Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a network device and method for controlled client roaming. The disclosed network device receives an update of a signal strength corresponding to a packet received from a client by a first access point in a network. The network device also tracks signal strengths corresponding to packets received from the client by a plurality of access points. Next, the network device determines whether a client is likely to have better connectivity with a second access point than the first access point among the plurality of access points based at least on the tracked signal strengths corresponding to packets received from the client by the first access point and the second access point. If so, the network device controls the client to connect with the second access point.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a network device and method for controlled client roaming. The disclosed network device receives an update of a signal strength corresponding to a packet received from a client by a first access point in a network. The network device also tracks signal strengths corresponding to packets received from the client by a plurality of access points. Next, the network device determines whether a client is likely to have better connectivity with a second access point than the first access point among the plurality of access points based at least on the tracked signal strengths corresponding to packets received from the client by the first access point and the second access point. If so, the network device controls the client to connect with the second access point.

Abstract: Activating an Access Point (AP) on a Mesh Network. In a wireless Mesh network, only a subset of nodes in the network have wired connections to a controller. An AP is preprogrammed so that when it is placed in operation, it attempts to contact a controller to receive provisioning information for it to provide services as intended. If this attempt to make a wired or pre programmed wireless mesh network connection fails, the AP initiates the procedure to establish a special mesh wireless connectivity. Other active nodes in the network respond to this special mesh wireless procedure and a wireless link is established between the AP and a node forming a Mesh network. Authentication such as verification of certificates may be performed. The AP receives provisioning information for operating on the network either from the Mesh node, or through the Mesh network from the controller.