Wireless Access Point Pairing Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi network pairing methods, such as the WPS protocol, fail to allow a terminal to connect to a network when it is positioned far from the intended access point, even if closer access points are available, due to limitations in managing multiple WPS sessions across different frequency bands and preventing overlap.
Innovation Solution
A method where a central manager access point coordinates multiple access points to authorize and schedule time slots for WPS pairing sessions, allowing an executing access point to indicate an active pairing session only during authorized time slots, preventing overlap and enabling connections across various access points, including those in different frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single access point handles WPS connection requests to avoid overlapping issues, then connection security is improved, but terminals far from this access point cannot connect even if closer access points are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the WPS session management into two parts: a manager access point that handles session coordination and authorization, and multiple executing access points that can actually conduct pairing sessions. This segmentation allows terminals to connect through any executing access point while the manager ensures security and prevents overlaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The manager access point acts as an intermediary between terminals and executing access points. It receives pairing requests, determines which executing access point should handle the session, authorizes time slots, and prevents overlapping sessions. This mediator approach maintains security while enabling flexible connections.
2Reliability
If the current access point terminates its WPS session when another session is detected to prevent overlap, then connection security is improved, but connection speed decreases due to session termination delays
Solution Approach 1:
The manager access point performs preliminary actions by pre-authorizing time slots for executing access points before actual pairing sessions occur. This advance preparation prevents overlap issues and eliminates the need for session termination delays, as the system is already configured to handle multiple sessions efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic time slot allocation where the manager access point authorizes executing access points for specific time intervals. This periodic structure allows multiple pairing sessions to occur in different time slots without overlap, preventing conflicts while maintaining continuous operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple WPS sessions are allowed on the same frequency band to improve connection flexibility, then connection availability is improved, but overlap detection and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of management by separating the control function (manager access point) from the execution function (executing access points). This dimensional separation allows multiple WPS sessions on the same frequency band to be coordinated centrally, maintaining flexibility while reducing individual device complexity through centralized management.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a device for pairing a terminal with an access point of a wireless communication network, the network comprising a plurality of access points referred to as executing access points, the executing access points being coordinated centrally through an access point which acts as a manager and is referred to as the management access point. According to the invention, the method comprises: - receiving (E30) a message from an executing access point comprising information indicating that a terminal wishes to pair with the access point; - obtaining (E31), for each executing access point, information representative of at least one time slot for which the executing access point is authorised to establish a WPS pairing session with the new terminal, each time slot being separated from the other time slots; - sending (E32) a message to each executing access point comprising at least the information representative of the at least one time slot for which the executing access point is authorised to establish a WPS pairing session with the new terminal.