Buffering on IEEE 802.11 Access Points

The MultiNet buffering algorithm for infrastructure networks can be implemented without changing the software or hardware at the APs. The trick is to use the Power Saving Mode (PSM) feature available in IEEE 802.11 networks. So, the MultiNet cards will fake PSM to the APs when they switch to another network. When a card enters PSM, the AP automatically buffers packets for that card. Although the AP thinks that the card is asleep, the card actually switches and is actively connected to other networks. After the sleep interval, the card connects to the AP and receives all the buffered packets.