Dynamic BSS Color Identifier Changeover for WLAN Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area networks (WLANs), collisions occur when access points with the same BSS color identifier values are proximate, leading to ambiguity in identifying the transmitting access point, especially when only the BSS color identifier is used without the longer BSSID, resulting in signaling overhead and communication challenges.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine when a first BSS color identifier is the same as a second, shorter BSS color identifier for neighboring networks, transmit packets indicating a change to a new BSS color identifier value, and schedule the changeover to avoid collisions by specifying a start time within beacon intervals, allowing communication devices to switch to the new identifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a shorter BSS color identifier is used instead of the full BSSID, then signaling overhead is reduced, but collisions occur when neighboring access points use the same identifier value
Solution Approach 1:
The BSS color identifier is made dynamic by allowing access points to change their identifier value over time. When a collision is detected, the affected access point selects a new BSS color identifier from the available color space and transitions to using the new identifier at a scheduled time, transforming the static identifier into a dynamic one that adapts to avoid collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter value of the BSS color identifier when collisions occur. Instead of using a fixed identifier, the access point modifies the identifier value to a different value from the same color space, thereby resolving the collision while maintaining the short identifier format's benefits.
2Reliability
If BSS color identifiers are changed to resolve collisions, then identifier uniqueness is improved, but communication interruptions may occur during the transition
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by notifying associated stations of the upcoming BSS color identifier change before the actual transition occurs. The access point includes information in beacon frames about the impending change and the time when it will occur, allowing stations to prepare for the transition and maintain communication continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where access points monitor the wireless environment for collisions and initiate changes only when necessary. The colored range information and collision detection create a feedback loop that triggers identifier changes only when collisions are detected, minimizing unnecessary transitions and maintaining communication stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If neighboring access points use the same BSS color identifier value, then the identifier space is efficiently utilized, but ambiguity arises in identifying the transmitting access point
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the identifier functionality by using the BSS color identifier for efficient address field encoding while maintaining the full BSSID for unique identification when necessary. The colored range information is segmented and distributed across multiple access points, with each ap using a portion of the color space, and collision resolution mechanisms activate when segmentation causes conflicts.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device of a first wireless network determines that a first value of a first basic service set (BSS) color identifier is the same as a value of a second BSS color identifier corresponding to a neighboring second wireless network. In response, the communication device determines a second value of the first BSS color identifier. The communication device transmits one or more packets that each include i) an indication that the first BSS color identifier is changing, ii) the second value of the first BSS color identifier, and iii) a respective integer number of remaining beacon intervals corresponding to a start time when the second value of the first BSS color identifier will supersede the first value of the first BSS color identifier. Based on the start time, the communication device begins to use the second value of the first BSS color identifier with communications in the first wireless network.