Abstract text

Systems and techniques for managing local communication between a network access point and a host device. Upon connection by a host device to an access point, a local connection link is established between the access point and the host device. A network connection may be established between the access point and the host device, with the network connection being able to pass through the host device to enable communication with and beyond an access network to which the access point provides a connection. Local messages may be passed between the access point and the host device over the local connection link, separately from and independent of communication that may occur over the network connection.