GB2522323A

GB2522323A - Wireless access point framework

Info

Publication number: GB2522323A
Application number: GB1421193.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sailesh Chauhan
Original assignee: StreetCloud Ltd
Current assignee: StreetCloud Ltd
Priority date: 2013-11-28
Filing date: 2014-11-28
Publication date: 2015-07-22
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-28
Also published as: GB2522323B; GB201421193D0; GB201405008D0; GB201320998D0

Abstract

A wireless mesh network is configured to provide an electronic device access to content held on a first content server which stores content specific to the location of the wireless mesh network. A first wireless access point within the wireless mesh network is further configured to concurrently provide a second service which provides the electronic device access to further non-location specific content accessed via the internet. A user is able to selectively connect the electronic device to the first, or second service. The wireless access point may provide further local information which is specific to that particular access point. For example, a user within a retail park may receive location information relevant to the whole retail park (i.e. the area covered by the mesh network), location information specific to an individual shop (i.e. an individual access point) as well as obtain a connection to the internet.

Description

Technical field of invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus and methodology for providing access to digital content via a wireless access point. In particular the invention relates to a wireless access point which is able to provide access to content specific to the location in which the access point is installed as a first service as weli as provide access to the internet as a second service.

Background to the invention

As demand for portable electronic devices capable of accessing the internet has rapidly increased, so too has demand for infrastructure that allows effective access to the internet over large areas in public spaces, such as retail parks or city centres.

It is known for businesses in such locations to provide a dedicated wireless access point (WAP) for use by members of the public in the immediate vicinity of the access point. Such access points are accessed using mobile telephone devices, tablet computers, laptops etc., in a known manner. When a user connects their device to an access point, the device is often first directed to a landing, or splash, page requiring registration and/or payment in order to gain access to the internet for that device.

A limitation to the above framework is that when a user leaves the range of the wireless signal provided by the WAP the connection between it and the portable device is broken. The device must then commence the process of searching for a new accessible wireless network with sufficient signal strength, and connecting to a new WAP if one becomes available, Such a process is time consuming and may require re-registration of the device on the same or different WAP. Furthermore the process of disconnecting and connecting to multiple WAPs when attempting to access the internet using a portable electronic device requires the device to use more processing power and battery power than would otherwise have been used had a first connection had been maintained.

It is known that wireless networks may be given more range to cover extended areas by meshing together multiple wireless access points installed at different geographic locations.

In such a meshed network, information is typically relayed between a central router connected to the internet and a device connected to a specific WAP via a chain of other WAPs wirelessly connected to each other.

Summary of Invention

In order to mitigate at least some of the above problems in some embodiments of the present invention there is provided apparatus which provides a user with the ability to access digital content which is specific to the location in which the invention is installed, whilst simultaneously enabling the user with the ability to access multimedia content held externally, such as via the internet. For example where the invention is installed in a transport hub (such as an airport, bus station etc.) the local information may relate to the timetable at the transport hub; where the invention is installed at a shopping centre the local information may relate to the local shops. In an embodiment there is provided a wireless access point configured to communicate with one or more other wireless access points using a first shared identifier. Together the wireless access points provide a single open first meshed wireless network over an extended area configured to be accessed by electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablet computing devices, and laptop computers. The &ectronic devices can therefore be moved around the extended area without losing access to the first open wireless network.

Each individual wireless access point is further configured to provide a closed second network using a second identifier, Each second network is configured to be accessed by the electronic devices provided they are within the range of the individual wireless access point.

The second wireless network provides the electronic device with access to content stored on an external server, for example internet content.

In some embodiments, the first shared identifier and second identifier are Service Set Identifications (SSIDs).

In some embodiments a central server is used to maintain and configure the individual wireless access points forming the first meshed network. In further embodiments one or more of the usage, performance and bandwidth of individual wireless access points are monitored by a central server.

