Abstract: A wireless network is adapted with a wireless network switch in communication with a plurality of access points, which are in communication with one or more stations. Specifically, a network device may receive a plurality of request messages on a plurality of wireless communication channels through a plurality of access points. The request messages are originated from a single station. Furthermore, the network can extract a plurality of channel identifiers from the request messages, and generates a filtered radio frequency neighborhood list dynamically based on the extracted channel identifiers.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a wireless network is adapted with a wireless network switch in communication with a plurality of access points, which are in communication with one or more stations. Coupled to the access points over an interconnect, the wireless network switch is adapted to receive a DEAUTHENTICATION message sent by one of the plurality of access points in the same coverage area of the station so as to detect the DEAUTHENTICATION message and to block communications between the plurality of access points and the station in response to determining that the DEAUTHENTICATION message is invalid.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises an exchange of messages between an access point and a wireless network switch. One message, a PROXY IGMP JOIN message, is transmitted to the access point for propagation to a multicast router. This is performed so that multicast data associated with the multicast group identified by the PROXY IGMP JOIN message is routed to the access point without any unnecessary involvement by the wireless network switch.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises detecting, by a wireless network switch, a new association between an access point and a wireless station. Thereafter, a first message is transmitted from the wireless network switch. The first message is adapted to cause the access point to (i) join a multicast group to which the wireless station is a member and (ii) transmit a multicast message directly to a multicast router without routing the multicast message via the wireless network switch.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises detecting, by a wireless network switch, a new association between an access point and a wireless station. Thereafter, a first message is transmitted from the wireless network switch. The first message is adapted to cause the access point to (i) join a multicast group to which the wireless station is a member and (ii) transmit a multicast message directly to a multicast router without routing the multicast message via the wireless network switch.

Abstract: A wireless network is adapted with a wireless network switch in communication with a plurality of access points, which are in communication with one or more stations. Specifically, a network device may receive a multicast or broadcast message. Furthermore, the network device will transmit the multicast or broadcast message if at least one station is associated with the network device, and will discontinue transmitting the multicast or broadcast message if no station is associated with the network device.

Abstract: A wireless network is adapted with a wireless network switch in communication with a plurality of access points, which are in communication with one or more stations. Specifically, a network device may receive a plurality of request messages on a plurality of wireless communication channels through a plurality of access points. The request messages are originated from a single station. Furthermore, the network can extract a plurality of channel identifiers from the request messages, and generates a filtered radio frequency neighborhood list dynamically based on the extracted channel identifiers.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises an exchange of messages between an access point and a wireless network switch. One message, a PROXY IGMP JOIN message, is transmitted to the access point for propagation to a multicast router. This is performed so that multicast data associated with the multicast group identified by the PROXY IGMP JOIN message is routed to the access point without any unnecessary involvement by the wireless network switch.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a wireless network is adapted with a wireless network switch in communication with a plurality of access points, which are in communication with one or more stations. Coupled to the access points over an interconnect, the wireless network switch is adapted to receive a DEAUTHENTICATION message sent by one of the plurality of access points in the same coverage area of the station so as to detect the DEAUTHENTICATION message and to block communications between the plurality of access points and the station in response to determining that the DEAUTHENTICATION message is invalid.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a wireless network is adapted with a wireless network switch in communication with a plurality of access points, which are in communication with one or more stations. Coupled to the access points over an interconnect, the wireless network switch is adapted to receive a DEAUTHENTICATION message sent by one of the plurality of access points in the same coverage area of the station so as to detect the DEAUTHENTICATION message and to block communications between the plurality of access points and the station in response to determining that the DEAUTHENTICATION message is invalid.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises an exchange of messages between an access point and a wireless network switch. One message, a PROXY IGMP JOIN message, is transmitted to the access point for propagation to a multicast router. This is performed so that multicast data associated with the multicast group identified by the PROXY IGMP JOIN message is routed to the access point without any unnecessary involvement by the wireless network switch.

Abstract: A method of detecting a rogue access point is disclosed. A message is directed from a supplicant to a network through a first access point. A response message is received by the supplicant from the first access point. The supplicant can determine the first access point is a rogue access point based on whether the response message from the first access point is in nonconformity with a predetermined expectation. After the access point is determined to be a rogue access point, it is reported to the network through a valid network access point, after the supplicant is authenticated to the network.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a system for providing a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) by use of encryption states or encryption keys for identifying a VLAN. A table of data including a VLAN and an associated encryption state or key is provided for assignment of encryption states or keys, for devices in a wireless local area network.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a wireless network is adapted with a wireless network switch in communication with a plurality of access points, which are in communication with one or more stations. Coupled to the access points over an interconnect, the wireless network switch is adapted to receive a DEAUTHENTICATION message sent by one of the plurality of access points in the same coverage area of the station so as to detect the DEAUTHENTICATION message and to block communications between the plurality of access points and the station in response to determining that the DEAUTHENTICATION message is invalid.