1. MAC Breakdown Update Date: 2009-03-12 Authors: March 2009 March 2009
doc.: IEEE /0118r2
March 2009
MAC Breakdown Update
Date:
Authors:
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

2. March 2009
doc.: IEEE /0118r2
March 2009
Abstract
This submission provides an update on the MAC breakdown work accomplished during the and conference calls.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

3. Outline Recap of MAC Component Breakdown WIP
March 2009
Outline
Recap of MAC Component Breakdown WIP
BSS Management Analysis for
Insights from the analysis
Intro to Functional Analysis
WLAN Functional Breakdown
Next Steps
References
References for conf calls
F.A.S.T. References
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

4. Recap of MAC Component Breakdown work-in-progress (WIP)
March 2009
Recap of MAC Component Breakdown work-in-progress (WIP)
In previous meetings and conf calls we made progress on construction of a MAC component breakdown.
The result after the Nov 2008 meeting:
arc-MAC-component-breakdown.doc
The work continued in two recent conference calls: and
The agenda for those calls was to continue the incremental work on the MAC component breakdown diagram and descriptions.
The objective was to delve deeper into Block 10, "MLME", on the top level diagram and codify the aspects of the MLME that relate to formation and management of the BSS, including establishment, advertising, discovery and “membership” updates.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

5. BSS Management Analysis for 2008-12-16
March 2009
BSS Management Analysis for
This is a hierarchical analysis diagram showing the components of BSS Mgmt, but it highlights the need for a functional breakdown.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

6. Insights from the 2008-12-16 analysis
March 2009
The discussion led to a meta discussion on the nature of the MAC breakdown work since the BSS Management block is difficult to decompose from a component perspective but easy from functional perspective. This is because a component breakdown becomes more complicated as finer levels of detail are sought because state must be indicated and there are always exceptions.
Past discussions have revealed that everyone knows how to do component breakdown – the difficulty is that everyone does it differently.
This is understandable since the participants come from different backgrounds (e.g. chip mfgr, systems engineer, architect, ...), work in different engineering environments, and operate at different levels of analysis and implementation. i.e. the components are arbitrary.
A full MAC analysis requires both a component and a functional breakdown. Thus, pursuing a functional breakdown of the MLME block is not counter to the current MAC analysis efforts.
In particular, a functional analysis might add insight and meaning to the analysis of BSS Management.
Functional analysis leads to a deeper understanding of the reasons behind and the relations between the most important functions. This outcome is aligned the goals of the ARC SC work.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

7. Intro to Functional Analysis
March 2009
Intro to Functional Analysis
Function Analysis Systems Technique (F.A.S.T.) is a formal method of functional analysis.
FAST is “a means of explicitly representing something, a means of analyzing a system”
Knowing the components, a FAST analysis proceeds by asking a series of WHY, HOW questions to uncover the corresponding functions and the relations between those functions.
The functions are arranged as entries or blocks on a diagram with WHY answers on the left and HOW answers on the right.
Functions are described using simple verb-noun phrases.
Relationship lines connect the functional blocks together in a way that captures the relations between the functions.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

8. FAST Example Lightbulb components: Filament Glass bulb Support wires
March 2009
FAST Example
Lightbulb components:
Filament
Glass bulb
Support wires
Lead-in wires
Heat deflecting disc
Stem
Stem press
Base rim
Insulation
Center contact
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

9. FAST Example - Light Bulb Functions
March 2009
FAST Example - Light Bulb Functions
HOW
WHY
Provide Luminous Energy
Product Light
Convert Energy
Heat Filament
Supply Power
Conduct Current
Connect Wires
Prevent Oxidation
Confine Filament
Exclude Oxygen
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

10. March 2009
The Mindomo Tool
A mind map is not ideal for drawing FAST diagrams, but it’s close and quick and easy to use, with capable online tool versions available that allow for effective collaborative work efforts.
Mindomo is one such mind map tool. See
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

11. WLAN Functional Breakdown rev 1
March 2009
HOW
WHY
This is an analysis diagram in transition to a FAST diagram, beginning to examine the underlying functions of the MAC and the relationships between those functions.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

12. WLAN Functional Breakdown rev 2
March 2009
HOW
WHY
This is an analysis diagram in transition to a FAST diagram, beginning to examine the underlying functions of the MAC and the relationships between those functions.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

13. WLAN Functional Breakdown rev 3
March 2009
HOW
WHY
This is an analysis diagram in transition to a FAST diagram, beginning to examine the underlying functions of the MAC and the relationships between those functions.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

14. March 2009
Next Steps
Construct a MAC functional breakdown to argument our component level breakdown since ultimately both are needed.
We have the necessary subject matter experts (SMEs).
Functional analysis is well suited to a collaborative team effort.
The functional breakdown will be useful to our ongoing ARC efforts and those of other groups.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

15. Functional Analysis WIP Snapshots
March 2009
Functional Analysis WIP Snapshots
rev 4 (output)
(input)
(output)
(input)
(output)
(output)
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

16. WLAN Functional Breakdown rev 20090122
March 2009
HOW
WHY
This is a FAST functional analysis diagram, beginning to examine the underlying functions of the MAC and the relationships between those functions.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

17. WLAN Functional Breakdown rev 20090202
March 2009
This is a FAST functional analysis diagram, beginning to examine the underlying functions of the MAC and the relationships between those functions.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

18. WLAN Functional Breakdown rev 20090203
March 2009
This is a FAST functional analysis diagram, beginning to examine the underlying functions of the MAC and the relationships between those functions.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

19. WLAN Functional Breakdown rev 20090216
March 2009
This is a FAST functional analysis diagram, beginning to examine the underlying functions of the MAC and the relationships between those functions.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

20. WLAN Functional Breakdown rev 20090217
March 2009
This is a FAST functional analysis diagram, beginning to examine the underlying functions of the MAC and the relationships between those functions.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

21. WLAN Functional Breakdown rev 20090312
March 2009
This is a FAST functional analysis diagram, beginning to examine the underlying functions of the MAC and the relationships between those functions.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

22. March 2009
References
1. IEEE Std
Cl. 5 General Description
5.2.5 Integration with non LANs
Figure 5.6 Connecting to other IEEE 802 LANs [shows portal]
Annex N AP Functional Description
Figure N.4 High-level UML entity diagram for the WLAN system
Figure N.5 AP UML composition diagram (alternate syntax)
AP Function Summary
v-merged-access-unit-framework.ppt, Engwer, April 2008
apf-ap-functions-diagram.ppt, Engwer, Jan 2005
arc-MAC-Component-Breakdown-Topics-for-Discussion.ppt
arc-minutes-arc-sc-July-2008.doc
arc-MAC-Component-Breakdown-WIP.ppt
arc-MAC-component-breakdown.doc
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

23. March 2009
References for  conference calls and live meetings :
JPG image of MLME component breakdown of BSS Management :
JPG image of WLAN functional breakdown map rev :
PNG image of WLAN functional breakdown map
Mindomo map share link :
PNG image of WLAN functional breakdown map
PNG image of WLAN functional breakdown map
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

24. Function Analysis Systems Technique (F.A.S.T.) References
March 2009
Function Analysis Systems Technique (F.A.S.T.) References
Books:
“Fast Creativity & Innovation: Rapidly Improving Processes, Product Development and Solving”, Charles W. Bytheway, 2007,
“Stimulating Innovation in Products and Services : Function Analysis and Function Mapping”, J. Jerry Kaufman, Roy Woodhead, 2006,
“Value: Its Measurement, Design, and Management”, M. Larry Shillito, David J. De Marle, 1992, (Google Books),
Online Articles:
“Function Analysis As A General Design Dicipline”, Dan A. Seni, P.Eng., Ph.D. Professor, Department of the Management of Technology. School of Management, University of Quebec at Montreal, 2004,
“Genesis of FAST”, Charles W. Bytheway, 2005,
“Function Analysis and Decomposition Using Function Analysis Systems Technique”, Charles W. Bytheway, ,
“Functional Analysis System Technique (F.A.S.T.) as a Group Knowledge Elicitation Method for Model Building”, J.E. Bartolomei, T. Miller, 2001,
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

25. Revisions r0: 2009-01-19 Created.
March 2009
doc.: IEEE /0118r2
March 2009
Revisions
r0: Created.
r1: Updated with results of and conf calls.
r2: Updated with results of live meeting.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks