Extended service set transitions in wireless networks
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- transmitting, by an access point, discovery information identifying a first Extended Service Set (ESS) network to which the access point is connected;
identifying at least one common key holder from the discovery information;
transmitting an Extended Capability information element (IE) including a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) bit, the FILS bit indicating a FILS capability of using a common key for fast transitions between different ESS networks, wherein the FILS capability allows for faster authentication of a mobile device with a second access point when the mobile device transitions from the first ESS network to a second ESS network to which the second access point is connected; and
receiving a request from the mobile device to authenticate with the second access point, wherein the faster authentication with the second access point is achieved using the at least one common key holder, wherein a key hierarchy produces the common key across the first and second ESS networks to allow fast authenticated ESS transitions for the mobile device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A mobile device may transition between Extended Service Set (“ESS”) networks seamlessly, such that a consumer never loses the network connection despite the transition. The communication for enabling a transition may be prior to association with that network. The seamless transition may be enabled through the creation and utilization of a central key holder authority that advertises its identity to mobile devices in a pre-associated state. The mobile device can use the key discovery communication along with a key generation method to authenticate and/or associate with a network and transition from one ESS to another. There may be a common root key across ESSs. At each new access point (“AP”) that the mobile device encounters, ESS and key holder identities may be discovered through discovery communications.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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transmitting, by an access point, discovery information identifying a first Extended Service Set (ESS) network to which the access point is connected; identifying at least one common key holder from the discovery information; transmitting an Extended Capability information element (IE) including a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) bit, the FILS bit indicating a FILS capability of using a common key for fast transitions between different ESS networks, wherein the FILS capability allows for faster authentication of a mobile device with a second access point when the mobile device transitions from the first ESS network to a second ESS network to which the second access point is connected; and receiving a request from the mobile device to authenticate with the second access point, wherein the faster authentication with the second access point is achieved using the at least one common key holder, wherein a key hierarchy produces the common key across the first and second ESS networks to allow fast authenticated ESS transitions for the mobile device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A system comprising:
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an access point comprising a hardware processor configured to execute processing logic operable to provide discovery information identifying at least one common key holder and a first Extended Service Set (ESS) network to which the access point is connected, wherein an Extended Capability information element (IE) includes a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) bit indicating an FILS capability of using a common key for fast transitions between different ESS networks, wherein the FILS capability allows for faster authentication of a mobile device with a second access point when the mobile device transitions from the first ESS network to a second ESS network to which the second access point is connected, and wherein the faster authentication with the second access point is achieved using the at least one common key holder, wherein a key hierarchy produces the common key across the first and second ESS networks to allow fast authenticated ESS transitions for the mobile device. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A mobile device comprising:
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a hardware processor; and a receiver coupled to the hardware processor and configured to receive, from an access point, discovery information identifying at least one common key holder and a first Extended Service Set (ESS) network to which the access point is connected, wherein an Extended Capability information element (IE) includes a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) bit indicating an FILS capability of using a common key for fast transitions between different ESS networks, wherein the mobile device transmits a request to authenticate with a second access point, wherein the FILS capability allows for faster authentication of the mobile device with the second access point when the mobile device transitions from the first ESS network to a second ESS network to which the second access point is connected; and wherein the faster authentication is achieved by using the at least one common key holder, wherein a key hierarchy produces the common key across the first and second ESS networks to allow fast authenticated ESS transitions for the mobile device. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification