1. Fast Access to Network Information
Month Year
doc.: IEEE /2890r0
November 2007
Fast Access to Network Information
Date:
Authors:
George Bumiller, Research In Motion
John Doe, Some Company

2. Month Year
doc.: IEEE /2890r0
November 2007
Abstract
This contribution outlines a method for the non-AP STAs to obtain information on available networks more rapidly.
One of the significant problems of non-AP STAs is loss of the existing wireless link due to radio conditions. To counter the sudden loss of the link, rapid provision of information between the AP and the client is essential.
George Bumiller, Research In Motion
John Doe, Some Company

3. November 2007
Goal of TGu
Enable non-AP STAs to obtain information on access to external networks
The information is to be readily available, whether or not the non-AP STA is associated with the AP from which information is requested
The information server may be IEEE  (or other generic server)
George Bumiller, Research In Motion

4. November 2007
Need for Fast Access
Key to success: rapidity of provision of information
Radio conditions may change rapidly and unexpectedly, fast access reduces the impact
An example – current 3GPP mechanism requires polling every WLAN to acquire information - based on RFC 4284 / TS
George Bumiller, Research In Motion

5. Discussion Information must be available rapidly
November 2007
Discussion
Information must be available rapidly
Non AP STA will often need immediate handoff, and even small improvement in response is significant
Going through AP to a server viewed as adding unnecessary delay, which can prevent system acquisition and handoff
George Bumiller, Research In Motion

6. Basic Approach Smallest possible delay in obtaining info:
November 2007
Basic Approach
Smallest possible delay in obtaining info:
use Probe Request for info - Probe Response with info
AP responds with info already in memory, efficiently and immediately – without accessing (remote) server
Probe Request identifies preferred SSNs
Additional advantage - back-end network used efficiently, WAN traffic minimized
Option – local server with the information, an efficient approach
George Bumiller, Research In Motion

7. Issues AP needs appropriate subset of info
November 2007
Issues
AP needs appropriate subset of info
Means needed for update, as MIH info is updated
(MIH info will not be updated frequently, and slight lag updating AP has minor impact)
MIH info behind the AP is background traffic
MIH info from the AP to the client is priority traffic
Multiple servers (beyond MIH) would generally be a complication
George Bumiller, Research In Motion

8. November 2007
Straw Poll 1
Do you favor a mechanism for Probe Request for MIH info to trigger a Probe Response with a mandatory MIH report?
Yes:
No:
Abstain:
George Bumiller, Research In Motion

9. Month Year
doc.: IEEE /2890r0
November 2007
Straw Poll 2
Do you favor a mechanism for Probe Request for MIH info to trigger a Probe Response with an optional MIH report?
Yes:
No:
Abstain:
George Bumiller, Research In Motion
John Doe, Some Company