Abstract: A cloud-based onboarding server steers guest devices to a preferred SSID when detected as a guest of a homeowner access point also registered with the cloud-based onboarding server. Three different levels of network access include default, guest and private network access, and each network uses a different SSID from the homeowner access point.

Abstract: A cloud-based Wi-Fi controller facilitates forced transitions. Dynamic RSSI thresholds for sticky-client stations are calculated and periodically updated based on changing conditions. When measured RSSI values reach a dynamic RSSI threshold, the cloud-based Wi-Fi controller reassociates the sticky-client station with a preferred access point, regardless of whether the sticky-client station has reached the same determination.

Abstract: A cloud control element distributes security keys prior to roaming to facilitate fast transition roaming across different IP subnets. The cloud control element distributes security keys to access points identified as neighboring and sharing a common SSID (service set identifier), but over different IP subnets. The security keys embed information related to authentication by stations for a specific SSID. Responsive to connecting with a specific wireless station roaming to a target access point from a source access point, fast transition by way of a security key is utilized to authenticate the specific wireless station without a full authentication protocol through a RADIUS server.

Abstract: A cloud-based Wi-Fi controller facilitates fast BSS transitions. IEEE 802.11r or other fast BSS transition parameters are transferred through the cloud from the wireless station, for pre-population in neighboring or nearby access points. In more detail, a neighbor list is received from a wireless station connected to the data communication system through a first access point. The neighbor list identifying access points within range of the wireless station or that are otherwise nearby, from the cloud for pre-configuration.

Abstract: A configuration server detects a network change and initiates a configuration process. A smartphone executing a mobile app communicates with the configuration server with a cellular data network transceiver (e.g., a 3G or 4G transceiver), and communicates with slave base stations with a Bluetooth transceiver (e.g., a BILE transceiver) or other one-to-many wireless channel. The configuration server also communicates over a wired connection with a master base station to synchronize WDS configuration data between the master and slave base stations. WDS configuration data is dynamically generated to prevent rogue devices from using preconfigured WDS configuration.

Abstract: A cloud-based onboarding server detects a network change and facilitates an onboarding process for a new access point. An SSID and authentication credentials for an existing Wi-Fi channel are sent over a temporary Wi-Fi channel using a preconfigured SSID and passphrase generated by both the new access point and the master access point. A wireless station scans the identification information from a label on the new access point and sends it directly or indirectly to the master access point, so that both sides have the same seed for generating a matching passphrase. The master access point terminates the temporary channel and reactivates the existing Wi-Fi channel.

Abstract: A cloud-based onboarding server receives first identification information associated with a network device, from a wireless station authenticated to the cloud-based Wi-Fi onboarding server, the identification information being sent on behalf of the network device. Additionally, second identification information associated with the network device is received from the network device. Responsive to the first identification information matching the second identification information, the network device is associated with a user account.