DPP Configurator Merging 802.11r FT Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) standard does not allow for the sharing of communication parameters necessary for Fast Basic Service Set Transition (FT) connection processing, which is required for fast roaming, thereby affecting user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus is configured to set and transmit identification information indicating that the provided communication parameters are compliant with the IEEE 802.11r standard, enabling the sharing of these parameters for FT connection processing within the DPP framework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) standard is used for sharing communication parameters, then the parameter sharing process is simplified and automated, but the ability to provide Fast Basic Service Set Transition (FT) connection processing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the DPP parameter sharing mechanism with FT connection processing capability by merging the Authentication and Key Management (AKM) field from 802.11r into the DPP Configuration Response frame. This allows the configurator to provide both DPP-compliant parameter sharing and FT connection processing in a single integrated system, resolving the contradiction between simplified sharing and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the DPP configurator multi-functional by enabling it to provide both standard DPP communication parameters and FT-specific communication parameters. The configurator can now serve dual purposes: facilitating simple parameter sharing while also enabling fast roaming capability when needed, thus achieving universality.
2Device complexity
If communication parameters are shared according to DPP standard without FT support, then the sharing process remains simple, but fast roaming functionality cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter structure in the DPP Configuration Response frame by adding the AKM field with FT identification information. This parameter modification enables the system to maintain simple DPP sharing process while introducing fast roaming functionality, as the enhanced frame structure allows enrollees to recognize and utilize FT capability without complicating the overall sharing mechanism.
3Productivity
If FT connection processing is implemented within DPP framework, then fast roaming is enabled, but the protocol structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention embeds the FT AKM field within the existing DPP Configuration Response frame structure, similar to nesting one object within another. The FT identification information is nested inside the AKM field which itself is part of the standard DPP frame format. This nesting approach enables fast roaming functionality while minimizing increases in protocol structure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Identification information indicates that a communication parameter to be provided in accordance with a Device Provisioning Protocol standard is a communication parameter that allows connection processing compliant with an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.11r standard. The identification information is set in an Authentication and Key Management field, and the communication parameter that allows connection processing compliant with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.11r standard is provided.