WLAN Identifier Assignment via Group and Terminal Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In WLANs with a large number of STAs, there is a scarcity of available station identifiers, and existing protocols fail to effectively manage and distinguish STAs based on their varying characteristics, leading to inefficient network management.
Innovation Solution
Assigning a unique identifier to each STA by combining a terminal identifier with a group identifier, which takes into account application category, power saving capability, operator, manufacturer, and physical location information, allowing for efficient grouping and management of STAs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of STAs is increased to support more devices, then the network capacity is improved, but the available station identifiers become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier is segmented into two parts: a group identifier (13 bits) and a terminal identifier (11 bits). This segmentation allows the system to first divide STAs into groups based on common characteristics, then assign unique terminal identifiers within each group, thereby expanding the total identifier space from 2007 to over 6000 STAs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to identifier assignment by introducing group identification. Instead of assigning identifiers in a single dimension (1-2007), the system now uses a two-dimensional approach with group identifiers and terminal identifiers, enabling exponential expansion of the address space.
2Device complexity
If all STAs are treated uniformly without grouping, then the protocol complexity is reduced, but network management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different identifier structures to different STA groups based on their characteristics (e.g., application category, power saving capability, operator, manufacturer, or physical location). Each group receives tailored management while maintaining overall protocol simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses an identifier assignment method in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), which includes: a group identifier is set for a non-Access Point Station (STA). The method further includes: in a process during which the STA associates or reassociates to an Access Point (AP), a terminal identifier is assigned to the associated or reassociated STA or a terminal identifier and a group identifier are assigned to the associated or reassociated STA. The disclosure also discloses an identifier assignment device in a WLAN for implementing the terminal access method. The terminal identifier is significantly expanded through the setting of the group identifier, so that a unique identifier can be assigned to the STA accessing to the AP without identifier repetition of the STA. Meanwhile, the grouping of the STA also facilitates the scheduling and management of the STA in a group. The disclosure ensures that sufficient STAs can access to the AP and a different identifier can be assigned to each STA.