Method of associating an ip address with a plurality of link layer addresses in a wireless communication network

Abstract

This invention relates generally to a method of associating an IP address with a link layer address in a wireless communication network. The method comprises the steps of assigning an IP address to a plurality of link layer addresses; establishing a link layer connection with a first wireless network interface on the IP address; and establishing a link layer connection with a second wireless network interface on the IP address. The method of the present invention enables the increased downloading of data to a client device by aggregating data links associated with an IP address. The method also enables the bi-casting of data to a client device from an IP address associated with a plurality of link layer addresses of wireless communication device. Finally, the invention enables failure recovery by enabling downloading to a second link layer address if a communication link to a first link layer address deteriorates.

1 . A method of associating an IP address with a link layer address in a wireless communication network, the method comprising the steps of: 
 assigning an IP address to a plurality of link layer addresses;    establishing a link layer connection with a first wireless network interface on said IP address;    downloading data by way of the link layer connection with said first wireless network interface;    determining when said link layer connection with said first wireless network interface is degrading;    establishing a link layer connection with a second wireless network interface on said IP address; and    continuing the download of said data by way of said second wireless network interface.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising a step of enabling the client device to indicate a backup link-layer address.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising a step of enabling a router to detect that a link layer connection is no longer associated with the network and activate said backup link-layer address.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising a step of determining whether said client device has backup interfaces associated with the same IP subnet.