Wireless Address Profile Switching for MAC Traceability Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems lack effective mechanisms to prevent bad actors from tracing or detecting device addresses, compromising privacy and security.
Innovation Solution
Implement address randomization schemes involving multiple address profiles and schedules, along with encryption and time synchronization functions, to dynamically change device addresses and transmission parameters, making them difficult to trace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If address randomization schemes are implemented with multiple address profiles and switching schedules, then device traceability is reduced and privacy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the address space into multiple address profiles (first address profile, second address profile, third address profile) that can be independently managed and switched. Each profile contains separate MAC addresses for different functional purposes, allowing the system to segment identity representation across multiple profiles rather than using a single static address
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic address switching by transitioning between different address profiles based on operational conditions. The AP and STA can switch from one address profile to another during operation, making the addresses dynamic rather than static, which prevents tracking while maintaining communication functionality
2Measurement precision
If address profiles are switched based on scheduled times, then predictability of addresses is reduced, but coordination overhead between devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes address switching schedules in advance before actual switching occurs. The AP and STA pre-coordinate the timing and conditions for switching between address profiles, so that when switching occurs, both parties are already synchronized and no additional coordination is needed at the moment of transition
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic address profile switching based on predetermined time intervals or operational milestones. Address profiles are switched at regular intervals or after specific numbers of transmissions, creating a rhythmic pattern that is predictable for legitimate parties but appears random to observers
3Adaptability or versatility
If new address profiles are established with multiple STAs, then privacy coverage is improved, but establishment time and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates address profiles that serve multiple STAs simultaneously rather than creating separate profiles for each individual STA. A single address profile can be shared among multiple STAs, allowing the same randomized address set to provide privacy protection across multiple devices without the overhead of individual profile management for each STA
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed for address changing schemes in a wireless communications system. Some embodiments include an access point (AP) that can establish two or more address profiles with a station (STA), establish a schedule for switching from a first address profile to a second address profile, where the first and second address profiles are of the two or more address profiles, and transmit a first data transmission using the first address profile. Some embodiments include switching from the first address profile to the second address profile based on the schedule, and transmitting a second data transmission using the second address profile. The schedule can be based on a randomized time synchronization function (TSF). The AP can establish a joint algorithm with the STA, and use the joint algorithm determine the first and the second address profiles as well as transition times for the schedule.