interest (e.g., copy of a movie of interest, copy of a movie identified based on a pre-stored profile, copy of soundtrack of a movie of interest), or movie related products. Any purchased digital content is either transferred wirelessly onto the portable device or, optionally, sent on a storage medium to a physical address associated with the profile.