Electronic device for scheduling data link and operating method thereof

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to devices and methods for scheduling data communication links in an electronic device. An electronic device includes a communication circuit and a processor that may make a plurality of schedules for different time slots based on a request for setting an NDP schedule with an external electronic device included in a NAN cluster, and determine a first time slot based on a first schedule corresponding to a first time slot among the plurality of schedules. And transmitting data to or receiving data from the external electronic device if the electronic device and the external electronic device use the same channel in the second time slot, and transmitting data to or receiving data from the external electronic device based on the first schedule and a second schedule corresponding to the second time slot if the electronic device and the external electronic device use the same channel in the second time slot. Other embodiments are also possible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device for scheduling a data link and an operating method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Due to the development of information communication technology and semiconductor technology, various electronic devices are used. Some of these electronic devices can use low-power discovery technology to provide various types of proximity services. Proximity services can be communication functions that allow adjacent electronic devices to quickly exchange data through a proximity network. For example, proximity services may include low-power proximity communication services using Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacons or low-power proximity communication services based on low-power short-range communication technologies (e.g., neighbor awareness networking (NAN) and / or Wi-Fi awareness) based on wireless local area networks (WLANs) (hereinafter referred to as "NANs").

[0003] The low-power proximity service based on NAN may include a communication function that dynamically configures a proximity network to exchange data depending on the movement of the electronic device. The electronic devices included in the cluster may announce the existence of the cluster within a specific duration (or communication direction) (e.g., discovery window (DW)), or send and / or receive a signal for discovery (e.g., beacon) and / or service discovery frame (SDF) to perform synchronization. For example, a cluster may indicate a group of electronic devices included in a proximity network. Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The electronic devices within the cluster may configure (or generate) a NAN data path (NDP) to perform NAN communication in a segment (e.g., time or frequency resources) other than the discovery window (DW). For example, the electronic devices included in the cluster may configure (one or more) time slots (e.g., further available windows (FAWs)) for data transmission in the segment between the discovery windows through scheduling with external electronic devices. Then, the electronic devices may send data to and / or receive data from the external electronic devices through the time slots configured between the discovery windows.

[0006] The electronic device may support multiple NAN data paths simultaneously. For example, the electronic device may send data to multiple external electronic devices in the cluster and / or receive data from multiple external electronic devices in the cluster simultaneously.

[0007] The electronic device may configure NDP based on the first frequency band (eg, a frequency band of about 6 GHz) through scheduling with the first external electronic device. The electronic device may determine the first frequency band as a valid frequency band (or valid channel) based on the NDP configuration with the first external electronic device.

[0008] The electronic device may configure an NDP with a second external electronic device based on detecting the second external electronic device for data transmission during data transmission to a first external electronic device through the NDP. When the second external electronic device does not support the first frequency band, the electronic device may update the NDP (or NDP scheduling) with the first external electronic device to a second frequency band (e.g., approximately 5 GHz), and configure the NDP with the external electronic device based on the second frequency band through scheduling. For example, if the electronic device cannot use the first frequency band and the second frequency band at the same time due to the structure of the communication circuit, the electronic device may update the NDP (or NDP scheduling) with the first external electronic device to the second frequency band (e.g., approximately 5 GHz). However, the NDP configuration with the second external electronic device may be delayed based on the update of the NDP (or NDP scheduling) with the first external electronic device.

[0009] Various embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a device and method for performing NDP scheduling by an electronic device.

[0010] The technical subjects pursued in the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned technical subjects, and other technical subjects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art in the field of the present disclosure through the following description.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include a communication circuit and a processor operably connected to the communication circuit. According to an embodiment, the processor may perform scheduling for different time segments based on a request for configuring a NAN data path (NDP) scheduling with an external electronic device included in a cluster of a neighbor awareness network (NAN). According to an embodiment, the processor may send data to or receive data from an external electronic device based on first scheduling information corresponding to a first time segment generated by scheduling. According to an embodiment, the processor may identify channels allocated to the electronic device and the external electronic device in a second time segment different from the first time segment. According to an embodiment, in the case where the electronic device and the external electronic device use the same channel in the second time segment, the processor may send data to or receive data from the external electronic device based on the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information corresponding to the second time segment generated by scheduling.

[0013] According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include a communication circuit and a processor operably connected to the communication circuit. According to an embodiment, the processor may perform scheduling for different frequency bands based on a request for configuring a NAN data path (NDP) scheduling with a first external electronic device included in a cluster of a neighbor awareness network (NAN). According to an embodiment, the processor may perform data communication with the first external electronic device based on first scheduling information corresponding to the first frequency band generated by scheduling. According to an embodiment, in the case where a second external electronic device is detected during data communication with the first external electronic device, the processor may identify whether the second external electronic device supports the first frequency band. According to an embodiment, when the second external electronic device does not support the first frequency band, the processor may change the scheduling information for data communication with the first external electronic device to second scheduling information corresponding to the second frequency band generated by scheduling. According to an embodiment, the processor may perform scheduling for the second frequency band with the second external electronic device.

[0014] According to various embodiments, a method of operating an electronic device may include: performing scheduling for different time segments based on a request for configuring a NAN data path (NDP) scheduling with an external electronic device included in a cluster of a neighbor awareness network (NAN). According to an embodiment, the method of operating an electronic device may include: sending data to or receiving data from an external electronic device based on first scheduling information corresponding to a first time segment generated by scheduling. According to an embodiment, the method of operating an electronic device may include identifying channels of the electronic device and the external electronic device that are allocated to a second time segment different from the first time segment. According to an embodiment, the method of operating an electronic device may include: sending data to or receiving data from an external electronic device based on the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information corresponding to the second time segment generated by scheduling, in a case where the electronic device and the external electronic device use the same channel in the second time segment.

