Legacy-Compatible Multi-User Wi-Fi Aggregation for Enhanced Downlink Efficiency and Security

Salazar-Riaño, J.-L. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Fernández-Navajas, J. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Hernández-Solana, A. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Ruíz-Mas, J. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Azuara-Guillén, G. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Cajal-Pérez, R. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: This work introduces a novel Wi-Fi frame aggregation mechanism that enables efficient multiuser downlink transmissions in IEEE 802.11 networks (including earlier standards). We focus on exploring feasible and practical approaches to enable or approximate multi-user aggregation by leveraging existing features, while ensuring the compatibility with legacy standards. The proposed approach, implemented and evaluated on a real-world testbed, allows the Access Point (AP) to aggregate MAC Service Data Units (MSDUs) destined for multiple users/stations, using a scheme based on Multichannel Broadcast Encryption of Short Messages. It is particularly effective in scenarios involving a high volume of small data packets to multiple users/stations and where communication reliability is critical to maintaining high-quality service. This innovative solution not only extends and improves the efficiency of standard aggregation schemes in
such scenarios but also enables efficient multi-user downlink transmissions and enhances security by strengthening the protection of transmitted data.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2026.3654254

Año: 2026

Publicado en: IEEE Access (2026), 19 pp.
ISSN: 2169-3536

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/T31-23R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MCINN/PID2022-136476OB-I00

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Física Aplicada (Dpto. Física Aplicada)
Área (Departamento): Área Ingeniería Telemática (Dpto. Ingeniería Electrón.Com.)