Distributed network communication system which provides different network access features

A wireless network system, comprising:

• a wireless network;
• a plurality of wireless access points coupled to the network, wherein each of the plurality of wireless access points is operable to communicate with a portable computing device, wherein each of the plurality of wireless access points is configured to receive identification information from the portable computing device indicating an access level of the portable computing device;
• wherein each wireless access point of the plurality of wireless access points is operable to determine a geographic location of the portable computing device, wherein the wireless access point is communicating with the portable computing device;
• wherein each of the plurality of wireless access points is operable to determine the access level indicated in the identification information;
• and
• wherein network access is provided to the portable computing device based on the determined access level and the geographic location of the portable computing device.

A carrier medium comprising program instructions for providing network access to a distributed network system, wherein the distributed network system comprises a plurality of wireless access points, wherein the program instructions are executable by a processor to:

• receive identification information from a portable computing device, wherein the identification information indicates an access level, wherein the identification information is received through a first wireless access point of the plurality of wireless access points;
• determine a geographic location which comprises the portable computing device;
• determine an access level for the portable computing device after receiving the identification information, wherein the access level is based on the geographic location which comprises the portable computing device and the identification information;
• and
• provide network access to the portable computing device based on the access level.