Tailoring the availability of network resources to on-demand, user proximity, and schedule time

Abstract

A device comprises of an AC input port for receiving AC power. An AC output port is adapted to receive an AC power cord of the home network device. A switch is provided for controlling the AC power to the home network device and switching the home network device between an on state and an off state. A processor is in communication with the switch for controlling the on state and the off state of the home network device in response to one of three predetermined conditions.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A device for controlling a duration in which a home network device is on, the device comprising:
 an AC input port for receiving AC power;   an AC output port adapted to receive an AC power cord of the home network device;   a switch for controlling the AC power to the home network device and switching the home network device between an on state and an off state; and   a processor in communication with the switch for controlling the on state and the off state of the home network device in response to one of three predetermined conditions.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the three predetermined conditions comprise:
 a geofencing area in which a user of the home network device resides wherein when the user is in the geofencing area the home network device is in the on state;   a scheduled time in which the home network device is in the on state; and   an on demand in which the home network device is in the on state.   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the device is in communication with a mobile device that is associated with the user over a communication network for determining a geolocation of the user for determining whether the user is in the geofencing area. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the device is adapted to receive an on demand signal from the mobile device to switch the home network device to the on state. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , and further comprising memory for storing scheduled time instructions for the home network device in the on state. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the switch for controlling the AC power to the home network device is in a normally off state. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , and further comprising a geo-positioning sensor for determining a location of the device. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , and further comprising a communication network card for connecting the device to a communication network. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the communication network is a cellular network. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7 , and further comprising a network interface card for connecting the device to the home network device. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device communicates to a user (i) whether the home network device is in the on state, (ii) whether the home network device is connected to an internet service provider network, and (iii) whether the device is connected to the home network device over a home network provided by the home network device. 
     
     
         12 . A method for controlling a duration in which a home network device is on, the method comprising:
 receiving AC power from an AC input port;   providing an AC output port for an AC power cord of a home network device;   switching the home network device between an on state and an off state in response to one of three predetermined conditions.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein one of three predetermined conditions comprises of determining whether a geofence area has a preconfigured mobile device therein, and, if so, switching the home network device to an on state. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein one of three predetermined conditions comprises determining whether a schedule timer is on, and, if so, switching the home network device to an on state. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein one of three predetermined conditions comprises determining whether a button is set to on, and, if so, switching the home network device to an on state. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , and further comprising providing a device for switching the home network device between the on state and the off state. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , and further comprising communicating with the device to a mobile device that is associated with a user over a communication network for determining a geolocation of the user for determining whether the user is in a geofencing area; and wherein, receiving with the device an on demand signal from the mobile device to switch the home network device to the on state; and wherein, storing scheduled time instructions for the home network device in the on state. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , and further comprising determining a location of the device with a geo-positioning sensor and connecting the device to a communication network. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , and further comprising communicating to a user (i) whether the home network device is in the on state, (ii) whether the home network device is connected to an internet service provider network, and (iii) whether the device is connected to the home network device over a home network provided by the home network device.