HYBRID VIRTUAL CELL AND VIRTUAL PORT WIRELESS NETWORK ARCHITECTURE
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method in a controller, for providing a hybrid of virtual port and virtual cell service modes to stations connected to a wireless network, comprising:
- connecting to the wireless network comprising one or more access points;
receiving notification of a request for network access from a station to an access point of the plurality of access points, along with identification information associated with the station;
selecting a service mode to provide to the station based on the identification information, wherein the service modes comprise at least a native cell mode which assigns a BSSID (Basic Service Set IDentifier) for standard operation, a virtual cell mode which assigns a persistent BSSID as a station is serviced by different access points, and a virtual port mode which assigns a unique BSSID for a station; and
assigning a BSSID to the station that corresponds to the service mode responsive to the notification.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A controller directing access points to default to a virtual cell service mode which allows seamless mobility for stations in motion around a wireless network is disclosed. Responsive to identifying a first station, the controller logic may dictate tighter controls for the first station by selecting a virtual port service mode. Some embodiments can also select a native cell service mode for devices due to a connection history of the station or a MAC OUI that is incompatible with virtual cell service mode. An initial service mode can be changed due to a condition. Also, the controller provides multiple BSSIDs to each access point.
52 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method in a controller, for providing a hybrid of virtual port and virtual cell service modes to stations connected to a wireless network, comprising:
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connecting to the wireless network comprising one or more access points; receiving notification of a request for network access from a station to an access point of the plurality of access points, along with identification information associated with the station; selecting a service mode to provide to the station based on the identification information, wherein the service modes comprise at least a native cell mode which assigns a BSSID (Basic Service Set IDentifier) for standard operation, a virtual cell mode which assigns a persistent BSSID as a station is serviced by different access points, and a virtual port mode which assigns a unique BSSID for a station; and assigning a BSSID to the station that corresponds to the service mode responsive to the notification. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform a method in a controller, for providing a hybrid of virtual port and virtual cell service modes to stations connected to a wireless network, comprising:
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connecting to the wireless network comprising one or more access points; receiving notification of a request for network access from a station to an access point of the plurality of access points, along with identification information associated with the station; selecting a service mode to provide to the station based on the identification information, wherein the service modes comprise at least a native cell mode which assigns a BSSID (Basic Service Set IDentifier) for standard operation, a virtual cell mode which assigns a persistent BSSID as a station is serviced by different access points, and a virtual port mode which assigns a unique BSSID for a station; and assigning a BSSID to the station that corresponds to the service mode responsive to the notification.
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14. A controller to provide a hybrid of virtual port and virtual cell service modes to stations connected to a wireless network, comprising:
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an interface to connect to the wireless network and to receive notification of a request for network access from a station to an access point along with identification information associated with the station; a selection module to select a service mode to provide to the station based on the identification information, wherein the service modes comprise at least a native cell mode which assigns a BSSID (Basic Service Set IDentifier) for standard operation, a virtual cell mode which assigns a persistent BSSID as a station is serviced by different access points, and a virtual port mode which assigns a unique BSSID for a station a BSSID module to assign a BSSID to the station that corresponds to the service mode responsive to the notification.
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Specification