Patent ID: 8838752
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method of employing a network device for controlling a flow of data associated with a wireless network, the method comprising facilitating: receiving data from a wireless device via one access point of a plurality of access points, wherein the data comprises a client identifier for the wireless device; mediating authentication of the wireless device with an authentication server; periodically polling for a status of the wireless device from the access point; receiving a request from a transferring wireless device through a first access point of the plurality of access points, wherein the transferring wireless device was previously associated with a second access point of the plurality of access points; monitoring usage by wireless devices of at least two of the plurality of access points, wherein coverage areas of the at least two of the plurality of access points overlap; and prompting the at least two of the plurality of access points to change the usage by the wireless devices such that a load carried by the at least two of the plurality of access points is approximately balanced, wherein the network device is operable to facilitate exchanging information relating to configuration, status, and client session statuses of one or more access points through a messaging protocol.