Patent ID: 8270382
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: H04L,H04N,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method in a first mesh access point (AP) comprising: securing a layer-2 link between the first mesh AP and a second mesh AP, the second mesh AP being a mesh point of a mesh network of mesh points, each mesh point in the mesh network having a secure tunnel to a controller, wherein the controller centrally controls the mesh network, including controlling functions other than authentication, authorization and accounting performed by a RADIUS server, the functions including access control, mobility and radio management of mesh points in the mesh network that have access point capability, such that mesh points of the mesh network that have access point capability are lightweight access points under control of the controller, and such that wireless clients associated with a mesh point that has access point capability and that is in the mesh network can securely communicate with the controller; undergoing a join exchange with the controller to establish a secure tunnel with the controller and to join the mesh network, wherein the securing the layer-2 link includes: the method further comprising: