Patent ID: 9609571
Date: 2017-03-28
CPC Classifications: H04L,H04W

Claim:
1. A first access terminal operable in a wireless communication system comprising: a transmitter configured to transmit a medium access control change request message to a second access terminal to initiate a change in a medium access control address of the first access terminal and the second access terminal in order to obfuscate the medium access control address of the first access terminal and the second access terminal, wherein the medium access control change request message does not include a value of the changed medium access control address; a receiver configured to receive a medium access control change response message from the second access terminal; and a processor configured to: change the medium access control address of the first access terminal in response to receiving the medium access control change response message, wherein changing the medium access control address of the first access terminal includes obfuscating the medium access control address of the first access terminal and reduces the ability of an attacking device to track communication between the first and second access terminals and secures messages or packets transmitted by the first access terminal, the transmitter further configured to transmit a medium access control change confirm message to the second access terminal.