[0015] According to various embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium (or computer program product) storing one or more programs is described. According to an embodiment, the one or more programs include instructions that, when executed by a processor of an electronic device, perform scheduling for different time segments based on a request for configuring a NAN data path (NDP) scheduling with an external electronic device included in a cluster of a neighbor awareness network (NAN), send data to or receive data from the external electronic device based on first scheduling information corresponding to the first time segment generated by scheduling, identify channels of the electronic device and the external electronic device that are allocated to a second time segment different from the first time segment, and, if the electronic device and the external electronic device use the same channel in the second time segment, send data to or receive data from the external electronic device based on the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information corresponding to the second time segment generated by scheduling.

[0016] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present disclosure, an electronic device can reduce the time delay caused by scheduling updates with external electronic devices by updating the NDP with external electronic devices by using multiple schedules based on different frequency bands or multiple schedules based on different time segments with the external electronic devices without additional scheduling.

[0018] Effects that can be obtained from various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which various embodiments of the present disclosure belong based on the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating electronic devices within a network environment.

[0020] Figure 2 A NAN cluster is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 A protocol for transmitting signals of electronic devices included in a NAN cluster is shown.

[0022] Figure 4 An example of data transmission and reception within a NAN cluster is shown.

[0023] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an electronic device for NDP scheduling.

[0024] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a process in which an electronic device performs scheduling based on time resources.

[0025] Figure 7is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an electronic device uses second schedule information of first schedule information and second schedule information.

[0026] Figure 8a An example of time resources of first schedule information and second schedule information for an electronic device is shown.

[0027] Figure 8b An example in which the electronic device uses the first scheduling information is shown.

[0028] Fig. 9 An example is shown in which an electronic device performs scheduling based on time resources.

[0029] Fig.10 An example of scheduling by an electronic device is shown.

[0030] Fig.11 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an electronic device performs scheduling based on frequency resources.

[0031] Fig.12 An example of an electronic device switching schedule is shown.

[0032] Fig.13 An example is shown in which an electronic device performs scheduling based on frequency resources. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, various examples are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 1, the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 may communicate with the electronic device 102 via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with at least one of the electronic device 104 or the server 108 via the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, a sound output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a connection terminal 178, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a user identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., the connection terminal 178) may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the above-described components (eg, sensor module 176 , camera module 180 , or antenna module 197 ) may be implemented as a single integrated component (eg, display module 160 ).

[0035] The processor 120 may run, for example, software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware component or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 120 may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in the volatile memory 132, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store the resultant data in the non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is independent of or combined with the main processor 121 in operation. For example, when the electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or adapted to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or as part of the main processor 121.

[0036] When the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190), or when the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) together with the main processor 121. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., a camera module 180 or a communication module 190) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. For example, such learning can be performed by the electronic device 101 where the artificial intelligence is executed or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, for example. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), or a deep Q network or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or optionally, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure in addition to a hardware structure.

[0037] The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a non-volatile memory 134.

[0038] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 , and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142 , middleware 144 , or applications 146 .

[0039] The input module 150 may receive commands or data to be used by other components (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101 from outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus).

[0040] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. Depending on the embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as a separate part from the speaker, or as part of the speaker.

[0041] The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling a corresponding one of the display, the holographic device, and the projector. According to an embodiment, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the strength of a force caused by a touch.

[0042] The audio module 170 may convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or an earphone of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0043] The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a user's state) outside the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0044] The interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols to be used to connect the electronic device 101 directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0045] The connection end 178 may include a connector, wherein the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) via the connector. According to an embodiment, the connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0046] The haptic module 179 may convert the electric signal into mechanical stimulation (eg, vibration or motion) or electric stimulation recognizable by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

[0047] The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0048] The power management module 188 may manage power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0049] The battery 189 may power at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0050] The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently from the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor (AP)) and supporting direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) separated from each other. The wireless communication module 192 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0051] The wireless communication module 192 may support 5G networks after 4G networks and next generation communication technologies (e.g., new radio (NR) access technologies). NR access technologies may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication module 192 may support high frequency bands (e.g., millimeter wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. The wireless communication module 192 may support various technologies for ensuring performance on high frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive multiple input multiple output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. The wireless communication module 192 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., a second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support a peak data rate for implementing eMBB (e.g., 20 Gbps or more), loss coverage for implementing mMTC (e.g., 164 dB or less), or U-plane delay for implementing URLLC (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip). According to various embodiments, the user identification module 196 may include a plurality of user identification modules. For example, the plurality of user identification modules may store different user information.

[0052] The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiation element formed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192). A signal or power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiation element may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 197.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a millimeter wave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the millimeter wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas), wherein the RFIC is disposed on a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., millimeter wave band), and the plurality of antennas are disposed on a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high frequency band.

[0054] At least some of the above components may be connected to each other via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and communicatively transfer signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween.

[0055] According to an embodiment, a command or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the electronic device 102 or the electronic device 104 may be a device of the same type as the electronic device 101, or a device of a different type from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some operations to be executed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more of the external electronic device 102, the external electronic device 104, or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should automatically execute a function or service or should execute a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service instead of executing the function or service, or the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service in addition to executing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or execute another function or another service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial reply to the request with or without further processing the result. To this end, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, mobile edge computing (MEC) technology, or client-server computing technology, for example, may be used. The electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies.

[0056] The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those electronic devices described above.

[0057] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalent forms or alternative forms for the corresponding embodiments. For the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that the nouns in the singular form corresponding to the term may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with the corresponding one of the multiple phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1st" and "2nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding component from another component, and do not limit the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “coupled with another element (e.g., the second element)”, “coupled to another element (e.g., the second element)”, “connected with another element (e.g., the second element)”, or “connected to another element (e.g., the second element)” with or without the terms “operably” or “communicatively” being used, it means that the element may be directly (e.g., wired) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0058] As used in connection with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "portion," or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions or a minimum unit or portion of the single integrated component. For example, according to an embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0059] The various embodiments described herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, under the control of a processor, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute the at least one instruction with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be run by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Among them, the term "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish between data being semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be released in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be downloaded via an application store (e.g., Play Store TM ) the computer program product may be published (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online, or the computer program product may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). If published online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or a forwarding server).

[0061] According to various embodiments, each of the above-mentioned components (e.g., a module or a program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately arranged in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as a corresponding one of the multiple components performing one or more functions before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, a program or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or in a heuristic manner, or one or more of the operations may be run or omitted in a different order, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0062] Figure 2 Neighbor Aware Network (NAN) clustering according to various examples is shown. Figure 2 An example of a configuration of a neighbor awareness network (NAN) cluster 200 of a proximity network is shown. The cluster 200 may be a collection of electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230, which configures a proximity network to mutually transmit data to each electronic device (or NAN device) 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 and / or mutually receive data from each electronic device (or NAN device) 101, 210, 220, and / or 230. For example, according to the NAN standard, the cluster 200 may be referred to as a NAN cluster.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the cluster 200 may include a plurality of electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230. The electronic devices 101, 210, 220, or 230 included in the cluster 200 may send and / or receive beacons (or discovery beacons), service discovery frames (SDFs), and / or NAN action frames (NAFs) within a synchronization duration (or communication duration), for example, a discovery (or search or detection) window (DW).

[0064] The electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 within the cluster 200 may have synchronized clocks. For example, the electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 may be synchronized with a clock of one of the electronic devices (e.g., the electronic device 101) and transmit and / or receive beacons, SDFs, and / or NAFs in the same discovery window (DW).

[0065] The electronic device 101 supporting the NAN-based low-energy short-range wireless communication technology may broadcast a discovery signal (e.g., beacon) for discovering the external electronic devices 210, 220, and / or 230 within a preset first period (e.g., about 100 milliseconds), and perform scanning within a preset second period (e.g., about 10 milliseconds) to receive the discovery signal broadcasted from the external electronic devices 210, 220, and / or 230. The preset first period and second period may be repeated at a specific frequency / time interval.

[0066] The electronic device 101 may detect at least one external electronic device 210, 220, and / or 230 located around the electronic device 101 based on the search signal received by scanning, and perform NAN cluster synchronization with the at least one detected external electronic device 210, 220, and / or 230. The NAN cluster synchronization may include an operation of receiving clock information of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101) representing a NAN cluster to allow the electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 included in the NAN cluster to transmit and / or receive data in the same channel and / or during the same time.

[0067] Each of the multiple electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230 can send beacons to and receive beacons from other electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230 to configure a cluster 200 that operates according to a synchronized clock, and the electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230 within the cluster 200 can perform NAN cluster synchronization (e.g., time and / or channel synchronization).

[0068] NAN cluster synchronization may be performed based on the time and channel of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) with the highest master preference within the cluster 200. For example, the electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 configured by discovery within the cluster 200 may exchange signals related to master preference information indicating a preference for operation as an anchor master device, and the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) with the highest master preference is determined as the anchor master device (or master electronic device) through the exchanged signals.

[0069] An anchor master device (e.g., electronic device 101) may be an electronic device that serves as a reference for time and channel synchronization of electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 within the cluster 200. The anchor master device may be changed according to a master preference of the electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230. Each of the time and channel synchronized electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 may transmit a beacon and / or an SDF within a discovery window (or search segment) that is repeated according to a preset period, and receive beacons and SDFs from other electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 within the cluster 200. According to some examples, beacons may be periodically transmitted and / or received in each discovery window in order to continuously maintain time and channel synchronization of the electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 within the cluster 200. The SDF may be sent and / or received in the discovery window as needed to provide services to the electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230. An electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) operating as an anchor master among the time and channel synchronized electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 may send a beacon to detect a new electronic device in the segment between the discovery windows.

[0070] Each of the NAN cluster synchronized (e.g., time and / or channel synchronized) electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 may send a NAN action frame (NAF) within a discovery window (or search segment) and receive NAFs from other electronic devices within the cluster 200. For example, the NAF may include at least one of information related to configuration of a NAN data path (NDP) for performing data communication in a segment between discovery windows, information related to scheduling updates, or information related to NAN ranging. For example, the NAF may control scheduling of radio resources for coexistence of NAN operations and non-NAN operations (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct, mesh, IBSS, WLAN, Bluetooth, or NFC). The NAF may include time and / or channel information for NAN communication.

[0071] Each of the electronic devices 101 , 210 , 220 , and / or 230 in the cluster 200 may operate in an active state during the discovery window and in a low power state (eg, a sleep state) during the remaining sections except the discovery window, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0072] The discovery window may be a period of time (eg, milliseconds) in which the electronic device is in an active state (or awake state) and has increased power consumption, but the electronic device may maintain a sleep state and perform low power discovery in sections other than the discovery window.

[0073] The electronic devices 101 , 210 , 220 and / or 230 in the cluster 200 may be simultaneously activated at a start time point of a synchronized discovery window (eg, DW Start) and simultaneously switch to a sleep state at an end time point of the discovery window (eg, DW End).

[0074] Each of the electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230 in the cluster 200 can send and / or receive data not only in the discovery window segment but also in the segment between the discovery windows. Specifically, the electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230 in the cluster 200 can perform additional communications by configuring active time slots in the segment between the discovery windows. For example, the electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230 in the cluster 200 can send and / or receive SDFs that have not been sent and / or received in the discovery window segment through active time slots. For example, the electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230 in the cluster 200 can configure (or specify) NAN communication operation segments and / or non-NAN communication operation segments during active time slots so as to perform NAN communication and / or non-NAN communication during active time slots.

[0075] The electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230 in the cluster 200 may be Figure 3 to perform discovery, synchronization, and data exchange operations using the protocol shown in .

[0076] Figure 3 A protocol for transmitting signals of electronic devices included in a NAN cluster is shown.

[0077] Figure 3 An example of a discovery window is shown. Figure 3 In the embodiment, a cluster of electronic devices (e.g., Figure 2 The electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230) perform signal transmission through a specific channel (eg, channel 6 (Ch6) based on the NAN standard) as an example.

[0078] The electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 included in one cluster may transmit a synchronization beacon 310 and an SDF 320 in a synchronized discovery window (DW) 325. In a section 340 outside the discovery window 325 (e.g., an interval between discovery windows), a discovery beacon 330 may be transmitted by at least one electronic device 101, 210, 220, and / or 230. The electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 may transmit the synchronization beacon 310 and the SDF 320 based on contention. For example, the synchronization beacon 310 and the SDF 320 may be transmitted based on contention between the respective electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 belonging to the cluster.

[0079] The electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 included in one cluster may transmit and / or receive a NAF in a discovery window (DW) 325. For example, the NAF may include at least one of information related to configuration of a NAN data path (NDP) for performing data communication in a segment between discovery windows, information related to scheduling updates, or information related to NAN ranging.

[0080] The discovery window 325 may be a section in which the corresponding electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 are activated from a sleep state corresponding to a power saving mode to a wake-up state in order to exchange data between the respective electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230. For example, the discovery window 325 may be separated by a time unit (TU) in milliseconds (e.g., 1 ms). In one example, the discovery window 325 for transmitting and receiving the synchronization beacon 310 and the SDF 320 may occupy 16 time units (16 TUs) and have a cycle (or interval) in which 512 time units (TUs) are repeated.

[0081] The discovery beacon 330 may indicate a signal sent to allow other electronic devices not in the cluster to discover the cluster. For example, the discovery beacon 330 is a signal for notifying the existence of the cluster, and an electronic device not in the cluster can discover and join the cluster by performing passive scanning and receiving the discovery beacon 330.

[0082] The discovery beacon 330 may include information required for synchronization in the cluster 330. For example, the discovery beacon 330 may include a frame control (FC) field indicating a signal function (e.g., beacon), a broadcast address, a media access control (MAC) address of a transmission electronic device, a cluster identifier (ID), a sequence control field, a timestamp of a beacon frame, a beacon interval indicating a transmission interval of the discovery beacon 330, and at least one of capability information of the transmission electronic device that sends the discovery beacon 330.

[0083] The discovery beacon 330 may include at least one neighboring network (or cluster) related information element. The neighboring network related information may be referred to as attribute information.

[0084] The synchronization beacon 310 may indicate a signal for maintaining synchronization between electronic devices in the cluster. The synchronization beacon 310 may be sent by a synchronization device between electronic devices in the cluster. For example, the synchronization device may include an anchor master electronic device, a master electronic device, or a non-master synchronization (sync) device defined by the NAN standard.

[0085] The synchronization beacon 310 may include information required for synchronization of the electronic devices 101, 210, 220, and / or 230 in the cluster. For example, the synchronization beacon 310 may include at least one of an FC field indicating a signal function (e.g., beacon), a broadcast address, a MAC address of a transmitting electronic device, a cluster ID, a sequence control field, a timestamp of a beacon frame, a beacon interval indicating an interval between start time points of a discovery window 325, or capability information of a transmitting electronic device. The synchronization beacon 330 may include / may also include at least one neighboring network (or cluster) related information element. For example, neighboring network related information may include content for a service provided by a neighboring network.

[0086] The SDF 320 may indicate a signal for exchanging data through a proximity network. The SDF 320 may indicate a vendor specific common action frame and may include various fields. For example, the SDF 320 may include a category or action field and include at least one piece of proximity network related information.

[0087] The synchronization beacon 310, the SDF 320, and the discovery beacon 330 may include neighboring network related information. The neighboring network related information may include an identifier indicating the type of information, the length of the information, and a body field as the corresponding information. The corresponding information may include at least one of main indication information, cluster information, service identifier list information, service descriptor information, connection capability information, wireless LAN infrastructure information, peer-to-peer (P2P) operation information, independent basic service set (IBSS) information, mesh information, additional neighboring network service discovery information, further availability mapping information, country code information, ranging information, cluster discovery information, and vendor specific information.

[0088] Figure 4 An example of data transmission and reception within a NAN cluster is shown.

[0089] Figure 4 An example is shown in which the electronic device 101, the external electronic device 1 210, and the external electronic device 2 220 configure a cluster through a wireless short-range communication technology, and the electronic devices 101, 210, and / or 220 can send beacons, SDFs, and / or NAFs to each other and / or receive beacons, SDFs, and / or NAFs from each other. Specifically, Figure 4 An example is shown in which the electronic device 101 among the electronic devices 101 , 210 , and / or 220 included in the cluster serves as a master electronic device.

[0090] The electronic device 101 may transmit a beacon, an SDF, and / or a NAF within the discovery window 450. The electronic device 101 may broadcast a beacon, an SDF, and / or a NAF in each discovery window 450 repeated in a preset section (eg, each interval 460).

[0091] The external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 may receive a beacon, an SDF, and / or a NAF transmitted by the electronic device 101. Each of the external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 may receive a beacon, an SDF, and / or a NAF broadcasted from the electronic device 101 in each discovery window 450.

[0092] The beacon transmitted within the discovery window 450 may include a synchronization beacon and information for maintaining synchronization between the electronic devices 101, 210, and / or 220. For example, the external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 may perform NAN cluster synchronization based on the clock information of the electronic device 101 included in the beacon transmitted by the electronic device 101 operating as the master device. The external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 may be synchronized, and thus the discovery window 450 may be activated at the same time.

[0093] In a section other than the discovery window 450 (e.g., interval 460), the electronic device 101, 210, and / or 220 may maintain a sleep state to reduce power consumption. The electronic device 101, 210, and / or 220 may reduce power consumption by operating in an awake state (only) during the discovery window 450 based on a synchronized clock.

[0094] In a section other than the discovery window 450 (e.g., interval 460), the electronic device 101, 210, and / or 220 may perform additional communications by configuring an active time slot. The electronic device 101, 210, and / or 220 may send and / or receive an SDF that is not sent and received within the discovery window section through the active time slot. The electronic device 101, 210, and / or 220 may specify an operation for connecting a Wi-Fi Direct, a mesh IBSS, a WLAN, Bluetooth, or NFC to the active time slot in order to perform a traditional Wi-Fi connection or a discovery operation through the active time slot.

[0095] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example electronic device for NDP scheduling. Figure 5 The electronic device 101 may be at least partially similar to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 or an electronic device 101 described below.

[0096] refer to Figure 5 , the electronic device 101 may include a processor 500, a communication circuit 510 and / or a memory 520. The processor 500 may be Figure 1The processor 120 (eg, the application processor and / or the communication processor) of the embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as or may be included in the processor 120. The communication circuit 510 may be connected to the processor 120 of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The wireless communication module 192 is substantially the same as or included in the wireless communication module 192. The memory 520 may be connected to Figure 1 The processor 500 may be substantially the same as the memory 130 of the communication circuit 510 or may be included in the memory 130. The processor 500 may be operably, functionally and / or electrically connected to the communication circuit 510 and / or the memory 520.

[0097] The communication circuit 510 may include various circuit structures for modulating and / or demodulating signals within the electronic device 101. The communication circuit 510 may modulate a signal in a baseband into a signal in a radio frequency (RF) band to output the signal through an antenna (not shown), or demodulate a signal in an RF band received through an antenna into a signal in a baseband and transmit the signal to the processor 500.

[0098] The communication circuit 510 may be connected via a NAN cluster (e.g., Figure 2 Cluster 200) Figure 2 The frequency band used by the electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230 (eg, a frequency band of about 2.4 GHz, a frequency band of about 5 GHz, and / or a frequency band of about 6 GHz) is transmitted to other electronic devices (eg, Figure 2 electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230) to send various data and / or receive data from other electronic devices (e.g., Figure 2 The communication circuit 510 can simultaneously send and / or receive signals and / or data through a first frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of 6 GHz) and a third frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of 2.4 GHz) or a second frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of about 5 GHz) and a third frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of 2.4 GHz). The communication circuit 510 cannot simultaneously use the first frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of about 6 GHz) and the second frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of about 5 GHz) for data communication. For example, this may be due to functional limitations of the communication circuit 510. However, it should be noted that in some examples, the communication circuit 510 may be able to use the first frequency band and the second frequency band simultaneously, but is not configured to use the first frequency band and the second frequency band simultaneously.

[0099] The processor 500 may be based on the external electronic device (eg, Figure 2 The external electronic device 210, 220 and / or 230) is included in a cluster (or network) implemented with a Neighbor Awareness Network (NAN) scheme (e.g., Figure 2in cluster 200).

[0100] The processor 500 may receive the NAN cluster information through another communication scheme not based on NAN (e.g., short-range wireless communication including Bluetooth or Wi-Fi). The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to send a message for discovering an external electronic device to be connected via Wi-Fi (e.g., Figure 2 The processor 500 may receive a detection request signal from an external electronic device (eg, an external electronic device 210, 220, and / or 230) in response to the detection request signal. Figure 2 NAN cluster synchronization is performed based on the NAN cluster information included in the probe response message received by the external electronic device 210, 220 and / or 230).

[0101] NAN cluster synchronization may include receiving an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 The clock information of the electronic device 101) is used to allow the electronic devices included in the NAN cluster (for example, Figure 2 The electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230 of the external electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230) transmit and / or receive data through the same channel (e.g., frequency band) and / or the same time resource. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit (or broadcast) a beacon including clock information of the electronic device 101 through the discovery window, so as to perform the external electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 The processor 500 may synchronize the NAN cluster of the external electronic device 210, 220 and / or 230 based on the external electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 The external electronic device (eg, Figure 2 NAN cluster synchronization is performed using clock information of external electronic devices 210, 220 and / or 230).

[0102] The processor 500 may search for at least one external electronic device for data transmission. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to search for an external electronic device for data transmission based on the generation of a data transmission event. For example, the processor 500 may search for at least one external electronic device for data transmission through a Bluetooth (or BLE) message exchange. For example, a Bluetooth message exchange may include a series of operations for sending a BLE notification message including information related to a data transmission event and receiving a BLE response message for the BLE notification message. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to send a BLE notification message including information related to a data transmission event and information related to NAN. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to activate NAN communication based on the transmission of the BLE notification message. At least one external electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 The external electronic device 210, 220 and / or 230) can activate NAN communication based on the BLE notification message. The electronic device 101 and at least one external electronic device (for example, the external electronic device 210, 220 and / or 230) can perform NAN cluster synchronization. The processor 500 can search for at least one external electronic device for data transmission through the discovery window by means of SDP exchange. For example, a data transmission event can be generated based on at least one of the execution of an application related to data transmission, the input of a control signal related to data transmission, or the reception of a user input related to data transmission.

[0103] The processor 500 may perform a schedule for configuring a NAN data path with at least one external electronic device. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to send at least one of the NAN availability attributes or non-NAN operation scheduling information (attributes of unaligned scheduling) including information related to the schedule for data communication with the external electronic device to at least one external electronic device. For example, at least one of the NAN availability information or the non-NAN operation scheduling information may be inserted into a beacon, an SDF, and / or a NAF, and sent to at least one external electronic device through a discovery window. For example, the NAN availability information may include information related to one of the channel information, the band information, the start time point (start offset), the duration (bit duration), or the repetition period to be used for each further available window (FAW). For example, the channel information may specify an operating class and may be used to configure a primary channel. For example, the band information may include information related to a band (e.g., a band of about 2.4 GHz, a band of about 5 GHz, and / or a band of about 6 GHz) to be used for data communication with an external electronic device. For example, the start time point may be used to indicate how far the further available window (FAW) starts from the discovery window (DW). For example, the duration may be used to indicate the maintenance time of the further available window (FAW). For example, the repetition period may be used to indicate the period when the further available window (FAW) starts again. For example, the further available window may include a NAN time slot in which the electronic device 101 sends data to an external electronic device and / or receives data from an external electronic device between discovery windows.

[0104] The processor 500 may perform scheduling (i.e., generate scheduling related information) for a plurality of different resources (e.g., time and / or frequency). Information related to scheduling for data communication with an external electronic device (i.e., scheduling information) may include scheduling information for different time segments (or time resources). For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to send at least one of the first scheduling information for a first time segment (e.g., a first further available window) and the second scheduling information for a second time segment different from the first time segment (e.g., a second further available window) to at least one external electronic device. For example, the first time segment is a time segment used in common by the electronic devices (e.g., the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210) that establish the NDP, and the channel (i.e., frequency resource) of the NDP may be fixedly used in the first time segment (i.e., only a preset frequency channel or a single frequency channel agreed between the devices may be used in the first time segment). For example, the second time segment is a time segment between discovery windows that does not overlap with the first time segment, and the channel of the NDP may be variable. For example, the scheduling information for different time segments may include first scheduling information for a first time segment and second scheduling information for a second time segment, as shown in [Table 1] below. For example, the scheduling information for different time segments may be configured as a vendor-specific attribute that may be included in a NAN frame. The first time segment and the second time segment may be periodic and / or interlaced with each other. It should also be understood that there may be more than two types of time segments. As shown below, the scheduling of the first time segment and the second time segment may be labeled as a first scheduling and a second scheduling, respectively.

[0105] [Table 1]

[0106]

[0107] The processor 500 may receive a response signal to scheduling information (e.g., first scheduling information and / or second scheduling information) from at least one external electronic device. For example, when the response signal includes information related to "acceptance", the processor 500 may determine that data communication with at least one external electronic device may be performed based on the scheduling information sent to the at least one external electronic device. For example, when the response signal includes information related to "modification proposal (counter)", the processor 500 may identify scheduling information modified by at least one external electronic device. When it is determined that the modified scheduling information is accepted, the processor 500 may determine that data communication with at least one external electronic device may be performed based on the modified scheduling information. For example, when the response signal includes information related to "rejection", the processor 500 may determine that data communication with at least one external electronic device may not be performed.

[0108] The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform data communication with the external electronic device based on the first scheduling information for the first time segment in the scheduling information for configuring the NAN data path with at least one external electronic device. Specifically, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to send data to the external electronic device and / or receive data from the external electronic device through the first time segment configured between the discovery windows.

[0109] Subsequently or simultaneously, the processor 500 may identify whether the second scheduling information for the second time segment (i.e., the resources scheduled by the second scheduling information) can be used to configure the NAN data path with at least one external electronic device. The processor 500 may identify whether the electronic device 101 and / or the external electronic device can use the second scheduling information for the second time segment based on the channel (i.e., frequency resource) used for communication with an AP, a mobile hotspot, or direct communication based on a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct). For example, when the channels used for communication with an AP, a mobile hotspot, or direct communication based on a WLAN of the electronic device 101 and / or at least one external electronic device are the same, the processor 500 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time segment can be used, that is, both the first time segment and the second time segment can be used. When the channels used for communication with an AP, a mobile hotspot, or direct communication based on a WLAN of the electronic device 101 and / or at least one external electronic device are different, the processor 500 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time segment cannot be used, that is, only the first time segment is used. This ability to utilize / not utilize the second time segment may be caused by the inability of the communication circuit 510 to operate simultaneously on a specific combination of frequency channels. For example, the processor 500 may obtain information related to a channel used for communication between an external electronic device and an AP, a mobile hotspot, or a direct communication based on WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct) based on at least one of NAN availability information, WLAN infrastructure information (extended WLAN infrastructure attributes), or non-NAN operation scheduling information received from an external electronic device through a discovery window. For example, information related to the channel of the AP to which the external electronic device is connected may be included in the non-NAN operation channel information field of the WLAN infrastructure information. For example, at least one of the NAN availability information, WLAN infrastructure information, or non-NAN operation scheduling information may be included in a beacon, SDF, and / or NAF sent and / or received through a discovery window. For example, a channel with an AP to which the electronic device 101 is connected may indicate a channel used for WLAN communication between the electronic device 101 and the AP (or allocated for WLAN communication between the electronic device 101 and the AP). For example, the channel of the AP to which the external electronic device is connected may indicate a channel used for (or allocated for) WLAN communication between the external electronic device and the AP.

[0110] When the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device are not connected to the AP, the processor 500 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time section may be used.

[0111] The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform data communication with the external electronic device based on the first scheduling information for the first time segment and the second scheduling information for the second time segment based on the determination that the second scheduling information can be used. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to send data to the external electronic device and / or receive data from the external electronic device through the first time segment and the second time segment configured between the discovery windows.