In some embodiments an electronic device may be directed to a landing page that requires the user to enter registration or payment information when connecting to a second wireless network before access to the content stored on the external server is granted.

In some embodiments the apparatus is configured to capture user access data to comply with applicable legal requirements.

In some embodiments one or more wireless access points may be able to connect with either an external server, a central server, or both over a mobile network, for example using 313 or 4G networks.

In some embodiments wireless access points may be installed at fixed locations. In another embodiment one or more wireless access points may be installed in different vehicles, such as public transportation vehicles. Preferably wireless access points installed in vehicles include plug connector suitable for connection to a pre-existing 12V DC receptacle connector, which is used to power the wireless access point. In some embodiments the individual routers all access the same central server. The central server is configured to determine, as part of the first service, the location of the router (for example through the router's ID) and provide information specific to the geographic location of the router.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the appended claim set.

Brief description of the Figures

Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure is a schematic of the internet access point framework when being accessed by electronic devices; Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the extended maximum wireless signal range of the framework when compared to a single wireless access point; and Figure 3 is a flow diagram describing the process of connection to the internet access point framework for an electronic device and subsequent data retrieval options.

Description of an embodiment of the invention

Figure 1 is a schematic of a wireless access point framework which is accessed by a first electronic device such as a smartphone.

For the purpose of clarity Figure 1 shows a configuration of the apparatus according to an aspect of the invention with three wireless access points and three user devices. The number of wireless access points and devices may increase, or decrease, according to the requirements of the embodiment of the invention.

In Figure 1 there is shown three wireless access points 102 104 106. Each wireless access point is configured to communicate using a first shared identifier to form a first meshed wireless network 108. The meshed wireless network 108 is connected to a first local content server 116 which contains information related to the location in which the invention is installed. Each wireless access point is further configured to communicate via a different separate connection 111 112 113 to access content stored on an external server 114 (such as a content server connected to the wireless points via the internet). One or more user devices 118 120 122 canjoin a wireless access points 102 104 106 via a wireless connection 110.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention, a plurality of wireless access points 102 104 106 are provided. These wireless access points are configured to communicate with each other using a first shared identifier to form an open first meshed wireless network 108. The first shared identifier is transmitted in the packet headers transmitted to and from the wireless access point in a known manner. As the identifier is shared between the individual access points the group it defines the meshed local area network (LAN). The local area network is connected to the first local content server 116, and is configured to enable a device connected to open first meshed wireless network 108 to access content, or to be provided with content, held on the first central server 116. The first local content server 116 in an embodiment is held locally, and in further embodiments is held external to the installation of the invention and accessed via the internet, The local content server 116 provides content specific to the location in which the extended mesh network as defined by the wireless access points 102 104 106 is installed. The local content server 116 is connected to multiple, preferably all, wireless access points 102, 104, 106. Accordingly in each system, the individual wireless access point initially communicate with the same local content server 6 (the local content server 116 may be accessed via the internet and held in a geographically different location), wherein the local content sewer 116 has specific information stored thereon specific to the geographic locations of the wireless access points. The local content server 116 is a dynamic web server and has full server side web scripting abilities.

In an embodiment there is also provided a wireless network server (not shown) which is configured to control the access of the user devices 118 120 t22 to the wireless access points 102 04 06. Such a sewer manages the connections in a known manner.

Each wireless access point is further configured to concurrently provide a second wireless network preferably using a second, different, identifier. Preferably, the second identifier associated with each wireless access point is unique and accordingly each wireless access point will have a different second identifier. In further embodiments two or more wireless access points may share the same second identifier. The second, different, service is provided simultaneously by the WAP as the first service (which provides access to the content held on the server, said content being specific to the location in which the extended mesh network is installed). The second service provides access to further external content, for example an internet connection. In other words the second service is not limited to accessing content specific to the location as in the first service, and allows the user to access the internet in a known preferably unrestricted manner, In an embodiment a user of a user device 118 120 122 can access the second service by authenticating their device using known login and authentication techniques. In an embodiment this authentication is controlled at the local content server 116, in further embodiments the authentication may involve logging in using known social media accounts.

Advantageously, the user of the user devices 118 120 122 may therefore still use the first service, and receive the information specific to their geographical location without having to authenticate their device to utilise the second service (access to the internet in general).

In further examples of the invention as well as providing information specific to the location in which the mesh network is installed, each wireless access point is configured to solely provide information specific to the location in which the access point is installed. For example, if multiple wireless access points define a mesh network in a shopping centre,

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multiple buildings belonging to the same company, a hospital etc., the first service would provide access to information related to the shopping centre (e.g. special offers), information regarding the company to whom the building belong (internal notices regarding company policy.), information related to the hospital (e.g. information regarding safety notices etc.) respectively, the second service would provide access to the internet as a whole and the third service would provide access to the location in which the access point is installed e.g. a specific shop, restaurant, site specific information including safety notices, information regarding a particular ward, etc. Therefore, each wireless access point has a discrete connection 111 112 113 to an external server 114, which define a closed second network, Preferably connections iii 112 t t3 are connection to the internet, Accordingly, each wireless access point provides both services simultaneously, preferably where each service is identified by the use of the different first and second identifiers. In frirther embodiments the services are provided without the identifiers.

Each wireless access point 102 104 106 is configured to be accessed by an electronic device 118 120 t22. For example, an electronic device tt8 120 122 could be a smartphone, a portable media player, a tablet computing device, laptop etc. For example a first electronic device S connects to the first wireless access point 102 via wireless connection 110, and access content stored on the first local content server 116 or the external server 114.

The first local content server 116 is configured to store content specific to the location in which the wireless access points are installed and is accessed by one or more electronic devices 118 120 122 over the open first meshed wireless network 108, The content is requested and rendered on the device in a known manner, for example using known network protocols such as HTTP, TCP etc. Optionally the first local content server 116 is further configured to receive location data from an electronic device. Such location information is determined by associating the location of the device with the location of the wireless access point to which the device is connected, In further embodiments the user device provides the central server 116 with location information, for example as determined by using GPS, In such embodiments the first local content server 116 is additionally configured to select a subset of the local content stored on it to send to the electronic device based on the location data, Furthermore the first local content server 116 may be configured to configure and maintain the wireless access points 102 104 106. In further embodiments, first local content server 116 is further configured to monitor the usage, performance and bandwidth of each WAP.

In an embodiment the framework is configured to collect user access data in order to comply with applicable legal requirements.

As described above, the local content server I 6 maintains the information relating to the locations in which the wireless access points 102 104 106 are installed and using this information (and optionally the additional location information supplied by the device, e.g. GPS location) relevant information specific to that location is sent to the device, Accordingly, the system defines a dedicated web server which contains specific location specific information. As discussed above the information may be specific to a commercial business (e.g. opening times, special offers for customers or site specific information for employs such as safety notices, important information regarding the location, such as hazardous materials which are present on site etc.), In an embodiment, when an electronic device first connects to a given wireless access point forming part of the meshed network, the first local content server 116 is configured to send instructions are sent to the electronic device to cause it to display a captive portal, landing, or splash page or similar. Preferably a different splash page is provided for each access point forming part of the meshed network, though in further embodiments two or more access points use the same splash page, The user is then required to input registration or payment details in order to gain access to the connection to the external sewer 114. Alternatively the user is also be presented with an option to access data from the first meshed network only, in which case local data is then retrieved from the first local content server, as is described in detail below. Preferably the splash page is specific to the wireless access point and contains information specific to that location (as identified by the wireless access point to which the device is connected to), Therefore, advantageously in addition to being able to access content from the internet, a device can access local content that can relate to information, events or services in the vicinity of the wireless access point and therefore in the vicinity of the device. For example, where the invention is installed in a location such as an airport the first meshed network would provide content relevant to a specific area or terminal such as flight departure/arrival times and/or information on services available in the vicinity of the device. Taking an amusement park as a different example, the meshed network would provide a user with information on, for example, local shops and restaurants, timing of events, and on offers available to the user. In such scenarios there is always the option for a user to gain access to the internet, through registration or payment if desired, over the second closed networks provided by each WAP. Where the invention is installed in locations such as a shopping centre, high street or the like the local content can relate to the shops or facilities.

