Access-point correlation for fast client transitions

Abstract

During operation, an access point may receive, from an electronic device, a roaming request, where the electronic device is currently associated with a second access point. In response, the access point may broadcast a message in a network, which includes the access point and the second access point. Note that the message may include an L2 look-up message. In some embodiments, the message is only conveyed to the second access point via a router or a switch in the network. Then, the access point may receive, from the second access point, PMK information, where the second access point is included in a subset in the network with the access point. Next, based at least in part on the PMK information, the access point may generate a PMK for use during secure communication with the electronic device and may perform a fast BSS transition with the electronic device.