Methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating client handoffs in wireless network systems

In a wireless network access device operably connected to a network and having

• a network address, a method comprising
• receiving an association request from a wireless client, wherein the association request includes a second network address of a second wireless network access device;
• transmitting an association response to the wireless client;
• providing the network address of the wireless network access device to the wireless client;
• and
• transmitting a mobility notification message to the second wireless network access device, wherein the mobility notification message identifies the wireless client.

A wireless network access device operative to facilitate roaming in wireless networks, comprising

• means for storing a network address of the wireless network access device;
• means for receiving an association request from a wireless client, wherein the association request includes a second network address of a second wireless network access device, for transmitting an association response to the wireless client, providing the network address of the wireless network access device to the wireless client;
• and
• means for transmitting a mobility notification message to the second wireless network access device, wherein the mobility notification message identifies the wireless client.

A wireless client, comprising

• a wireless network interface;
• a processor;
• a memory;
• a wireless network interface driver application, stored in the memory, comprising instructions operable to cause the processor and the wireless network interface to
• associate with a first wireless network access device;
• cache a network address corresponding to, and transmitted by, the first wireless network access device;
• and
• provide, during an association with a second wireless network access device, the network address of the first wireless network access device to the second network access.

A wireless client, comprising

• means for wireless communicating and associating with a first wireless network access device;
• means for caching a network address corresponding to, and transmitted by, the first wireless network access device;
• and
• means for providing, during an association with a second wireless network access device, the network address of the first wireless network access device to the second network access.

In a wireless client, a method facilitating roaming in a wireless network, the method comprising

• associating with a first wireless network access device;
• caching a network address corresponding to, and transmitted by, the first wireless network access device;
• and
• providing, during an association with a second wireless network access device, the network address of the first wireless network access device to the second network access.

A wireless network system facilitating roaming in a wireless network environment, comprising

• a plurality of access elements for wireless communication with at least one wireless client and for communication with a central control element;
• wherein the access elements are each operative to
• establish and maintain, in connection with a central control element, wireless connections with wireless clients;
• at least one central control element for supervising the access elements, wherein the central control element is operative to
• manage wireless connections between the access elements and corresponding wireless clients, and
• store a network address of the central control element;
• receive, through an access element, an association request from a wireless client, wherein the association request includes a second network address of a second central control element;
• transmit, through an access element, an association response to the wireless client;
• provide the network address of the central control element to the wireless client;
• and
• transmit a mobility notification message to the second central control element, wherein the mobility notification message identifies the wireless client.