Random changes of medium access control address of Wi-Fi station while connected to access point
US12376063B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 2025 |
| Grant date | Jul 29, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2045 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W12/06
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for operating a mobile station (STA) to periodically change its medium access control (MAC) address includes transmitting, from a STA, a first capability indication to an access point (AP) indicating that the STA supports identifiable random MAC (IRM). The STA receives a second capability indication from the AP indicating that the AP supports IRM. A first IRM address (IRMA) is determined and a first association between the STA and the AP is established using the first IRMA. A determination is made whether to change a MAC address of the STA. In response to a determination to change the MAC address of the STA, without disconnecting from the AP, a second IRMA is determined and a second association between the STA and the AP is established using the first IRMA. During the second association, the second IRMA is transmitted from the STA to the AP.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.