Physical layer repeater with roaming support based on multiple identifiers

A method for generating a modified protocol message for controlling a repeating operation by a repeating node in a wireless network operating in accordance with a protocol, the modified protocol message including a modified portion and an unmodified portion, the method comprising:

• forming the unmodified portion of the modified protocol message to contain a first identifier associated with a first node and a first channel identifier associated with a first channel;
• and
• forming the modified portion of the modified protocol message such that the modified protocol message deviates from the protocol, the modified portion containing a unique identifier and a modified information element (IE).

A method for extending the range of a wireless local area network (WLAN), the WLAN including an access point (AP) connected to a wide area network, the AP communicating with at least one client unit using a protocol, the AP identifying which of at least two available frequencies is chosen for transmission in a first control parameter transmitted in a first protocol message and identifying additional information in a second control parameter transmitted in a second protocol message associated with the protocol, the method comprising:

• setting the first control parameter transmitted by the AP so that the chosen one of the at least two available frequencies corresponds to an identifier associated with the AP and a first channel upon which the first protocol message is transmitted from the AP,
• setting the second control parameter transmitted by the AP in the second protocol message transmitted on the first channel to include a unique identifier and a second channel of the at least two available frequencies that does not correspond to the first channel,
• translating the second protocol message transmitted from the AP on the first channel and retransmitting the second protocol message on the second channel to the client unit.