Wireless Authentication Methods and Apparatus

A method for use in a first processing device in a wireless network, the wireless network comprising at least one access point and one or more stations, the method comprising the steps of:

• generating information in the first processing device;
• and
• transmitting the information from the first processing device in a manner that emulates standard communications of an access point of the wireless network although the first processing device is not configured to operate as an actual access point of the wireless network;
• wherein a second processing device receiving the transmitted information is able to determine therefrom that the transmitted information originates from an emulated access point rather than an actual access point, the second processing device responding to such a condition by utilizing the transmitted information in a manner distinct from its utilization of similar information received from the actual access point of the wireless network.

A processing device for use in a wireless network, the wireless network comprising at least one access point and one or more stations, the processing device comprising:

• a memory;
• a processor coupled to the memory;
• and
• network interface circuitry coupled to the processor;
• the processor being operative to control the reception of information via the network interface circuitry, the received information being transmitted by another processing device in a manner that emulates standard communications of an access point of the wireless network although the other processing device is not configured to operate as an actual access point of the wireless network;
• wherein the processor is further operative to determine from the received information that said information originates from an emulated access point rather than an actual access point and to respond to such a condition by utilizing the received information in a manner distinct from its utilization of similar information received from the actual access point of the wireless network.

A method for use in a processing device in a wireless network, the wireless network comprising at least one access point and one or more stations, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving information transmitted by another processing device, the information being transmitted in a manner that emulates standard communications of an access point of the wireless network although the other processing device is not configured to operate as an actual access point of the wireless network;
• determining from the received information that said information originates from an emulated access point rather than an actual access point;
• and
• responding to such a condition by utilizing the received information in a manner distinct from its utilization of similar information received from the actual access point of the wireless network.