Access Point Selection in Self-Organizing Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In self-organizing wireless networks using dynamic frequency selection (DFS) channels, access points cannot automatically obtain basic service set identifiers (BSSIDs) of other access points due to hidden backhaul SSIDs, hindering network expansion and user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication method and device that establish a link with a first access point to obtain a BSSID list, allowing the selection of a suitable access point for connection, using mechanisms like Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) or Ethernet, even when backhaul SSIDs are hidden, by carrying the BSSID list in vendor extension fields during the link process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If access points use hidden backhaul SSIDs for security considerations, then network security is improved, but the ability to automatically obtain BSSIDs of other access points deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidautomatic connection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the first access point acts as a mediator that provides BSSID list information to the second access point during the link establishment process. This allows the second access point to obtain necessary connection information without needing to scan or know hidden SSIDs, thus maintaining security while enabling automatic connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the first access point prepare and provide the BSSID list in advance during the link establishment process. This allows the second access point to make informed decisions about which access point to connect to without needing to perform active scanning or have prior knowledge of hidden SSIDs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If access points use active scanning to obtain BSSIDs, then the ability to find and connect to other access points is improved, but radar operations interference increases on DFS channels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess point discovery capabilityVSAvoidradar operations interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first access point serves as an intermediary that provides BSSID list information to the second access point, eliminating the need for active scanning on DFS channels. This approach maintains the ability to discover and connect to other access points while avoiding the harmful interference caused by active scanning on radar-sensitive frequencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the BSSID list information from the hidden SSID environment and delivers it through a controlled channel during link establishment. This allows the second access point to obtain necessary connection information without performing active scanning that would interfere with radar operations on DFS channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of information

If passive scanning is used to find nearby access points, then the ability to obtain BSSIDs is improved, but the capability to connect to access points with hidden backhaul SSIDs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBSSID acquisition capabilityVSAvoidconnection to hidden SSID access points

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first access point acts as an intermediary that provides the BSSID list to the second access point during link establishment. This allows the second access point to overcome the limitations of passive scanning and connect to access points with hidden backhaul SSIDs by receiving the necessary information through the intermediary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing the BSSID list in advance during the link establishment process, before the second access point needs to make connection decisions. This allows the second access point to connect to hidden SSID access points that would otherwise be invisible to passive scanning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12120605B2Access point (AP) selection in self-organizing network

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 WISTRON NEWEB CORP

AI summary

A wireless communication method of a wireless communication device is disclosed, wherein the wireless communication method includes the steps of: establishing a link with a first access point, and obtaining a BSSID list of a plurality of access points of a self-organizing network from the first access point of the SON during a link process; determining at least one candidate access point from the plurality of access point according to the BSSID list; and selecting one of the at least one candidate access point to establish a link.