MBSSID WLAN Peer Links Across Different BSSs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peer-to-peer communication between Wi-Fi stations (STAs) is limited to operating within the same basic service set (BSS) and cannot function in certain frequency bands like UNII-2 and 6 GHz without a master device, restricting direct connectivity options.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and system that allows peer non-AP stations to establish direct communication by advertising multiple BSS profiles with P2P capability identifiers, using modified TDLS frames with P2P Link Identifier elements to facilitate connections across different BSSs, enabling direct communication through an AP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If peer STAs are limited to the same BSS for TDLS connection, then connection reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The AP provides a universal P2P connector function that enables TDLS connections between STAs from different BSSs. The connector encapsulates discovery and setup frames, allowing the system to maintain reliability through AP mediation while achieving adaptability across multiple BSSs. This multi-functional approach allows the same AP infrastructure to serve both traditional bridged communication and direct P2P communication needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The AP acts as an intermediary P2P connector that mediates connections between peer STAs in different BSSs. By encapsulating TDLS discovery and setup frames within data frames transmitted through the AP, the intermediary enables cross-BSS connectivity while maintaining the reliability benefits of AP-managed connections during the setup phase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If P2P communication operates without master device in UNII-2 and 6 GHz bands, then frequency band availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AP serves as a mediator that enables P2P communication in frequency bands where neither STA can act as master. By relaying TDLS discovery and setup frames through the AP in encapsulated data frames, the system achieves frequency band availability without requiring complex master device functionality at the STA level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical master device selection mechanism with an AP-mediated frame encapsulation approach. Instead of requiring STAs to implement complex master device logic for radar bands, the system substitutes this with simpler STA implementations that rely on AP-mediated communication for setup, reducing device complexity while maintaining band availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If MBSSID is used to advertise multiple BSSs, then adaptability is improved, but clarity of LAN connectivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The AP as P2P connector provides clarity by explicitly indicating whether connected BSSs are part of the same LAN. Through the intermediary's frame encapsulation and connection management, the system maintains adaptability for multi-BSS operations while preventing loss of LAN connectivity information by ensuring proper routing and indication of LAN membership status.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of establishing direct communication between two peer non-access point, non-AP, stations, STAs, in a network environment including a plurality of networks, at least one AP and at least two non-AP STAs, the method comprising: advertising, by the AP, at least two basic service sets, BSSs, wherein the BSSs allow peer to peer, P2P, connectivity; wherein each BSS includes a respective BSS profile, wherein the BSS profile includes an identifier element for identifying P2P capability, P2PID element, thereby advertising the respective BSS for P2P capability; discovering, by the two peer non-AP STAs the P2PID element; and establishing a P2P connection between the two peer non-AP STAs.