Candidate AP Mobility Sets for Low-Latency Wi‑Fi Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing roaming procedures for non-access point devices, leading to increased latency due to re-association and re-authentication processes when switching between access points.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of techniques for a non-access point device to transmit a link preparation request message to a first access point, requesting preparation of a set of candidate access points within the same mobility domain for seamless roaming, enabling the device to receive a response indicating prepared resources and subsequently transmit a roaming request message to one of the candidate access points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional re-association and re-authentication processes are used for roaming, then network security is maintained, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the current access point prepare candidate access points in advance before the client device actually needs to roam. The network entity pre-performs re-association and re-authentication procedures with candidate access points so that when roaming is needed, the client device can switch quickly without experiencing latency. This resolves the contradiction by performing security procedures beforehand rather than during the critical roaming moment.
2Loss of time
If candidate access points are prepared in advance, then roaming latency is reduced, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network entity as an intermediary that manages the candidate access point preparation process. Instead of client devices independently managing complex roaming procedures, the network entity coordinates the preparation of candidate access points, handles the messaging between client devices and candidate access points, and manages the actual roaming execution. This intermediary approach reduces roaming latency while containing network complexity within a dedicated management function rather than distributing it across all devices.
3Ease of operation
If multiple candidate access points are prepared, then seamless roaming is enabled, but message transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple messaging operations into consolidated message exchanges. Instead of the client device separately sending preparation requests to each candidate access point and receiving individual responses, the network entity aggregates these operations and transmits consolidated messages that contain information about multiple candidate access points simultaneously. This reducing the total number of message transmissions while still enabling seamless roaming with multiple candidates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by having the network entity replicate and reuse prepared configuration information and messaging templates when managing multiple candidate access points. The network entity copies successful preparation patterns and message structures across different candidate access points, avoiding redundant messaging operations. This allows the system to manage multiple candidates efficiently without proportionally increasing message transmission overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods, components, devices and systems for techniques for roaming using candidate access point (AP) mobility sets (CAMSs). Various aspects generally relate to methods for a non-AP device to generate a CAMS (such as a candidate AP multi-link device (MLD) set) for performing roaming. Various aspects relate more specifically to techniques for the STA to transmit a link preparation request message requesting for the AP to generate a CAMS including a set of AP MLDs with one or more resources prepared for the STA to perform roaming. The AP may indicate the CAMS to the STA in response to the link preparation request, and the STA may accordingly transmit a roaming indication (RAI) message indicating an AP MLD of the CAMS to which the STA may perform roaming.