Advantageously in such embodiments businesses within the meshed network can provide specific information, or promotions, which is rendered on the user device when the device accesses the local content. Accordingly specific information may be sent to the device, such as promotions specific to the location or pertinent information.

In a further embodiment, each wireless access point further provides a third service through which an electronic device can access content stored on the first local content server.

Preferably the third service is provided over the first meshed network, and provides content relevant to the specific wireless access point to which the electronic device is connected. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the first service provides the electronic device with content relating to the extended locale over which the first meshed wireless network is implemented. By way of example, where the specific wireless access point is located in a shop, and forms part of a meshed network extending over a retail centre, content provided by the third service would pertain to information about the shop, such as opening times, offers available to the user in the shop etc., whilst content provided by the first service would relate to nearby facilities, restaurants or shops etc. In a further example where the wireless access point is located in an airport departure lounge, the third service would provide information relevant to departures from nearby gates, whilst the first service would provide content related to other available services at the airport, such as nearby shopping or eating establishments.

Preferably when a device which is connected to the first wireless mesh network moves out of range of the network the device is able to access the content specific to the location in which the network is installed. For example, if electronic device 118 is equipped with GPRS, 4G or the like, then the device is able to access the content specific to the location when the user (and therefore the device 118) moves out of range of the network. Similarly, electronic devices (including desktop devices, not shown in Figure 1) are able to connect to the content specific to the location in which the access points are stored in the known manner over the world wide web (for example via a search engine or through specific URLs). In such embodiments users may therefore access the information specific to the location at all times (and all locations). Advantageously, when the electronic device 118 120 122 (and therefore the user) is within the specific location they are provided with such information automatically, as part of the first service.

In an embodiment one or more wireless access points 102 104 106 are mobile/non-fixed, which are preferably installed in public transport vehicles, for example taxis, buses or coaches. Wireless access points installed in a vehicle are preferably configured to use existing mobile networks, for example 3G or 4G networks or the like, to connect to the first local content server 116 and the external server 114 in a known manner. Advantageously this allows an electronic device 118 t20 122 to make use of the first, second and third services provided by the wireless access point framework as applicable whilst using public transportation, which would require leaving the range covered by other WAPs installed in static locations. It is to be appreciated however that in some locations installing WAPs in vehicles may not be necessary. Additionally, WAPs t02 104 106 installed in static locations may also be configured to use existing mobile networks, such as 3G or 4G networks or the like, over which the WAP can connect to the first local content server 116 and the external server 114.

For example a first wireless access point may be installed in a taxi (which is known to operate within a substantially set geographic area) allowing a user access to information specific to the area in which the taxi operates as well as to the general internet, whilst the user travels between locations, The mobile wireless access point installed in the vehicle is associated with a location determining device (e.g. a GPS unit, or satellite navigation device) and this information is used to determine what location specific information to present to the user. Accordingly, during the voyage different information may be presented on the user device whilst the vehicle completes its journey, Preferably wireless access points installed in vehicles comprise a plug connector (not shown) suitable for connecting to a pre-existing 12V DC receptacle connector, which is used to provide the WAPs with power. Advantageously, this allows WAPs to be easily installed and removed as required, and negates the need for a separate power source that would occupy additional space within the vehicle.

It will be appreciated that a wireless access point installed in a vehicle or other non-fixed location may move outside the range of the other wireless access points in the framework and are thus is generally unable to form part of the meshed network. Accordingly, each WAP installed in a non-fixed location is preferably provided with its own captive portal and welcome page by the first local content server 116. Preferably a WAP installed in a non-fixed location is monitored and configured centrally, preferably by the first local content server 116.

