Communication Device PMF Settings for Band Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

When switching the frequency band from the 6 GHz band to another frequency band, communication devices face a decrease in interconnectivity due to inappropriate Protected Management Frame (PMF) settings.

Innovation Solution

A communication device is configured to generate and transmit a management frame with specific settings for PMF and authentication methods when switching from the 6 GHz band to the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, ensuring seamless connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PMF setting is maintained when switching from 6 GHz band to other frequency bands, then security is preserved, but interconnectivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidinterconnectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of PMF settings based on the operating frequency band. When switching from 6 GHz band to other frequency bands (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), the communication device automatically changes its PMF configuration to match the requirements of the target band, enabling seamless connectivity while maintaining appropriate security levels for each band.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the PMF parameter settings according to the frequency band being used. Specifically, it adjusts the Management Frame Protection Capable (MFPC) and Management Frame Protection Required (MFPR) fields in the Robust Security Network Element (RSNE) based on whether the device is operating in 6 GHz band or other bands, thereby resolving the contradiction between security and interconnectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If PMF setting is changed when switching frequency bands, then interconnectivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinterconnectivityVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary configuration of PMF settings for different frequency bands. The communication device pre-configures the appropriate PMF parameters (MFPC and MFPR fields) for each supported frequency band, so that when a band switch occurs, the device can immediately apply the correct settings without complex real-time calculations or negotiations, thereby reducing control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250184840A1Communication device, control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 CANON KK

AI summary

In a case where a frequency band in which a wireless network 101 is established by a communication device (102) is switched from a 6 GHz band to another frequency band, the communication device (102) generates a management frame complying with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series standards including Robust Security Network Element (RSNE) including a value “1” in a Management Frame Protection Capable (MFPC) field and a value “0” in a Management Frame Protection Required (MFPR) field, and transmits the generated management frame.