Abstract: A node in a wireless communication system announces a channel switch operation to facilitate a smooth transition to other channel. The node detects a requirement to discontinue communications at a first channel and sends a message to a plurality of neighboring nodes in response to detecting the requirement. Generally, the message comprises at least a reason for discontinuation of communications at the first channel and a duration for the channel switch operation after which the node is available for communications at the first channel or an alternate channel. Each of the plurality of neighboring nodes can determine based on the message and the neighborhood conditions a requirement to scan alternate channels to initiate communications with other nodes.

Abstract: A system and method of security authentication and key management scheme in a multi-hop wireless network is provided herein with a hop-by-hop security model. The scheme adapts the 802.11r key hierarchy into the meshed AP network. In this approach, a top key holder (R0KH) derives and holds the top Pairwise Master Key (PMK—0) for each supplicant wireless device after the authentication process. All authenticator AP take the level one key holder (R1KH) role and receive the next level Pairwise Master Key (PMK—1) from R0KH. The link level data protection key is derived from PMK—1 via the 802.11i 4-way handshaking.

Abstract: A node in a wireless communication system announces a channel switch operation to facilitate a smooth transition to other channel. The node detects a requirement to discontinue communications at a first channel and sends a message to a plurality of neighboring nodes in response to detecting the requirement. Generally, the message comprises at least a reason for discontinuation of communications at the first channel and a duration for the channel switch operation after which the node is available for communications at the first channel or an alternate channel. Each of the plurality of neighboring nodes can determine based on the message and the neighborhood conditions a requirement to scan alternate channels to initiate communications with other nodes.

Abstract: A system and method of security authentication and key management scheme in a multi-hop wireless network is provided herein with a hop-by-hop security model. The scheme adapts the 802.11r key hierarchy into the meshed AP network. In this approach, a top key holder (R0KH) derives and holds the top Pairwise Master Key (PMK_0) for each supplicant wireless device after the authentication process. All authenticator AP take the level one key holder (R1KH) role and receive the next level Pairwise Master Key (PMK_1) from R0KH. The link level data protection key is derived from PMK_1 via the 802.11i 4-way handshaking.

Abstract: A system and method of security authentication and key management scheme in a multi-hop wireless network is provided herein with a hop-by-hop security model. The scheme adapts the 802.11r key hierarchy into the meshed AP network. In this approach, a top key holder (R0KH) derives and holds the top Pairwise Master Key (PMK—0) for each supplicant wireless device after the authentication process. All authenticator AP take the level one key holder (R1KH) role and receive the next level Pairwise Master Key (PMK—1) from R0KH. The link level data protection key is derived from PMK—1 via the 802.11i 4-way handshaking.

Abstract: A system and method of security authentication and key management scheme in a multi-hop wireless network is provided herein with a hop-by-hop security model. The scheme adapts the 802.11r key hierarchy into the meshed AP network. In this approach, a top key holder (R0KH) derives and holds the top Pairwise Master Key (PMK_0) for each supplicant wireless device after the authentication process. All authenticator AP take the level one key holder (R1KH) role and receive the next level Pairwise Master Key (PMK_1) from R0KH. The link level data protection key is derived from PMK_1 via the 802.11i 4-way handshaking.