Abstract: Providing probe signals from a node includes receiving at the node an instruction to send the probe signals over channels, where the instruction comprises probe parameter values describing deployment of the probe signals. The node sends the probe signals to a controller through access points. Each access point is associated with one or more channels. The controller is operable to assign an access point to the node in accordance with an analysis of the probe signals.

Abstract: Identifying one or more access points in one or more channels to facilitate communication includes identifying an access point in a channel in a first channel band of a first frequency range to facilitate communication with a network. The first channel band includes a plurality of channels and the first frequency range includes a plurality of channel bands. The identified access point is used to communicate with the network. A scanning sequence is initiated in the first frequency range and a second frequency range to identify one or more access points in one or more channels to facilitate communication. The second frequency range includes a plurality of channel bands.

Abstract: Maintaining session information includes initiating an access point session between a node and an access point of a local area network. A data structure is received from the access point. The data structure is operable to store session parameter values describing the first access point session, and is maintained the data structure at the node. The access point session is terminated. A next access point session between the node and the access point is initiated. The data structure is sent to the access point, and the access point is operable to use one or more of the session parameter values to establish the next access point session.

Abstract: Devices, softwares and methods for prioritizing between voice data packets for discard decision purposes. A perceptual importance of a voice data packet relative to the others is determined at encoding, preferably according to the content of the encoded sound. The relative importance is represented as a comparative discardability code in the packet. If a discard decision is made, it takes into account the comparative discardability code of the packet, thus preferring to discard the unimportant packets more frequently.

Abstract: Devices, softwares and methods for selectively discarding indicated ones of voice data packets received in a jitter buffer. A comparative discardability code is extracted from one of the stored packets. The code reflects the desirability for discarding the packet relative to the others. A discard decision for the specific packet is made in accordance with the extracted comparative discardability code. Extracting is preferably performed when it is determined to diminish a size of the buffer.