Multi-Link Identifier Signaling to Prevent MAC Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of fixed MAC addresses in communication technologies allows third-party devices to track and locate connections, leading to failures in network management and security breaches, as seen in Wi-Fi Alliance and Wi-Fi Broadband Alliance standards.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-link communication method using pre-configured terminal and link identifiers to establish secure connections between multi-link terminal and network devices, reducing sniffing and tracking by third-party devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed MAC address is used for device identification, then device identification and network management are simplified, but communication security is compromised due to ease of sniffing and tracking by third-party devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static fixed MAC addresses to dynamic identifiers. The terminal device uses different identifiers for different links (link-specific identifiers) and can switch between them, making the identification system dynamic rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation through structured identifier management while improving security through link-specific isolation that prevents third-party tracking across multiple links.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the identification system by introducing link-specific identifiers that are separate from the traditional fixed MAC address. Each link has its own identifier, and the terminal device can selectively use different identifiers for different links. This segmentation prevents third-party devices from tracking the terminal across multiple links, thereby improving security while maintaining operational simplicity through organized identifier management.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a random MAC address is used to prevent sniffing, then communication security is improved, but network management functions fail due to incompatibility with Wi-Fi Alliance and Wi-Fi Broadband Alliance standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the identifier system by introducing a hierarchical structure with terminal identifiers and link-specific identifiers. Instead of using completely random MAC addresses, the system uses controlled randomization at the link-specific level while maintaining compatibility with existing network management standards at the terminal level. This resolves the contradiction by providing security through link-specific identifier variability while ensuring reliability through standard-compliant terminal identification.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If link-specific identifiers are introduced for multi-link operation, then communication security is improved by preventing third-party tracking, but device complexity increases due to multiple identifier management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring link-specific identifiers for each link before the terminal device operates. The identifiers are assigned in advance during link establishment, and the terminal device maintains a mapping between links and their corresponding identifiers. This preliminary organization reduces the complexity of real-time identifier management while maintaining the security benefits of link-specific identification, as the device doesn't need to generate or manage identifiers dynamically during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application belongs to the technical field of communications. Disclosed are communication methods, a device and a storage medium. A method comprises: a multi-link terminal device acquiring a pre-configured terminal identifier and/or at least one link identifier; and the multi-link terminal device sending to a multi-link network device a first frame which contains the terminal identifier and/or the at least one link identifier, so that the multi-link network device identifies the multi-link terminal device and/or a link according to the terminal identifier and/or the at least one link identifier.