Abstract: A method for multicast load balancing in a wireless network having a plurality of access points. The method includes setting a maximum Internet protocol multicast bandwidth for the access points, receiving an admissions control request from a client at one of the access points, and determining whether the admissions control request from the client is for an admitted or unadmitted multicast stream at the access point. The access point is responsive to the admissions control request for the admitted multicast stream by servicing the admitted multicast stream and to the admissions control request for the unadmitted multicast stream by servicing the unadmitted multicast stream where the bandwidth required for the unadmitted multicast stream, plus that portion of the access point bandwidth currently used for all existing downlink multicast streams, does not exceed the maximum internet protocol multicast bandwidth for the access point.

Abstract: A hybrid QoS access method for a wireless station, such as a power-save VoIP station, where a first method, such as “reverse polling” is used on a lightly loaded channel and a second method, e.g. unscheduled polled access, is used to mitigate contention when the channel is becomes more heavily loaded.

Abstract: In one embodiment, each network interface of a network device in a computer network may be classified as either a low-speed interface (e.g., wireless) or a high-speed interface (e.g., wired). Illustratively, then, low-speed interfaces may be configured (identified) as external interfaces to external links and high-speed interfaces may be configured (identified) as internal interfaces to internal links. By executing a multiple spanning tree (MST) protocol at the network device with other network devices in the computer network, network devices interconnected with internal links are in a same MST region and internal links within an MST region are preferred over external links between MST regions.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a system and method for aggregating multiple wireless bridge interfaces into a single logical bridge interface. The system includes a master switch with multiple associated wireless modules. Each master switch wireless module selectively broadcasts an associated connection signal. The master switch has an associated aggregation port, which is in data communication with each of the master switch wireless modules and selectively routes data among the master switch wireless modules. The system also includes a slave switch with multiple associated wireless modules. Each of the slave switch wireless modules receives one associated connection signal and establishes a wireless data communication link with the broadcasting master switch. The slave switch also includes an associated aggregation port, which is in data communication with each of the slave switch wireless modules, selectively routes data among the slave switch wireless modules.

Abstract: A power management method that divorces multicast frames for power save stations from DTIM beacons. An access point associates power save stations with a multicast group. Each station has an associated power save interval, the station being in a power save state during the interval, otherwise in an active state. The access point maintains a timer for each station in order to determine whether the station is in an active or power save state. The timer can be reset whenever the station sends an inbound frame. When the access point receives a multicast frame for the group, it buffers the frame until the timer for each member of the group expires, thereby ensuring each member of the group is in an active state, and broadcasts the multicast frame.

Abstract: A communication system in which multiple protocols and proxy services are executed by an access point. In one embodiment of the invention, GVRP and GMRP registrations are combined in a single packet when a wireless device roams to a different VLAN. In addition, outbound GVRP and GMRP multicast messages are handled by an access point (also referred to as a GVRP and GMRP “gateway”) such that the wireless device is not burdened with the associated computational overhead. In a further embodiment, a wireless device may dynamically switch between a VLAN-aware state and a VLAN-unaware state depending on the nature of a detected access point. For example, if a relevant access point supports GVRP, the wireless device may operate as a VLAN terminal. If a wireless device is not attached to an access point with a matching VLAN ID, the wireless device sends and receives VLAN tagged frames.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to reduce or restrict the bandwidth consumed by multicast video streams on wireless links, such as wireless IEEE 802.11 links. At a central multicast video transcoder apparatus configured to communicate with one or more access point devices operating in a wireless local area network, one or more multicast video streams are re-encoded the one or more multicast video streams to produce a corresponding one or more wireless-friendly multicast video streams that have a reduced bandwidth from a bandwidth of the received multicast video streams. The one or more wireless-friendly multicast video streams are thus adapted for wireless transmission by access point devices to wireless client devices in the wireless local area network. The one or more access point devices receive the one or more wireless-friendly multicast video streams and process the one or more wireless-friendly multicast video streams depending on conditions in a radio channel used by the access point device.

