Wireless LAN System Information Update via Configuration Change Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IEEE 802.11 WLAN systems, the increasing number of devices in M2M communication environments leads to prolonged channel access times, deteriorating system performance and obstructing power saving, as communication is performed through a shared medium.
Innovation Solution
A method for updating system information in wireless communication systems involves transmitting a probe request frame with a configuration change count field to an access point, and receiving a probe response frame that includes updated system information elements when the configuration change count differs, allowing devices to efficiently manage channel access and power saving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of devices increases in M2M communication environments, then device connectivity and network coverage are improved, but channel access time increases and system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having stations pre-fetch system information elements during probe request/response exchanges before actual data transmission begins. The configuration change count field allows stations to proactively check for updates, and the fast initial link setup mechanism pre-establishes communication parameters, reducing the need for repeated channel access requests and thereby reducing overall channel access time as device density increases.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of devices increases in M2M communication environments, then device connectivity and network coverage are improved, but power consumption increases and power saving is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces power consumption through preliminary action by enabling stations to obtain system information elements during the initial probe request/response phase before entering sleep mode. The configuration change count field allows stations to check for updates efficiently, and the fast initial link setup mechanism pre-configures communication parameters, reducing the frequency of wake-ups and channel access attempts, thereby conserving battery power in dense M2M environments.
3Reliability
If system information is updated frequently to maintain accuracy, then information reliability is improved, but channel access overhead increases and system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential system information elements that are most critical for initial link setup and data transmission, obtaining them during the probe request/response phase. Rather than updating all system information frequently, the configuration change count field selectively tracks changes to critical elements, allowing stations to maintain accurate information without requiring frequent full system information updates, thereby reducing channel access overhead while preserving reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional system information update mechanisms are used, then system compatibility is maintained, but channel access overhead increases and power saving is obstructed in M2M environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains system compatibility by implementing the configuration change count field and fast initial link setup mechanism within the existing IEEE 802.11 probe request/response framework. Stations can obtain system information elements during the initial connection phase before entering sleep mode, reducing the need for frequent wake-ups and channel access requests. This preliminary action approach preserves compatibility with traditional mechanisms while significantly improving channel access efficiency and power saving in dense M2M environments.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a device for updating system information in a wireless LAN system. A method for updating system information in a station (STA) of a wireless communication system may comprise transmitting, by the STA which stores system information and a configuration change count value of a previously linked preferred access point (AP), a probe request frame for active scanning to the preferred AP; and receiving a probe response frame from the preferred AP. Preferably, the probe request frame includes a configuration change count field previously acquired from the preferred AP, and if a value of the configuration change count field included in the probe request frame is different from a present configuration change count value of the preferred AP, the probe response frame may include one or more elements of system information which should be updated by the STA.