WLAN ESSID Provisioning via Domain Name Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area networks (WLANs), mobile communication devices require manual entry of extended service set identifiers (ESSIDs) for provisioning, which is cumbersome and inefficient, as the device needs the ESSID to initially connect to the network but cannot obtain it without prior connection.
Innovation Solution
A provisioning network identifier (provisioning ESSID) is derived based on network-specific criteria, such as a domain name, and predetermined provisioning criteria, allowing the mobile device to associate with a provisioning VLAN and subsequently receive and store a primary ESSID for subsequent communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ESSID is manually entered by the end user through the keyboard of the mobile device, then the provisioning process is completed, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome data entry steps
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device automatically derives the provisioning ESSID by combining a predetermined string with the primary ESSID, eliminating the need for manual user input. The device performs the provisioning operation itself using its own resources (processor, memory) rather than requiring external human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The predetermined string is pre-configured in the mobile device's memory before the provisioning process begins. This preliminary preparation allows the device to quickly generate the provisioning ESSID without requiring real-time user input or complex interactions during the actual provisioning moment.
2Reliability
If the mobile device needs the ESSID to initially connect with the WLAN, then the reliability of connection is ensured, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the device cannot obtain the ESSID without prior connection
Solution Approach 1:
The provisioning ESSID serves as an intermediary identifier that bridges the gap between having no network connection and needing the primary ESSID for connection. It allows the device to initially associate with the network in a simplified manner, after which the primary ESSID can be obtained through the provisioning procedure.
3Productivity
If the ESSID is manually entered by the end user, then the provisioning process can be completed, but the productivity deteriorates due to inefficient manual data entry
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device autonomously generates the provisioning ESSID by combining the predetermined string with the primary ESSID using its processor. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual data entry operations, significantly improving provisioning efficiency while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of typing the ESSID through the keyboard is replaced with an automated electronic process where the processor derives the provisioning ESSID programmatically. This substitution of mechanical input with automated computation dramatically increases provisioning speed and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
One method in a mobile communication device for use in establishing communications between the mobile communication device and a wireless local communication network (WLAN) involves identifying a domain name of the WLAN; performing, in the mobile communication device, a predetermined algorithm with use of the domain name, for creating an extended service set identifier (ESSID) which includes at least a portion of the domain name of the WLAN; and associating with an wireless access point of the WLAN with use of the ESSID for accessing communication services in the WLAN.