Wireless Access Point Service Provisioning via Beacon Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless data communication systems lack efficient mechanisms for wireless clients to request and receive wireless application services from access points, particularly in environments compliant with IEEE standard 802.11, where authentication and service provisioning are not seamlessly integrated.
Innovation Solution
A wireless application service system that includes a network interface to transmit beacons indicating service capabilities, receive service requests, obtain and execute applications, and authenticate clients, using IEEE 802.11 compliant interfaces and including features like fingerprint readers for user authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless clients use traditional IEEE 802.11 connection methods, then network connectivity is established, but authentication and service provisioning are not seamlessly integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines authentication and service provisioning into a single integrated process. The access point merges the authentication functionality with the existing 802.11 connection establishment, allowing clients to receive services immediately after authentication without separate provisioning steps. This is achieved by having the access point store service access information in its buffer and automatically provide services upon successful authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point performs preliminary actions by pre-storing service access information in its buffer before clients request services. This allows the authentication and service provisioning to be seamlessly integrated, as the service information is already prepared and can be immediately provided to authenticated clients without additional delay or complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If access points provide multiple wireless application services, then service versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple wireless application services simultaneously. It includes a service buffer that can store service access information for different services (e.g., VoIP, video conferencing, file transfer), and an authentication module that can handle various authentication methods. This universal design allows the same access point to provide diverse services without requiring separate dedicated devices for each service.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point architecture segments service management into distinct functional modules: an authentication module, a service buffer for storing service access information, and service provision modules for different applications. This segmentation allows each module to handle specific tasks independently, making the overall system easier to manage despite supporting multiple services. Each service can be added or removed by modifying the corresponding module without affecting others.
3Reliability
If authentication is performed before service delivery, then security is improved, but service provisioning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs preliminary authentication actions during the connection establishment phase, before the client actually requests specific services. The service access information is pre-stored in the buffer, and authentication is seamlessly integrated into the connection setup process. This allows security to be maintained while minimizing the perceived service provisioning time, as authentication and initial service setup occur in parallel rather than sequentially.
Data Source
AI summary
A first network device including a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver receives a first frame from a second network device. The first frame includes an indicator indicating whether the second network device is capable of providing one or more application services. The second network device is capable of determining whether the one or more application services are located on the second network device, and if not, the second network device is capable of locating the one or more application services on a third network device. The transmitter, in response to the indicator indicating that the second network device is capable of providing the one or more application services, transmits to the second network device a second frame including a request for the one or more application services. In response to transmitting the second frame, the receiver receives the one or more application services from the second network device.