Hidden SSID Discovery Through Active Scanning in Passpoint Networks

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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 procedures and Public Action Frames to query nearby Access Points with criteria such as credentials or identifiers, allowing devices to retrieve hidden SSID names and connect to Passpoint SSID/WLAN.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If AP hides SSID in beacon frames to enhance security and privacy, then network security is improved, but client device cannot discover network name for automated Passpoint connectivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidSSID name

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the client device sends a probe request containing its own SSID name, and the AP responds with a probe response that includes the hidden SSID name. This intermediary exchange allows the client to discover the network name without the AP broadcasting it in beacon frames, thus maintaining security while enabling connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the AP broadcasting the SSID name in beacon frames (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by having the client query the AP directly through probe requests and responses. The AP only provides the SSID name to clients that explicitly request it, reversing the traditional information disclosure model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If AP sets SSID field to NULL in beacon and probe response frames, then hidden SSID functionality is achieved, but client device fails to connect due to missing network name

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehidden SSID capabilityVSAvoidconnection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the client device perform active scanning and send probe requests before attempting to associate with the hidden SSID network. The client proactively queries the AP for the SSID name in the probe request, and the AP provides it in the probe response, enabling the client to complete the connection process successfully.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If Passpoint protocol automates network discovery through beacon frames, then automated connectivity is improved, but hidden SSID networks cannot be discovered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork discoveryVSAvoidSSID name

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses probe requests and responses as intermediary mechanisms to enable automated discovery of hidden SSID networks. The client device sends probe requests containing its SSID name, and the AP responds with the hidden SSID name, allowing the Passpoint protocol to automatically discover and connect to hidden networks without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If client device sends probe request with specific SSID name, then connection to specific network is achieved, but cannot discover hidden SSID names from AP

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork identificationVSAvoidhidden SSID name

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the AP respond to the client's probe request with the hidden SSID name. The client sends a probe request with its own SSID name, and the AP provides feedback by including the hidden SSID name in the probe response, enabling the client to identify and connect to the correct network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12452769B2Methods and apparatus for discovering hidden network service set identifiers

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 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.