Single Access Point Advertising Multiple BSSs Under Common SSID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current configuration schemes for wireless local area networks (WLANs) either incur high costs by assigning separate access points for each Basic Service Set (BSS) or cause user confusion by advertising multiple Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs), and none support a single access point advertising services for multiple BSSs with different BSSIDs under the same SSID to reduce network complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where a single access point automatically selects and advertises multiple Basic Service Sets with different BSSIDs using attributes such as encryption profiles and Delivery Traffic Indication Messages (DTIM) to allow wireless devices to choose the appropriate BSS based on their requirements, all under the same Service Set Identifier (SSID).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate access points are assigned for each Basic Service Set (BSS), then network performance and reliability are improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple BSSs under a single access point by advertising a common SSID for multiple BSSIDs. This allows one AP to serve multiple BSSs simultaneously, reducing the total number of APs needed while maintaining network performance and reliability through proper BSS separation and management.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is configured to perform multiple functions by advertising the same SSID for different BSSIDs. A single AP can simultaneously support multiple BSSs with different characteristics (such as different DTIM values or security settings) while presenting a unified SSID to clients, making the AP multi-functional.
2Reliability
If multiple Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) are advertised for different BSSs, then network security and service differentiation are improved, but user confusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining unique characteristics (such as different DTIM values or security profiles) for each BSS while advertising a common SSID. Each BSS retains its specific properties locally, but the common SSID provides a unified interface to users, eliminating confusion while preserving security and service differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The common SSID acts as an intermediary between users and multiple BSSs. Instead of exposing multiple SSIDs to users, the system uses a single SSID that maps to multiple underlying BSSIDs, each with their own characteristics. This intermediary layer simplifies user interaction while maintaining the ability to differentiate services and enforce security policies.
3Device complexity
If a single access point advertises multiple BSSs with different SSIDs, then network complexity is reduced, but user confusion and connection selection difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the identifying parameter from SSID to BSSID while maintaining a common SSID for multiple BSSs. By using parameters other than SSID (such as DTIM values or BSSID) to differentiate BSSs, the system reduces network complexity and user confusion. Clients can be guided to select the appropriate BSS based on these alternative parameters rather than multiple SSIDs.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional configuration schemes are used for multiple BSSs, then implementation is simpler, but adaptability to reduce network complexity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration capabilities where a single AP can advertise multiple BSSIDs with different characteristics under one SSID. This dynamic approach allows the network to adapt to different scenarios (such as different security requirements or service types) without requiring separate APs or fixed SSID configurations, enhancing both flexibility and implementation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises advertising services by a first wireless device. The services are provided by different basic service sets, each basic service set having the same service set identifier (SSID). Thereafter, one of the basic service sets is selected.