Using browser-controlled diagnostic channel to manage wireless data terminal devices
A wireless data terminal apparatus, comprising: a wireless data terminal unit configured to provide data communication over a wireless telecommunication network, the wireless data terminal unit including at least a data processor, an RF section, and a built-in diagnostic unit, wherein the built-in diagnostic unit is configured to process and provide management information of the wireless data terminal unit to enable a browser-based user interface to manage the wireless data terminal unit; and a local area network (LAN) access module coupled to the browser-based user interface and the wireless data terminal unit, the LAN access module including a browser protocol handler to manage user interface functions of the browser-based user interface.
1 . A wireless data terminal apparatus, comprising:
a wireless data terminal unit configured to provide data communication over a wireless telecommunication network, said wireless data terminal unit including at least a data processor, an RF section, and a built-in diagnostic unit,
wherein said built-in diagnostic unit is configured to process and provide management information of said wireless data terminal unit to enable a browser-based user interface to manage said wireless data terminal unit; and
a local area network (LAN) access module coupled to said browser-based user interface and said wireless data terminal unit, said LAN access module including a browser protocol handler to manage user interface functions of said browser-based user interface.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said management information includes management, diagnostic, and control data.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said wireless data terminal unit includes a data channel for providing data interface to said LAN access module.
4 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein said LAN access module includes a USB driver for coupling said wireless data terminal unit to said LAN access module.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said wireless data terminal unit includes a diagnostic channel for providing access to said management information generated by said diagnostic unit.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said LAN access module includes a LAN access card to provide access to said browser-based user interface through a local area network.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said LAN access module is an Ethernet module.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said browser-based user interface is a web browser used to process and display web pages.
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said browser-based user interface is a menu-driven graphical user interface.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said wireless data terminal unit is configured as a plug-in card for a personal computer to provide an interface to the Internet.
11 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said wireless data terminal unit is configured as a plug-in device for a cellular phone providing wireless communication over a cellular network.
12 . A system including a wireless data terminal apparatus, the system comprising:
a computing device detachably connected to said wireless data terminal apparatus, said computing device including a browser-based user interface;
said wireless data terminal apparatus including:
a wireless data terminal unit configured to provide data communication over a wireless telecommunication network, said wireless data terminal unit including at least a data processor, an RF section, and a built-in diagnostic unit,
wherein said built-in diagnostic unit is configured to process and provide management information of said wireless data terminal unit to enable said browser-based user interface to manage said wireless data terminal unit; and
a local area network (LAN) access module coupled to said browser-based user interface and said wireless data terminal unit, said LAN access module including a browser protocol handler to manage user interface functions of said browser-based user interface.
13 . The system of claim 12 , wherein said computing device includes a laptop computer.
14 . A method comprising:
providing data communication over a wireless telecommunication network using a wireless data terminal unit;
processing and providing management information of said wireless data terminal unit using a built-in diagnostic unit in said wireless data terminal unit;
coupling a browser-based user interface to said wireless data terminal unit through a LAN access module to manage said wireless data terminal unit; and
managing user interface functions of said browser-based user interface using a browser protocol handler.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein said processing and providing management information of said wireless data terminal unit includes
accessing system status data of said wireless data terminal unit.
16 . The method of claim 14 , wherein said processing and providing management information of said wireless data terminal unit includes
configuring and modifying service parameters of said wireless data terminal unit.
17 . The method of claim 14 , wherein said processing and providing management information of said wireless data terminal unit includes
upgrading system software of said wireless data terminal unit.
18 . A browser-based user interface accessible to a user suitable for managing a wireless data terminal unit, comprising:
means for accessing management configuration in a browser protocol handler;
means for accessing management information from a diagnostic module in said wireless data terminal unit; and
means for managing said wireless data terminal unit based on said management information configured by said browser protocol handler.
19 . The browser-based user interface of claim 18 , wherein said means for managing said wireless data terminal unit includes a menu-driven web page providing for controlling said wireless data terminal.
20 . A computer program, stored in a tangible storage medium, for managing, diagnosing, and controlling a wireless data terminal unit, the program comprising executable instructions that cause a computer to:
provide data communication over a wireless telecommunication network using a wireless data terminal unit;
process and provide management information of said wireless data terminal unit using a built-in diagnostic unit in said wireless data terminal unit;
couple a browser-based user interface to said wireless data terminal unit through a LAN access module to manage said wireless data terminal unit; and
manage user interface functions of said browser-based user interface using a browser protocol handler.
21 . The computer program of claim 20 , wherein executable instructions that cause a computer to process and provide management information of said wireless data terminal unit includes executable instructions that cause a computer to
upgrade system software of said wireless data terminal unit.