Internet interface service system and method providing public internet access to users carrying mobile terminals

An internet interface service method providing high-speed connection services to mobile terminals carried by respective users in public places, comprising the steps of:

• when a mobile terminal of a user and an internet interface unit are connected by any of a local area network (LAN) cable provided in a first communication unit and a LAN cable connected to a LAN card, establishing a communication channel with the mobile terminal by use of a control unit so as to activate a communication unit in the mobile terminal, the control unit being included in the internet interface unit;
• outputting from the control unit a message requesting user entry of settlement information in order to settle charges for use of the internet interface unit by the mobile terminal of the user after the establishment of the communication channel, and, when the user enters the settlement information, reading the settlement information, transmitting the settlement information to a settlement server through a central management server, and receiving a settlement approval from the settlement server;
• after receiving the settlement approval, receiving a dynamic IP address from the central management server, allocating the received dynamic IP address to the mobile terminal, and performing data communications by means of the data terminal through the internet interface unit and an internet network connected to the internet interface unit;
• and
• when a predetermined connection termination signal is inputted to the internet interface unit by a connection termination menu provided in one of the mobile terminal and the internet interface unit, terminating the communication channel of the mobile terminal by means of the control unit, outputting charge information stored in a storage unit to an output unit and a display unit while, at the same time, transmitting the charge information by means of the control unit to the central management server and the settlement server through a second communication unit, thereby performing a charging function.

An interface service system for use with a network providing high-speed connection service to mobile terminals carried by users in public places, said system comprising:

• plural interface units, one for each mobile terminal, for connecting said each mobile terminal to the network;
• and
• a central management server for controlling use of the interface units by the mobile terminals;
• wherein said central management server is responsive to entry of settlement information by users via the mobile terminals for carrying out usage authentications of the mobile terminals, and for allocating addresses to the mobile terminals in order for the mobile terminals to carry out network searches;
• wherein said central management server is responsive to a given mobile terminal receiving, from a corresponding interface unit, a signal relating to termination of connections for releasing the addresses allocated to the given mobile terminal;
• and
• wherein said central management server transmits charge information with respect to the network connection services of the mobile terminals.