Streaming Meter Extender Evaluation Mode for MAC Address Recognition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying and crediting metered devices connected to network extenders is challenging due to modifications in MAC addresses caused by link layer routing, which complicates accurate data monitoring and billing in wireless network environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an extender evaluation mode (EEM) in streaming meters to automate the identification and storage of modified MAC addresses, allowing for accurate device recognition and data crediting without the need for additional streaming meters at each network extender.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If link layer routing is used in network extenders to expand wireless signal range, then wireless network coverage is improved, but MAC address identification accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proprietary extender as an intermediary device between the router and metered devices. This extender modifies MAC addresses through link layer routing to enable proper data crediting while maintaining network functionality. The extender acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between network expansion and accurate device identification by transforming MAC addresses in a controlled manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the MAC address parameter through link layer routing in the extender. By modifying the MAC address parameter, the system enables accurate device identification and data crediting while maintaining the network extension functionality. This parameter transformation allows the system to distinguish between different devices even as the network topology changes.
2Measurement precision
If additional streaming meters are deployed at each network extender to maintain identification accuracy, then device recognition accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing streaming meter universal by enabling it to handle both direct router connections and extender connections. The streaming meter is enhanced with capabilities to process modified MAC addresses and perform lookups in data structures that map extender-modified addresses to original device identifiers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate meters at each extender.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mapping copy relationship between extender-modified MAC addresses and original device identifiers through data structures. Instead of deploying additional physical meters, the system creates virtual copies of identification capabilities through software-based address mapping and lookup tables, significantly reducing hardware complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary WiFi extenders modify MAC addresses for network management, then network control is improved, but device identification reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the streaming meter monitors and tracks MAC address modifications performed by the extender. By observing the transformation patterns and maintaining mapping data structures, the system receives feedback about address changes and adjusts its identification processes accordingly, ensuring reliable device recognition despite modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing mapping relationships between original and modified MAC addresses before data crediting operations. The streaming meter proactively builds and maintains data structures that predict and account for address modifications, ensuring reliable device identification is already in place before identification challenges arise.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and apparatus to recognize metered devices connected to proprietary WiFi extenders are disclosed herein. In some examples, a first device comprising at least one memory including a table, and at least one processor to broadcast a first message to a network extender, the first message including a first address associated with a second device and a message identifier, identify, in response to obtaining a second message including the message identifier, a second address embedded on a data link layer of the second message, and store the second address in the table in association with the second device.