System and method to enable subscriber self-activation of wireless data terminals

Abstract

A wireless telephone and messaging system provides Secure Immediate Wireless Access (SIWA) to wireless telephones onto existing wireless networks, such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, and analog (AMPS). The SIWA protocol uses existing wireless network messaging to exchange information between wireless devices and a network server, referred to herein as an Intelligent service manger (ISM). The ISM acts as a gateway between wireless devices and wireless service provider, and provides the wireless devices with an immediate limited or unlimited access to the wireless network. The ISM can also deny access to the wireless network from unauthorized wireless devices.

1 . A method for generating temporary network credentials for a wireless device, the wireless device operable to send and receive data over a wireless network, the wireless network operable to transmit messages between the wireless device and a management server, the method comprising the steps of:
 reading a device identity of the wireless device;   creating a temporary network credentials on the wireless device;   establishing a data session between the wireless device and the management server; and   storing permanent network credentials on the wireless device.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , where the step of creating temporary network credentials on the wireless device comprises:
 calculating the temporary network credentials as a function of the device identity.   
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 programming the network to allow connections by devices with valid temporary credentials.   
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising the step of:
 redirecting a connection from a wireless device with temporary credentials to a management server.   
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 Sending permanent credentials from the management server to the wireless device which indicates a subscription level of the wireless device.   
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 Accepting user input on the wireless device.   
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , where the step of reading the device identity occurs after user input is accepted on the wireless device. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , where the user input is a button on the wireless device. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 determining whether a stored credentials on the wireless device is well formed.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising the step of:
 determining whether the device has previously been activated from the stored credentials.   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 Storing a function capable of generating a range of valid temporary credentials on the network.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , where the function capable of generating a range of valid temporary credentials is obtained from wireless devices that may be activated on the network. 
   
   
       13 . A system for subscribing a wireless device on a network comprising
 a processor operable to execute computer program instructions,   an adapter operable for communicating with a network,   an interface capable of accepting user input,   software operational on the wireless device for performing the steps of:
 reading a device identity of the wireless device; 
 creating a temporary network credentials on the wireless device; 
 establishing a data session between the wireless device and the management server; and 
 storing permanent network credentials on the wireless device. 
   
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , where the step of creating temporary network credentials on the wireless device comprises:
 calculating the temporary network credentials as a function of the device identity.   
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of:
 programming the network to allow connections by devices with valid temporary credentials.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of:
 sending permanent credentials from the management server to the wireless device which indicate a subscription level of the wireless device.   
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of:
 accepting user input on the wireless device.   
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of:
 Determining whether a stored credentials on the wireless device is well formed.