Hybrid virtual cell and virtual port wireless network architecture
View Patent ↗A controller directing access points to default to a virtual cell service mode which allows seamless mobility for stations in motion around a wireless network is disclosed. Responsive to identifying a first station, the controller logic may dictate tighter controls for the first station by selecting a virtual port service mode. Some embodiments can also select a native cell service mode for devices due to a connection history of the station or a MAC OUI that is incompatible with virtual cell service mode. An initial service mode can be changed due to a condition. Also, the controller provides multiple BSSIDs to each access point.
1. A computer-implemented method in a controller, for providing a hybrid of virtual port and virtual cell service modes to stations connected to a wireless network, comprising:
connecting to the wireless network comprising one or more access points;
receiving notification of a request for network access from a station to an access point of the plurality of access points, along with identification information associated with the station;
selecting a service mode to provide to the station based on the identification information, wherein the service modes comprise at least a native cell mode which assigns a BSSID (Basic Service Set IDentifier) for standard operation, a virtual cell mode which assigns a persistent BSSID as a station is serviced by different access points, and a virtual port mode which assigns a unique BSSID for a station; and
assigning a BSSID to the station that corresponds to the service mode responsive to the notification.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
changing the service mode responsive to at least one condition.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein changing the service mode comprises:
changing the service mode from virtual cell mode to virtual port mode responsive to the station violating a network policy.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein changing the service mode comprises:
changing the service mode from virtual cell mode to virtual port mode responsive to surpassing a threshold for at least one of an uplink data rate or an uplink data amount; and
controlling at least one of the uplink date rate or the uplink data amount over a wireless protocol without native support for control.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the identification information comprises a MAC (Media Access Control) OUI (Organizational Unique Identifier) and wherein selecting the service mode comprises:
selecting the service mode to provide to the station is based on a MAC OUI.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the MAC OUI is incompatible with the virtual cell mode.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the MAC OUI indicates a type of station.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
retrieving a connection history using the identification information,
wherein selecting the service mode comprises selecting the service mode based on the connection history.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein selecting the service mode comprises:
selecting the service mode at least partially based on available resources of the controller.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
determining that the station is a non-mobile station; and
selecting the native cell mode or changing the service mode to the native cell mode.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the controller manages a plurality of access points in the wireless network.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wireless network comprises an IEEE 802.11-type network.
13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform a method in a controller, for providing a hybrid of virtual port and virtual cell service modes to stations connected to a wireless network, comprising:
connecting to the wireless network comprising one or more access points;
receiving notification of a request for network access from a station to an access point of the plurality of access points, along with identification information associated with the station;
selecting a service mode to provide to the station based on the identification information, wherein the service modes comprise at least a native cell mode which assigns a BSSID (Basic Service Set IDentifier) for standard operation, a virtual cell mode which assigns a persistent BSSID as a station is serviced by different access points, and a virtual port mode which assigns a unique BSSID for a station; and
assigning a BSSID to the station that corresponds to the service mode responsive to the notification.
14. A controller to provide a hybrid of virtual port and virtual cell service modes to stations connected to a wireless network, comprising:
an interface to connect to the wireless network and to receive notification of a request for network access from a station to an access point along with identification information associated with the station;
a selection module to select a service mode to provide to the station based on the identification information, wherein the service modes comprise at least a native cell mode which assigns a BSSID (Basic Service Set IDentifier) for standard operation, a virtual cell mode which assigns a persistent BSSID as a station is serviced by different access points, and a virtual port mode which assigns a unique BSSID for a station
a BSSID module to assign a BSSID to the station that corresponds to the service mode responsive to the notification.