Multi-band Wi-Fi Encryption via Unified MAC Address
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-band WIFI communication systems, it is challenging to predict which Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) and MAC address to use for encrypting frames before obtaining a transmission opportunity (TXOP), especially when multiple transceivers and channels are involved.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating MAC addresses for each transceiver, constructing Additional Authentication Data (AAD) using one of these MAC addresses, encrypting frames before obtaining a TXOP, and transmitting these frames without re-encryption, even if the actual TXOP is obtained on a different channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frames are encrypted before obtaining TXOP in multi-band access systems, then data privacy and integrity are improved, but the complexity of predicting which BSSID and MAC address to use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing frame encryption before obtaining the TXOP. The system pre-determines the BSSID and MAC address to use for encryption, allowing the encryption process to complete in advance. This ensures that when the TXOP is obtained, the frame is already encrypted and ready for transmission, eliminating the need for re-encryption and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by using a single MAC address for multiple bands. Instead of requiring different MAC addresses for different bands, the system uses one MAC address that works across all bands, simplifying the prediction and selection process. This universal approach allows the same encryption parameters to be used regardless of which band is ultimately selected for transmission.
2Productivity
If multiple transceivers and channels are used simultaneously for full duplex communication, then transmission efficiency and data rate are improved, but the difficulty of determining which MAC address to use for encryption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by assigning a single MAC address that is common across all transceivers and bands. This universal MAC address eliminates the complexity of determining which specific MAC address to use for encryption when multiple transceivers are operating simultaneously. The same MAC address is used for encryption regardless of which transceiver or band is active, simplifying the authentication data construction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the MAC address to be used for encryption before the TXOP is obtained. Since the MAC address is predetermined and does not change based on which transceiver or band is selected, the encryption process can complete in advance with confidence that the correct MAC address will be used, eliminating the need for re-determination after TXOP acquisition.
3Manufacturing precision
If re-encryption is performed after obtaining TXOP to ensure correct BSSID and MAC address usage, then encryption accuracy is improved, but transmission time and processing delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing the encryption process before obtaining the TXOP. By pre-determining the BSSID and MAC address and performing encryption in advance, the system ensures that when the TXOP is obtained, the frame is already encrypted and ready for immediate transmission. This eliminates the need for re-encryption after TXOP acquisition, reducing processing delay and transmission time while maintaining encryption accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An encryption mechanism used on cooperative multi-band wireless STA architecture that enables full duplex operations. In encrypting a frame, an AAD can be constructed by using a selected MAC address, which may not be associated with a band to be used for transmitting the frame in an upcoming TXOP. An STA that supports simultaneous transmission in a multi-band operation uses the same MAC address to encrypt the frames to be transmitted on different bands. An AAD is constructed by using a same MAC address corresponding to one of the transceivers. A transmit STA may specify band information used for encryption in the MAC header, which serves to signal the receive STA to decrypt the frame by using the proper information.