Wi-Fi Client Access Point Pairing via Probe Request Type
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional Push Button Configuration (PBC) scheme for pairing access points and client devices in Wi-Fi systems is inefficient due to the need for physical button pressing, which can be challenging when devices are far apart and prone to errors from multiple requests, leading to increased equipment costs and operational difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A method that includes transmitting probe requests and responses with probe request type information, allowing for automatic generation of push button events and reduced monitor times, enabling efficient pairing without the need for direct user intervention and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional PBC scheme is used for pairing, then physical button pressing is required to establish connection, but this leads to operational difficulties when devices are far apart and increases error probability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing operation with an automated wireless communication-based pairing process. The client device automatically transmits probe requests and receives probe responses to establish pairing, eliminating the need for physical button pressing and thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pairing process is made self-service by enabling the client device to automatically initiate and complete the pairing procedure without user intervention. The device autonomously transmits probe requests, processes probe responses, and establishes authentication, eliminating the need for manual button pressing and reducing operational errors.
2Reliability
If conventional PBC scheme is used for pairing, then physical button pressing is required, but this increases equipment costs due to need for separate PIN input or NFC modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wireless communication interface multi-functional by using it for both data transmission and pairing authentication. The existing Wi-Fi radio performs probe request/response exchanges that simultaneously establish both connectivity and pairing credentials, eliminating the need for separate PIN input modules or NFC hardware while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pairing authentication function with the existing wireless communication interface. By combining the probe request/response mechanism with pairing credential exchange, the system eliminates redundant hardware components while maintaining or enhancing pairing security through the same wireless channel used for data transmission.
3Productivity
If conventional PBC scheme is used for pairing, then manual button pressing is required, but this increases pairing time and is prone to errors from multiple requests
Solution Approach 1:
The pairing process becomes self-service with the client device automatically transmitting probe requests and processing probe responses without user intervention. This automation eliminates errors from multiple button presses and reduces pairing time by continuously attempting pairing until successful, thereby improving both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous probe request transmission until pairing is successfully established. This continuous operation eliminates gaps and retries associated with manual button pressing, ensuring uninterrupted pairing attempts that improve pairing speed while maintaining accuracy through systematic credential verification.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a wireless LAN and, more specifically, to a method and device for pairing a client device and an access point. According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a pairing method executed at a client device side so as to be paired with an access point. The pairing method includes: transmitting a first probe request including probe request type information to the access point; receiving a first probe response from the access point; and performing an authentication procedure in conjunction with the access point on the basis of the first probe response.