Abstract: A communications network having a number of routers, a number of base stations and a number of mobile units maintains communications with the mobile units by assigning a unique address known to the routing entities of the network to each mobile unit. By including the mobile units unique address in topology updates of the network, the location of the mobile unit at any time is made known to all routers of the network. That is, once a mobile unit moves into a domain of a new access point and establishes a new link with the new access point, it uses the topology update mechanism of the network to make its new location known to all routers. Once a router of the network receives topology update information specific to the mobile unit's new location, it updates its routing table such that packets destined to the mobile unit are routed in a path which terminates at the mobile unit and contains its new access point.

Abstract: A control system for automated management of frequency-hopping in a radio network. The system includes a Wireless Network Manager (WNM) or Controller and a Wireless Control Agent (WCA), which control the distribution and maintenance of hopping patterns in the radio network. In a single cell network, the WNM and the WCA are included in a single base station. In a multiple cell network, the WNM is in a specific station on a LAN, and a WCA is located in each base station on the LAN. In each instance, the WNM is a centralized managing station and the WCA acts as a cell controller.