WLAN Parameter Inheritance via Non-Inherited List
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area networks (WLANs) with multiple virtual access points (APs), the communication of network management parameters increases overhead and complexity, as existing standards do not clearly distinguish between inherited and non-inherited parameters, leading to ambiguity for client stations.
Innovation Solution
A method where a physical access point transmits a list of non-inherited wireless network management parameters to client stations, allowing them to identify unique settings for each virtual AP, and a client station can request missing parameters using a bitmap indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all network management parameters are transmitted for each virtual AP, then client stations can obtain complete parameter information, but overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the non-inherited parameters from the complete parameter set and transmits them separately. The AP identifies parameters that differ between virtual APs and transmits only those, while client stations infer inherited parameters from the first virtual AP's parameters, thereby reducing overhead while maintaining completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments network management parameters into two categories: inherited parameters and non-inherited parameters. This segmentation allows the system to transmit only the necessary non-inherited parameters separately, while client stations derive inherited parameters from the first virtual AP, reducing overall communication overhead
2Loss of information
If all network management parameters are transmitted for each virtual AP, then client stations can obtain complete parameter information, but management traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transmits only the non-inherited parameters separately from the first virtual AP. By identifying and transmitting only the parameters that differ between virtual APs, the system significantly reduces the quantity of management traffic while ensuring client stations receive complete information needed for all virtual APs
Solution Approach 2:
The first virtual AP's parameters serve a universal function by being inherited by subsequent virtual APs. This multi-functionality allows a single transmission of parameters to benefit multiple virtual APs, reducing redundant traffic while maintaining completeness
3Device complexity
If inheritance of parameters is assumed without explicit indication, then overhead is reduced, but ambiguity and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the list of non-inherited parameters) that mediates between the AP and client stations. This intermediary explicitly indicates which parameters are non-inherited, eliminating ambiguity while maintaining the simplicity of inheritance for other parameters, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A physical access point manages a first wireless communication sub-network and one or more second wireless communication sub-networks. The physical access point transmits values of wireless network management parameters for the first wireless communication sub-network to inform one or more client stations of the values of the wireless network management parameters for the first wireless communication sub-network. The access point generates a list of wireless network management parameters for which values are not inherited from the first wireless communication sub-network by any of the one or more second wireless communication sub-networks, and transmits the list to inform the one or more client stations that values of the wireless network management in the list are not inherited from the first wireless communication sub-network by any of the one or more second wireless communication sub-networks.