[0112] When the channels with the AP to which the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device are connected become different due to a change in at least one of the channel with the AP to which the electronic device 101 is connected and the channel with the AP to which the external electronic device is connected, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to limit (e.g., stop) the use of the second scheduling information for the second time section due to the frequency channel limitation of the communication circuit 510. Accordingly, when the channels with the AP to which the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device are connected become the same due to a change in at least one of the channel with the AP to which the electronic device 101 is connected and the channel with the AP to which the external electronic device is connected, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to utilize the second scheduling information for the second time section.

[0113] The information related to the scheduling for data communication with the external electronic device may alternatively or additionally include scheduling information for different frequency bands (or channels) that are simultaneous in time. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to send at least one of the first scheduling information for a first frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of about 6 GHz) and the second scheduling information for a second frequency band different from the first frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of about 5 GHz) to at least one external electronic device. For example, the scheduling information for different frequency bands may include information related to further available windows for data communication in each frequency band. For example, the information related to further availability information for data communication may include information related to one of channel information, frequency band information, start time point (start offset), duration (bit duration), or repetition period to be used for each further available window (FAW).

[0114] For example, the scheduling information for different frequency bands may include first scheduling information for the first frequency band and second scheduling information for the second frequency band, as shown in [Table 2] below. For example, the scheduling information for different frequency bands may be configured as a vendor-specific attribute that may be included in the NAN frame.

[0115] [Table 2]

[0116]

[0117] The processor 500 may receive a response signal for the scheduling information from the external electronic device 1 210. For example, when the response signal includes information related to "Accept", the processor 500 may determine that data communication with the external electronic device 1 120 may be performed based on the scheduling information transmitted to the external electronic device 1 210. For example, when the response signal includes information related to "Modification Proposal (Counter)", the processor 500 may identify the scheduling information modified by the external electronic device 1 210. When it is determined that the modified scheduling information is accepted, the processor 500 may determine that data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 may be performed based on the modified scheduling information. For example, when the response signal includes information related to "Reject", the processor 500 may determine that data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 cannot be performed.

[0118] The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the first scheduling information for the first frequency band. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit data to and / or receive data from the external electronic device 1 210 through a further available window of the first frequency band configured between the discovery windows. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the first scheduling information for the first frequency band, which has a relatively wide frequency band and is therefore expected to have a relatively high data transmission performance among a plurality of resources.

[0119] If an external electronic device 2 220 for transmitting data is detected during data communication with the external electronic device 1 210, the processor 500 may perform scheduling for configuring a NAN data path with the external electronic device 2 220. When the external electronic device 2 220 supports the first frequency band, the processor 500 may perform scheduling for configuring a NAN data path with the external electronic device 2 220 based on the first frequency band, and the processor 500 may maintain data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the first scheduling information (i.e., using the first frequency band). For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit data to and / or receive data from the external electronic device 1 210 and / or the external electronic device 2 220 by discovering a further available window of the first frequency band between windows.

[0120] When the external electronic device 2 220 does not support the first frequency band, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to update the NAN data path for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the second scheduling information. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to send information related to the change to the second scheduling information to the external electronic device 1 210. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to update the NAN data path for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the second scheduling information in response to receiving a confirmation message (e.g., ACK) related to the information about the change to the second scheduling information. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to update the NAN data path for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the second scheduling information in response to the transmission of the information about the change to the second scheduling information. For example, the information about the change to the second scheduling information may be included in the SDF and / or NAF transmitted and / or received within the discovery window.

[0121] The processor 500 may perform scheduling related to the NAN data path with the external electronic device 2 220 based on the second frequency band configuration based on the scheduling change of the NAN data path with the external electronic device 1 210. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the second scheduling information. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit data to the external electronic device 1 210 and / or the external electronic device 2 220 and / or receive data from the external electronic device 1 210 and / or the external electronic device 2 220 by discovering a further available window of the second frequency band between the windows.

[0122] The memory 520 may store various data used by at least one element of the electronic device 101 (eg, the processor 500 and / or the communication circuit 510). The memory 520 may also store various instructions that may be executed by the processor 500.

[0123] Electronic devices (e.g. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 The electronic device 101 may include a communication circuit (eg, Figure 1 Communication module 192 or Figure 5 510) and a processor operably connected to the communication circuit (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 or Figure 5Processor 500). The processor may perform scheduling for different time segments based on a request for configuring a NAN data path (NDP) scheduling with an external electronic device included in a neighbor awareness network (NAN) cluster. Thus, first scheduling information corresponding to a first time segment is generated. If a second time segment exists, second scheduling information is generated. The processor may send data to or receive data from an external electronic device based on the first scheduling information corresponding to the first time segment. The processor may also identify channels of the electronic device and the external electronic device allocated in a second time segment different from the first time segment. When the electronic device and the external electronic device use the same channel in the second time segment, the processor may send data to or receive data from the external electronic device based on the first scheduling information corresponding to the first time segment and the second scheduling information corresponding to the second time segment.

[0124] The processor may transmit data to or receive data from the external electronic device through a first time section between the discovery windows based on the first scheduling information.

[0125] When the electronic device and the external electronic device use the same channel in the second time segment, the processor can send information related to the second scheduling information to the external electronic device, and send data to or receive data from the external electronic device through the first time segment and the second time segment between the discovery window based on the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information.

[0126] The processor may transmit information related to additional use of the second scheduling information to the external electronic device within the discovery window and / or the first time period.

[0127] The processor may identify a channel of the external electronic device based on at least one of NAN availability information (NAN availability attribute), WLAN infrastructure information (extended WLAN infrastructure attribute), or non-NAN operation scheduling information (unaligned scheduling attribute) received from the external electronic device within the discovery window.

[0128] The processor may send information related to the first time segment and the second time segment included between the discovery window to the external electronic device, and perform scheduling for different time segments based on a response to the information related to the first time segment and the second time segment received from the external electronic device.

