Importance

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Abstract

Methods and apparatus for maintaining connectivity of nodes in a wireless LAN. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for maintaining connectivity in a wireless LAN. The LAN is divided into a plurality of cells. Each cell is occupied by at least one access point for communicating information between the cells, and at least one node for communicating via the LAN through the access points. To initiate a handoff from a first access point with which the node is currently communicating, the node first selects a second access point as a candidate for handoff. The node then communicates an instruction to the first access point instructing the first access point to relay a request to the second access point that the second access point accept a handoff of the node from the first access point. The first access point then relays the request to the second access point. In response, the second access point transmits its operating parameters to the node through the first access point, and the node adjusts its own parameters in response so as to establish communication between the node and the second access point, thereby accomplishing a handoff.

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First Claim