Back to results
US 8,789,077 B2Granted
Method and system for facilitating network connectivity and consumption of broadband services
AssigneeVerizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
InventorsJack Jianxiu Hao, Diego S. Rozensztejn, Zhiying Jin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An approach is provided to facilitate network connectivity and consumption of broadband services. A data network connection is established by a set-top box. Sharing of the data network connection by a plurality of user devices is permitted by the set-top box. A credit count is maintained based on the sharing of the data network connection by the plurality of user devices.
Claims18
A method comprising:
- establishing, by a set-top box, a data network connection;
- and
- permitting, by the set-top box, sharing of the data network connection by a plurality of user devices, the plurality of user devices including at least one user device unassociated with a subscriber account,
- wherein a credit count associated with the subscriber account is maintained based on the sharing of the data network connection by the plurality of user devices, wherein the credit count is incremented based on the sharing of the data network connection with users unassociated with the subscriber account, and negatively incremented based on a usage by at least one user device of the plurality of user devices associated with the subscriber account.
1 more element
A set-top box comprising:
- at least one processor;
- and
- at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the set-top box at least to:
- establish a data network connection, and
- permit sharing of the data network connection by a plurality of user devices, the plurality of user devices including at least one user device unassociated with a subscriber account,
- wherein a credit count associated with the subscriber account is maintained based on the sharing of the data network connection by the plurality of user devices, wherein the credit count is incremented based on the sharing of the data network connection with users unassociated with the subscriber account, and negatively incremented based on a usage by at least one user device of the plurality of user devices associated with the subscriber account.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.