Method and apparatus for identifying wireless access points using beacon frames
AssigneeCisco Technology, Inc.
InventorsNolan D. O'BRIEN, Rodney SMITH
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Abstract
Techniques are described for identifying a wireless access point device using beacon messages and probe responses. An access point may generate and broadcast beacon messages which include an information element containing information specific to the device as well as to the current context of the device. For example, the information element may include a device vendor ID, product ID, and a device-unique ID. That is, the information element provides information related to the device itself independently from the configuration of the wireless network which the beacon message (or probe response) is associated with.
Claims27
A method, comprising:
- exposing, on a wireless access point device, at least a first wireless network;
- generating a first management frame corresponding to the first wireless network, wherein the management frame includes an information element storing a plurality of information fields, the information fields storing information related to the wireless access point device that is independent from a configuration of the first wireless network;
- and
- broadcasting the management frame to one or more client devices within range of the wireless access point.
A computer-readable storage medium storing code for execution by a wireless access point, wherein the code, when executed by the wireless access point, performs an operation, comprising:
- exposing, on a wireless access point device, at least a first wireless network;
- generating a first management frame corresponding to the first wireless network, wherein the management frame includes an information element storing a plurality of information fields, the information fields storing information related to the wireless access point device that is independent from a configuration of the first wireless network;
- and
- broadcasting the management frame to one or more client devices within range of the wireless access point.
An apparatus, comprising:
- a processor;
- and
- a memory storing executable instructions which, when executed on the processor, perform an operation, comprising:
- exposing, on a wireless access point device, at least a first wireless network,
- generating a first management frame corresponding to the first wireless network, wherein the management frame includes an information element storing a plurality of information fields, the information fields storing information related to the wireless access point device that is independent from a configuration of the first wireless network, and
- broadcasting the management frame to one or more client devices within range of the wireless access point.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.