Abstract: An access point in a wireless packet communication system is disclosed. The access point has an antenna for receiving IP data encoded according to a wireless IP communication protocol. The access point also has a combiner having an input coupled to said antenna and having first and second outputs. The access point further has a first decoder for receiving encoded IP data on a first channel at a first output of said combiner. The access point also has a second decoder for receiving encoded IP data on a second channel at a second output of said combiner. The access point further has a router for receiving unencoded IP data from said first decoder at a first input, and receiving unencoded IP data from said second decoder at a second input, said router having a single output for passing unencoded IP data from said first decoder and said second decoder.

Abstract: A method of roaming in a packet communication system during a call is disclosed. The method of roaming has a scanning process and a connection process. During the scanning process, one or more available access points (AP's) are scanned-for. The one or more available AP's are prioritized into a prioritized AP list based on at least one criterion in addition to a received signal strength indicator (RSSI). During the connection process, a decision is made to roam from an existing AP to a new AP. A connection is made to the new AP, wherein the new AP is selected from the prioritized AP list. Associated methods, systems, and data signals are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless packet communication system conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard includes a plurality of access points (APs) most of which have wired connections only for power and an ISDN telephone line. The APs communicate at 8.5 Ghz with a regional point-of-presence that is one end of a VPN through the internet to a national office. The registered users' data and control of the system including the IP assignment and SIP proxy and the control of the 802.11 communication reside in the national office. By retaining for a short period the SIP connection, IP address and key encryption information after a user has disassociated from an AP, the user can quickly reauthenticate and reassociate using the same SIP connection, IP address, and encryption key at a different AP. Voice data and computer data can both be processed through an AP by the addition on another 802.11 frame encoder/decoder.