Method of connecting a user to a network

Abstract

The present invention comprises a method of and apparatus for simplifying the process of access to a network for a roaming computer user, divides the responsibility of servicing a given user wanting to access the network between multiple parties and minimizes the possibility of improper dissemination of email header data as well as improper use of network resources (including server systems) by non-clients.

1 . A method of obtaining a set of network access information comprising the steps of:
 modifying a stored set of network access information using new information downloaded, via the network, to a network access device from an access service provider connected to said network; and   the network access device re-accessing the network via a given Internet service provider (ISP) using the modified set of network access information.   
     
     
         2 . A method for providing network access to a network access device accessing a network by way of a first Internet service provider, the method comprising:
 transmitting network access information for a second Internet service provider to the network access device by way of the network;   receiving a request, through the network and that originated from the network access device, requesting access to the network by way of the second Internet service provider using the network access information; and   providing the network access device access to the network by way of the second Internet service provider based on the network access information.   
     
     
         3 . A method for providing network access to a network access device accessing a network by way of a first Internet service provider, the method comprising:
 transmitting network access information for a second Internet service provider to the network access device by way of the network;   receiving a request, through the network and that originated from the network access device, requesting access to the network by way of the second Internet service provider using the network access information;   authenticating the network access device to access the network by way of the second Internet service provider; and   providing the network access device access to the network by way of the second Internet service provider based on the network access information.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said authenticating of the network access device to access the network is performed by the second Internet service provider. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said authenticating of the network access device to access the network is performed by an application service provider. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said authenticating of the network access device to access the network is performed by a network service provider. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said authenticating of the network access device to access the network is performed by a network access provider.