Beacon Sequence Number for Station Configuration Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless networks, stations operating in asynchronous mode may not receive notifications of configuration changes while in low power mode, leading to out-of-date configuration information, which can cause synchronization issues with the access point.

Innovation Solution

The system transmits configuration change messages by using a beacon sequence number to identify the last known configuration of the access point, allowing stations to request and receive update frames when they transition out of low power mode, ensuring they are aware of current network settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If stations operate in asynchronous mode to extend low power duration, then energy saving is improved, but configuration synchronization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy savingVSAvoidconfiguration synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The access point performs preliminary actions by maintaining a configuration change log and preparing update frames in advance. When stations wake up, the configuration update can be immediately provided without requiring the station to remain awake longer or requiring complex synchronization protocols, thus resolving the contradiction between extended sleep duration and configuration synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If stations remain awake to receive beacon frames, then configuration synchronization is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration synchronizationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the configuration update information from the periodic beacon frame structure and places it in a separate on-demand update frame. This allows stations to remain in low power mode longer while still receiving configuration updates when they wake up, separating the energy-intensive beacon reception from the configuration update function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If beacon interval is shortened to ensure configuration notification, then configuration update reliability is improved, but station wake frequency increases energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration update reliabilityVSAvoidstation wake frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration change log acts as an intermediary mechanism between the access point's configuration state and the station's configuration knowledge. It allows the access point to track and communicate configuration changes efficiently without requiring frequent beacon intervals or station wake-ups, resolving the contradiction between update reliability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2803223B1Systems and methods to transmit configuration change messages between an access point and a station

Publication Date: 2018.10.31 QUALCOMM INC

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AI summary

A particular method includes transmitting a frame from a station to an access point. The frame includes a beacon sequence number related to a configuration of the access point. The method also includes, in response to transmitting the frame, receiving an update frame from the access point. The update frame indicates at least one change in the configuration of the access point.