Abstract: In an example embodiment, a system and method for aggregating multiple wireless bridge interfaces into a single logical bridge interface. The system includes a master switch with multiple associated wireless modules. Each master switch wireless module selectively broadcasts an associated connection signal. The master switch has an associated aggregation port, which is in data communication with each of the master switch wireless modules and selectively routes data among the master switch wireless modules. The system also includes a slave switch with multiple associated wireless modules. Each of the slave switch wireless modules receives one associated connection signal and establishes a wireless data communication link with the broadcasting master switch. The slave switch also includes an associated aggregation port, which is in data communication with each of the slave switch wireless modules, selectively routes data among the slave switch wireless modules.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and grouping multiple virtual local area networks into a single multicast domain is provided. The system and method may be configured to designate a virtual local area network within as a multicast virtual local area network to streamline the delivery of multicast messages via a network. A station may be configured with multiple group keys so that it can receive messages from multiple broadcast or multicast domains.

Abstract: Compositions including aliphatic and blocked aromatic polyurethanes are described as extenders, and, particularly as textile auxiliaries, for use with fluorochemical polymers in treating substrates, for example fibrous substrates, such as textile fabrics or yarns.

Abstract: A Proxy ARP Server in an AP maintains IP/MAC bindings for associated clients. In an example embodiment, when the AP receives a proxy ARP request for a client, the AP may respond for the client. In another example embodiment, when the AP receives a proxy ARP request for the client, the AP buffers the request until the client is in an awake state. Optionally, the AP may convert the broadcast destination MAC address in the ARP request to a unicast address that corresponds to the target IP address.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, there is described herein a method for providing quality of service during a contention period. A tiered access protocol enables an Access Point to act as a channel arbitrator and gain control a channel during a contention period. The Access Point waits a specified amount of time before taking control of a channel for either transmitting an outbound frame or initiating Polled-Contention Free Bursts. In addition, a method for increasing the time span between Delivery Traffic Indication Message beacons by tracking when Wireless Stations are able to receive messages and instantly delivering messages to those Wireless Stations.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing for one or more improvements includes a method for use in a mobile station operating in a multi-protocol wireless network environment that supports a first wireless communication protocol and a second wireless communication protocol wherein the network environment allows the mobile station to seamlessly roam utilizing the first and second wireless communication protocols. The method includes establishing a first link layer connection using the first wireless communication protocol; and establishing a second link layer connection using the second wireless communication protocol wherein a single mobile identifier, corresponding to the mobile station, is used in the first and second connections.

Abstract: A hybrid QoS access method for a wireless station, such as a power-save VoIP station, where a first method, such as “reverse polling” is used on a lightly loaded channel and a second method, e.g. unscheduled polled access, is used to mitigate contention when the channel is becomes more heavily loaded.

Abstract: A system and method wherein mobile nodes scan both 802.16 and 802.11 radio channels for neighbor access points. A mobile node reports both WiMax and WiFi neighbor access points to its parent access point. A parent access point advertises both WiMax and WiFi neighbor access points to child mobile nodes to facilitate faster roaming and load balancing. A parent WiMax AP can direct a mobile node to roam to a neighbor WiFi access point that has a lighter load or offers enhanced services. As an option, a location tracking protocol is used to determine the location of a mobile node and the mobile node's parent AP advertises neighbor APs that offer services in the mobile node's location.

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: A data communication network for providing dynamic routing through both wireless and wired subnetworks to support wireless communication devices and wired remote stations is disclosed. In the wireless network, the wireless communication devices can be mobile RF terminals, while the wired remote stations might be personal computers attached to a wired subnet, such as an ethernet coaxial cable. The wireless network architecture utilizes a spanning tree configuration which provides for transparent bridging between wired subnets and the wireless subnets. The spanning tree configuration provides dynamic routing to and from wireless communication devices and remote stations attached to standard IEEE 802 LANs.

