Distributed seamless roaming in wireless networks
First Claim
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1. A method for associating a user station with an access point in a wireless network, comprising:
- receiving a first authentication packet from the user station;
placing the user station in an association-arbitration list;
broadcasting signal-strength indication associated with the user station;
receiving signal-strength indication associated with the user station from other access points in the wireless network;
determining whether the access point has the best signal strength associated with the user station; and
in response to the access point having the best signal strength, associating the user station with the access point.
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Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for configuring an access point in a wireless network. During operation, the access point discovers one or more existing access points associated with the wireless network. The access point then obtains a set of configuration information from one existing access point, and synchronizes a local timestamp counter to a selected existing access point, thereby allowing the access point to be configured without using a centralized management station.
78 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for associating a user station with an access point in a wireless network, comprising:
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receiving a first authentication packet from the user station; placing the user station in an association-arbitration list; broadcasting signal-strength indication associated with the user station; receiving signal-strength indication associated with the user station from other access points in the wireless network; determining whether the access point has the best signal strength associated with the user station; and in response to the access point having the best signal strength, associating the user station with the access point. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A wireless access point, comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform a method for associating a user station with the access point, the method comprising:
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receiving a first authentication packet from the user station; placing the user station in an association-arbitration list; broadcasting signal-strength indication associated with the user station; receiving signal-strength indication associated with the user station from other access points in the wireless network; determining whether the access point has the best signal strength associated with the user station; and in response to the access point having the best signal strength, associating the user station with the access point. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A computer system for facilitating association of a user station with an access point in a wireless network, the computer system comprising:
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a processor; a receiving mechanism operable to receive a first authentication packet from the user station; a placement mechanism operable to place the user station in an association-arbitration list; a broadcast mechanism operable to broadcast signal-strength indication associated with the user station; wherein the receiving mechanism is further operable to receive signal-strength indication associated with the user station from other access points in the wireless network; a determination mechanism operable to determine whether the access point has the best signal strength associated with the user station; and an association mechanism operable to, in response to the access point having the best signal strength, associate the user station with the access point. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification