4.2 Association

This functionality enables a node, whether it is a Reduced Function Device (RFD) or a Full Function Device (FFD), to establish a connection with a parent, which can be either a PAN coordinator or a coordinator. The node can initiate the association process by transmitting an association request frame and manage the reception of an association response frame. If a short address is required, the parent can request it, provided it is allowed. In addition, the system manages all necessary timers for the association process.

The node is able accept and process a request from its upper layer (for example, the network layer) to associate itself to another node (that is, its parent).

The following are the steps to associate with the PAN network:

• Resetting the MAC layer – WPAN_MLME_ResetReq(true)
• Scanning the channels supported (select the channel, PANId, short address based on scan results) –

WPAN_MLME_ScanReq(MLME_SCAN_TYPE_ACTIVE, SCAN_CHANNEL(current_channel), SCAN_DURATION_LONG, current_channel_page)

• Associating to the co-ordinator (based on scan results) –

WPAN_MLME_AssociateReq(coordinator→LogicalChannel, coordinator→ChannelPage,&(coordinator→CoordAddrSpec), WPAN_CAP_ALLOCADDRESS).