US Patent 10045216 WiFi access point connection protocol adaptation

A WiFi access point. The WiFi access point comprises a WiFi radio transceiver, a wired transceiver, a processor, a memory, and an application stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the application transmits a first service set identifier via the radio, receives a request for connection from a wireless communication device via the radio directed to the first service set identifier, determines that the device is not HotSpot protocol compliant, transmits a second service set identifier via the radio as a private message that comprises a captive portal to the device, and receives a credential message from the device via the radio directed to the second service set identifier, wherein the credential message identifies a mobile equipment identity (MEID) and a phone number of the device. The application further authenticates the device with a server based on the credential message and provides a communication connection to the device.