Hidden Passpoint SSID Discovery via Probe Response Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to connect to and discover hidden Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) in Passpoint-enabled wireless networks, hindering seamless connectivity and automated network discovery.

Innovation Solution

Implementing enhanced active scanning and Public Action Frames procedures to query nearby Access Points using criteria like credentials or PLMN IDs, enabling devices to retrieve hidden SSID names and connect to Passpoint SSIDs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Access Points hide their SSID names by setting the field to NULL in beacon frames, then network security and privacy are improved, but client devices cannot automatically discover or connect to the network without manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidautomatic network discovery

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the Access Point responds to probe requests by providing the hidden SSID name through a dedicated response field. This mediator approach allows the AP to maintain security (not broadcasting SSID) while enabling client devices to discover network information through controlled interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the client device send a probe request before actual connection, allowing the AP to pre-provide the hidden SSID name in the probe response. This enables the client to have the necessary network information ready before initiating the association process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If Access Points broadcast their SSID in beacon frames for easy network discovery, then automatic connection is simplified, but network security and privacy protection are weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork discoveryVSAvoidnetwork security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The probe request-response mechanism serves as an intermediary that enables network discovery without requiring SSID broadcasting. The AP selectively provides SSID information only when needed and only to devices that request it, maintaining security while enabling discovery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If client devices use passive scanning to listen to beacon frames, then energy consumption is reduced, but hidden SSIDs cannot be discovered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidhidden SSID detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by having the client send a probe request only when needed (rather than continuously active scanning), and the AP responds only when the requested SSID is available. This partial interaction approach reduces overall energy consumption while enabling hidden SSID discovery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20260019924A1Methods and apparatus for discovering hidden network service set identifiers

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 CHARTER COMM OPERATING LLC

AI summary

The presentation invention relates to methods and apparatus for a mobile device to discover the hidden SSID of a network. An exemplary method embodiment includes the steps of: receiving, at the mobile device, a first beacon frame having a Service Set Identifier (SSID) field set to NULL from a first Access Point determining, at the mobile device, based on information received from the first Access Point that the mobile device is provisioned to connect to a first network advertised by the first beacon frame; discovering, by the mobile device, a first SSID name for the first network advertised by the first beacon frame for which the mobile device is provisioned. In another embodiment the mobile device associates with the first network after discovering the first SSID name.