A system for connecting a wireless device to a remote location on a computer
network.
The wireless device (2510) includes a processor (2714) and a transmitter/receiver
(2716) for sending and receiving radio frequency signals (2516) to
provide two-way digital communication between the processor and the computer network
(306). The system comprises a beacon unit (2502) and a beacon signal
receiver circuit (2508). The beacon unit is disposed at a location and includes
a transmitter (2602) which transmits a beacon signal (2506) into
a target region (2910a) adjacent to the location. The beacon signal
receiver circuit is disposed with the wireless device and adapted to receive the
beacon signal when the wireless device is within the target region. The beacon
signal receiver circuit is operably connected to the processor of the wireless
device. In response to receiving the beacon signal, the beacon signal receiver
circuit sends control signals to the processor of the wireless device. In response
to the processor receiving the control signals, the wireless device is connected
to a remote location on the computer network.