Streaming Meter MAC Address Mapping for WiFi Extenders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying and crediting metered devices connected to network extenders is challenging due to modifications in MAC addresses by link layer routing, which complicates data monitoring and billing processes 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 to extend network coverage, then wireless signal range is improved, but MAC address modification causes device identification difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a mapping between original MAC addresses and modified MAC addresses before actual device communication occurs. The streaming meter proactively creates and stores this correspondence table, allowing it to later translate modified MAC addresses back to original device identifiers without disrupting ongoing network operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping table that acts as a mediator between the modified MAC addresses (as seen by the router) and the original device identifiers (needed for billing). This intermediary structure allows the system to work with the modified addresses while still being able to identify the original devices for metering purposes.
2Measurement precision
If additional streaming meters are deployed at each network extender, then device identification accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The streaming meter is designed with multi-functionality, performing both traditional metering tasks and the additional function of tracking MAC address modifications. By making the existing streaming meter universal, the system avoids deploying separate devices at each extender while still achieving accurate device identification through the centralized mapping approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the device identification function with the existing streaming meter infrastructure. Instead of creating a separate system at each extender, the functionality is combined into a single centralized streaming meter that handles both data metering and device identification through its MAC address mapping capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If centralized MAC address tracking is implemented, then billing accuracy is improved, but data collection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by having the streaming meter automatically monitor and record MAC address modifications without requiring manual intervention. The meter autonomously detects when MAC addresses are modified, creates the necessary mappings, and maintains the correspondence table, eliminating the need for manual data collection and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The streaming meter employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring network traffic for MAC address modifications and automatically updating its internal mapping table. This feedback loop ensures the billing system remains synchronized with actual device connections, maintaining accuracy without requiring manual updates or complex external data collection processes.
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