Network-Level MAC Randomization with GUWDTI Policy Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The tracking of devices and end users through their MAC addresses in WLAN networks poses privacy breaches, while MAC address randomization disrupts network service providers' ability to identify devices and provide appropriate network policies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing MAC address randomization at the network level using Globally Unique Wi-Fi Device Temporary Identifiers (GUWDTI) to maintain device uniqueness and continuity of network policies across networks, even with MAC address changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If MAC address randomization is implemented to protect user privacy, then device anonymity is improved, but network service provider's ability to identify devices and provide appropriate network policies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces GUWDTI (Globally Unique Wi-Fi Device Temporary Identifier) as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between MAC address randomization and device identification. The GUWDTI serves as a persistent identifier that network services can use to recognize devices across different MAC addresses, while the MAC address itself remains randomized for privacy protection. This mediator allows the system to maintain both privacy and service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the device identification process into two separate components: the randomized MAC address for privacy protection and the GUWDTI for persistent device identification. By separating these functions, the system can use the MAC address for anonymity while relying on the GUWDTI for service continuity and policy application, resolving the contradiction between privacy and identification capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If MAC address changes periodically to provide device anonymity, then device tracking is prevented, but network service continuity and policy integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network stores mappings between GUWDTI and MAC addresses, and uses this information to provide feedback when a device reconnects with a different MAC address. The network recognizes the device through its GUWDTI and applies appropriate services and policies consistently, ensuring service continuity despite MAC address changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the GUWDTI as a persistent identifier before MAC address randomization takes effect. The network stores the GUWDTI-to-MAC mapping in advance, so when MAC address changes occur, the network already has the information needed to maintain service continuity without interruption.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If network identifies devices with new MAC addresses as new devices, then device anonymity is maintained, but service loss and re-login requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The GUWDTI acts as an intermediary that allows the network to recognize returning devices even when their MAC addresses have changed. Instead of treating every new MAC address as a completely new device, the network uses the GUWDTI to identify the device's history and maintain appropriate services, preventing service loss and eliminating unnecessary re-login requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Media Access Control (MAC) address randomization is managed at the network level. An association request having a MAC address of a user equipment (UE) and a Globally Unique Wi-Fi Device Temporary Identifier (GUWDTI) parameter is received. A MAC policy to apply to the UE based the MAC address in the association request is determined based on the MAC address in the association request or based on the GUWDTI parameter that references the MAC policy in a MAC policy database. A Wi-Fi Device Temporary Identifier (WDTI) for identifying the UE in a current network realm is returned to the UE in an association response. The MAC policy database enables the integrity of network policies and services across networks to be maintained.