Mobile Device Hidden SSID Identification via MAC Address Caching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WiFi capable devices face inefficiencies in connecting to networks with hidden SSIDs, as they require manual directed probes, consuming battery power and time, especially when profile lists are long.
Innovation Solution
A method and module for a mobile device to store and compare received MAC addresses with stored identifiers, determining if an SSID is hidden, and conducting directed probes only when necessary, thereby reducing battery consumption and connection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices send directed probes to each SSID in profile tables to ensure all available APs are found, then connection reliability to hidden SSID networks is improved, but battery power consumption increases and connection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by sending directed probes only to a subset of SSIDs rather than all SSIDs in the profile table. Specifically, it prioritizes probing for SSIDs marked as hidden or previously connected, while skipping others, thereby achieving sufficient connection reliability with reduced energy consumption compared to exhaustive probing of all profiles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by maintaining a cache of previously scanned AP MAC addresses and SSIDs. Before conducting directed probes, it checks whether the target AP has been recently scanned and cached, allowing it to skip redundant probing operations and conserve battery power while still ensuring reliable connection to hidden networks
2Reliability
If devices send directed probes to each SSID in profile tables to ensure all available APs are found, then connection reliability to hidden SSID networks is improved, but connection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by limiting directed probes to only necessary SSIDs (hidden or previously connected) rather than all SSIDs in the profile table. This selective approach ensures reliable connection to hidden networks while significantly reducing the total time required compared to exhaustive probing of every profile
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary checks using cached AP information before conducting directed probes. By maintaining a cache of recently scanned APs and checking against this cache first, the system avoids redundant probing operations, thereby reducing connection time while maintaining reliability for hidden SSID networks
3Loss of information
If devices conduct scans and probes to determine available APs, then network availability information is obtained, but battery power is consumed during active mode operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary scanning operations and caches the results (AP MAC addresses, SSIDs, and network availability information) for future use. This preliminary action allows the device to obtain network availability information once and reuse it multiple times without repeated scanning, significantly reducing battery power consumption while maintaining up-to-date network information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of network availability information by maintaining a local cache of scanned AP data. Instead of performing energy-intensive active scans each time network information is needed, the device uses cached copies of this information, thereby obtaining necessary network availability data with minimal battery consumption
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining an identifier of a wireless network to which a mobile device can connect. For at least one wireless network, an identifier and at least one address for component(s) in that network is stored on the mobile device. An address of a component in an available network is received. If the address of the component is received without an identifier for the network, the received address is compared with at least one stored address. If the received address matches one of the at least one stored address, the identifier stored in association with that address is obtained. A module and a mobile device for implementing the method comprise a memory, a receiver, a comparison module and an interface module.