A secure communication channel is established between a portable computing
device and a fixed public network outlet. Infrared beaming is employed
wherein the IR beam is confined to an optical fiber placed between the IR
beaming ports of the portable device and the fixed outlet. A portable
computing device such as a PDA or a laptop PC has an infrared beaming
port capable of bidirectional serial communication. A fiber optic system
includes an optical fiber, a retractable spool for retaining the optical
fiber, a fiber mount for mounting a first end of the optical fiber in
alignment with the infrared beaming port of the portable computing
device, and a terminator at a second end of the optical fiber. A public
network outlet is provided in a fixed location and has an infrared data
port in communication with an optical fiber connector adapted to receive
the terminator. The infrared data port is in bidirectional serial
communication with the infrared beaming port in order to authenticate the
portable computing device and to provide public network services in
response to the authentication.