Wireless Access Point Selection via Server-Mediated FTM Capability Query
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fine time measurement (FTM) mechanism in wireless networks is inefficient due to the time-consuming process of finding a wireless access point that supports FTM, leading to prolonged detection times and low negotiation success rates for FTM responders.
Innovation Solution
A method where a server receives a query request from a terminal, determines a target access point that supports FTM based on stored service capability information, and sends the terminal the MAC address and frequency/channel information of the target access point, allowing direct scanning and negotiation, thereby reducing unnecessary scanning and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the FTM requester performs multiple times of scanning to find a wireless access point that supports the FTM mechanism, then the FTM responder can be detected, but the detection process becomes time-consuming and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The server pre-collects and stores service capability information of wireless access points including FTM support status, MAC addresses, and frequency/channel information before the FTM requester needs to detect responders. This preliminary action eliminates the need for multiple scanning attempts by the requester.
Solution Approach 2:
A server acts as an intermediary between the FTM requester and wireless access points. The server receives query requests from the requester, determines suitable target APs based on stored capability information, and returns the MAC addresses and frequency/channel information to the requester, thereby mediating the detection process.
2Reliability
If the FTM requester performs multiple times of scanning to find a wireless access point that supports the FTM mechanism, then the FTM responder can be detected, but the bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the FTM capability information, MAC addresses, and frequency/channel information from the wireless access points and centralizes it in a server. This extraction allows the requester to obtain this information directly from the server without repeatedly scanning the wireless medium, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption.
3Productivity
If the terminal directly scans for the target AP using the provided MAC address and frequency/channel information, then the FTM session negotiation efficiency is improved, but the system requires a server with stored service capability information
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs multiple functions: it stores service capability information of multiple wireless access points, processes query requests from FTM requesters, determines suitable target APs based on capability matching, and provides the necessary connection information. This multi-functionality justifies the added system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application relates to the field of communications technologies, and more specifically, to a fine time measurement technology in a wireless network. In a method for selecting a wireless access point, after receiving a query request that carries a query condition, a server determines a target AP according to stored service capability information of each of multiple APs that support an FTM mechanism and the query condition, and sends a MAC address of the target AP and information about a frequency band and a channel that are used by the target AP to a terminal. Because the target AP is an AP that supports the FTM mechanism, the terminal can directly perform FTM session negotiation with the target AP after obtaining by scanning, according to the MAC address of the target AP, the target AP in the frequency band and on the channel used by the target AP, thereby avoiding consumption of bandwidth and a time that are required for multiple times of scanning, and improving FTM interaction efficiency.