Abstract: A method of recovering from misconfiguration of APs and other networked components includes storing a “safe” configuration, implementing a configuration request received from a network operations center (NOC), then reverting to the stored configuration in the event that connectivity is not restored with the NOC within a predetermined time period. The NOC is configured to transmit one or more handshake messages to the AP after sending the configuration request.

Abstract: A technique to manage wireless wide area network bandwidth constraints in a communication network includes; prioritizing client activities in a serving access point; detecting that wired domain access is inactive while wireless wide area domain access is active; and utilizing an available bandwidth of the wireless aide area domain access for the highest priority client activities. The lower priority client activities can be address in various different ways including transferring to other available wired access.

Abstract: A technique is provided for determining estimated location of a wireless communication device (WCD) in a network. A first AP transmits a first RSSI data request message, including a BSSID to the WCD at a first time over a radio channel. The WCD then transmits a first response message to the first AP, which then transmits a first measured RSSI value to a trilateration engine (TE). At a different, second time, a second AP can switch to the radio channel and transmit a second RSSI data request message that includes the BSSID of first AP to the WCD over the radio channel. In response, the WCD transmits a second response message to the second AP, which then transmits a second measured RSSI value to the TE. A third AP performs a similar message exchange. This technique collects RSSI information from the WCD at the APs without disrupting any of their connections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for presence state determination at an access point of a station determines whether a station associated with the access point is responsive to the access point to indicate the station is “present” or “not present”. The access point informs a presence server when the station's presence state changes. The presence server does not therefore need to rely on presence handshaking between the presence server and the station.

Abstract: A method for pre-authentication in a wireless network is disclosed. The method begins by receiving, from a mobile client device, an Ethernet pre-authentication frame having an Ethernet address corresponding to a destination infrastructure device in the wireless network. Based upon a network mapping table, the method determines an internet protocol (IP) address that is mapped to the Ethernet address of the destination infrastructure device. The Ethernet pre-authentication frame is encapsulated inside an IP packet having the IP address. Then, the method routes the IP packet to the destination infrastructure device across WLANs with a different VLAN or subnetwork boundary in the wireless network.

Abstract: In a network comprising a wireless computing device and a wireless switch coupled to a plurality of access points, techniques are provided for determining a particular one of access points that the wireless computing device is to be associated with and associating the wireless computing device therewith. According to one implementation, the wireless switch monitors one or more wireless communication performance metrics, and determines based on the wireless communication performance metrics, whether the wireless computing device is currently associated with the one of the access points that wireless computing device is to be associated with. If not, then the wireless switch transmits an instruction to the wireless computing device to associate with a particular access point that wireless computing device is to be associated with.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for determining estimated location of a wireless communication device (WCD) operating in a network. The network includes a first AP that is currently associated with, a second AP and a third AP. The first AP transmits a first RSSI data request message to the WCD at a first time over a radio channel. The first RSSI data request message includes a BSSID of the first AP. The WCD then transmits a first response message to the first AP, and in response the first AP transmits a first measured RSSI value to a trilateration engine (TE). At a second time different that the first time, the second AP can switch to the radio channel and transmit a second RSSI data request message that includes the BSSID of first AP to the WCD over the radio channel. In response, the WCD transmits a second response message to the second AP, and in response the second AP transmits a second measured RSSI value to the TE. A third AP performs a similar message exchange.

Abstract: The present disclosure optimizes wireless local area network (WLAN) channel scanning by collecting roaming data and passing summary information to wireless clients. The wireless clients are configured to utilize the summary information for WLAN channel scanning, roaming, etc. The present invention further includes a scanning algorithm associated with wireless clients that is weighted to scan more likely channels. Also, the present invention may weight the scanning algorithm to avoid radar avoidance channels, such as in IEEE 802.11h. Further, the scanning algorithm may be weighted to scan more often of channels with fast rates of change in wireless signal strength and the like. Advantageous, the present invention utilizes real data to optimize channel scanning at wireless clients thereby improving battery life and user experience while roaming.

Abstract: A method of recovering from misconfiguration of APs and other networked components includes storing a “safe” configuration, implementing a configuration request received from a network operations center (NOC), then reverting to the stored configuration in the event that connectivity is not restored with the NOC within a predetermined time period. The NOC is configured to transmit one or more handshake messages to the AP after sending the configuration request.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for providing differentiated service levels to wireless devices in a wireless network. The method comprises receiving, on a first network arrangement connected to a network, an authentication request from a wireless device. The network uses a first access protocol having a plurality of access categories and the wireless device uses a second access protocol. The authentication request including one of the plurality of access categories. The wireless device is verified to ensure that it is authorized to communicate at the one of the plurality of access categories. When the wireless device is verified as authorized, a response is communicated to a second network arrangement that indicates the one of the plurality of access categories is used for communications with the wireless device.