Preferably, when a user is required to provide payment for access to content stored on an external server through a first WAP installed in a non-fixed location, the content will also be accessible to the user when the user device connects to a second WAP installed in either a fixed or non-fixed location forming part of the framework.

For example, a user might provide payment for a certain amount of access time or data with which to access internet content whilst using a first WAP installed in a taxi, The user may use some of the purchased access time or data, before leaving the taxi and the range of the first WAP. The user may later enter the range of a second WAP forming part of the framework, for example a WAP installed in a fixed location forming part of the meshed network described above, The user is permitted to use any remaining amount of access time or data to access internet content over the second WAP.

Preferably, the users of the mobile devices access the system using a dedicated application or app installed on the device, The application allows the user to automatically connect to a wireless access point (in a manner known in the art) and provides the device with access to the internet through the wireless access point. The app therefore enables devices of different operating systems (e,g, Android, iOS, Windows etc.) to access the location specific information as well as providing general access to the internet, In a frirther preferred embodiment the app utilises a camera associated with the device and displays the location specific information in an augmented reality manner known in the art, Such an embodiment requires that the device has a GPS or similar capability installed thereon and sends the location information to the local content sewer 116. For example where the invention is installed in a shopping centre the GPS information is used to determine the relative positions of stores and provide information relating to the stores on the display of the device using known augmented reality techniques.

Advantageously, the use of a dedicated app allows the user to access the local content server 116 when they are not in the vicinity of the wireless access points. That is to say it provides a connection to the local content server 116 allowing the user to view the information which is specific to the locations of the wireless access points.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the meshed network.

There is shown a plurality of wireless access points 202 204 206. (Such devices have the functionality as described above with reference to Figure 1). The wireless access points 202 204 206 are positioned in different geographic locations such that their wireless signals 208 210 212 overlap. The first meshed wireless network has an extended maximum wireless signal range 214 that is substantiafly defined by the outer edge of the overlap of the maximum wireless signal ranges for each wireless access point 208 210 212. The second wireless network provided by a wireless access point 202 has a maximum wireless signal range 216 defined by the maximum signal range of the individual access point.

In the preferred embodiment one or more wireless access points are positioned such that at least one other access point lies within their maximum wireless signal range. The access points are thus able to communicate and form the first meshed network. In an embodiment the network is identified using a first shared identifier. The first meshed network has a maximum wireless signal range that is substantially defined by outer edge of the overlap of the maximum wireless signal ranges for each wireless access point. When an electronic device is brought within the extended signal range 214 of the meshed network, it connects to a first access point as described in detail below.

In the event that an electronic device is connected to a first wireless access point 208 and is subsequently moved out of the maximum wireless signal range of the first wireless access point 208 to a new location, but stays within the extended maximum wireless signal range 214, it will subsequently connect to a second access point preferably having the strongest wireless signal at the new location, for example a second wireless access point 210. Therefore the device will remain connected to the first service, and will be able to maintain access to the local content held on the first local content server 16. Access to the internet or other content stored on an external server is then provided over the closed second network of the second access point.

Advantageously the electronic device will not lose access to the open first meshed wireless network if it is moved out of the signal range of a first access point as long as it is located within the extended maximum signal range 214 of the first meshed wireless network. If the user moves out of range, but still has good cellular connectivity, access to the first local content server will be maintained as long as the connection cookie is valid on the device.

Preferably the first local content server 116 is configured to detect when an electronic device is moved from the range of a first wireless access point into the range of a second, and select locally stored data to send to the electronic device over the first meshed wireless network based on the location of the second wireless access point.

In further embodiments a software application, or app, is installed on an electronic device.

