Method of seamlessly roaming between multiple wireless networks using a single wireless network adaptor

Abstract

A method of roaming between access points on the same or different wireless networks using a single wireless network interface adaptor. A device will establish a connection with a second wireless network access point while still connected with a first wireless network access point such that the device can concurrently communicate with both wireless access points. During and after connection with the second wireless network access point real-time IP data transfer is maintained with another network device by switching between the first and second access points for concurrently sending and receiving data packets via both access points using a switching strategy based at least in part on a number of the data packets to be send to each network access point. The method also determines when to roam, scans for candidate wireless network access points to connect to and selects the best access point for roaming based on selection criteria.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a method for seamless roaming between multiple wireless networks and / or network access points using a single wireless network adapter. In particular, the present invention relates to such a method for seamlessly maintaining real-time IP data transfers, such as over IP telephony services, when roaming between multiple wireless networks and / or network access points. Background technique [0002] Voice over IP (VoIP) is a method that allows phone calls to be made over a traditional Internet connection. In a VoIP system, a call is established with another party and information about the call is sent over the Internet as discrete data packets using real-time transport protocols. Many Internet-based IP telephony service providers have established their own services, such as SIPphone, VONAGE and Skype, and this service is becoming more and more popular as a low-cost voice communication method. Originally, calls were made bet...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0003] One disadvantage of wireless IP telephony service is that typical wireless network access points (APs) have very short range

However, on every switch between access points, along with the transmission and reception of authentication / connection requests and responses, results in queued packets being dropped on many (but not all) commercial access points

The solution of Chandra et al. also incurs a lot of delay along with the scan (probe request and reply)

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