Abstract: A power-save system for a network with an access point and an associated power-save client. The access point buffers wireless data that includes a unicast frame and a multicast frame. A periodic scheduled beacon message is transmitted with a unicast indication element and a multicast indication element. The unicast element instructs a client to remain awake to receive a buffered unicast frame, which includes a destination MAC address. The multicast element instructs a client to remain awake following the beacon to receive a buffered multicast frame, which includes a destination multicast address designating a multicast group of which the client is a member. At least one beacon message is designated as a multicast delivery beacon. The buffered multicast frame is transmitted following the designated multicast beacon. The multicast element contains a list of entries, each entry corresponding to either a multicast MAC address, multicast IP address, or client identifier.

Abstract: A hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. Copies of data, program code and processing resources are migrated from their source toward requesting destinations based on request frequency, communication link costs and available local storage and/or processing resources. Each appropriately configured network device acts as an active participant in network migration. In addition, portable two-dimensional (2-D) code reading terminals are configured to wirelessly communicate compressed 2-D images toward stationary access servers that identify the code image through decoding and through comparison with a database of images that have previously been decoded and stored.

Abstract: In one embodiment, each network interface of a network device in a computer network may be classified as either a low-speed interface (e.g., wireless) or a high-speed interface (e.g., wired). Illustratively, then, low-speed interfaces may be configured (identified) as external interfaces to external links and high-speed interfaces may be configured (identified) as internal interfaces to internal links. By executing a multiple spanning tree (MST) protocol at the network device with other network devices in the computer network, network devices interconnected with internal links are in a same MST region and internal links within an MST region are preferred over external links between MST regions.

Abstract: The present invention is contemplates an automatic, secure AP configuration protocol. Public/private keys and public key (PK) methods are used to automatically establish a mutual trust relationship and a secure channel between an AP and at least one configuration server. An AP automatically forwards a location identifier to the configuration server, and the configuration server delivers common, AP specific, and location specific configuration parameters to the AP.

Abstract: A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a redundant network and communication protocol at least including host computers, RF base stations, and roaming terminals. The network may utilize a polling communication protocol such that under heavy traffic conditions, a roaming terminal wishing to initiate communication may be required to wait for at least a predetermined period and determine whether the channel is available for communication. When a hidden terminal is communicating, the roaming terminal may conclude that the communication is taking place upon receiving a polling frame directed to the hidden terminal from the normally silent base station. Inherent redundancy techniques may be used with a spanning tree approach for determining the most efficient pathways from a source to a destination and ensuring that the network adapts to spatial changes or breakdowns within the network.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for routing data in a radio data communication system having one or more host computers, one or more intermediate base stations, and one or more RF terminals organizes the intermediate base stations into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically. Communication between the host computer and the RF terminals is achieved by using the network of intermediate base stations to transmit the data.

Abstract: A data communication network for providing dynamic routing through both wireless and wired subnetworks to support wireless communication devices and wired remote stations is disclosed. In the wireless network, the wireless communication devices can be mobile RF terminals, while the wired remote stations might be personal computers attached to a wired subnet, such as an ethernet coaxial cable. The wireless network architecture utilizes a spanning tree configuration which provides for transparent bridging between wired subnets and the wireless subnets. The spanning tree configuration provides dynamic routing to and from wireless communication devices and remote stations attached to standard IEEE 802 LANs.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for routing data in a radio data communication system having one or more host computers, one or more intermediate base stations, and one or more RF terminals organizes the intermediate base stations into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically. Communication between the host computer and the RF terminals is achieved by using the network of intermediate base stations to transmit the data.

Abstract: A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: A hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. Copies of data, program code and processing resources are migrated from their source toward requesting destinations based on request frequency, communication link costs and available local storage and/or processing resources. Each appropriately configured network device acts as an active participant in network migration. In addition, portable two-dimensional (2-D) code reading terminals are configured to wirelessly communicate compressed 2-D images toward stationary access servers that identify the code image through decoding and through comparison with a database of images that have previously been decoded and stored.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, there is described herein a method for providing quality of service during a contention period. A tiered access protocol enables an Access Point to act as a channel arbitrator and gain control a channel during a contention period. The Access Point waits a specified amount of time before taking control of a channel for either transmitting an outbound frame or initiating Polled-Contention Free Bursts. In addition, a method for increasing the time span between Delivery Traffic Indication Message beacons by tracking when Wireless Stations are able to receive messages and instantly delivering messages to those Wireless Stations.