Tentative AID Allocation for WLAN Communication Efficiency

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in improving communication efficiency before the allocation of an Association Identifier (AID) in wireless local area networks (WLANs).

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves using a tentative Association Identifier (AID) in communication devices to enhance efficiency before the actual AID is allocated. This is achieved by transmitting and receiving frames that include a second association identifier decided by the communication device with an allocated first association identifier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a MAC address is used as header information in frames, then communication can be established before AID allocation, but the header size is large and communication efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidheader information size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by allocating a temporary AID to a station before the formal association process is completed. This temporary identifier allows the station to participate in communication activities (such as receiving beacon frames and performing channel sensing) before final AID allocation, thereby improving communication efficiency without requiring the full MAC address in early-stage communications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If a temporary AID is allocated before association completion, then communication efficiency improves, but the risk of identifier conflicts and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoididentifier management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the AID allocation process flexible and stage-dependent. The access point dynamically allocates temporary AIDs during the association process and transitions stations from temporary to permanent AIDs as the association completes. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt identifier management to the current state of association, improving efficiency while managing complexity through structured transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the temporary AID as an intermediary identifier that bridges the gap before formal association completion. This intermediary identifier allows communication to proceed with reduced overhead while the formal association process completes in the background, resolving the conflict between early communication needs and formal identifier allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If AID is used instead of MAC address in frames, then header size is reduced, but communication cannot occur before AID allocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheader information sizeVSAvoidcommunication availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by allocating a temporary AID to a station before the formal association process is completed. This temporary identifier allows the station to participate in communication activities (such as receiving beacon frames and performing channel sensing) before final AID allocation, thereby improving communication efficiency without requiring the full MAC address in early-stage communications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12309249B2Communication device and communication method

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A communication device including: a communication unit configured to transmit a first frame including a second association identifier decided by a communication device to which a first association identifier is allocated and receive a second frame including information related to the second association identifier.