Patent ID: 7636336
Filing Date: 2009-12-22
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for reducing handoff latency for a mobile station in a wireless network, the method comprising: associating with a first access point, wherein key information that identifies the first access point is stored into a cache located at the mobile station; determining whether a handoff is necessary; querying the cache to determine whether another access point is associated with the key information in response to determining that the handoff is necessary; performing a selective scan of channels at the mobile station upon determining that another access point is not associated with the key information, wherein the selective scan comprises: storing information relating to the second access point into the cache located at the mobile station, wherein the information identifies the second access point and is associated with the key information; transmitting one or more messages to the second access point for association with the second access point; and associating with the second access point in response to receiving an indication from the second access point.