Methods and apparatus for automated local network formation using alternate connected interfaces

Abstract

The described apparatus and methods may include a local network formation module configured to join an overlay network via an available connection, retrieve from the overlay network at least one ad associated with forming a local network, determine if there is at least one matching ad to form the local network, and if no matching ads are determined, then publish an ad with a first local network configuration, or if one or more matching ads are determined, then join a local network according to a second local network configuration corresponding to one of the one or more matching ads.

Description

[0001] Claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 [0002] This patent application claims priority to Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 158,297, filed March 6, 2009, entitled "Methods and Apparatus for Automated Local Network Formation Using Alternate Connected Interfaces," which is assigned to the assignee, is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into this application. [0003] This patent application also claims priority to Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 181,544, filed May 27, 2009, entitled "Methods and Apparatus for Automated Local Network Formation Using Alternate Connected Interfaces," which is assigned to this application Assignee of , and is hereby expressly incorporated into this application by reference. technical field [0004] The following description relates generally to wireless communications and, more particularly, to automatic formation of local networks using alternative connection interfaces. Background technique [0005] In a network calle...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, this approach is inefficient as it does not allow direct communication between mobile devices that are physically in close proximity to each other, instead requiring these devices to communicate over the Internet, possibly through multiple IP hops and end hosts

Such communication will cause delay and increased power usage due to the use of the cellular interface, and often results in lower bandwidth and higher cost to the user

[0007] However, there is a problem when mobile devices that are within or out of range of each other attempt to form an ad hoc network

In this case, these mobile devices may not be able to select a common network configuration to establish a common network (i.e., on the same channel with the same parameters), and will typically form two separate ad-hoc networks due to the inability to locate each other

[0008] Another problem with forming an ad hoc network at the local level is establishing the network configuration

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