Implementation options for the distribution system in the 802.11 wireless LAN infrastructure network

The IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN standard specifies which messages shall be exchanged between an access point and a station to support mobility. However, the implementation of mobility in the wired part of the network, i.e. the distribution system or inter-access point protocol, is not specified. This paper presents and evaluates different options for the implementation of the distribution system used to forward messages between stations in a wireless LAN infrastructure network. The usage of stations in ad hoc mode as bridges or gateways towards a wired LAN is also discussed.