Aggregated PMKID and EAP-RP Messages for Fast Initial Link Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks experience increased latency and reduced network performance due to high volumes of STAs attempting to establish connections, leading to packet collisions and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus for generating and transmitting an aggregated message containing a pairwise master key identifier (PMKID) and extensible authentication protocol re-authentication protocol (EAP-RP) frame to facilitate faster initial link setup (FILS) by reducing the need for separate EAP-RP handshakes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple STAs attempt to establish connections during a short period, then network connectivity is achieved, but packet collisions increase and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs authentication and association procedures in advance before the STA actually needs to access the network. By pre-establishing security credentials and link parameters, the actual connection setup time is significantly reduced when the STA enters the network, resolving the contradiction between high connection establishment rate and low latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connection establishment process into separate phases: a preliminary authentication phase that can be performed in advance, and a subsequent quick association phase. This segmentation allows the time-consuming authentication to occur before network access is needed, while the actual connection setup becomes rapid, reducing overall latency.
2Productivity
If multiple STAs attempt to establish connections during a short period, then network connectivity is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By performing authentication and association in advance when the STA has sufficient power, the patent enables the STA to enter a low-power sleep state during the actual network access period. The pre-established credentials allow for rapid reconnection without requiring continuous active communication, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high connection establishment rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables STAs to periodically perform authentication and association procedures at predetermined intervals, allowing them to enter sleep states between these periodic actions. This periodic operation pattern reduces average power consumption while ensuring connections are established when needed, resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy usage.
3Reliability
If separate EAP-RP handshakes are performed for each STA, then security authentication is ensured, but link setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the authentication and association procedures into a single integrated process. By merging these previously separate operations, the patent eliminates redundant handshaking steps while maintaining security through the use of pre-established credentials. This consolidation significantly reduces the time required for link setup while preserving authentication security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs authentication in advance and stores security credentials for later use. When the STA needs to connect, it can quickly present these pre-established credentials without requiring a full EAP-RP handshake, thereby maintaining security verification while dramatically reducing the time required for the authentication process.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for authentication during fast initial network link setup within wireless communication systems are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for wireless communication is provided. The method includes generating an aggregated message, the aggregated message comprising a pairwise master key identifier (PMKID) and an extensible authentication protocol re-authentication protocol (EAP-RP) frame. The method further includes transmitting the aggregated message.