Abstract: Methods are provided for processing a packet received by a mesh-enabled access point (MAP). When a first MAP receives a packet it can determine whether the packet is destined for a mesh portal based on the destination address. If so, the first MAP can retrieve an encryption key corresponding to the mesh portal, use the encryption key to encrypt the packet and set a mesh forwarding flag in the packet to indicate that the packet is destined for a mesh portal, and is encrypted with an encryption key corresponding to the mesh portal, and then forward the packet to the next hop MAP towards the a mesh portal. The mesh forwarding flag indicates that the packet is destined for a mesh portal, is encrypted with an encryption key corresponding to the mesh portal, and is to be forwarded to the next hop MAP without performing decryption/re-encryption processing on the packet. When a MAP receives a packet, the first MAP it determines whether a mesh forwarding flag is set in the packet.

Abstract: A method of handling a discontinuation of service from a wireless access device is provided. The first wireless access device has a first basic service set identifier and communicates with a plurality of mobile units using a first channel. The method comprises transmitting a first service notice with a second wireless access device using the first channel, wherein the first service notice containing information instructing the first plurality of mobile units to transfer to a second channel for service, and providing service to the first plurality of mobile units using the second channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for locating a mobile device in a sleep mode. A method comprises transmitting a beacon signal configured to initiate transmission of a response signal from a mobile device in a sleep mode. The mobile device is associated with a first wireless access device on a first communication channel. The method further comprises receiving the response signal from the mobile device on the first communication channel and determining the physical location of the mobile device based on the response signal.

Abstract: Methods are provided to enable a roaming Wireless Local Access Network (WLAN) customer to select from multiple PLMNs using a single standard SSID. The methods include addition of a Mobile Country Code (MCC) to the SSID; addition of an MCC and a series of Mobile Network Codes (MNC) to the SSID; and reverse Domain Name Server (DNS) lookup for the gateway IP address through the designated DNS server.

Abstract: In a network comprising a wireless computing device and a wireless switch coupled to a plurality of access points, techniques are provided for determining a particular one of access points that the wireless computing device is to be associated with and associating the wireless computing device therewith. According to one implementation, the wireless switch monitors one or more wireless communication performance metrics, and determines based on the wireless communication performance metrics, whether the wireless computing device is currently associated with the one of the access points that wireless computing device is to be associated with. If not, then the wireless switch transmits an instruction to the wireless computing device to associate with a particular access point that wireless computing device is to be associated with.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the display of location-based of information in the form of a website including custom content based on the location of the mobile unit. The system allows an administrator to logically partition an environment into a plurality of spatial regions. The method then includes specifying, for each of the spatial regions, custom content, then performing a locationing procedure to determine in which spatial region the mobile unit is located. Custom content is supplied based on the location of the mobile unit. The systems and methods are applicable, for example, to networks operating in accordance with 802.11, RFID, WiMax, WAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee, UWB, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for location-based network rate limiting The system allows an administrator to logically partition an environment into a plurality of spatial regions. The method then includes specifying, for each of the spatial regions, a rate limit for that spatial region, then performing a locationing procedure to determine in which spatial region the mobile unit is located. Rate limiting is applied based on the location of the mobile unit. The systems and methods are applicable, for example, to networks operating in accordance with 802.11, RFID, WiMax, WAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee, UWB, and the like.

Abstract: A wireless switch is provided. A processor is adapted to set a radio frequency (RF) transmission speed for a wireless client based on a location of the wireless client and a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of a radio frequency signal received by the wireless client.

Abstract: A computer network as described herein includes multiple wireless switches cooperating with wireless access devices. The wireless access devices include intelligent processing that enables them to select a desired wireless switch for adoption. When in need of adoption, a wireless access device sends at least one SWITCH DISCOVER message over the network, the wireless switches reply with SWITCH OFFER messages, and the wireless access device processes the SWITCH OFFER messages to select a desired wireless switch for adoption. The SWITCH OFFER messages contain switch selection information associated with the respective wireless switches, and the wireless access device analyzes the switch selection information during the selection process.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for power conservation in a wireless device. The method includes switching, by a wireless computing unit, from a first communication mode to a second communication mode at a predefined time interval. The unit receives wireless signals only when in the second communication mode, and the first communication mode is a power-save mode. The unit then receives a wireless signal, and initiates a wireless connection to a wireless arrangement to obtain traffic data from the wireless arrangement when the signal includes a traffic data indicator which is indicative of existence of the traffic data. The unit switches into the first communication mode when the indicator is absent from the signal.