Access Point Authentication Control Threshold for IoT Association

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless networks face congestion during device association due to multiple devices attempting to connect simultaneously, leading to overloading of access points and preventing mission-critical devices from timely association, with existing solutions like RAW not effectively improving channel access or airtime utilization.

Innovation Solution

Assigning an Authentication Control Threshold (ACT) value in advertisement packets allows IOT devices to immediately associate with access points, while other devices associate subsequently, utilizing existing Information Elements to influence connection timing and reduce airtime congestion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple devices attempt to associate with an access point simultaneously, then the network can support more devices, but the access point becomes overloaded and airtime utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of associated devicesVSAvoidairtime utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments devices into different categories (IOT devices with predetermined access control role and other devices) and applies different association strategies to each segment. IOT devices are allowed to immediately attempt association while other devices are delayed, thereby segmenting the association process to prevent overload and improve airtime utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If devices associate immediately without control, then association speed is improved, but access point overload increases and mission-critical devices fail to associate timely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassociation speedVSAvoidtimely association of mission-critical devices

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different association control policies to different device types. IOT devices with predetermined access control role receive special treatment (immediate association allowed) while other devices receive standard controlled association. This local quality approach ensures mission-critical IOT devices associate timely while preventing overall system overload.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If existing RAW solutions are implemented to limit associated devices, then device contention is reduced, but channel access and airtime utilization do not improve sufficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice contentionVSAvoidairtime utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of association control by introducing Authentication Control Threshold (ACT) field values in advertisement packets. By setting specific ACT values, the system controls which devices can immediately associate versus which devices must wait, thereby optimizing both contention reduction and airtime utilization beyond what RAW provides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10516998B2Wireless network authentication control

Publication Date: 2019.12.24 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

In some examples, a method includes assigning, with an Access Point (AP) in a wireless network, a value for an Authentication Control Threshold (ACT) field in an advertisement packet that allows devices having a predetermined access control role to immediately attempt to associate with the AP. The method can further include transmitting, with the AP, the advertisement packet including the value for the ACT field for devices having the predetermined access control role.