TDLS Prohibition Mechanism in WLAN Access Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless local area networks (WLAN) based on the IEEE 802.11 protocol, there is a need to prohibit direct link setups to manage network resources effectively and maintain network architecture integrity, as direct links can disrupt the infrastructure mode and ad-hoc mode operations.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transmitting a Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) prohibited indication in various frames such as beacon frames, association response frames, and probe response frames to prevent direct link setups between stations within a Basic Service Set (BSS), ensuring that access points can control network connections and maintain infrastructure mode operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If direct link setup is allowed between stations in WLAN, then network flexibility and direct communication capability are improved, but network architecture integrity and infrastructure mode operation are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect link setup capabilityVSAvoidnetwork architecture integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The access point acts as an intermediary that receives and processes TDLS setup requests between stations. The AP examines the request and decides whether to permit or prohibit the direct link based on network conditions and policies, thereby maintaining architectural control while enabling flexible direct communications when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the TDLS prohibited parameter in beacon frames and association responses based on network conditions. When direct links are undesirable, the TDLS prohibited parameter is set to true, preventing direct link setups. When direct links are acceptable, the parameter is set to false, allowing stations to establish direct connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If direct links are prohibited between stations, then network management control and infrastructure mode integrity are improved, but network resource allocation flexibility and station autonomy are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management controlVSAvoidresource allocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The access point continuously monitors network conditions and station associations, and provides feedback through beacon frames containing the TDLS prohibited parameter. This feedback mechanism allows the network to dynamically adjust direct link permissions based on current resource allocation needs, traffic patterns, and network load conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The TDLS prohibited parameter is not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on network conditions. The access point can change this parameter in real-time through beacon frames and association responses, allowing the network to adapt resource allocation flexibility while maintaining management control as conditions change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If TDLS prohibited indication is transmitted in every frame, then direct link prohibition is reliably communicated to all stations, but transmission overhead and network traffic increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprohibition indication reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The TDLS prohibited indication is integrated into existing beacon frames and association response frames that serve multiple purposes in WLAN operation. By embedding the prohibition indication within these multi-functional frames rather than creating separate dedicated frames, the solution achieves reliable communication of the prohibition status without increasing overall transmission overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9456470B2Method and apparatus for prohibiting direct link setup in wireless local area networks (WLAN)

Publication Date: 2016.09.27 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for prohibiting a direct link setup in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the method comprising receiving a request from a station (STA) for establishing a link with the station (STA); and transmitting a first frame with a Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) prohibited indication to the station (STA) in response to the request. Another aspect comprises transmitting an association request within a Basic Service Set (BSS) for establishing a link with the station (STA); and receiving a beacon frame with an information element to prohibit the direct link setup of the station (STA). And, another aspect comprises receiving an association request from a station (STA) within the vicinity of an access point for establishing an association between the station (STA) and the access point (AP), and transmitting a Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) prohibited indication to the station (STA).