Spoofing a service identifier when performing statefull switchover of wireless stations

Abstract

Embodiments herein describe control logic for seamlessly switching client devices between radios co-located on the same network device or between radios located on different network devices that have overlapping coverage areas. In one embodiment, the radios are assigned different channels in the same frequency band. To move the client devices between the radios, one of the radios transmits a Channel Switch Announcement (CSA) which instructs the client devices serviced by a first radio to switch to a channel assigned to a second, different radio. For example, the CSA may be used when the first radio fails, is upgraded, performs a Channel Availability Check (CAC), is overloaded, and the like. After the CSA is transmitted, the second radio spoofs the service identifier of the first radio so to the perspective of the client devices, they are still communicating with the first radio.