Wireless Device Non-PSC Channel Discovery via Intermediary Beacon
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Wi-Fi 6E networks, clients cannot detect and connect to access points operating on channels other than the Preferred Scanning Channels (PSCs) within the 6 GHz frequency band, due to limitations in existing out-of-band discovery mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device with a first wireless interface operating on a predetermined channel and a second wireless interface configured to transmit a signal instructing wireless terminals to change their connection destination to the channel of the first wireless interface, allowing connection even when the access point operates only on non-PSC channels within the 6 GHz band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If clients scan only the Preferred Scanning Channels (PSCs) among the channels of 6 GHz, then the scanning time is reduced, but the clients cannot detect access points operating on channels other than the PSCs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the access point transmits beacon frames on both PSCs and non-PSCs. These beacon frames contain information that enables clients to discover and connect to the access point even when operating on non-PSCs, thus mediating between the scanning time reduction and connectivity requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the discovery mechanism from a single dimension (scanning only PSCs) to multiple dimensions by allowing beacon transmission on multiple channel types (both PSCs and non-PSCs). This dimensional expansion enables clients to discover access points through multiple paths, resolving the contradiction between time efficiency and connectivity
2Productivity
If access points transmit beacons only on Preferred Scanning Channels (PSCs), then the channel usage is optimized, but wireless terminals cannot detect access points operating on other channels
Solution Approach 1:
The access point is configured to perform multiple functions: it transmits beacons on PSCs for efficient channel utilization while simultaneously transmitting beacons on non-PSCs for comprehensive discoverability. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between optimized channel usage and complete access point visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The access point performs preliminary action by pre-configuring and transmitting beacon frames on multiple channel types before clients attempt to connect. This ensures that discovery information is already available to clients, eliminating the need for clients to scan all channels and thus preserving both channel efficiency and discoverability
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device includes: a first wireless interface; and a second wireless interface configured to operate on a predetermined channel. In response to a connection request for requesting connection to the predetermined channel on which the second wireless interface is operating being received from a wireless terminal, the second wireless interface transmits, to the wireless terminal, a signal instructing the wireless terminal to change a connection destination of the wireless terminal to a channel on which the first wireless interface is operating.