WUR Frame AP Discovery via BSSID and SSID Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current WLAN systems face challenges in efficiently performing Access Point (AP) discovery for stations operating in Wake-Up Radio (WUR) mode, particularly in quickly and accurately identifying necessary information such as BSSID, SSID, and PCR operating channel.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transmitting information related to BSSID, SSID, and PCR operating channel through a WUR frame, enabling stations in WUR mode to efficiently discover APs by reducing the need for extensive channel scanning and improving power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stations perform extensive channel scanning to discover AP information, then AP discovery completeness is improved, but power consumption and scanning time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAP discovery completenessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential AP discovery information (BSSID, SSID, PCR operating channel) and places it in a dedicated WUR frame. Stations in WUR mode can obtain this extracted information without performing extensive channel scanning, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining discovery completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The AP pre-prepares and transmits the necessary discovery information in a WUR frame before the station needs it. This preliminary action allows stations to wake up from low-power mode, receive the pre-packaged information, and complete AP discovery without entering high-power scanning mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If stations perform extensive channel scanning to discover AP information, then AP discovery completeness is improved, but scanning time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAP discovery completenessVSAvoidscanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential AP discovery information (BSSID, SSID, PCR operating channel) and places it in a dedicated WUR frame. Stations in WUR mode can obtain this extracted information without performing extensive channel scanning, thereby reducing scanning time while maintaining discovery completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables stations to skip the time-consuming extensive channel scanning process by receiving pre-packaged AP information through the WUR frame. This allows rapid AP discovery by rushing through the information exchange without the need for prolonged scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Use of energy by moving object

If Wake-Up Radio mode is used to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but AP discovery capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidAP discovery capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a WUR frame as an intermediary that carries essential AP information. This intermediary enables stations in WUR mode to discover APs without activating their full WLAN radio, thus maintaining power efficiency while restoring AP discovery capability through the intermediate WUR communication channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The WUR frame serves multiple functions: it enables AP discovery, provides network information (BSSID, SSID, channel), and maintains power efficiency simultaneously. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the WUR mode capable of AP discovery while preserving its power-saving advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3697134B1Method for transmitting or receiving frame in wireless LAN system and apparatus therefor
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3697134B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3697134B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3697134B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for receiving a WUR frame by a STA in a WLAN according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise the steps of: receiving a WUR frame comprising a frame control field, an address field, a TD control field, and a frame body; and acquiring BSSID-related information, SSID-related information, and PCR channel-related information from the WUR frame, according to a determination that the WUR frame is a WUR frame for broadcasting information used to find an AP, wherein: the BSSID-related information is obtained by abbreviating an entire BSSID of the AP, and a first part and a second part of the abbreviated BSSID are acquired from the address field and the TD control field, respectively; and the SSID-related information is obtained by abbreviating an entire SSID of the AP, and the abbreviated SSID is acquired from the frame body.