Layer 2 Roaming

Layer 2 roaming is a process when a client roams between two APs registered to two different controllers, where each controller has an interface in the client subnet. Layer 2 roaming is also known as intercontroller roaming.

Vocera supports layer 2 roaming and can maintain calls, broadcasts, and other types of badge activity without interruption while the badge associates with a new access point. However, the type of security implemented on your VLAN can potentially affect the performance of Vocera during roaming.

For example, if your VLAN requires 802.1X authentication protocols, the badge must re-authenticate when it roams among access points. This authentication adds time to the hand-off, and can potentially result in dropped packets that are noticeable as audio glitches or choppy speech. For more information, refer to Wireless Security for complete information.

To enable this feature on Vocera you need not configure the badge, the server, or your network in any special way. However, you can optionally use the roaming policy property to change the threshold at which the badge roams.