TVWS Connectivity Query via ANQP for Wireless Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless terminals face challenges in determining the availability and connectivity requirements of television white space (TVWS) access networks when moving between locations, leading to unnecessary battery consumption and inefficient connection attempts.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow wireless terminals to query a TVWS database via a non-TVWS access network to retrieve connectivity information before attempting a connection, using protocols like Access Network Query Protocol (ANQP) and Generic Advertisement Service (GAS) to exchange messages securely and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless terminals attempt to connect to TVWS access networks without prior connectivity information, then connection attempts can be made, but battery power is consumed unnecessarily and connection efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having wireless terminals query connectivity information from a database before attempting to connect to TVWS access networks. The terminal sends a query request through an access network to obtain connectivity information (such as channel availability, regulatory domain, and network parameters) in advance. This preliminary information gathering prevents unnecessary connection attempts and battery consumption while maintaining connection efficiency.
2Loss of information
If wireless terminals query connectivity information through access networks, then accurate connectivity information can be obtained, but network infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a connectivity information database that acts as a mediator between wireless terminals and access networks. The database stores pre-configured connectivity information for various access networks and locations. Terminals query this centralized database to obtain accurate connectivity information without requiring complex real-time negotiation with the network infrastructure, thus maintaining information accuracy while avoiding infrastructure complexity.
3Reliability
If wireless terminals use protocols like ANQP and GAS to query connectivity information, then secure and efficient message exchange is achieved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using standardized protocols (ANQP and GAS) that serve multiple functions: they enable connectivity information queries, ensure secure message exchange, and maintain efficient communication across different access network types. These universal protocols are already deployed in the network infrastructure, so their multi-functionality reduces the need for additional proprietary protocols, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining security and efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Example methods and apparatus to authenticate requests for network capabilities for connecting to an access network are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves receiving a request at a first access network. The request requests network connectivity information for connecting a wireless terminal to a second access network. The example method also involves encapsulating the request in an authentication frame. The authentication frame indicates the request as a white space protocol frame. The authentication frame is sent to a database addressed in the request.