Pre-roaming security key distribution for faster roaming transitions over cloud-managed wi-fi networks of heterogeneous ip subnets

Abstract

A cloud control element distributes security keys prior to roaming to facilitate fast transition roaming across different IP subnets. The cloud control element distributes security keys to access points identified as neighboring and sharing a common SSID (service set identifier), but over different IP subnets. The security keys embed information related to authentication by stations for a specific SSID. Responsive to connecting with a specific wireless station roaming to a target access point from a source access point, fast transition by way of a security key is utilized to authenticate the specific wireless station without a full authentication protocol through a RADIUS server.