Importance

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Abstract

A portable encoded information reading (EIR) terminal for incorporation in a data collection system having a host computer, a plurality of peer EIR terminals, and a plurality of interconnected networks including one or more wireless networks, can comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an encoded information reading (EIR) device configured to output raw message data containing an encoded message or decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message, and at least one wireless communication interface. The EIR terminal can provide IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless distribution system services, including association, disassociation, distribution, integration, and re-association, to the peer EIR terminals. The EIR terminal can be associated with a home network and have a home address belonging to the address range associated with the home network. The EIR terminal can participate in one or more communication sessions and exchange messages, at least one of which can include decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message, with the host computer. The EIR terminal can maintain active communication sessions using its home address when roaming between the interconnected networks.

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First Claim