Patent ID: 7643451
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method of enabling a data path between a first access point in a wireless network and a mobile unit to be extended to pass through a second access point in the same wireless network during a handoff process within the wireless network between the first and second access points, such that the data path extends from the first access point, to the second access point, and then to the mobile unit during the handoff process between base stations within the same wireless network, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, by the first access point in the wireless network, a request from the second access point in the same wireless network to extend the data path between the first access point and the mobile unit over a tunnel from the first access point to the second access point so that data may be tunneled from the first access point to the second access point and provided by the second access point to the mobile unit during the handoff process between the first and second access points within the same wireless network before completion of the handoff process; and transmitting data intended for the data path over the tunnel to the second access point for transmission by the second access point to the mobile unit prior to completion of the handoff process between the first and second access points in the wireless network.