Wireless Handover Based on FILS Capability Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face disruptions and performance drops during handover processes between wireless local area networks, especially when switching from a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS)-capable access point to a non-FILS-capable one, leading to communication disruptions and errors.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and method that determine whether a target wireless network is capable of using the FILS method before performing handover, switching to the FILS method if capable and using WPA-Enterprise with DHCP for handover processing if not, to ensure seamless and efficient network transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the STA automatically performs handover to a not FILS-capable AP, then connection processing can be performed using conventional methods, but communication-disabled time increases to several seconds causing application errors and throughput drops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandover capability to non-FILS APsVSAvoidcommunication-disabled time during handover

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The STA performs preliminary detection of FILS capability in the target AP before executing handover. By checking the FILS capability information in advance (through beacon frames or probe response frames), the STA prepares the appropriate connection method beforehand, avoiding prolonged communication disruptions during actual handover execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The handover mechanism dynamically adapts based on the target AP's FILS capability. The system switches between two different connection methods: FILS-based fast connection for FILS-capable APs, and conventional connection methods for non-FILS APs. This dynamic adaptation optimizes handover performance according to the specific capabilities of the target access point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the STA performs handover to a not FILS-capable AP using conventional methods, then connection can be established, but communication disruptions occur causing application timeouts and performance drops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandover capability to non-FILS APsVSAvoidcommunication continuity during handover

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The STA performs preliminary detection of FILS capability in the target AP before executing handover. By checking the FILS capability information in advance (through beacon frames or probe response frames), the STA prepares the appropriate connection method beforehand, avoiding prolonged communication disruptions during actual handover execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The FILS capability detection acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the STA and the target AP. This intermediary check enables the system to select the appropriate connection protocol, ensuring reliable communication continuity by preventing mismatches between the STA's expected connection method and the AP's actual capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If the STA uses FILS method for handover, then connection processing is faster with reduced communication-disabled time, but the target AP must be FILS-capable which limits adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication-disabled time during handoverVSAvoidhandover capability to non-FILS APs

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The handover mechanism dynamically adapts based on the target AP's FILS capability. The system switches between two different connection methods: FILS-based fast connection for FILS-capable APs, and conventional connection methods for non-FILS APs. This dynamic adaptation optimizes handover performance according to the specific capabilities of the target access point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the connection method parameter based on the target AP's FILS capability. When the target AP is FILS-capable, the STA uses the FILS connection method with reduced timeout settings. When the target AP is not FILS-capable, the STA switches to conventional connection methods with appropriate timeout parameters, thereby optimizing handover performance for each specific scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3490295B1Handover based on fils

Publication Date: 2022.04.13 CANON KK

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AI summary

Whether a detected wireless network (113) is capable of connection using a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) method is determined, and handover processing for switching a connection destination to the detected wireless network (113) is performed based on the result of determination.