Apparatus, system and method capable of pre-allocating and communicating IP address information during wireless communication

#Wireless networks and wireless communication have become prevalent throughout society creating the need for increased capacity and faster and more reliable wireless communication techniques. In wireless communication networks, mobile stations (STA) may connect to an Access Point (AP) to obtain network service. A STA could be considered“roaming ” from one AP to the next AP for a number of reasons. With Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and other real time multimedia applications, the essential roaming requires that a STA be able to quickly establish connection with the next AP without interrupting the network service. This may also include getting the IP sub-network address information from the next AP as it may be necessary to maintain continuous Internet Protocol (IP) layer connectivity for VoIP and other applications.

#Thus, a strong need exists for an apparatus, system and method capable of pre-allocating and communicating IP address information during wireless communication.

#The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 illustrates an IP Subnet Roaming Information Element of one embodiment of the present invention; and

#FIG. 2 illustrates an IP Subnet Roaming Information Message Exchange of one embodiment of the present invention.

#It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

#In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

#Some portions of the detailed description that follows are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary digital signals within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations may be the techniques used by those skilled in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.