Abstract: A system and method for enhancing communications between a WiFi terminal and other devices coupled to a wireless network. A wireless Access Point is configured to receive data from a data network through a wired link and to transmit and receive data over an 802.11 wireless link to one or more wireless devices. The wireless Access Point also includes a preset communications profile. A set of IP addresses and capability set information associated with devices of the wireless network is provided. Accordingly, a WiFi terminal WiFi terminal can automatically establish a link capable of data exchange with the wireless Access Point by simply powering up the WiFi terminal. In one embodiment, IP address and capability set information is automatically exchanged between the WiFi terminal and other compatible devices of the wireless network.

Abstract: Providing different levels of quality of service for different data flows being transported over a data link requires a very fast way to schedule individual packets for forwarding on the data link. The invention provides scheduling methods which give preference to higher priority packets while treating lower priority packets fairly. The methods can provide shorter latencies for higher priority packets than can many prior scheduling methods. The methods and apparatus of the invention are readily adaptable for use with scheduling rules provided in the form of hierarchical policy trees.