The app is configured to cause the device to automatically connect to a wireless access point forming part of the framework when the device is brought within the first network's maximum signal range 214. In the case in which access to the internet is charged by the provider of the access point, or registration information is required, the application is preferably configured to store user account data and provide this data to the central server when connecting to an access point. The user can therefore access content on the internet without being required to input the same data each time the device is brought within the extended range of the meshed network, If the provider of the wireless access point chooses to grant a user access to the internet for a fixed period of time in exchange for payment, the application preferably only connects automatically for the duration of the fixed period, before prompting the user to make a further payment for continued access. Preferably, the software is configured to provide access to the first content server when the device is connected to the mesh network, and ftirther configured to provide direct access to the first content server via the internet when outside of the wireless mesh network.

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In a preferred embodiment the software application works in conjunction with an image capture device present on the electronic device to provide an augmented reality service. Data held on the first content server, which is specific to the location in which the invention is installed, is overlayed to provide an augmented reality type service.

In other embodiments the local content central server is configured to be accessible over the internet in a known manner. Therefore the server acts as a standard web server, as well as providing the local content via the meshed network. The central server may be further configured remotely (e.g. addition or deletion of content etc.) over the internet, As the local content server may be accessed over the internet in the known manner (via a URL) when a user device moves out of range of the extended mesh network they can still access the local content.

Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of the process of a user connecting to an access point and selecting whether to use the first or second service simultaneously offered by the device. As described in detail above, the access point forms part of a larger meshed wireless network, and is configured to simultaneously provide the user with the ability to access either information specific to the location in which the system in installed, or provide a wider service such as a connection to the Internet, For clarity purposes, the following is described with reference to a single user device connecting to the network, Whilst the invention allows for multiple devices to connect to one or more access points at the same time, for clarity purposes the connection process is only described with reference to a single device.

At step S302 the step of connecting to the wireless access points begins, The user device is enabled with wireless communication functionality, such as Wi-Fi functionality, and polls in a known manner in order to determine what other devices, or wireless access points, are within communication range. Such polling is known in the art, At step S304 the user device identifies and connects to the wireless access points with the strongest received signal. The connection to the given wireless access point preferably

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occurs using the first shared identifier, therefore connecting the user to the extended first open wireless mesh network.

In further embodiments the device may connect to a wireless access point which does not have the strongest signal. For example, a limit to the number of devices which may be connected to a wireless access point is set, and in the event the limit is reached the access point will refuse to connect any further devices, and accordingly the user device at step S304 would connect to a different wireless access point.

Optionally, the user device at this stage may then be presented with a known captive portal or the like, splash page etc. The display of such a captive portal etc therefore allows the user to identify that they have successfully connected onto the extended mesh network. In the examples where the extended mesh network is placed in an airport, shopping centre etc, the page presented to the user at this stage would be representative of the location so as to allow the user to easily identify that they have connected onto a local area network.

At step S306 the user is presented with a prompt to determine whether the user wishes to access content held locally (i.e. via the first open wireless mesh network as held on the first local content) or retrieve further content held externally (i.e. access the Internet). In an embodiment of the invention, access to information held on the first local content server via the mesh network is provided free of charge (i.e. the first service), and providing the user with the ability to generally access the Internet (i.e. the second service) is associated with a charge. Optionally, the network is configured such that access to the first local content server requires registration of the device and/or the user.

The prompt for the user to select which of the first or second service they wish to utilise is displayed on the user device in a known manner, The input occurs in an appropriate manner dependent upon the user device (e.g. touch gesture on a touch screen, keyboard press etc).

In an embodiment at step S306 the user is provided with the ability to select two types of local content, A first type of local content may relate to content specific to the entire installation and wireless mesh network and the second type specific to the location of the wireless access point to which they are connected. By selecting the content specific to the location of the wireless access point (a third service) the user may access information specific hi to their precise location. As described in the above examples this could be information specific to a shop, airport terminal, bus stop etc. In the event that the user at step S306 has selected that they wish to access the location specific data held on the first local content server the process proceeds to step S308. In the event that the user identifies that they wish to access the internet more generally (i.e. are not limited to the data held on the first local content server) the process continues to step S3 12.

