METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ROAMING IN A WIRELESS NETWORK
First Claim
1. A method for roaming within a wireless network, comprising the steps of:
- providing a mobile unit in an environment;
providing a first access port configured to wirelessly communication with the mobile unit;
providing a second access port configured to wirelessly communicate with the mobile unit, wherein the second access port is physically remote from the first access port;
establishing a first connection between the first access port and the mobile unit such that all data communication from and to the mobile unit passes through the first access port; and
establishing an association between the mobile unit and the second access port while the first connection remains established.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for improving network connectivity utilizing a roaming procedure in which the mobile units are able to associate with multiple access ports during roaming. The mobile unit, while connected to one access port, associates with a second access port. While maintaining the connection to the first access port, the mobile unit performs various initialization procedures, including exchange of encryption keys, authentication, DHCP renewal, and the like. After a connection is established with the second access port, the mobile unit disconnects from the first access port. Thus, during the roaming process, the MU is connected to two APs at the same time for a short length of time.
10 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for roaming within a wireless network, comprising the steps of:
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providing a mobile unit in an environment; providing a first access port configured to wirelessly communication with the mobile unit; providing a second access port configured to wirelessly communicate with the mobile unit, wherein the second access port is physically remote from the first access port; establishing a first connection between the first access port and the mobile unit such that all data communication from and to the mobile unit passes through the first access port; and establishing an association between the mobile unit and the second access port while the first connection remains established. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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- 7. A roaming method for a mobile unit in which the mobile unit remains connected to a first access port while establishing a connection with a second access port.
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12. A system for roaming within a network, comprising:
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a mobile unit wirelessly connected to the network; a first access port connected to the network; and a second access port connected to the network; wherein the mobile unit is configured to establish a connection with the first access port and to associate with the second access port while remaining connected to the first access port. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification