Method and system for handling PING-PONG handover event between a plurality of access points field of the invention

Abstract

The disclosure describe a method for handling a ping-pong handover event between a plurality of Access Points (APs) in a wireless communication network. The method includes detecting an occurrence of a number of ping-pong handover events between a first AP and a second AP. The method includes determining whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds a predefined threshold value. The method includes transmitting a re-association request to the second AP. The re-association request comprises an indication of a required service type for the electronic device and a flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device. The method includes receiving station (STA) assistance information from the second AP to manage the required service type for the electronic device.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HANDLING PING-PONG HANDOVER EVENT BETWEEN A PLURALITY OF ACCESS POINTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the wireless communication networks, and more specifically relates to a method and a system for handling a handover event between a plurality of Access Points (APs) in the wireless communication network.

[0002] In the context of wireless communication systems, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 Ultra High Reliability (UHR) is a wireless communication standard designed to enhance the reliability and performance of Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks. The IEEE 802.11 UHR aims to support critical applications that require consistent and stable connectivity. For instance, consider a typical home environment where various IEEE 802.11-enabled devices coexist with a Wi-Fi device 100 (known as, Access Point (AP)), as illustrated in FIG. 1, including appliances like TVs, air conditioners, microwaves, refrigerators, and smart light bulbs. Family members also use multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearables, Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR) / Extended Reality (XR) devices, and power-data-hungry gaming setups. Additionally, the home environment may feature Internet of Things (IoT) devices with smart sensors connecting over 802.11 networks. In denser ecosystems / environments, like apartment complexes, offices, malls, and airports, many users share the same network. Industrial settings also require reliable 802.11 connectivity for various functions, instruments, and requirements. The diverse ecosystem includes devices with different performance requirements.

[0003] For instance, IoT sensors typically require low latency and power, while laptops and TVs need high throughput for tasks like streaming and gaming. XR devices demand high throughput, reliability, low latency, and mobility. To accommodate these varying needs, the current 802.11 standard defines certain traffic and access categories for both non-Access Point (AP) / Station (STA) clients and APs. However, several problems are encountered in the existing IEEE 802.11 UHR, which are mentioned below.

[0004] A significant issue / problem arises with a ping-pong roaming (ping-pong handover event) in the current IEEE 802.11 UHR standard. This problem can be illustrated through a typical scenario(s) (201 and 202), as illustrated in FIGs. 2a-2b. In environments such as homes, offices, malls, or outdoor spaces, multiple APs (e.g., AP1 100a, AP2 100b, etc.) are deployed to enhance coverage and service for various connected devices (e.g., XR, watch, mobile handset, tablet, laptop, etc.). In this scenario(s) (201 and 202), factors such as human (user) obstruction and temporary blockages can cause the signal strength of the currently connected AP (e.g., AP1 100a) to drop below acceptable levels, prompting a station (STA) (e.g., XR, watch, mobile handset, tablet, laptop, etc.) to roam and connect to another AP (e.g., AP2 100b). Once the blockages are cleared, the signal strength of the original AP (e.g., AP1 100a) may improve, allowing the STA to reassociate with the original AP (e.g., AP1 100a). This process can happen repeatedly in crowded areas or locations with obstacles between the AP(s) (e.g., AP1 100a, AP2 100b, etc.) and the STA(e.g., XR, watch, mobile handset, tablet, laptop, etc.), leading to frequent switching between APs (e.g., AP1 100a, AP2 100b, etc.).

[0005] These repeated transitions, known as ping pongs, can result in an unreliable user experience. The STA must scan for new APs, reassociate, and resume operations. Frequent ping pongs disrupt data services, negatively impact throughput performance, hinder power-saving efforts, and lead to suboptimal negative airtime resources, as described in conjunction with FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0006] Thus, it is desired to address the above-mentioned disadvantages or other shortcomings, or at least provide a useful alternative for handling the ping-pong handover event between a plurality of APs in the wireless communication network.

[0007] The description set forth in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely because it is set forth in the background section. The background section may describe aspects or embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for handling a ping-pong handover event between a plurality of Access Points (APs) in a wireless communication network is disclosed herein. The method includes detecting, by an electronic device, an occurrence of a number of ping-pong handover events between a first AP among the plurality of APs and a second AP among the plurality of APs. The method further includes determining, by the electronic device, whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds a defined threshold value. The method further includes transmitting, by the electronic device, a re-association request to the second AP, wherein the electronic device is previously connected with the first AP, in response to determining that the number of the ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds the defined threshold value. The re-association request comprises an indication of a required service type for the electronic device and a flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device. The method further includes receiving, by the electronic device, Station (STA) assistance information from the second AP to manage the required service type for the electronic device in response to transmitting the re-association request.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for handling a ping-pong handover event between a plurality of Access Points (APs) in a wireless communication network is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving, by a second AP among the plurality of APs, a re-association request from an electronic device. The electronic device is previously connected with a first AP among the plurality of APs, and the electronic device detects that a number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds a defined threshold value. The re-association request comprises an indication of a required service type for the electronic device and a flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device. The method further includes generating, by the second AP, a recommendation based on the received association request. The method further includes transmitting, by the second AP, Station (STA) assistance information to the electronic device to manage the required service type for the electronic device, wherein the STA assistance information comprises the generated recommendation.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for handling a ping-pong handover event between a plurality of Access Points (APs) in a wireless communication network is disclosed herein. The method includes detecting, by an electronic device, an occurrence of a number of ping-pong handover events between a first AP among the plurality of APs and a second AP among the plurality of APs. The method further includes determining, by the electronic device, whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds a defined threshold value. The method further includes triggering, by the electronic device, a service type event in the electronic device in response to determining that the number of the ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds the defined threshold value. The service type event comprises at least one of a power saving event, a throughput event, a latency event, or a reliability event. The method further includes transmitting, by the electronic device, a Station (STA) assistance request to the second AP, wherein the electronic device is prior connected with the first AP in response to triggering the service type event. The STA assistance request comprises an indication of a service type event required for the electronic device and a ping-pong flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device. The method further includes receiving, by the electronic device, a STA assistance response from the second AP to manage the service type event required for the electronic device in response to transmitting the STA assistance request.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for handling a ping-pong handover event between a plurality of Access Points (APs) in a wireless communication network is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving, by a second AP among the plurality of APs, a Station (STA) assistance request from an electronic device. The electronic device is prior connected with the first AP, and a service type event is triggered at the electronic device due to a number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeding a defined threshold value. The STA assistance request comprises an indication of a service type event required for the electronic device, and a ping-pong flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device. The method further includes generating, by the second AP, a recommendation based on the received STA assistance request. The method further includes transmitting, by the second AP, a STA assistance response to the electronic device to manage the service type event required for the electronic device, wherein the STA assistance response comprises the generated recommendation.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device for handling a ping-pong handover event between a plurality of Access Points (APs) in a wireless communication network is disclosed herein. The electronic device includes a system, the system includes a ping-pong handover event management module coupled with a memory, a processor, and a communicator. The ping-pong handover event manager may be included in the processor or implemented by the processor. The ping-pong handover event management module is configured to detect an occurrence of a number of ping-pong handover events between a first AP among the plurality of APs and a second AP among the plurality of APs. The ping-pong handover event management module is further configured to determine whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds a defined threshold value. The ping-pong handover event management module is further configured to transmit a re-association request to the second AP, wherein the electronic device is previously connected with the first AP, in response to determining that the number of the ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds the defined threshold value. The re-association request comprises an indication of a required service type for the electronic device and a flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device. The ping-pong handover event management module is further configured to receive Station (STA) assistance information from the second AP to manage the required service type for the electronic device in response to transmitting the re-association request.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device for handling a ping-pong handover event between a plurality of Access Points (APs) in a wireless communication network is disclosed herein. The electronic device includes a system, the system includes a ping-pong handover event management module coupled with a memory, a processor, and a communicator. The ping-pong handover event manager may be included in the processor or implemented by the processor. The ping-pong handover event management module is configured to detect an occurrence of a number of ping-pong handover events between a first AP among the plurality of APs and a second AP among the plurality of APs. The ping-pong handover event management module is further configured to determine whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds a defined threshold value. The ping-pong handover event management module is further configured to trigger a service type event in the electronic device in response to determining that the number of the ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds the defined threshold value. The service type event comprises at least one of a power saving event, a throughput event, a latency event, a reliability event. The ping-pong handover event management module is further configured to transmit a Station (STA) assistance request to the second AP, wherein the electronic device is prior connected with the first AP in response to triggering the service type event. The STA assistance request comprises an indication of a service type event required for the electronic device and a ping-pong flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device. The ping-pong handover event management module is further configured to receive a STA assistance response from the second AP to manage the service type event required for the electronic device in response to transmitting the STA assistance request.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an Access Point (AP) for handling a ping-pong handover event between a plurality of APs in a wireless communication network is disclosed herein. The AP includes a system, the system includes a ping-pong handover event management module coupled with a memory, a processor, and a communicator. The ping-pong handover event manager may be included in the processor or implemented by the processor. The ping-pong handover event management module is configured to receive a re-association request from an electronic device. The electronic device is previously connected with a first AP among the plurality of APs, and the electronic device detects that a number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds a defined threshold value. The re-association request comprises an indication of a required service type for the electronic device and a flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device. The ping-pong handover event management module is further configured to generate a recommendation based on the received association request. The ping-pong handover event management module is further configured to transmit Station (STA) assistance information to the electronic device to manage the required service type for the electronic device, wherein the STA assistance information comprises the generated recommendation.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an Access Point (AP) for handling a ping-pong handover event between a plurality of APs in a wireless communication network is disclosed herein. The AP includes a system, the system includes a ping-pong handover event management module coupled with a memory, a processor, and a communicator. The ping-pong handover event manager may be included in the processor or implemented by the processor. The ping-pong handover event management module is configured to receive a Station (STA) assistance request from an electronic device. The electronic device is prior connected with the first AP, and a service type event is triggered at the electronic device due to a number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeding a defined threshold value. The STA assistance request comprises an indication of a service type event required for the electronic device, and a ping-pong flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device. The ping-pong handover event management module is further configured to generate a recommendation based on the received STA assistance request. The ping-pong handover event management module is further configured to transmit a STA assistance response to the electronic device to manage the service type event required for the electronic device, wherein the STA assistance response comprises the generated recommendation.

[0017] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail in the accompanying drawings.

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a digital device ecosystem, according to related art.

[0020] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, and 4 illustrate problem scenarios associated with a ping-pong roaming (ping-pong handover event) in the current wireless communication standard, according to related art.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device for handling the ping-pong handover event between a plurality of Access Points (APs) in a wireless communication network, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an Access Point (AP) for handling the ping-pong handover event, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0023] FIG. 7 is an exemplary sequence flow diagram illustrating a method for handling the ping-pong handover event between the plurality of APs in the wireless communication network, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates an STA assistance element frame structure associated with association and re-association request messages, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a STA assistance information frame structure, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating one or more operations performed by the electronic device to handle the ping-pong handover event between the plurality of APs in the wireless communication network, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating one or more operations performed by the AP to handle the ping-pong handover event, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0028] FIG. 12 is an exemplary sequence flow diagram illustrating a method for handling the ping-pong handover event between the plurality of APs in the wireless communication network, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0029] FIG. 13 illustrates a STA assistance request message frame structure, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0030] FIG. 14 illustrates a STA assistance response message frame structure, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0031] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating one or more operations performed by the electronic device to handle the ping-pong handover event between the plurality of APs in the wireless communication network, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0032] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating one or more operations performed by the AP to handle the ping-pong handover event, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0033] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0034] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0035] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0036] Use of the phrases and / or terms including, but not limited to, "a first embodiment," "a further embodiment," "an alternate embodiment," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "multiple embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," "further embodiment", "furthermore embodiment", "additional embodiment" or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and / or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and / or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and / or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and / or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

[0037] The terms "comprise", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0038] The term "couple" and the derivatives thereof refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with each other. The terms "transmit", "receive", and "communicate" as well as the derivatives thereof encompass both direct and indirect communication. The term "or" is an inclusive term meaning "and / or". The phrase "associated with," as well as derivatives thereof, refer to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The term "controller" refers to any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation. The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. The phrase "at least one of," when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C, and any variations thereof. As an additional example, the expression "at least one of a, b, or c" may indicate only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof. Similarly, the term "set" means one or more. Accordingly, the set of items may be a single item or a collection of two or more items. The phrase "one or more of," when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, "one or more of: A, B, of C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

[0039] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The term "or" as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or unless otherwise indicated. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0040] As is traditional in the field, embodiments may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks that carry out a described function or functions. These blocks, which may be referred to herein as units or modules or the like, are physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware and software. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like. The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform other functions of the block. Each block of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the invention. Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0041] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features, and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents, and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings. Although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0042] In the context of a ping-pong handover event, the IEEE 802.11 24 / 0519r2 document analyzes the frequency of ping-pong handover events in a typical environment with four Access Points (APs), illustrated in FIGs. 3a and 3b. FIG. 3a depicts an office layout with four APs, showing how a Station (STA) moves between these APs due to temporary obstructions. FIG. 3b presents a graph with APs on the Y-axis and time on the X-axis, demonstrating that the STA frequently transitions between APs.

[0043] Current statistics indicate that multiple ping-pong events continue to impact STAs (e.g., electronic devices) due to temporary obstructions, highlighting the need for improved specifications in Ultra High Reliability (UHR) standards.

[0044] In certain existing methods, for instance, the AP can observe one or more ping pong roams and warn the STA, a mere historical record, or more advanced techniques (e.g., AI and / or ML) are used to derive a conclusion on what to convey to the user device (STA).

[0045] In certain existing methods, for instance, the AP might report 20 successful roaming events over the last 1800 seconds and recommend dampening roaming triggers for the next 20 minutes or adjusting based on significant Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) changes.

[0046] Certain existing methods have explored the use of BSS Transition Management (BTM) statistics messages, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In a typical scenario 400, an electronic device 100c connects to the first AP (AP1) 100a via an association request 401. Temporary factors, such as human obstructions, can lead to a decrease in signal strength from the AP1 100a. When signal strength falls below acceptable levels, the electronic device 100c initiates a scan and connects to a second AP (AP2) 100b through a reassociation request 402. Once the obstruction is cleared and AP1's signal improves, the electronic device 100c reconnects to the AP1 100a through a reassociation request 403. When the signal strength from AP1 100a falls below acceptable levels, the electronic device 100c reconnects to AP2 100b through a reassociation request 404 again. This process (e.g., reassociation requests 403 and 404) may be repeated due to recurring obstructions. The APs can observe ping-pong roaming patterns and communicate with STAs using the BTM statistics message 405. These BTM statistics message 405 can include one or more parameters, for instance, status count, fail count, measurement interval, recommendations, and a list of alternative APs (optional candidate list) based on observed data. The BTM statistics message 405 is used in Wi-Fi networks to facilitate seamless roaming between different APs by allowing clients (electronic device 100c) to discover and connect to better APs. However, several problems are encountered in the above-mentioned existing method(s), which are mentioned below.

[0047] One major issue is the "ping-pong" effect, where client devices (STAs) frequently switch between multiple APs due to temporary signal interruptions. Each STA has its own thresholds and roaming algorithms, which can vary based on the hardware capabilities and how they handle signal conditions. Moreover, the current environment includes a wide variety of devices, each with different requirements for latency, throughput, reliability, and power savings. Existing solutions primarily focus on APs sending generic recommendations to the STAs, which may use proprietary or machine learning algorithms. However, these recommendations often fail to consider the specific needs of individual STAs, leading to suboptimal performance. The following problems can occur if STA requirements are not taken into account.

[0048] a. Impact on STA performance: Recommendations from existing methods may overlook important factors such as power saving, throughput, latency, and reliability. As a result, they provide generic advice that does not effectively address the ping-pong issue, potentially degrading STA performance.

[0049] b. STA thresholds:

[0050]

[0051] i. STA ping pong counter: Different STAs have varying levels of resilience to ping-pong behavior. Relying on a single threshold set by the AP may not be appropriate, as some STAs may require different handling based on their specific needs.

[0052]

[0053] i. Roaming threshold impact: Each STA has its own roaming thresholds. If the AP uses a one-size-fits-all approach for generating recommendations, it may not align with the individual thresholds of the STAs, leading to ineffective decision-making.

[0054] c. Need for tailored recommendations: Current recommendations are often too generic, failing to adapt to the unique situations and requirements of the STAs. A more customized approach is necessary to meet the specific needs and thresholds of each electronic device.

[0055] To address the above-mentioned challenges / problems, a disclosed method provides a unique strategy for handling the ping-pong handover event between the plurality of APs in the wireless communication network, as described in conjunction with FIG. 5 to FIG. 16. The disclosed method and / or system provides a new framework to communicate the STA performance and preference indicators to the AP and receive a recommendation that is more tailored for the STA based on its indicators to handle the ping pong issues. The disclosed method and / or system may belong to the ongoing efforts for Wi-Fi8 standardization activity in IEEE 802.11 standards (TGbn) and targets the enhancement of seamless roaming and ping pong issues.

[0056] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 5 to 16, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures.

[0057] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device 500 for handling the ping-pong handover event between a plurality of Access Points (APs) in a wireless communication network, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. Examples of the electronic device 500 include, but are not limited to, a station (STA), a smartphone, a tablet computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a wearable device, etc.

[0058] In an embodiment, the electronic device 500 comprises a system 501. The system 501 may include a memory 510, a processor 520, a communicator 530, and a ping-pong handover event management module 540. In some examples, the system 501 may be implemented on one or multiple electronic devices (not shown in FIG. 5).

[0059] In an embodiment, the memory 510 may be coupled, directly or indirectly, to the processor 520, the communicator 530, and / or the ping-pong handover event management module 540. The memory 510 stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device 500, which can be a STA, to perform the methods and / or the operations described herein. The at least one processor may include the combination of one or more processors such as the processor 520, the processing circuitry in the communicator 530, the processing circuitry in the ping-pong handover event management module 540, a CPU, GPU, MPU, an application processor (AP), and a communication processor (CP). The processing circuitry in the communicator 530 may be included in the processor 602. The processing circuitry in the ping-pong handover event management module 540 may be included in the processor 520. The memory 510 may include non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of Electrically Programmable Memories (EPROM) or Electrically Erasable and Programmable (EEPROM) memories. In addition, the memory 510 may, in some examples, be considered a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. However, the term "non-transitory" should not be interpreted as the memory 510 is non-movable. In some examples, the memory 510 can be configured to store larger amounts of information than the memory. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in Random Access Memory (RAM) or cache). The memory 510 can be an internal storage unit, or it can be an external storage unit of the electronic device 500, a cloud storage, or any other type of external storage.

[0060] In an embodiment, the processor 520 communicates with the memory 510, the communicator 530, and the ping-pong handover event management module 540. The communicator 530 and / or the ping-pong handover event management module 540 may be controlled by the processor 520. The processor 520 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 510 and to perform various processes for handling the ping-pong handover event between the plurality of APs in the wireless communication network, as discussed throughout the disclosure. The processor 520 may include one or a plurality of processors, maybe a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Processor (AP), or the like, a graphics-only processing unit such as a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Visual Processing Unit (VPU), and / or an Artificial Intelligence (AI) dedicated processor such as a Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

[0061] In an embodiment, the communicator 530 is configured for communicating internally between internal hardware components and with external devices (e.g., server, APs, etc.) via one or more networks (e.g., radio technology). The communicator 530 includes an electronic circuit specific to a standard that enables wired or wireless communication. The communicator 530 may be included in the processor 510 or implemented by the processor 510.

[0062] In an embodiment, the ping-pong handover event management module 540 is implemented by processing circuitry such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like. The ping-pong handover event management module 540 may be included in the processor 510 or implemented by the processor 510.

[0063] In an embodiment, the ping-pong handover event management module 540 is configured to perform one or more operations to handle the ping-pong handover event between the plurality of APs in the wireless communication network, which are given below.

[0064] For instance, the ping-pong handover event management module 540 is configured to detect an occurrence of a number of ping-pong handover events between a first AP among the plurality of APs and a second AP among the plurality of APs, as described in conjunction with FIG. 7. The ping-pong handover event management module 540 is further configured to determine whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds a defined threshold value (e.g., 10). The ping-pong handover event management module 540 is further configured to transmit a re-association request to the second AP, wherein the electronic device 500 is previously connected with the first AP in response to determining that the number of the ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds the defined threshold value, as described in conjunction with FIG. 8. The re-association request comprises an indication of a required service type for the electronic device 500 and a flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device 500. The ping-pong handover event management module 540 is further configured to receive Station (STA) assistance information from the second AP to manage the required service type for the electronic device 500 in response to transmitting the re-association request, as described in conjunction with FIG. 9.

[0065] For another instance, the ping-pong handover event management module 540 is configured to detect an occurrence of a number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP, as described in conjunction with FIG. 12. The ping-pong handover event management module 540 is further configured to determine whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds the defined threshold value (e.g., 10). The ping-pong handover event management module 540 is further configured to trigger a service type event in the electronic device 500 in response to determining that the number of the ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds the defined threshold value. The service type event may include, for example, but is not limited to, a power saving event, a throughput event, a latency event, or a reliability event. The ping-pong handover event management module 540 is further configured to transmit a Station (STA) assistance request to the second AP, wherein the electronic device 500 is prior connected with the first AP in response to triggering the service type event, as described in conjunction with FIG. 13. The STA assistance request comprises an indication of a service type event required for the electronic device 500 and a ping-pong flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device 500. The ping-pong handover event management module 540 is further configured to receive a STA assistance response from the second AP to manage the service type event required for the electronic device in response to transmitting the STA assistance request. The STA assistance response indicates a preferable AP among the plurality of APs for the service type event, as described in conjunction with FIG. 14.

[0066] In an embodiment, a function associated with the various components of the electronic device 500 may be performed through the non-volatile memory, the volatile memory, and the processor 520. One or a plurality of processors controls the processing of the input data in accordance with a predefined operating rule or AI model stored in the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory. The predefined operating rule or AI model is provided through training or learning. Here, being provided through learning means that, by applying a learning algorithm to a plurality of learning data, a predefined operating rule or AI model of the desired characteristic is made. The learning may be performed in a device itself in which AI according to an embodiment is performed, and / or may be implemented through a separate server / system. The learning algorithm is a method for training a predetermined target device (for example, a robot) using a plurality of learning data to cause, allow, or control the target device to decide or predict. Examples of learning algorithms include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The AI model may consist of a plurality of neural network layers. Each layer has a plurality of weight values and performs a layer operation through a calculation of a previous layer and an operation of a plurality of weights. Examples of neural networks include, but are not limited to, convolutional neural network (CNN), deep neural network (DNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM), deep belief network (DBN), bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), generative adversarial networks (GAN), and deep Q-networks.

[0067] Although FIG. 5 shows various hardware components of the electronic device 500, but it is to be understood that other examples are not limited thereon. In some examples, the electronic device 500 may include less or more number of components. Further, the labels or names of the components are used only for illustrative purposes and do not limit the scope of the invention. One or more components can be combined to perform the same or substantially similar functions for handling the ping-pong handover event between the plurality of APs in the wireless communication network.

[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of the AP 600 (e.g., first AP, second AP, etc.) for handling the ping-pong handover event, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0069] In an embodiment, the AP 600 comprises a system 601. The system 601 may include a memory 610, a processor 620, a communicator 630, and a ping-pong handover event management module 640. In an embodiment, the system 601 may be implemented on one or multiple electronic devices (not shown in FIG. 5). Basic functionalities associated with various modules, such as the memory 610, the processor 620, and the communicator 630 is the same as mentioned in FIG. 5 and is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0070] In an embodiment, the ping-pong handover event management module 640 is configured to perform one or more operations to handle the ping-pong handover event between the plurality of APs in the wireless communication network, which are given below.

[0071] For instance, the ping-pong handover event management module 640 is configured to receive the re-association request from the electronic device 500, as described in conjunction with FIG. 7. Herein, the electronic device 500 is previously connected with the first AP, and the electronic device 500 is detected that the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeds the defined threshold value, as described in conjunction with FIG. 8. The re-association request comprises the indication of the required service type for the electronic device 500 and the flag indicating the requirement for assistance for the electronic device 500. The ping-pong handover event management module 640 is further configured to generate a recommendation based on the received association request. The ping-pong handover event management module 640 is further configured to transmit the STA assistance information to the electronic device 500 to manage the required service type for the electronic device 500, where the STA assistance information comprises the generated recommendation, as described in conjunction with FIG. 9.

[0072] For another instance, the ping-pong handover event management module 540 is configured to receive the STA assistance request from the electronic device 500, as described in conjunction with FIG. 12. The electronic device 500 is previously connected with the first AP, and the service type event is triggered at the electronic device 500 due to the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP and the second AP exceeding the defined threshold value. The STA assistance request comprises an indication of a service type event required for the electronic device 500, and a ping-pong flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device 500, as described in conjunction with FIG. 13. The ping-pong handover event management module 640 is further configured to generate a recommendation based on the received STA assistance request. The ping-pong handover event management module 640 is further configured to transmit the STA assistance response to the electronic device 500 to manage the service type event required for the electronic device 500, where the STA assistance response comprises the generated recommendation, as described in conjunction with FIG. 14.

[0073] Although FIG. 6 shows various hardware components of the AP 600, but it is to be understood that other examples are not limited thereon. In some examples, the AP 600 may include less or more components. Further, the labels or names of the components are used only for illustrative purposes and do not limit the scope of the invention. One or more components can be combined to perform the same or substantially similar functions for handling the ping-pong handover event between the plurality of APs in the wireless communication network.

[0074] FIG. 7 is an exemplary sequence flow diagram illustrating a method 700 for handling the ping-pong handover event between the plurality of APs (e.g., AP1 600a and AP2 600b) in the wireless communication network, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The method 700 may execute multiple operations to handle the ping-pong handover event, which are given below.

[0075] In operation 701, the electronic device 500 (or referred to as "STA") sends an association request to AP1 600a with the indication of a low latency requirement. Due to temporary blockages, in operations 702-703, the electronic device 500 experiences a loss of signal and this triggers a roaming condition in the electronic device 500 and the electronic device 500 scans and finds that the AP2 600b is available, whose signal threshold is lower than the AP1 600a originally, but meets the roaming threshold conditions better at this time. In operation 704, the AP2 600b receives the re-association request message that includes the newly defined performance requirement message, like the low latency requirement.

[0076] Again, in operations 705-706, when the temporary blockage is cleared, the electronic device 500 finds that the AP1 600a is better and that triggers the roaming condition and finds the AP1 600a. In operation 707, the electronic device 500 sends another re-association request message to the AP1 600a. Again, in operations 708-709, when temporary issues can occur that can cause the roaming trigger and scan. In operation 710, the processes (e.g., 701 to 709) can repeat N number of times (which can be maintained by the electronic device 500 and can be implementation specific). Once the N times ping-pong is reached, the disclosed method is triggered.

[0077] In operation 711, another re-association process can be initiated, by the electronic device 500, and this time, along with requirements, it can also send a flag to indicate that it needs assistance to the AP2 600b. In operation 712, the AP2 600b can generate the recommendation, taking inputs from the electronic device 500 about its performance requirements (e.g., low latency requirement) and also the timing at which it needs the recommendation. Finally, in operation 713, the AP2 600b can send out a recommendation suitable to handle the low latency requirement to the electronic device 500. For example, in this scenario, it's possible that the AP2 600b, though, is slightly lower in signal conditions but provides better support for low-latency data than the AP1 600a due to congestion at the AP1 600a.

[0078] FIG. 8 illustrates a STA assistance element frame structure 800 associated with the association and re-association request messages (related to operations 701, 704, 707, 711, etc.), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0079] In an embodiment, the re-association request and the association request comprise STA assistance information to provide the indication of the required service type for the electronic device 500. Similarly, this can be included in other management frames too, like probe request in one alternative of the solution. The association request frame body is disclosed in Table 1 below, and the re-association request frame body is disclosed in Table 2 below.

[0080] OrderInformationNotes1Capability informationSee 9.4.1.4 (capability information field) for capabilityinformation field format.#Previousorder+1STA assistanceDetailed frame format is illustrated in FIG. 8 (referred to as "800")LastVendor specificOne or more vendor-specific elements are optionally present. These elements follow all other elements.

[0081] OrderInformationNotes1Capability informationSee 9.4.1.4 (capability information field) for capabilityinformation field format.#Previousorder+1STA assistanceDetailed frame format is illustrated in FIG. 8 (referred to as "800")LastVendor specificOne or more vendor-specific elements are optionally present. These elements follow all other elements.

[0082] In an embodiment, STA assistance information comprises a plurality of parameters, for example, as described in Table 3 below.

[0083] In an embodiment, the plurality of parameters may include, but is not limited to, an identity of element 801, a length of element 802, an element ID extension 803, a control flag 804, and at least one required service type, the at least one service type comprises a throughput preference 805, a reliability preference 806, a low latency preference 807, a power saving preference 808, and a request assistance 809.

[0084] In an embodiment, the plurality of parameters may include, but is not limited to, the identity of element 810, the length of element 811, the element ID extension 812, the control flag 813, and at least one required service type, the at least one service type comprises the throughput preference 814, the reliability preference 815, the low latency preference 816, the power saving preference 817, a request assistance flag 818, a hysteresis signal threshold 819, and a delay threshold 820.

[0085] SubfieldDefinitionEncodingControl flag(804 and 813)This subfield defines whether the STA assistance information may include throughput, reliability, low latency, power saving preference, or not.0001: Includes Throughput preference(if 0- no throughput preference)0010: Includes Reliability preference(if 0- no reliability preference)0100: Includes Low Latency preference(if 0- no low latency preference)1000: Includes power saving preference(if 0- no power saving preference)Throughput(805 and 814)This subfield defines the throughput requirements of the STA.The encoding can be included in one variant:001: Low Throughput, 010: Medium Throughput, 100: High ThroughputIn another variant of the solution:A few bits to indicate the data rate in MbpsReliability(806 and 815)This subfield defines the reliability preference of the STA.The encoding can be included in one variant of the solution:001: Low Reliability, 010: Medium Reliability, 100: High ReliabilityOther variants of encoding can be to indicate the error rate tolerance value.Low latency(807 and 816)This subfield defines the low-latency preference of the STA.The encoding can be included in one variant of the solution:The value indicates latency tolerance or latency requirement in numbers.Power saving(808 and 817)This subfield defines the power-saving preference of the STA.The encoding can be included in one variant of the solution:001: Low Power saving, 010: Medium power saving, 100: High power savingIn another variant of the solution, it can indicate the power save category value if defined in the specification.Request assistance / request assistance flag(809 and 818)This subfield represents the requirement of STA that it needs assistance.This can be a one-bit flag. 0-Indicates no assistance required, 1-indicates assistance required (809).The request assistance flag (818) can be a set of bits to indicate whether assistance is needed and an indication to tell the device status. For example, when the device battery level is low, further hysteresis of signal threshold can be reduced in recommendation by AP to help STA save more batteries.Bit 1: 0- Indicates no request for Assistance, 1- Indicates a request for assistance.Bit 2: 1- Indicates Hysteresis for Signal threshold is present in STA preference, 0-indicates absence.Bit 3: 1- Indicates delay for roaming thresholds to be applied is present, 0- indicates absence.Hysteresis - signal threshold(819)This subfield is present in the variant of the solution that follows implementation, which represents the minimum and maximum hysteresis thresholds suitable for STA.A hysteresis threshold is a certain signal threshold value that can be indicated by the AP to the STA(device) to add an offset to the device’s own implemented threshold values for roaming.The encoding can be defined as follows:A set of bits can indicate a minimum and maximum range of hysteresis thresholds tolerable at STA.0-X bits: Indicate minimum valueX+1-Y bits: Indicate maximum valueDelay threshold(820)This subfield is present in the variant of the solution that follows implementation, which indicates the minimum and maximum delays suitable for STA.Delay threshold can be defined as a time interval for which the device can wait after a roaming condition has occurred, as per the device's own implementation, before it can trigger roaming. This can delay the roaming and solve ping-pong issues.The encoding can be defined as follows:A set of bits can indicate a minimum and maximum range of delay thresholds tolerable at STA.0-X bits: Indicate minimum valueX+1-Y bits: Indicate maximum value

[0086] FIG. 9 illustrates an STA assistance information frame structure 900 (related to operation 713), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The STA assistance information frame structure 900 comprises a plurality of parameters.

[0087] In an embodiment, the STA assistance information message may be defined as an action frame. Action Frames are an extension to existing management frames, and the format for the STA assistance Information can be described below in Table 4. The STA assistance information category value is added to the table of category values, and its associated action frame details are discussed herein.

[0088] CodeMeaningSee SubclauseRobustGroup addressed privacy0Spectrum management9.6.2 (SpectrumManagementAction framedetails(#3729))YesNo#Chosing value between<35-125>STA assistance informationSTA Assistance InformationAction frameDetailsYesNo128-255ReservedNANANA

[0089] In an embodiment, the plurality of parameters may include, but are not limited to, a category value 901, a STA assistance information action value 902, an assistance information flag 903, a hysteresis recommendation 904, a duration recommendation 905, and an AP recommendation 906.

[0090] In an embodiment, the STA assistance information action value 902 indicates a presence or reservation of the STA assistance information, for example, as described in Table 5 below.

[0091] STA assistance information action valueMeaning0STA assistance information is present.1Reserved

[0092] In an embodiment, the assistance information flag 903 is represented by a set of bits that indicate whether one or more packets comprise a hysteresis signal, a duration, and an AP recommendation, a roaming recommendation, or one or more reserved bits, for example, as described in Table 6 below.

[0093] CodeNameMeaningBit 0Hysteresis signal0- Hysteresis Recommendation present1 - Hysteresis Recommendation absentBit 1Duration0-Duration Recommendation present1 - Duration Recommendation absentBit 2AP recommendation0- AP recommendation present1- AP recommendation absentBit 3No roaming1 - Do not roam and stay on the current AP

[0094] In an embodiment, the hysteresis recommendation 904 indicates a type of hysteresis requirements for the electronic device, comprising one of a no hysteresis, a positive hysteresis, and a negative hysteresis, for example, as described in Table 7 below.

[0095] CodeNameMeaningX BitsHysteresis recommendationIt can include a value of positive or negative hysteresis. To indicate an early or late roaming transition. The details of this encoding can be further added in a future IP when the solution matures.It can broadly include values like: No hysteresis, positive hysteresis, or negative hysteresis.

[0096] In an embodiment, the duration recommendation 905 indicates whether action is immediate or occurs after a defined time units, as recommended by at least one second AP 600b, for example, as described in Table 8 below.

[0097] CodeNameMeaningX BitsDuration recommendationIt can include encoding such that, duration can be immediate action or after a few Time Units as per the recommendation by the AP.

[0098] In an embodiment, the AP recommendation 906 indicates a list of suitable APs based on one or more preferences indicated by the electronic device 500, for example, as described in Table 9 below.

[0099] CodeNameMeaningX BitsAP list recommendationIt can include a list of APs (AP or SSID) that are suitable for the preference indicated by the STA.

[0100] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating one or more operations (method 1000) performed by the electronic device 500 to handle the ping-pong handover event between the plurality of APs (e.g., AP1 600a and AP2 600b) in the wireless communication network, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0101] At operation 1001, the method 1000 includes detecting the occurrence of the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP 600a and the second AP 600b. At operation 1002, the method 1000 includes determining whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP 600a and the second AP 600b exceeds the defined threshold value. At operation 1003, the method 1000 includes transmitting the re-association request with the required service type to the second AP 600b, where the electronic device 500 is previously connected with the first AP 600a. At operation 1004, the method 1000 includes receiving the STA assistance information from the second AP 600b to manage the required service type for the electronic device 500. Further, a detailed description related to the various operations of FIG. 10 is covered in the description related to FIG. 5, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9, and is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0102] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating one or more operations (method 1100) performed by the AP 600 to handle the ping-pong handover event, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0103] At operation 1101, the method 1100 includes receiving the re-association request from the electronic device 500. At operation 1102, the method 1100 includes generating the recommendation based on the received association request. At operation 1103, the method 1100 includes transmitting the STA assistance information to the electronic device 500 to manage the required service type for the electronic device 500, where the STA assistance information comprises the generated recommendation. Further, a detailed description related to the various operations of FIG. 11 is covered in the description related to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9, and is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0104] FIG. 12 is an exemplary sequence flow diagram illustrating a method 1200 for handling the ping-pong handover event between the plurality of APs (e.g., AP1 600a and AP2 600b) in the wireless communication network, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The method 1200 may execute multiple operations to handle the ping-pong handover event, which are given below.

[0105] In operation 1201, the electronic device 500 (or referred to as "STA") sends an association request to AP1 600a. Due to temporary blockages, in operations 1202-1203, the electronic device 500 experiences a loss of signal and this triggers a roaming condition in the electronic device 500 and the electronic device 500 scans and finds that the AP2 600b is available, whose signal threshold is lower than the AP1 600a originally, but meets the roaming threshold conditions better at this time. In operation 1204, the AP2 600b receives the re-association request message from the electronic device 500.

[0106] Again, in operations 1205-1206, when the temporary blockage is cleared, the electronic device 500 finds that the AP1 600a is better and that triggers the roaming condition and finds the AP1 600a. In operation 1207, the electronic device 500 sends another re-association request message to the AP1 600a. Again, in operations 1208-1209, the electronic device 500 experiences the loss of signal and this triggers the roaming condition in the electronic device 500 and the electronic device 500 scans and finds that the AP2 600b is available, whose signal threshold is lower than the AP1 600a originally, but meets the roaming threshold conditions better at this time. In operation 1210, the AP2 600b receives the re-association request message from the electronic device 500. In operation 1211, the processes (e.g., 1201 to 1210) can repeat N number of times (which can be maintained by the electronic device 500 and can be implementation specific). Once the N times ping-pong is reached, the disclosed method is triggered.

[0107] In operation 1212, during this ping-pong or alternatively after N ping-pongs, an event can be triggered in the electronic device 500, like a power save requirement usually due to a low battery. In operation 1213, the electronic device 500 can ask for assistance and inform its requirements, like power save mode, ping pong as cause, etc., by sending the STA assistance request to the AP2 600b. In operation 1214, the AP2 600b may generate the recommendation suitable for this power-saving requirement of the electronic device 500. In operation 1215, the AP2 600b may transmit the STA assistance response to the electronic device 500 to manage the service type event required for the electronic device 500. In other words, the STA assistance response is sent to switch back to the AP1 600a and informs that the AP1 600a is suitable in this context, as it is able to provide more power-saving options and modes. In operation 1216, the electronic device 500 re-associates with AP1 and achieves power save.

[0108] In an embodiment, the STA assistance information message may be defined to be an action frame. Action frames are an extension to existing management frames, and the format for the STA assistance information can be described as below in Table 10. The STA assistance message category value is added to the table of category values, and its associated action frame details are discussed.

[0109] CodeMeaningSee SubclauseRobustGroup addressed privacy0Spectrum management9.6.2 (SpectrumManagementAction framedetails(#3729))YesNo#Chosing value between<35-125>STA assistance informationSTA assistance informationaction framedetailsYesNo128-255ReservedNANANA

[0110] In an embodiment, the element ID is defined as per Table 11 below.

[0111] ElementElement IDElement ID ExtensionExtensibleFragmentableSTA assistance request (details are present in FIG. 13)255Suitable value from<<137-255>>TBDNoSTA assistance response (details are present in FIG. 14)255Suitable value from<<137-255>>TBDNo

[0112] FIG. 13 illustrates the STA assistance request message frame structure 1300 (related to operation 1213), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0113] In an embodiment, the STA assistance information comprises a plurality of parameters, the plurality of parameters comprises a category value 1300a, a STA assistance message action value 1300b, and a STA assistance request message element 1300c (STA assistance request message details), for example, as described in Table 12 below.

[0114] STA assistance message action valueMeaning0STA assistance request message1STA assistance response messageReserved

[0115] In an embodiment, the STA assistance request message element 1300c comprises a plurality of parameters, for example, as described in Table 13 below.

[0116] SubfieldDefinitionEncodingControl flag(1304 and 1313)This subfield defines whether the STA assistance request shall include throughput, reliability, low latency, power saving preference, or not.0001: Includes throughput preference (if 0- no throughput preference)0010: Includes reliability preference (if 0- no reliability preference)0100: Includes low latency preference (if 0- no low latency preference)1000: Includes power saving preference (if 0- no power saving preference)Throughput(1305 and 1314)This subfield defines the throughput requirements of the STA.The encoding can include one variant:001: Low Throughput, 010: Medium throughput, 100: High throughputIn another variant of the solution:A few bits to indicate the data rate in MbpsReliability(1306 and 1315)This subfield defines the reliability preference of the STA.The encoding can be included in one variant of the solution:001: Low Reliability, 010: Medium Reliability, 100: High ReliabilityOther variants of encoding can be to indicate the error rate tolerance value.Low latency(1307 and 1316)This subfield defines the low-latency preference of the STAThe encoding can be included in one variant of the solution:The value indicates latency tolerance or latency requirement in numbers.Power saving(1308 and 1317)This subfield defines the power-saving preference of the STAThe encoding can be included in one variant of the solution:001: Low Power saving, 010: Medium power saving, 100: High Power savingIn another variant of the solution, it can indicate the power save category value if defined in the specification.Request assistance / request assistance flag(1309 and 1318)This subfield represents the requirement of STA that it needs assistance.As per 1309:This can be a one-bit flag. 0-Indicates no assistance required, 1-indicates assistance required.As per 1318:The Request assistance can be a set of bits to indicate whether assistance is needed and an indication to tell the device's status. For example, when the device battery level is low, further hysteresis of signal threshold can be reduced in recommendation by AP to help STA save more batteries.Bit 1: 0- Indicates no request for Assistance, 1- Indicates a request for Assistance.Bit 2: 1- Indicates Hysteresis for Signal threshold is present in STA preference, 0-indicates absence.Bit 3: 1- Indicates Delay for roaming thresholds to be applied is present, 0- indicates absence.Hysteresis - signal threshold(1319)This subfield is present in the variant of the solution that follows 1319 implementation, which represents the minimum and maximum hysteresis thresholds suitable for STA.The encoding can be defined as follows:A set of bits can indicate a minimum and maximum range of hysteresis thresholds tolerable at STA.0-X bits: Indicate minimum valueX+1-Y bits: Indicate maximum valueDelay threshold(1320)This subfield is present in the variant of the solution that follows 1320 implementation, which indicates the minimum and maximum delays suitable for STA.The encoding can be defined as follows:A set of bits can indicate a minimum and maximum range of delay thresholds tolerable at STA.0-X bits: Indicate minimum valueX+1-Y bits: Indicate maximum value

[0117] In an embodiment, the STA assistance request message element 1300c comprises an identity of element 1301, a length of element 1302, an element ID extension 1303, a control flag 1304, a throughput preference 1305, a reliability preference 1306, a low latency preference 1307, a power saving preference 1308, and a request assistance 1309.

[0118] In an embodiment, the STA assistance request message element 1300c comprises the identity of element 1310, the length of element 1311, the element ID extension 1312, the control flag 1313, the throughput preference 1314, the reliability preference 1315, the low latency preference 1316, the power saving preference 1317, a request assistance flag 1318, a hysteresis signal threshold 1319, and a delay threshold 1320.

[0119] FIG. 14 illustrates a STA assistance response message frame structure 1400 (related to operation 1215), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0120] In an embodiment, the STA assistance response comprises a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters comprises a category value 1400a, a STA assistance information action value 1400b, and a STA assistance response message element 1400c.

[0121] In an embodiment, the STA assistance information action value 1400b indicates a presence or reservation of the STA assistance information.

[0122] In an embodiment, the STA assistance response message element 1400c comprises an identity of element 1401, a length of element 1402, an element ID extension 1403, an assistance information flag 1404, a hysteresis recommendation 1405, a duration recommendation 1406, and an AP recommendation 1407.

[0123] In an embodiment, the assistance information flag 1404 is represented by a set of bits that indicate whether one or more packets comprise a hysteresis signal, a duration, and an AP recommendation, a roaming recommendation, or one or more reserved bits, for example, as described in Table 14 below.

[0124] CodeNameMeaningBit 0Hysteresis signal0- Hysteresis recommendation present1 - Hysteresis recommendation absentBit 1Duration0-Duration recommendation present1 - Duration recommendation absentBit 2AP recommendation0- AP recommendation present1- AP recommendation absentBit 3No roaming1 - Do not roam and stay on the current APReserved

[0125] In an embodiment, the hysteresis recommendation 1405 indicates a type of hysteresis requirements for the electronic device 500, comprising one of a no hysteresis, a positive hysteresis, and a negative hysteresis, for example, as described in Table 15 below.

[0126] CodeNameMeaningX BitsHysteresis recommendationIt can include a value of positive or negative hysteresis. To indicate whether there is an early or late roaming transition. The details of this encoding can be further added in a future IP when the solution matures.It can broadly include values like: No hysteresis, positive hysteresis, or negative hysteresis.

[0127] In an embodiment, the duration recommendation 1406 indicates whether action is immediate or occurs after a defined time units, as recommended by at least one AP, for example, as described in Table 16 below.

[0128] CodeNameMeaningX BitsDuration recommendationIt can include encoding such that, duration can be immediate action or after a few Time Units as per the recommendation by AP.

[0129] In an embodiment, the AP recommendation 1407 indicates a list of suitable APs based on one or more preferences indicated by the electronic device 500, for example, as described in Table 17 below.

[0130] CodeNameMeaningX BitsAP list recommendationIt can include a list of APs (AP or SSID) that are suitable for the preference indicated by the STA.

[0131] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating one or more operations (method 1500) performed by the electronic device 500 to handle the ping-pong handover event between the plurality of APs (e.g., AP1 600a and AP2 600b) in the wireless communication network, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0132] At operation 1501, the method 1500 includes detecting the occurrence of the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP 600a and the second AP 600b among the plurality of APs (e.g., AP1 600a and AP2 600b). At operation 1502, the method 1500 includes determining whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP 600a and the second AP 600b exceeds the defined threshold value. At operation 1503, the method 1500 includes triggering the service type event in the electronic device 500. At operation 1504, the method 1500 includes transmitting the STA assistance request to the second AP 600b. At operation 1505, the method 1500 includes receiving the STA assistance response from the second AP 600b to manage the service type event required for the electronic device 500. Further, a detailed description related to the various operations of FIG. 15 is covered in the description related to FIG. 5, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14, and is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0133] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating one or more operations (method 1600) performed by the AP 600 to handle the ping-pong handover event, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. At operation 1601, the method 1600 includes receiving the STA assistance request from the electronic device 500. At operation 1602, the method 1600 includes generating the recommendation based on the received STA assistance request. At operation 1603, the method 1600 includes transmitting the STA assistance response to the electronic device 500 to manage the service type event required for the electronic device 500. Further, a detailed description related to the various operations of FIG. 16 is covered in the description related to FIG. 6, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14, and is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0134] In an embodiment, the disclosed method has several advantages over the existing method, which are stated below.

[0135]

[0136] a.Improved connectivity: The disclosed method reduces disruptions caused by frequent switching (ping-ponging) between the APs (e.g., AP1 600a and AP2 600b), ensuring a more stable connection for users.

[0137]

[0138] b.Efficient resource management: By monitoring the number of handover events and setting the threshold (e.g., defined threshold value), the disclosed method may intelligently manage network resources, preventing unnecessary load on the APs (e.g., AP1 600a and AP2 600b).

[0139]

[0140] c.Tailored service delivery: The inclusion of service type indications in the re-association requests and / or STA assistance requests allows the network to provide customized assistance based on the specific needs of the electronic device 500, enhancing user experience.

[0141]

[0142] d.Proactive assistance: The disclosed method for transmitting the STA assistance information and / or STA assistance response enables the second AP 600b to offer recommendations that help optimize the connection, improving overall service quality.

[0143]

[0144] e.Reduced latency: By streamlining the handover process and reducing the need for repeated reconnections, the disclosed method minimizes latency, which is crucial for time-sensitive applications like video streaming or gaming.

[0145]

[0146] f.Enhanced user experience: With better management of handover events and tailored support, users experience fewer interruptions and better service continuity, leading to higher satisfaction.

[0147]

[0148] g.Network efficiency: The disclosed method helps in balancing the load among multiple APs (e.g., AP1 600a and AP2 600b), enhancing the overall efficiency of the wireless network and improving performance for all users.

[0149]

[0150] h.Scalability: As the number of devices in the network grows, this disclosed method can effectively manage handover events, making it suitable for larger networks with many APs (e.g., AP1 600a and AP2 600b).

[0151] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an electronic device (500). The electronic device (500) may be a station (STA). The electronic device (500) comprises at least one processor (520) including processing circuitry. The electronic device (500) comprises memory (510) storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to determine a number of ping-pong handover events between a first AP (600a) and a second AP (600b). The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to determine whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds a defined threshold. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to, in response to determining that the number of the ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds the defined threshold, transmit a re-association request to the second AP (600b) with the required service type, wherein the electronic device (500) is previously connected with the first AP (600a). The re-association request comprises an indication of a required service type for the electronic device (500) and a flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device (500).

[0152] In an embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to receive a station (STA) assistance information from the second AP (600b), wherein the station (STA) assistance information includes information to manage the required service type for the electronic device (500).

[0153] In an embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to transmit an association request to the first AP (600a) to establish a first communication channel between the electronic device (500) and the first AP (600a), wherein the association request comprises an indication of the required service type for the electronic device (500). The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to detect a temporary signal blockage associated with the first established communication channel. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to, in response to detecting that the temporary blockage, identify the second AP (600b) to establish a second communication channel between the electronic device (500) and the second AP (600b), wherein a signal quality or signal strength associated with the second established communication channel is superior to the first established communication channel. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to transmit the re-association request to the identified second AP (600b). The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to detect that the temporary blockage has cleared, wherein a signal quality or signal strength associated with the first established communication channel is superior to the second established communication channel. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to, in response to detecting that the temporary blockage has cleared, transmit the re-association request along with the required service type indication to the first AP (600a).

[0154] In an embodiment, the re-association request and the association request comprise a station (STA) assistance information to provide the indication of the required service type for the electronic device (500).

[0155] In an embodiment, the station (STA) assistance information comprises a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters comprises one or more of an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, a control flag, and at least one required service type, the at least one service type comprising a throughput preference, a reliability preference, a low latency preference, a power saving preference, and a request assistance flag.

[0156] In an embodiment, the station (STA) assistance information comprises a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters comprises one or more of an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, a control flag, and at least one required service type. The at least one service type comprises one or more of a throughput preference, a reliability preference, a low latency preference, a power saving preference, and a request assistance flag, a hysteresis signal threshold, and a delay threshold.

[0157] In an embodiment, the plurality of parameters comprises an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, a control flag, and at least one required service type. The at least one service type comprises a throughput preference, a reliability preference, a low latency preference, a power saving preference, and a request assistance flag.

[0158] In an embodiment, the control flag indicates whether the station (STA) assistance information comprises one of a plurality of throughput preference, reliability preference, low latency preference, and power saving preference.

[0159] In an embodiment, the throughput preference indicates a type of throughput requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a low throughput, a medium throughput, and a high throughput, and the throughput represented by one or more bits indicating data rates.

[0160] In an embodiment, the reliability preference indicates a type of reliability requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a low reliability, a medium reliability, and a high reliability, and the reliability represented by an error rate tolerance value.

[0161] In an embodiment, the low latency preference is represented by a value indicating latency tolerance or latency requirement in numbers.

[0162] In an embodiment, the power saving preference indicates a type of power saving requirements for the electronic device (500) comprising a low power saving, a medium power saving, and a high power saving, and the power saving preference is represented by a power save category value.

[0163] In an embodiment, the request assistance and the request assistance flag indicate whether the electronic device (500) requires assistance, and the request assistance and the request assistance flag are represented by a set of bits that indicate whether assistance is needed and a device status.

[0164] In an embodiment, the hysteresis signal threshold indicates minimum and maximum hysteresis thresholds suitable for the electronic device (500).

[0165] In an embodiment, the hysteresis threshold is a signal threshold value that indicates by at least one AP to the electronic device (500) to add an offset to the electronic device (500)-implemented-threshold values for roaming, and the hysteresis signal threshold is represented by a set of bits that indicate a minimum and maximum range of hysteresis thresholds tolerable at the electronic device (500).

[0166] In an embodiment, the delay threshold indicates minimum and maximum delays suitable for the electronic device (500).

[0167] In an embodiment, the delay threshold is represented as a time interval that the electronic device (500) waits, after a roaming condition occurs as per device implementation, before the electronic device (500) triggers a roaming, and the delay threshold is represented by a set of bits that indicate a minimum and maximum range of delay thresholds that are tolerable at the electronic device (500).

[0168] In an embodiment, the received STA assistance information at the electronic device (500) comprises a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters comprises a category value, a STA assistance information action value, an assistance information flag, a hysteresis recommendation, a duration recommendation, and an AP recommendation.

[0169] In an embodiment, the STA assistance information action value indicates a presence or reservation of the STA assistance information.

[0170] In an embodiment, the assistance information flag is represented by a set of bits that indicate whether one or more packets comprise a hysteresis signal, a duration, and an AP recommendation, a roaming recommendation, or one or more reserved bits.

[0171] In an embodiment, the hysteresis recommendation indicates a type of hysteresis requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a no hysteresis, a positive hysteresis, and a negative hysteresis.

[0172] In an embodiment, the duration recommendation indicates whether action is immediate or occurs after a defined time unit, as recommended by at least one second AP (600b).

[0173] In an embodiment, the AP recommendation indicates a list of suitable APs based on one or more preferences indicated by the electronic device (500).

[0174] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an electronic device (500). The electronic device (500) may be a station (STA). The electronic device (500) comprises at least one processor (520) including processing circuitry. The electronic device (500) comprises memory (510) storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to determine a number of ping-pong handover events between a first AP (600a) and a second AP (600b). The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to determine whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds a defined threshold. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to, in response to determining that the number of the ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds the defined threshold value, trigger a service type event in the electronic device (500), wherein the service type event comprises one or more of a power saving event, a throughput event, a latency event, and a reliability event. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to, in response to triggering the service type event, transmit a station (STA) assistance request to the second AP (600b), wherein the electronic device (500) is previously connected with the first AP (600a), wherein the station (STA) assistance request comprises an indication of a service type event required for the electronic device (500) and a ping-pong flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device (500).

[0175] In an embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to receive a station (STA) assistance information from the second AP (600b), wherein the station (STA) assistance information includes information to manage the required service type for the electronic device (500).

[0176] In an embodiment, the STA assistance response indicates a preferable AP among the plurality of APs for the service type event.

[0177] In an embodiment, prior to detecting the ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b), the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to: transmit an association request to the first AP (600a) to establish a first communication channel between the electronic device (500) and the first AP (600a); detect a temporary signal blockage associated with the first established communication channel; in response to detecting that the temporary blockage, identify the second AP (600b) to establish a second communication channel between the electronic device (500) and the second AP (600b), wherein a signal quality or signal strength associated with the second established communication channel is superior to the first established communication channel; transmit a re-association request to the identified second AP (600b); detect that the temporary blockage has cleared, wherein a signal quality or signal strength associated with the first established communication channel is superior to the second established communication channel; and, in response to detecting that the temporary blockage has cleared, transmit the re-association request along with the indication to the first AP (600a).

[0178] In an embodiment, the station (STA) assistance request comprises a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters comprises a category value, a STA Assistance Message Action value, and a STA assistance request message element.

[0179] In an embodiment, the station (STA) assistance information comprises a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters comprises one or more of an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, a control flag, and at least one required service type. The at least one service type comprises one or more of a throughput preference, a reliability preference, a low latency preference, a power saving preference, and a request assistance flag, a hysteresis signal threshold, and a delay threshold.

[0180] In an embodiment, the plurality of parameters comprises an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, a control flag, and at least one required service type. The at least one service type comprises a throughput preference, a reliability preference, a low latency preference, a power saving preference, and a request assistance flag.

[0181] In an embodiment, the control flag indicates whether the STA assistance information comprises the throughput preference, the reliability preference, the low latency preference, and the power saving preference.

[0182] In an embodiment, the throughput preference indicates a type of throughput requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a low throughput, a medium throughput, and a high throughput, and the throughput represented by one or more bits indicating data rates.

[0183] In an embodiment, the reliability preference indicates a type of reliability requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a low reliability, a medium reliability, and a high reliability, and the reliability represented by an error rate tolerance value.

[0184] In an embodiment, the low latency preference is represented by a value indicating latency tolerance or latency requirement in numbers.

[0185] In an embodiment, the power saving preference indicates a type of power saving requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising a low power saving, a medium power saving, and a high power saving, and the power saving preference is represented by a power save category value.

[0186] In an embodiment, the request assistance and the request assistance flag indicate whether the electronic device (500) requires assistance, and the request assistance and the request assistance flag are represented by a set of bits that indicate whether assistance is needed and a device status.

[0187] In an embodiment, the hysteresis signal threshold indicates minimum and maximum hysteresis thresholds suitable for the electronic device (500).

[0188] In an embodiment, the hysteresis threshold is a signal threshold value that indicates by at least one AP to the electronic device (500) to add an offset to the electronic device (500)-implemented-threshold values for roaming, and the hysteresis signal threshold is represented by a set of bits that indicate a minimum and maximum range of hysteresis thresholds tolerable at the electronic device (500).

[0189] In an embodiment, the delay threshold indicates minimum and maximum delays suitable for the electronic device (500).

[0190] In an embodiment, the delay threshold is represented as a time interval that the electronic device (500) waits, after a roaming condition occurs as per device implementation, before the electronic device (500) triggers a roaming, and the delay threshold is represented by a set of bits that indicate a minimum and maximum range of delay thresholds that are tolerable at the electronic device (500).

[0191] In an embodiment, the STA assistance response comprises a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters comprises a category value, a STA assistance information action value, and a STA assistance response message element. The STA assistance response message element comprises an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, an assistance information flag, a hysteresis recommendation, a duration recommendation, and an AP recommendation.

[0192] In an embodiment, the STA assistance information action value indicates a presence or reservation of the STA assistance information. The assistance information flag is represented by a set of bits that indicate whether one or more packets comprise a hysteresis signal, a duration, and an AP recommendation, a roaming recommendation, or one or more reserved bits. The hysteresis recommendation indicates a type of hysteresis requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a no hysteresis, a positive hysteresis, and a negative hysteresis. The duration recommendation indicates whether action is immediate or occurs after a defined time unit, as recommended by at least one AP. The AP recommendation indicates a list of suitable APs based on one or more preferences indicated by the electronic device (500).

[0193] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a second access point (AP) (600, 600b). The second AP (600, 600b) comprises at least one processor (620) including processing circuitry. The second AP (600, 600b) comprises memory (610) storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (620) individually or collectively, cause the second AP (600, 600b) to receive a re-association request from an electronic device (500), wherein the electronic device (500) is previously connected with a first AP (600a). The re-association request comprises an indication of a required service type for the electronic device (500) and a flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device (500). The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (620) individually or collectively, cause the second AP (600, 600b) to generate a recommendation based on the received STA assistance request. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (620) individually or collectively, cause the second AP (600) to transmit a station (STA) assistance information to the electronic device (500) to manage the required service type for the electronic device (500), wherein the STA assistance information comprises the generated recommendation.

[0194] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a second access point (AP) (600, 600b). The second AP (600, 600b) comprises at least one processor (620) including processing circuitry. The second AP (600) comprises memory (610) storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (620) individually or collectively, cause the second AP (600) to receive a station (STA) assistance request from an electronic device (500), wherein the electronic device (500) is previously connected with a first AP (600a). A service type event is triggered at the electronic device (500) due to a number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeding a defined threshold. The STA assistance request comprises an indication of a service type event required for the electronic device (500), and a ping-pong flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device (500). The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (620) individually or collectively, cause the second AP (600) to generate a recommendation based on the received STA assistance request. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (620) individually or collectively, cause the second AP (600) to transmit a STA assistance response to the electronic device (500) to manage the service type event required for the electronic device (500). The STA assistance response comprises the generated recommendation.

[0195] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for wireless communication performed by an electronic device (500). The method comprises determining a number of ping-pong handover events between a first AP (600a) and a second AP (600b). The method comprises determining whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds a defined threshold. The method comprises, in response to determining that the number of the ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds the defined threshold, transmitting a re-association request to the second AP (600b) with the required service type, wherein the electronic device (500) is previously connected with the first AP (600a). The re-association request comprises an indication of a required service type for the electronic device (500) and a flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device (500).

[0196] In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving a station (STA) assistance information from the second AP (600b), wherein the station (STA) assistance information includes information to manage the required service type for the electronic device (500).

[0197] In an embodiment, the method comprises transmitting an association request to the first AP (600a) to establish a first communication channel between the electronic device (500) and the first AP (600a), wherein the association request comprises an indication of the required service type for the electronic device (500). The method comprises detecting a temporary signal blockage associated with the first established communication channel. The method comprises, in response to detecting that the temporary blockage, identifying the second AP (600b) to establish a second communication channel between the electronic device (500) and the second AP (600b), wherein a signal quality or signal strength associated with the second established communication channel is superior to the first established communication channel. The method comprises transmitting the re-association request to the identified second AP (600b). The method comprises detecting that the temporary blockage has cleared, wherein a signal quality or signal strength associated with the first established communication channel is superior to the second established communication channel. The method comprises, in response to detecting that the temporary blockage has cleared, transmit the re-association request along with the required service type indication to the first AP (600a).

[0198] In an embodiment, the re-association request and the association request comprise a station (STA) assistance information to provide the indication of the required service type for the electronic device (500).

[0199] In an embodiment, the station (STA) assistance information comprises a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters comprises one or more of an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, a control flag, and at least one required service type, the at least one service type comprising a throughput preference, a reliability preference, a low latency preference, a power saving preference, and a request assistance flag.

[0200] In an embodiment, the station (STA) assistance information comprises a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters comprises one or more of an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, a control flag, and at least one required service type. The at least one service type comprises one or more of a throughput preference, a reliability preference, a low latency preference, a power saving preference, and a request assistance flag, a hysteresis signal threshold, and a delay threshold.

[0201] In an embodiment, the plurality of parameters comprises an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, a control flag, and at least one required service type. The at least one service type comprises a throughput preference, a reliability preference, a low latency preference, a power saving preference, and a request assistance flag.

[0202] In an embodiment, the control flag indicates whether the station (STA) assistance information comprises one of a plurality of throughput preference, reliability preference, low latency preference, and power saving preference.

[0203] In an embodiment, the throughput preference indicates a type of throughput requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a low throughput, a medium throughput, and a high throughput, and the throughput represented by one or more bits indicating data rates.

[0204] In an embodiment, the reliability preference indicates a type of reliability requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a low reliability, a medium reliability, and a high reliability, and the reliability represented by an error rate tolerance value.

[0205] In an embodiment, the low latency preference is represented by a value indicating latency tolerance or latency requirement in numbers.

[0206] In an embodiment, the power saving preference indicates a type of power saving requirements for the electronic device (500) comprising a low power saving, a medium power saving, and a high power saving, and the power saving preference is represented by a power save category value.

[0207] In an embodiment, the request assistance and the request assistance flag indicate whether the electronic device (500) requires assistance, and the request assistance and the request assistance flag are represented by a set of bits that indicate whether assistance is needed and a device status.

[0208] In an embodiment, the hysteresis signal threshold indicates minimum and maximum hysteresis thresholds suitable for the electronic device (500).

[0209] In an embodiment, the hysteresis threshold is a signal threshold value that indicates by at least one AP to the electronic device (500) to add an offset to the electronic device (500)-implemented-threshold values for roaming, and the hysteresis signal threshold is represented by a set of bits that indicate a minimum and maximum range of hysteresis thresholds tolerable at the electronic device (500).

[0210] In an embodiment, the delay threshold indicates minimum and maximum delays suitable for the electronic device (500).

[0211] In an embodiment, the delay threshold is represented as a time interval that the electronic device (500) waits, after a roaming condition occurs as per device implementation, before the electronic device (500) triggers a roaming, and the delay threshold is represented by a set of bits that indicate a minimum and maximum range of delay thresholds that are tolerable at the electronic device (500).

[0212] In an embodiment, the received STA assistance information at the electronic device (500) comprises a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters comprises a category value, a STA assistance information action value, an assistance information flag, a hysteresis recommendation, a duration recommendation, and an AP recommendation.

[0213] In an embodiment, the STA assistance information action value indicates a presence or reservation of the STA assistance information.

[0214] In an embodiment, the assistance information flag is represented by a set of bits that indicate whether one or more packets comprise a hysteresis signal, a duration, and an AP recommendation, a roaming recommendation, or one or more reserved bits.

[0215] In an embodiment, the hysteresis recommendation indicates a type of hysteresis requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a no hysteresis, a positive hysteresis, and a negative hysteresis.

[0216] In an embodiment, the duration recommendation indicates whether action is immediate or occurs after a defined time unit, as recommended by at least one second AP (600b).

[0217] In an embodiment, the AP recommendation indicates a list of suitable APs based on one or more preferences indicated by the electronic device (500).

[0218] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method performed by an electronic device (500). The method comprises determining a number of ping-pong handover events between a first AP (600a) and a second AP (600b). The method comprises determining whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds a defined threshold. The method comprises, in response to determining that the number of the ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds the defined threshold value, trigger a service type event in the electronic device (500), wherein the service type event comprises one or more of a power saving event, a throughput event, a latency event, and a reliability event. The method comprises, in response to triggering the service type event, transmit a station (STA) assistance request to the second AP (600b), wherein the electronic device (500) is previously connected with the first AP (600a), wherein the station (STA) assistance request comprises an indication of a service type event required for the electronic device (500) and a ping-pong flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device (500).

[0219] In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving a station (STA) assistance information from the second AP (600b), wherein the station (STA) assistance information includes information to manage the required service type for the electronic device (500).

[0220] In an embodiment, the STA assistance response indicates a preferable AP among the plurality of APs for the service type event.

[0221] In an embodiment, prior to detecting the ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b), the method comprises transmitting an association request to the first AP (600a) to establish a first communication channel between the electronic device (500) and the first AP (600a). The method comprises detecting a temporary signal blockage associated with the first established communication channel, The method comprises, in response to detecting that the temporary blockage, identifying the second AP (600b) to establish a second communication channel between the electronic device (500) and the second AP (600b), wherein a signal quality or signal strength associated with the second established communication channel is superior to the first established communication channel. The method comprises transmitting a re-association request to the identified second AP (600b). The method comprises detecting that the temporary blockage has cleared, wherein a signal quality or signal strength associated with the first established communication channel is superior to the second established communication channel. The method comprises, in response to detecting that the temporary blockage has cleared, transmitting the re-association request along with the indication to the first AP (600a).

[0222] In an embodiment, the station (STA) assistance request comprises a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters comprises a category value, a STA Assistance Message Action value, and a STA assistance request message element.

[0223] In an embodiment, the station (STA) assistance information comprises a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters comprises one or more of an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, a control flag, and at least one required service type. The at least one service type comprises one or more of a throughput preference, a reliability preference, a low latency preference, a power saving preference, and a request assistance flag, a hysteresis signal threshold, and a delay threshold.

[0224] In an embodiment, the plurality of parameters comprises an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, a control flag, and at least one required service type. The at least one service type comprises a throughput preference, a reliability preference, a low latency preference, a power saving preference, and a request assistance flag.

[0225] In an embodiment, the control flag indicates whether the STA assistance information comprises the throughput preference, the reliability preference, the low latency preference, and the power saving preference.

[0226] In an embodiment, the throughput preference indicates a type of throughput requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a low throughput, a medium throughput, and a high throughput, and the throughput represented by one or more bits indicating data rates.

[0227] In an embodiment, the reliability preference indicates a type of reliability requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a low reliability, a medium reliability, and a high reliability, and the reliability represented by an error rate tolerance value.

[0228] In an embodiment, the low latency preference is represented by a value indicating latency tolerance or latency requirement in numbers.

[0229] In an embodiment, the power saving preference indicates a type of power saving requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising a low power saving, a medium power saving, and a high power saving, and the power saving preference is represented by a power save category value.

[0230] In an embodiment, the request assistance and the request assistance flag indicate whether the electronic device (500) requires assistance, and the request assistance and the request assistance flag are represented by a set of bits that indicate whether assistance is needed and a device status.

[0231] In an embodiment, the hysteresis signal threshold indicates minimum and maximum hysteresis thresholds suitable for the electronic device (500).

[0232] In an embodiment, the hysteresis threshold is a signal threshold value that indicates by at least one AP to the electronic device (500) to add an offset to the electronic device (500)-implemented-threshold values for roaming, and the hysteresis signal threshold is represented by a set of bits that indicate a minimum and maximum range of hysteresis thresholds tolerable at the electronic device (500).

[0233] In an embodiment, the delay threshold indicates minimum and maximum delays suitable for the electronic device (500).

[0234] In an embodiment, the delay threshold is represented as a time interval that the electronic device (500) waits, after a roaming condition occurs as per device implementation, before the electronic device (500) triggers a roaming, and the delay threshold is represented by a set of bits that indicate a minimum and maximum range of delay thresholds that are tolerable at the electronic device (500).

[0235] In an embodiment, the STA assistance response comprises a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters comprises a category value, a STA assistance information action value, and a STA assistance response message element. The STA assistance response message element comprises an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, an assistance information flag, a hysteresis recommendation, a duration recommendation, and an AP recommendation.

[0236] In an embodiment, the STA assistance information action value indicates a presence or reservation of the STA assistance information. The assistance information flag is represented by a set of bits that indicate whether one or more packets comprise a hysteresis signal, a duration, and an AP recommendation, a roaming recommendation, or one or more reserved bits. The hysteresis recommendation indicates a type of hysteresis requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a no hysteresis, a positive hysteresis, and a negative hysteresis. The duration recommendation indicates whether action is immediate or occurs after a defined time unit, as recommended by at least one AP. The AP recommendation indicates a list of suitable APs based on one or more preferences indicated by the electronic device (500).

[0237] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method performed by a second access point (AP) (600, 600b). The method comprises receiving a re-association request from an electronic device (500), wherein the electronic device (500) is previously connected with a first AP (600a). The re-association request comprises an indication of a required service type for the electronic device (500) and a flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device (500). The method comprises generating a recommendation based on the received STA assistance request. The method comprises transmitting a station (STA) assistance information to the electronic device (500) to manage the required service type for the electronic device (500), wherein the STA assistance information comprises the generated recommendation.

[0238] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method performed by a second access point (AP) (600, 600b). The method comprises receiving a station (STA) assistance request from an electronic device (500), wherein the electronic device (500) is previously connected with a first AP (600a). A service type event is triggered at the electronic device (500) due to a number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeding a defined threshold. The STA assistance request comprises an indication of a service type event required for the electronic device (500), and a ping-pong flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device (500). The method comprises generating a recommendation based on the received STA assistance request. The method comprises transmitting a STA assistance response to the electronic device (500) to manage the service type event required for the electronic device (500). The STA assistance response comprises the generated recommendation.

[0239] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The methods disclosed herein can be performed by one or more computer programs stored on the non-transitory computer-readable storage.

[0240] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-statutory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more computer programs comprising instructions to perform a method for wireless communication performed by an electronic device. The method comprises determining a number of ping-pong handover events between a first AP (600a) and a second AP (600b). The method comprises determining whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds a defined threshold. The method comprises, in response to determining that the number of the ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds the defined threshold, transmitting a re-association request to the second AP (600b) with the required service type, wherein the electronic device (500) is previously connected with the first AP (600a). The re-association request comprises an indication of a required service type for the electronic device (500) and a flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device (500).

[0241] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-statutory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more computer programs comprising instructions to perform a method for wireless communication performed by an electronic device. The method comprises determining whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds a defined threshold. The method comprises, in response to determining that the number of the ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds the defined threshold value, trigger a service type event in the electronic device (500), wherein the service type event comprises one or more of a power saving event, a throughput event, a latency event, and a reliability event. The method comprises, in response to triggering the service type event, transmit a station (STA) assistance request to the second AP (600b), wherein the electronic device (500) is previously connected with the first AP (600a), wherein the station (STA) assistance request comprises an indication of a service type event required for the electronic device (500) and a ping-pong flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device (500).

[0242] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-statutory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more computer programs comprising instructions to perform a method for wireless communication performed by a second access point (AP). The method comprises receiving a re-association request from an electronic device (500), wherein the electronic device (500) is previously connected with a first AP (600a). The re-association request comprises an indication of a required service type for the electronic device (500) and a flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device (500). The method comprises generating a recommendation based on the received STA assistance request. The method comprises transmitting a station (STA) assistance information to the electronic device (500) to manage the required service type for the electronic device (500), wherein the STA assistance information comprises the generated recommendation.

[0243] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-statutory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more computer programs comprising instructions to perform a method for wireless communication performed by a second access point (AP). The method comprises receiving a station (STA) assistance request from an electronic device (500), wherein the electronic device (500) is previously connected with a first AP (600a). A service type event is triggered at the electronic device (500) due to a number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeding a defined threshold. The STA assistance request comprises an indication of a service type event required for the electronic device (500), and a ping-pong flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device (500). The method comprises generating a recommendation based on the received STA assistance request. The method comprises transmitting a STA assistance response to the electronic device (500) to manage the service type event required for the electronic device (500). The STA assistance response comprises the generated recommendation.

[0244] The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, operations, or the like in the flow diagrams may be performed in the order presented, in a different order, or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0245] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0246] The "processor" herein includes processing circuitry, and / or may include multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term "processor" may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and / or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when "a processor", "at least one processor", and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited / disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0247] While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

[0248] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the elements.

[0249] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

1.An electronic device (500) comprising:at least one processor (520) including processing circuitry; andmemory (510) storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to:determine a number of ping-pong handover events between a first AP (600a) and a second AP (600b);determine whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds a defined threshold; andin response to determining that the number of the ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds the defined threshold, transmit a re-association request to the second AP (600b) with the required service type, wherein the electronic device (500) is previously connected with the first AP (600a), wherein the re-association request comprises an indication of a required service type for the electronic device (500) and a flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device (500).2.The electronic device of Claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to:receive a station (STA) assistance information from the second AP (600b), wherein the station (STA) assistance information includes information to manage the required service type for the electronic device (500).3.The electronic device of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to:transmit an association request to the first AP (600a) to establish a first communication channel between the electronic device (500) and the first AP (600a), wherein the association request comprises an indication of the required service type for the electronic device (500);detect a temporary signal blockage associated with the first established communication channel;in response to detecting that the temporary blockage, identify the second AP (600b) to establish a second communication channel between the electronic device (500) and the second AP (600b), wherein a signal quality or signal strength associated with the second established communication channel is superior to the first established communication channel;transmit the re-association request to the identified second AP (600b),detect that the temporary blockage has cleared, wherein a signal quality or signal strength associated with the first established communication channel is superior to the second established communication channel; andin response to detecting that the temporary blockage has cleared, transmit the re-association request along with the required service type indication to the first AP (600a).4.The electronic device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the re-association request and the association request comprise a station (STA) assistance information to provide the indication of the required service type for the electronic device (500).5.The electronic device of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the station (STA) assistance information comprises a plurality of parameters,wherein the plurality of parameters comprises one or more of an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, a control flag, and at least one required service type,wherein the at least one service type comprises one or more of a throughput preference, a reliability preference, a low latency preference, a power saving preference, and a request assistance flag, a hysteresis signal threshold, and a delay threshold.6.The electronic device of Claim 5,wherein the plurality of parameters comprises an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, a control flag, and at least one required service type,wherein the at least one service type comprises a throughput preference, a reliability preference, a low latency preference, a power saving preference, and a request assistance flag.7.The electronic device of Claim 5 or Claim 6,wherein the control flag indicates whether the station (STA) assistance information comprises one of a plurality of throughput preference, reliability preference, low latency preference, and power saving preference;wherein the throughput preference indicates a type of throughput requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a low throughput, a medium throughput, and a high throughput, and the throughput represented by one or more bits indicating data rates;wherein the reliability preference indicates a type of reliability requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a low reliability, a medium reliability, and a high reliability, and the reliability represented by an error rate tolerance value;wherein the low latency preference is represented by a value indicating latency tolerance or latency requirement in numbers;wherein the power saving preference indicates a type of power saving requirements for the electronic device (500) comprising a low power saving, a medium power saving, and a high power saving, and the power saving preference is represented by a power save category value;wherein the request assistance and the request assistance flag indicate whether the electronic device (500) requires assistance, and the request assistance and the request assistance flag are represented by a set of bits that indicate whether assistance is needed and a device status;wherein the hysteresis signal threshold indicates minimum and maximum hysteresis thresholds suitable for the electronic device (500),wherein the hysteresis threshold is a signal threshold value that indicates by at least one AP to the electronic device (500) to add an offset to the electronic device (500)-implemented-threshold values for roaming, and the hysteresis signal threshold is represented by a set of bits that indicate a minimum and maximum range of hysteresis thresholds tolerable at the electronic device (500);wherein the delay threshold indicates minimum and maximum delays suitable for the electronic device (500); andwherein the delay threshold is represented as a time interval that the electronic device (500) waits, after a roaming condition occurs as per device implementation, before the electronic device (500) triggers a roaming, and the delay threshold is represented by a set of bits that indicate a minimum and maximum range of delay thresholds that are tolerable at the electronic device (500).8.The electronic device of any one of the preceding claims,wherein the received STA assistance information at the electronic device (500) comprises a plurality of parameters; andwherein the plurality of parameters comprises a category value, a STA assistance information action value, an assistance information flag, a hysteresis recommendation, a duration recommendation, and an AP recommendation.9.The electronic device of Claim 8,wherein the STA assistance information action value indicates a presence or reservation of the STA assistance information;wherein the assistance information flag is represented by a set of bits that indicate whether one or more packets comprise a hysteresis signal, a duration, and an AP recommendation, a roaming recommendation, or one or more reserved bits;wherein the hysteresis recommendation indicates a type of hysteresis requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a no hysteresis, a positive hysteresis, and a negative hysteresis;wherein the duration recommendation indicates whether action is immediate or occurs after a defined time unit, as recommended by at least one second AP (600b); andwherein the AP recommendation indicates a list of suitable APs based on one or more preferences indicated by the electronic device (500).10.An electronic device (500) comprising:at least one processor (520) including processing circuitry; andmemory (510) storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to:determine a number of ping-pong handover events between a first AP (600a) and a second AP (600b);determine whether the number of ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds a defined threshold;in response to determining that the number of the ping-pong handover events between the first AP (600a) and the second AP (600b) exceeds the defined threshold value, trigger a service type event in the electronic device (500), wherein the service type event comprises one or more of a power saving event, a throughput event, a latency event, and a reliability event; andin response to triggering the service type event, transmit a station (STA) assistance request to the second AP (600b), wherein the electronic device (500) is previously connected with the first AP (600a), wherein the station (STA) assistance request comprises an indication of a service type event required for the electronic device (500) and a ping-pong flag indicating a requirement for assistance for the electronic device (500).11.The electronic device of Claim 10, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (520) individually or collectively, cause the electronic device (500) to:receive a station (STA) assistance information from the second AP (600b), wherein the station (STA) assistance information includes information to manage the required service type for the electronic device (500).12.The electronic device of Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein the STA assistance response indicates a preferable AP among the plurality of APs for the service type event.13.The electronic device of any one of Claims 10 to 12, wherein the station (STA) assistance request comprises a plurality of parameters; andwherein the plurality of parameters comprises a category value, a STA Assistance Message Action value, and a STA assistance request message element.14.The electronic device of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the station (STA) assistance information comprises a plurality of parameters,wherein the plurality of parameters comprises one or more of an identity of element, a length of element, an element ID extension, a control flag, and at least one required service type,wherein the at least one service type comprises one or more of a throughput preference, a reliability preference, a low latency preference, a power saving preference, and a request assistance flag, a hysteresis signal threshold, and a delay threshold.15.The electronic device of Claim 14,wherein the control flag indicates whether the STA assistance information comprises the throughput preference, the reliability preference, the low latency preference, and the power saving preference;wherein the throughput preference indicates a type of throughput requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a low throughput, a medium throughput, and a high throughput, and the throughput represented by one or more bits indicating data rates;wherein the reliability preference indicates a type of reliability requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising one of a low reliability, a medium reliability, and a high reliability, and the reliability represented by an error rate tolerance value;wherein the low latency preference is represented by a value indicating latency tolerance or latency requirement in numbers;wherein the power saving preference indicates a type of power saving requirements for the electronic device (500), comprising a low power saving, a medium power saving, and a high power saving, and the power saving preference is represented by a power save category value;wherein the request assistance and the request assistance flag indicate whether the electronic device (500) requires assistance, and the request assistance and the request assistance flag are represented by a set of bits that indicate whether assistance is needed and a device status;wherein the hysteresis signal threshold indicates minimum and maximum hysteresis thresholds suitable for the electronic device (500),wherein the hysteresis threshold is a signal threshold value that indicates by at least one AP to the electronic device (500) to add an offset to the electronic device (500)-implemented-threshold values for roaming, and the hysteresis signal threshold is represented by a set of bits that indicate a minimum and maximum range of hysteresis thresholds tolerable at the electronic device (500);wherein the delay threshold indicates minimum and maximum delays suitable for the electronic device (500); andwherein the delay threshold is represented as a time interval that the electronic device (500) waits, after a roaming condition occurs as per device implementation, before the electronic device (500) triggers a roaming, and the delay threshold is represented by a set of bits that indicate a minimum and maximum range of delay thresholds that are tolerable at the electronic device (500).

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