Selective key caching for fast roaming of wireless stations in communication networks

Abstract

Authentication keys are selectively cached locally for faster roaming of wireless stations in a communication network. An attempt by a station to reassociate with an access point is detected. Responsive to identifying a key corresponding to the station as evidence of a previous association, the key is retrieved from the key cache without contracting a controller or an authentication server, for faster responses. At least one modified response frame is generated to include the identified key along with an approval of the association between the access point and the station. The at least one modified response is sent from the access point to the station. An attempt to roam to a station for a first time is detected responsive to a key cache miss at the access point. If the station has previously associated with an access point under purview of the controller, keys are located and sent back to the access point without contacting an authentication server as an improvement over IEEE 802.11r. The retrieved key can then be stored at the access point key cache for future use. An initial connection to the network is detected responsive to a key cache miss at the controller. In this case, authentication keys are retrieved from an authentication server.