Mini-beacon frames for bandwidth reduction in multi-BSSID access points
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks, especially those conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the increasing size of beacon frames consumes significant bandwidth, particularly when a single access point acts as multiple virtual access points, leading to inefficient use of bandwidth that could be allocated for data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing 'mini-beacon' frames that contain a subset of the information from full beacon frames, including timing information for the next full beacon transmission, to be sent between consecutive full beacon frames, allowing client stations to synchronize without the need for full beacon data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full beacon frames are transmitted periodically by the access point, then client stations can synchronize time and receive complete network information, but bandwidth is significantly consumed especially when multiple BSSIDs are supported
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon frame transmission is segmented into two types: full beacon frames transmitted periodically to provide complete network information and time synchronization, and mini-beacon frames transmitted between full beacons to provide essential updates. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability while reducing overall bandwidth consumption by sending smaller frames more frequently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic transmission of full beacon frames at predetermined intervals, with mini-beacon frames transmitted in between. This periodic action ensures that complete network information is refreshed regularly while maintaining continuous time synchronization and reducing bandwidth usage compared to sending only full beacons.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single access point acts as multiple virtual access points with multiple BSSIDs, then network flexibility and client connectivity are improved, but beacon frame size and transmission time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
For multiple BSSID support, the system segments beacon transmissions by including a BSSID list information element in full beacon frames that enumerates all supported BSSIDs. Mini-beacon frames reference this list and provide updates specific to each BSSID without repeating complete information, reducing transmission time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is designed to support multiple BSSIDs simultaneously, making it universal and capable of serving multiple virtual networks. The BSSID list information element provides a universal mechanism for clients to identify and connect to any of the supported BSSIDs without requiring separate access points.
3Loss of information
If beacon frames include all necessary information elements for complete network description, then clients receive comprehensive network properties, but bandwidth efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Network information is segmented between full beacon frames that contain complete information elements (SSID, capabilities, parameter sets, etc.) and mini-beacon frames that contain essential subset information. This segmentation ensures clients receive comprehensive network properties periodically while bandwidth efficiency is improved through smaller interim updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The mini-beacon frame extracts and transmits only the essential information elements needed for time synchronization and basic network identification. Complete network information is extracted and transmitted in full beacon frames, achieving a balance between information completeness and bandwidth efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus, and software containing computer readable code to implement the method implemented in a first wireless device, e.g., an access point. The method includes, for a particular network identifier, e.g., BSSID, of at least one network identifier supported by the first wireless device that including a transmitter and modulator, each network identifier identifying a wireless network, e.g., an IEEE 802.11 BSS for which the first wireless device acts as an access point, transmitting full parent beacon frames periodically at the beacon frame rate for the particular network identifier; and transmitting at least one mini-beacon frames in between consecutive full parent beacon frames for the particular network identifier. Each mini beacon frame includes a subset of the information in a full parent beacon frame, and further including timing information indicative of when the next full parent beacon frame will be transmitted for the particular network identifier.