Seamless MAC Address Transition for Non-AP Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for changing the MAC address of a non-AP station in wireless communication networks require terminating ongoing communications, making them inflexible and prone to tracking issues.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows seamless changes to the MAC address of a non-AP station by using a transition period during which both the old and new MAC addresses are valid, enabling continuous communication without interruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the MAC address of a non-AP station is changed using existing methods, then user privacy is improved, but ongoing communications must be terminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser privacyVSAvoidcommunication continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a transition period before the MAC address change becomes effective. During this period, the new MAC address is prepared and both old and new addresses are valid, allowing seamless transition without interrupting ongoing communications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The transition period acts as an intermediary mechanism between the old and new MAC addresses. During this period, both addresses are valid and can be used for communication, serving as a bridge that allows continuous communication while the address change is being processed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the MAC address is changed frequently to enhance privacy, then tracking resistance is improved, but communication stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking resistanceVSAvoidcommunication stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic MAC address changes through a structured process that includes transition periods. This periodic action allows privacy enhancement through frequent address changes while maintaining communication stability by ensuring each change occurs during a controlled transition period where both old and new addresses are valid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If a transition period is implemented for MAC address changes, then communication continuity is improved, but the time required for address change increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication continuityVSAvoidaddress change duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transition period enables continuity of useful communication actions by ensuring that both old and new MAC addresses are valid simultaneously. This allows communication to continue uninterrupted during the address change process, eliminating gaps that would otherwise occur during address transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250141833A1Method for seamlessly changing a value of an extended unique identifier of a non-AP station associated with an AP station

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 CANON KK

AI summary

According to some embodiments of the disclosure, it is provided a method for changing a value of an Extended Unique Identifier, EUI, of a non-access point, non-AP, station associated with an access point, AP, station, the non-AP station and the AP station both using a same mechanism for determining a new value of the EUI. After obtaining an EUI change start time and a transition period duration and after determining the new value of the EUI, data are transmitted to or received from the non-AP station or the AP station, using the EUI value to be changed and the new EUI value, from the obtained EUI change start time and for at most the obtained transition period duration. An item of information for obtaining the EUI change start time is received from or is transmitted to the non-AP station or the AP station.