Mobile station mobility in a wireless LAN

摘要

Methods and apparatus for facilitating mobility of the mobile stations in a wireless local area network (WLAN) allows uninterrupted communications as the mobile station moves. The method includes associating ( 501 ) a MNIP address ( 410 ) with the mobile station; establishing ( 502 ) a communications link between the mobile station and a first WLAN AP ( 109 ) in a first subnet ( 117 ) and associating ( 503 ) a first WLAN IP ( 420 ) address with the mobile station. Then using ( 505 ) the first WLAN IP address for an application that benefits from a persistent connection. Further included is establishing ( 507 ) a second communications link between the mobile station and a second WLAN AP 111 in a second subnet ( 119 ). When the mobile station is using the application, continuing to use the first WLAN IP address for communicating with the second subnet; and requesting ( 517 ) a second WLAN IP address in the second subnet when the persistent connection is no longer needed.