Proximity based dual authentication for a wireless network

Abstract

A method of accessing a network wirelessly is described. In the method an authentication is provided to access the network from a wireless device to a first network node via a first wireless signal having a first range. A proximity validation is provided to access the network through the first network node. The proximity validation is provided to the first network node when the wireless device is within a second range of a second wireless signal of a second network node. The second range is less than the first range. The method further provides for accessing the network when both the authentication and the proximity validation are valid.

1 . A method of accessing a network wirelessly, comprising:
 providing an authentication to access the network from a wireless device to a first network node via a first wireless signal having a first range;   providing a proximity validation to access the network through the first network node, the proximity validation provided to the first network node when the wireless device is within a second range of a second wireless signal of a second network node, wherein the second range is less than the first range; and   accessing the network when both the authentication and the proximity validation are valid.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 requesting a proximity validation from a wireless device to the second network node for accessing the network; and   receiving an address of a recommended first network node for accessing the network through a proximity validation when the wireless device is within the second range of the second wireless signal.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein which first network node address provided by the second network node is determined based on one or more factors including distance between the wireless device and the first node, signal strength of the first network node, and usage of the first network node. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first network node is obfuscated from the wireless device until the proximity of the device is validated by the second network node. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second network node is configured within the first network node. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first wireless signal is a wireless local area network signal. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second wireless signal is a wireless personal area network signal. 
     
     
         8 - 20 . (canceled)