Beacon Frame Alert Status Field Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency alert systems in WLAN networks using the IEEE 802.11u standard are inefficient in timely notification of changes to emergency alerts, as they rely on a single binary bit for status indication, leading to delayed updates and increased system load due to periodic information retrieval by non-AP STAs.
Innovation Solution
Extending the alert status indication field in the beacon frame to use at least two binary bits to indicate alert status, allowing for timely notification of alert changes, occurrence, updates, and clearance, thereby reducing the need for frequent information queries from non-AP STAs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single binary bit is used in the EASN field to indicate emergency alert status, then the beacon frame structure remains simple, but the system cannot timely notify changes to emergency alerts and requires periodic information retrieval by non-AP STAs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic change indication mechanism by adding a second binary bit (EASN2) to the alert status indication field. This additional bit specifically indicates whether the emergency alert information has changed since the last beacon frame, enabling non-AP STAs to dynamically adjust their behavior based on real-time status changes without requiring complex periodic queries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation from a single static binary bit to two binary bits (EASN and EASN2), where EASN indicates the current alert status and EASN2 indicates the change status. This parameter expansion allows the system to convey both current state and change information, resolving the contradiction between notification timeliness and field complexity.
2Productivity
If non-AP STAs periodically obtain emergency alert information from AP STAs to ensure up-to-date information, then information completeness is maintained, but system efficiency is greatly affected due to frequent queries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the AP STA sets the EASN2 bit to indicate whether alert information has changed. Non-AP STAs receive this feedback in beacon frames and can determine whether to perform GAS protocol queries based on the EASN2 indication, thereby avoiding unnecessary periodic queries when no changes have occurred and maintaining efficiency while ensuring information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The AP STA performs preliminary action by setting the EASN2 change indication bit before non-AP STAs need to query for updated information. This advance notification allows non-AP STAs to prepare for or skip information retrieval operations, improving system efficiency while maintaining information accuracy.
3Reliability
If the EASN field uses only one binary bit for alert status indication, then the beacon frame structure remains simple, but timely notification of alert changes cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alert status indication function into two separate binary bits: EASN for indicating current alert status and EASN2 for indicating changes. This segmentation allows each bit to have a specific, simple function while collectively providing reliable change notification capability without significantly complicating the overall beacon frame structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a method of notifying an alert status. The method includes using at least two binary alert status indication fields to indicate alert status information; changing a value of the alert status indication field when alert information is changed; and periodically sending the alert status information. The alert status indication field in a interworking element of a beacon frame is extended so that the status of the emergency alert is detected, the change to the emergency alert status is reflected by the value of the extended alert status indication field, and the change to the emergency alert can be detected and handled in a timely manner.