Multicast Generic Advertisement Service Request for Wireless Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network discovery methods, such as those specified in the IEEE 802.11u amendment, require mobile devices to send separate unicast requests to each access point, leading to high power consumption and bandwidth waste, especially in dense networks where many irrelevant responses are received.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting a generic advertisement service request to a multicast or broadcast address, specifying required characteristics, and receiving responses only from access points that meet these criteria, thereby reducing unnecessary requests and responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If separate unicast requests are sent to each access point for network discovery, then complete service information can be obtained, but power consumption increases and bandwidth is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple unicast service discovery requests into a single multicast request that is sent to all access points simultaneously. This merging approach allows the mobile device to obtain service information from multiple access points in one transmission, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The multicast service discovery request is designed to serve multiple access points universally with a single transmission. The request message structure allows it to be processed by any access point in the network, enabling one request to fulfill multiple information gathering functions simultaneously.
2Loss of information
If separate unicast requests are sent to each access point, then all access points can respond with their service information, but bandwidth is wasted due to irrelevant responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces selective response mechanisms where access points evaluate their local service information against the mobile device's requirements before responding. Only access points that can satisfy the requested services send responses, while others remain silent. This local quality filtering ensures that bandwidth is used efficiently by transmitting only relevant service information.
3Loss of information
If multiple service discovery requests are transmitted in dense networks, then comprehensive service information can be gathered, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary filtering of service discovery requests based on the mobile device's known requirements and capabilities before transmission. Access points also perform preliminary evaluation of their service offerings. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary request-response cycles, reducing the overall discovery time while maintaining accurate service information gathering.
Data Source
AI summary
Method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments of the invention are disclosed to improve the discovery of wireless networks having desired service offerings. In example embodiments of the invention, a method comprises: transmitting a wireless generic advertisement service request to a multicast address of a multicast group of wireless devices or to a broadcast address, specifying one or more required characteristics; and receiving one or more wireless generic advertisement service responses from only one or more of the plurality of wireless devices having the specified characteristics.