Probe Request Packet Segmentation for Efficient Access Point Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies face inefficiencies in scanning for access point devices, leading to increased scanning time, power consumption, and air interface congestion, particularly in scenarios with numerous terminals.
Innovation Solution
The method involves sending a simplified probe request packet with reduced information, allowing for shorter transmission time and increased monitoring of response packets, thereby improving scanning efficiency and reducing air interface occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete probe request packet with full capability information is sent, then capability exchange between terminal and access point is complete, but scanning time increases and scanning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe request packet is segmented into two types: a first probe request packet for scanning scenarios containing only basic information (SSID, basic rate set, extended rate set, direct sequence parameter set), and a second probe request packet for capability exchange scenarios containing complete capability information. This segmentation allows the terminal to send different packets based on the scenario, improving scanning efficiency while maintaining capability exchange completeness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
In scanning scenarios, the terminal performs partial action by sending only the necessary basic information in the first probe request packet, rather than sending all capability information. This partial action is sufficient for scanning purposes and significantly reduces packet transmission time and air interface occupancy, while capability exchange can be completed later through the second probe request packet if needed.
2Loss of information
If a complete probe request packet is sent, then all capability information is transmitted, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The information transmission is segmented into two stages: basic information transmission through the first probe request packet in scanning scenarios, and complete capability information transmission through the second probe request packet only when capability exchange is actually needed. This reduces the frequency of transmitting complete information, thereby lowering power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal performs partial information transmission in scanning scenarios by sending only basic parameters in the first probe request packet. This partial action reduces the transmission time and energy consumption, while still achieving the scanning objective. Complete information is transmitted only when necessary.
3Productivity
If probe request packets are sent frequently for scanning, then access point devices can be detected, but air interface congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe request mechanism is segmented into two distinct packet types with different information contents and transmission purposes. The first probe request packet for scanning contains minimal information, reducing transmission time and air interface occupancy. The second probe request packet for capability exchange contains complete information but is sent less frequently. This segmentation reduces overall air interface congestion while maintaining scanning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The information parameter of the probe request packet is changed based on the scenario: the first probe request packet contains only basic parameters (SSID, basic rate set, extended rate set, direct sequence parameter set), while the second contains complete capability parameters. This parameter change reduces the size and transmission time of packets sent during scanning, thereby reducing air interface congestion.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a method for sending a probe request packet and a communication apparatus. In the method, a first probe request packet is sent, where information carried in the first probe request packet is less than information carried in a second probe request packet, and the second probe request packet is used for exchanging capability information between the terminal and a to-be-connected access point device. A probe response packet from the access point device is received. In this solution, when scanning time of a single channel remains unchanged, because time for sending the probe request packet is shortened, there is more time for monitoring the probe response packet, so that more access point devices can be obtained through scanning, thereby improving average scanning efficiency of a single round of scanning. Further, because the time for sending the probe request packet is shortened, power consumption of the terminal is reduced.