Abstract: A spanning tree cross-route protocol for establishing mesh-like cross routes in an underlying wireless spanning tree topology. A cross route spans branches of the tree topology to provide a more optimal route between any two nodes in the wireless network. The cross route can span multiple spanning trees. Each mesh node maintains a cross route table. When a packet is received, the node determines whether there is an entry for the destination node in the cross route table. If there is an entry for the destination node in the cross route table, the packet is forwarded via the cross route; otherwise, the packet is forwarded via the spanning tree.

Abstract: In one embodiment, two portals lie between a wireless mesh network and a LAN. Each portal provides a communication path between the mesh network and the LAN. The second portal is configured to forward data frames with unknown destinations to the first portal across an intramesh path between the two portals.

Abstract: A protocol that enables an 802 mobile host to obtain a “home IP address,” and other configuration parameters via DHCP or BOOTP, while attached to either its home subnet or a foreign subnet. Inner and outer encapsulation headers are used to forward DHCP messages from a DHCP server outbound through a “forward tunnel,” to a mobile host on a foreign subnet and are also used to forward DHCP messages from a mobile host on a foreign subnet inbound through a “reverse tunnel” to the home subnet. A mobile host adds an inner encapsulation header to inbound DHCP packets with the source IP address set to 0 to indicate that the packet is from a mobile host that does not have a registered home IP address. Outer encapsulation headers contain the home address and the care-of address for the mobile host.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for routing data in a radio data communication system having one or more host computers, one or more intermediate base stations, and one or more RF terminals organizes the intermediate base stations into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically. Communication between the host computer and the RF terminals is achieved by using the network of intermediate base stations to transmit the data.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for routing data in a radio data communication system having one or more host computers, one or more intermediate base stations, and one or more RF terminals organizes the intermediate base stations into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically. Communication between the host computer and the RF terminals is achieved by using the network of intermediate base stations to transmit the data.

Abstract: The present invention is contemplates an automatic, secure AP configuration protocol. Public/private keys and public key (PK) methods are used to automatically establish a mutual trust relationship and a secure channel between an AP and at least one configuration server. An AP automatically forwards a location identifier to the configuration server, and the configuration server delivers common, AP specific, and location specific configuration parameters to the AP.

Abstract: A method for protecting a wireless network against spoofed MAC address attacks. A database is used for storing MAC address and user identity bindings. When a new request to access the network is received, the MAC address and user identity of the request is compared to the stored MAC address and user identity bindings. If a new request has an existing MAC address, but not the corresponding user identity, then the request will be denied. The bindings database contains the MAC Address, User identity bindings for wireless nodes and/or, for wired nodes. The MAC address, User identity bindings contained in the bindings database may be automatically learned or statically configured.

Abstract: A power management method that divorces multicast frames for power save stations from DTIM beacons. An access point associates power save stations with a multicast group. Each station has an associated power save interval, the station being in a power save state during the interval, otherwise in an active state. The access point maintains a timer for each station in order to determine whether the station is in an active or power save state. The timer can be reset whenever the station sends an inbound frame. When the access point receives a multicast frame for the group, it buffers the frame until the timer for each member of the group expires, thereby ensuring each member of the group is in an active state, and broadcasts the multicast frame.

Abstract: A method for multicast load balancing in a wireless network having a plurality of access points. The method includes setting a maximum Internet protocol multicast bandwidth for the access points, receiving an admissions control request from a client at one of the access points, and determining whether the admissions control request from the client is for an admitted or unadmitted multicast stream at the access point. The access point is responsive to the admissions control request for the admitted multicast stream by servicing the admitted multicast stream and to the admissions control request for the unadmitted multicast stream by servicing the unadmitted multicast stream where the bandwidth required for the unadmitted multicast stream, plus that portion of the access point bandwidth currently used for all existing downlink multicast streams, does not exceed the maximum internet protocol multicast bandwidth for the access point.

Abstract: A power management method that transmits multicast frames independent of DTIM beacons. An access point associates power save stations with a multicast group. Each member of the group is signaled of a predetermined time period to operate in an active mode. During the predetermined time period the access point sends multicast frames for the group. The frames may be sent along with a poll.