Basic service set color identifier

A method for changing a first basic service set (BSS) color identifier for a first communication device identifiable by i) the first BSS color identifier, and ii) a first basic service set identifier (BSSID) having a length that is longer than a length of the first BSS color identifier, the method comprising:

• receiving, by the first communication device, an indication that the first BSS color identifier for the first communication device and a second BSS color identifier for a second communication device have a same first value, wherein a first service coverage area of the first communication device at least partially overlaps a second service coverage area of the second communication device;
• determining, by the first communication device, a second value of the first BSS color identifier in response to the indication;
• generating, by the first communication device, one or more notification frames that indicate i) the second value of the first BSS color identifier, and ii) a start time at which the second value will supersede the first value of the first BSS color identifier, wherein the start time corresponds to a backoff delay after receiving the indication and before using the second value;
• and
• changing, by the first communication device, the first BSS color identifier to the second value based on the start time.