At step S308 the user device accesses the first service as defined by the open wireless mesh network. In a preferred embodiment, all access points which define the open wireless meshed network transmit using the same identifier such as an SSID. In some embodiments the information selected and viewed by the user is specific to the location of the wireless access point e.g. a store, rather than specific to the location of the entire mesh network e.g. a shopping centre.

At step S3 10, the user device requests and retrieves data from a first local content server. This server in an embodiment is held locally but in a geographically separate location to the wireless access points, and in further embodiments is accessed via the internet. That is to say in all embodiments the local content server 116 is different to the wireless access points and the location specific information is therefore stored in a central location (i.e. the local content server). As described previously the first local content server is common to all access points which define the meshed network and contains local data relating to the location in which the open wireless meshed network is held, For example, in embodiments where the wireless meshed network is installed an airport or the like, the data held on the central server may relate to transport times, services provided, local information etc. The data retrieved from the first local content server is then rendered on the user device at step S318 in the known manner. The data retrieved is specific to the location which is identified through the wireless access point to which the device is connected.

If at step S306 the user has selected to retrieve data generally from the Internet/external data source, the process continues to step S3 1 2, At step 5312 in certain embodiments a registration screen and/or payment screen is provided on the user device. Such registration and/or payment screens are known in the art. The user may then input the required data in order to access the further external data sources.

Once the user has registered and/or paid (if applicable) the user device is connected to the second service offered by the wireless access points. The second service is preferably identified, as described above, via a second unique identifier. Accordingly, the service identifier therefore prevents other users from accessing the internet unless they have been properly registered and/or paid for such a service.

Beneficially the provider of a specific wireless access point (e.g. the owner of a specific store, where the application is installed in a shopping centre) may therefore access the internet, for their own purpose, in the known manner using the second service.

At step 5314 and 5316 the user requests data from the access point for an external source (e.g. an external website) and such a request is served in the known manner.

At step S318 the data is presented on the display of the user device. Preferably, content from the first content server is optimised according to the user device on which the information is presented. for example via the use of scaled, or reformatted mobile web pages.

Accordingly, the above process enables a user to simultaneously access both content specific to the location as well as general multi-media content via the wireless access point.

Advantageously, as the user moves around a location in which the open meshed network is located, as the first service is identified using a shared identifier, the user device may connect to a different access point to the one they were connected to originally without requiring the need for re-registration or identification of the service etc. Such a configuration may also enable different owners of the individual wireless access points (e.g. shops) to charge for access to the Internet.

In a further embodiment, the second service is also identified using the same identifier across two or more wireless access points. This enables the user to remain connected to the Internet whilst moving across the location in which the wireless network is stored, without requiring the user to re-register or pay for access to the second service.

In further examples of the invention, an approximate location of the user device may be determined based on the wireless access point to which the user is connected. In such embodiments, the user may then be presented with content relating to their identified location. For example, this may represent information regarding a shop in the vicinity of the user (such as special offers etc.), or the like.

As described with reference to Figure 1, in some embodiments users may access the content specific to the location in which in the invention is installed over the internet in a known manner. Therefore the electronic device does not have to be connected to the first service in order to access the information. Such access may be through a search engine or via a known URL. Advantageously, a user is automatically provided with local information when they access the first network. The user does not therefore have to search for the information specific to the location once they are connected to the first network, rather such information is automatically provided. The system therefore improves the user's experience by automatically providing relevant information to the user as part of the first service. For example where the system is installed in an airport the user is presented with information regarding flights, facilities etc., without having to search for such information. Where the system is installed in a high street, or shopping centre, the user is presented automatically with information regarding local shops, offers etc. The above embodiments describe a network access point configured to provide access to two separate services. In further embodiments the access points are configured to provide access to further services, such as access to a printer or the like in the known manner.

