Wireless local area network (wlan) gateway system

Abstract

The invention of present provides for real-time authentication and billing gateway for WLAN traffic. Notably, the improved method for implementing a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) gateway system enables telecommunications network operators (and like entities) to rate and bill for services accessed by the wireless user. The logic of the invention supports and furthers the art in regard to advanced real-time rating/billing in addition to providing for a variety of replenishment mechanism for casual users via pre-paid vouchers and credit cards.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A wireless local area network (WLAN) gateway system, comprising:
 an access gateway connected to an access controller of a WLAN;   said access gateway configured to receive authentication information for a user associated with a mobile computing device, said access gateway retrieving information from a database containing user information in order to authenticate the user;   a charging engine connected to said access gateway, said charging engine being configured to generate charging details associated with access of said WLAN by said mobile computing device; and   at least one interface configured to access a plurality of billing systems, at least one of the billing systems being configured for pre-paid billing for user access of the WLAN and at least another of the billing systems being configured for post-paid billing for user access of the WLAN.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said access gateway is configured to emulate an authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) server. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a rating element connected to said access gateway, said rating element configured to determine a rate of charge for packets carried between said mobile computing device and said WLAN, said rate of charge based on a classification assigned to each of said packets, said charging details being based on said rate of charge; and   a session controller connected to said access gateway.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , said session controller further configured to store an available voucher balance, wherein said charging engine being configured to decrement said available voucher balance. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , said charging element further configured, prior to said access gateway permitting said mobile computing device to access said WLAN, to send a voucher validation instruction via a voucher interface. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 3 , said session controller further configured to generate a correlation identifier and a temporary password prior to said access gateway permitting said mobile computing device to access said WLAN, wherein said charging details include decrementing a credit card balance. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the billing systems include a billing system of an existing telecommunications network.