Dynamic vlans in wireless networks

Abstract

Systems and methods are described for managing a wireless network. Packets addressed to subscriber stations may be assigned a tag based on the base station at which the packet is received and the base station at which the subscriber station first entered the network. The tag can identify a media access address associated with subscriber equipment accessible through the subscriber station and an IP address associated with the subscriber equipment. The tag may be obtained from a table linking each of a plurality of virtual local area networks to one or more subscriber stations previously registered at a network base station.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for managing a wireless network, comprising: receiving a packet addressed to a subscriber station in a wireless network; and assigning a tag to the packet based on a first base station at which the packet is received and a second base station at which the subscriber station first entered the network, wherein the tag identifies a network connection assigned to the subscriber station by the second base station.