Unconnected Device Data Transmission via Access Point Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices often cannot access networks without credentials or user intervention, especially when near unfamiliar access points, which restricts their ability to transmit system information or receive responses, such as status or health data, due to authentication requirements and captive portals.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows a device to transmit data to an access point without connecting by detecting access points capable of forwarding data from unconnected devices, and complying with their requirements, such as size limits and time slots, without authentication or association, using a controller and transceiver to send data frames directly to the access point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device connects to an access point through authentication and association, then reliable data transmission is ensured, but the process requires user intervention and credentials which may not be available
Solution Approach 1:
The access point acts as an intermediary by receiving and forwarding data frames from unconnected devices to their destinations. The device transmits data to the access point without authentication, and the access point mediates by routing the data through the network, eliminating the need for direct connection while maintaining transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration at the access point side by setting up forwarding rules and destination mappings in advance. This allows unconnected devices to transmit data without requiring real-time authentication or user intervention, as the access point is pre-configured to handle such transmissions
2Ease of operation
If a device transmits data without connecting to an access point, then user intervention is eliminated, but the access point must be capable of forwarding data from unconnected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the access point by enabling a specific mode that accepts and forwards data from unconnected devices. This parameter change allows the access point to handle a new type of traffic (unconnected device data) in addition to its standard connected device traffic
Solution Approach 2:
The data transmission path is segmented into two independent parts: the device to access point link (which does not require authentication) and the access point to destination link (which handles routing). This segmentation allows the first part to operate without connection while the second part manages network routing
3Reliability
If access points restrict access to authenticated devices only, then network security is improved, but devices cannot transmit system information or receive responses
Solution Approach 1:
The access point serves as a secure intermediary that receives data from unauthenticated devices, validates the forwarding requirements, and routes the data through the network. This maintains security by keeping unauthenticated devices outside the protected network while still allowing their data to reach destinations
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the data transmission function from the authentication requirement. By separating data forwarding from the authentication process, the system allows system information and responses to be transmitted without requiring the device to join the secured network
Data Source
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AI summary
An example system includes a transceiver. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The controller is to detect an access point. The controller also is to determine the access point forwards data received from unconnected devices. The controller is to instruct the transceiver to transmit data to the access point without connecting to the access point.