Advantageously therefore the invention enables the user devices to access location specific information, wherein the location specific information is held at a central location. This allows the local information to updated centrally and efficiently disseminated. Vi

Claims

CLAIMSA system for providing access for an electronic device to content, the system comprising: a first wireless access point configured to provide a first service by communicating with one or more further wireless access points, the communications between wireless access points defining a wireless mesh network, said wireless mesh network configured to provide the electronic device access to content held on a first content server; the first content server having content, specific to the physical location of the wireless mesh network and wireless access points, stored thereon; the first wireless access point further configured to concurrently provide a second service which provides the electronic device access to further, different, non-location specific content, accessed via the internet, wherein a user is able to selectively connect the electronic device to the first, or second, service, wherein the first content server is accessible by the one or more electronic devices via the internet as well as via the wireless mesh network and the system is configured to identify a location of the electronic device and provide the electronic device with information specific to the location of the electronic device via the wireless access point.
2. The system of claim 2 wherein the location is based on the location of the wireless access point the device communicates with.
3, The system of claim I or 3 wherein the location is determined using location information provided by the electronic device.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein the location infomiation is UPS information,
5. The system of any preceding claim wherein the content provided to the electronic device as part of the first service by the first content server is based on the determined location of the electronic device.
6. The system of any preceding claim wherein the user indicates via the electronic device which of the first, second or third service the electronic device is to access.
7. The system of any preceding claim wherein one or more of the electronic devices have installed thereon dedicated software configured to enable the device to access the first content server.
8, The system of claim 7 wherein the software is configured to enable the electronic device to access the first content sewer via the wir&ess mesh network when the device is connected to a wireless access point, or alternatively via the internet,
9. The system of any preceding claim wherein access to the second service is shared across two or more wireless access points.
10. The system of any preceding claim further comprising a network access sewer configured to manage the connection of one or more user devices with one or more of the wireless access points.
11. The system of any preceding claim wherein one or more of the user devices has installed thereon an app which enables the device, when in the vicinity of the wireless mesh network to automatically connect to the wireless mesh network and access the first content server.
12. The system of claim 10 or 11 wherein the software is configured to provide information from the first content sewer, on the display of the electronic device, as an augmented reality overlay.
13. The system of any preceding claim configured to cause a user device connected to the wireless access point to display a splash screen or captive portal page.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the displayed splash screen or captive portal page is configured to enable a user to select one of the availaNe services.N15. The system of any preceding claim wherein access to the second service is provided via a paywall.16. The system of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the wireless access points are configured to use mobile telephony communication protocols, such as Mi or 4G to communicate with one or more of the first content server and an external content server.17. The system of claim t6 wherein a wireless access point configured to use mobile telephony communication protocols, is installed in a non-fixed location.20. The system of claim 18 wherein a wireless access point configured to use mobile telephony communication protocols, is installed in a vehicle.18. A network access point configured to concurrently provide wireless connectivity to content on a first content server with content specific to the location in which the network access point is installed, wherein the first content server is further accessible by the one or more electronic devices via the internet, and connectivity to the internet; the network access point configured to provide a first service by communicating with one or more further wireless access points, thereby defining a wireless mesh network, said first service solely enabling the electronic device access to content held on the first content server; the network access point further configured to concurrently provide a second closed service which provides the electronic device access to content further, different, non-location specific, accessed via the internet, wherein the network access point is configured to enable a user to selectively connect the electronic device to the first, or second, service and further configured to determine the physical location of a first electronic device connected to the network access point and further configured to supply the first electronic device with information related to the identified location.19. The network access poiut of claim 18, further configured to use mobile networks to communicate with one or more of the first content server and an external content server.20. The network access point of claim 19, wherein the network access point is installed in a non-fixed location.21. The network access point of claim 20, wherein the network access point is installed in a vehicle.