[0129] The information related to the time segment may include at least one of channel information, a frequency band, a start time point (start offset), a duration (bit duration), or a repetition period used in each time segment.

[0130] When the electronic device and the external electronic device use different channels in the second time section, the processor may restrict (eg, stop) use of the second scheduling information.

[0131] The processor may limit the use of the second scheduling information based on a change in a channel used by the electronic device and / or the external electronic device in the second time section.

[0132] refer to Figures 6 to 10 The use of the first scheduling information for the first time section and the second scheduling information for the second time section is described in more detail.

[0133] Electronic devices (e.g. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 The electronic device 101 may include a communication circuit (eg, Figure 1 Communication module 192 or Figure 5 510) and a processor operably connected to the communication circuit (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 or Figure 5 Processor 500). The processor may perform scheduling for different frequency bands based on a request for configuring a NAN data path (NDP) scheduling with a first external electronic device included in a neighbor awareness network (NAN) cluster. The processor may perform data communication with the first external electronic device based on first scheduling information corresponding to the first frequency band. When a second external electronic device is detected during data communication with the first external electronic device, the processor may identify whether the second external electronic device supports the first frequency band. When the second external electronic device does not support the first frequency band, the processor may change the scheduling for data communication with the first external electronic device to a second scheduling corresponding to the second frequency band. The processor may perform scheduling for the second frequency with the second external electronic device.

[0134] When the second external electronic device does not support the first frequency band, the processor may send information related to the change of scheduling information to the first external electronic device via a service discovery frame (SDF) or a NAN action frame (NAF) within a discovery window, and change the scheduling for data communication with the first external electronic device to a second scheduling corresponding to the second frequency band (e.g., scheduling based on the second scheduling information).

[0135] refer to Figures 11 to 13 The use of the first scheduling information for the first frequency band and the second scheduling information for the second frequency band is described in more detail.

[0136] Figure 6600 is a flowchart showing a process of an electronic device performing scheduling based on time resources. In the following process, each operation can be performed sequentially, but sequential execution is not required. For example, the order of operations can be changed, operations can be omitted, and at least two operations can be performed in parallel or in combination. For example, Figure 6 The electronic device can be Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 For example, reference may be made to the electronic device 101. Figure 8a and Figure 8b describe Figure 6 At least some of them. Figure 8a An example of time resources used by an electronic device for first scheduling information and second scheduling information is shown. Figure 8b An example in which the electronic device uses the first scheduling information is shown.

[0137] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 8a and Figure 8b In operation 601, an electronic device (eg, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 electronic device 101) or a processor (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 or Figure 5 The processor 500 may execute a schedule (e.g., a plurality of schedules) corresponding to different time periods for configuring an NDP with at least one external electronic device in the cluster. The processor 500 may utilize a cluster (or network) implemented with a neighbor awareness network (NAN) scheme (e.g., Figure 2 The external electronic device (eg, Figure 2 The external electronic device 210, 220 and / or 230 of the NAN cluster performs synchronization with the NAN cluster. For example, NAN cluster synchronization may include a series of operations for synchronizing time and / or frequency (or channel) based on beacons sent and / or received through the discovery window.

[0138] The processor 500 may search for an external electronic device for data transmission based on the generation of a data transmission event. For example, the processor 500 may search for at least one external electronic device for data transmission based on a Bluetooth message exchange scheme. For example, the processor 500 may search for at least one external electronic device for data transmission through an SDP exchange through a discovery window.

[0139] The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform scheduling for different time segments for configuring an NDP with at least one external electronic device. Figure 8a At least one of the first scheduling information for the first time segment 820 and the second scheduling information for the second time segment 830 is sent to at least one external electronic device. For example, the first time segment 820 is a time segment commonly used by electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 101 and external electronic device 1 210) configuring NDP, and the channel (e.g., frequency band) of NDP can be fixedly used. For example, the second time segment 830 is a time segment that does not overlap with the first time segment between discovery windows, and the channel (e.g., frequency band) of NDP can be variable. For example, the information related to scheduling can be included in at least one of NAN availability information or non-NAN operation scheduling information and sent to at least one external electronic device. For example, at least one of NAN availability information or non-NAN operation scheduling information can be inserted into a beacon, an SDF, and / or a NAF, and sent to at least one external electronic device through a discovery window. For example, the NAN availability information may include information on one of channel information, frequency band information, a start time point (start offset), a duration (bit duration), or a repetition period to be used for each Further Available Window (FAW).

[0140] The processor 500 may receive a response signal to the scheduling information from at least one external electronic device. For example, when the response signal includes information related to "acceptance", the processor 500 may determine that data communication with the at least one external electronic device may be performed based on the scheduling information sent to the at least one external electronic device. For example, when the response signal includes information related to "modification proposal (counter)", the processor 500 may identify the scheduling information modified by the at least one external electronic device. When it is determined that the modified scheduling information is accepted, the processor 500 may determine that data communication with the at least one external electronic device may be performed based on the modified scheduling information. For example, when the response signal includes information related to "rejection", the processor 500 may determine that data communication with the at least one external electronic device cannot be performed.

[0141] In operation 603, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., the processor 120 or 500) may initially perform data communication with at least one external electronic device based on the first scheduling information for the first time section 820 in the scheduling information generated for configuring the NDP with the at least one external electronic device. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform data communication with the at least one external electronic device by Figure 8bThe first time section 820 configured between the discovery window 0 800 and the discovery window 1 810 transmits data to the external electronic device and / or receives data from the external electronic device.

[0142] In operation 605, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., the processor 120 or 500) may simultaneously or subsequently identify the channels of the electronic device 101 and at least one external electronic device in the second time segment 830. The processor 500 may identify the channels of the electronic device 101 and / or the external electronic device for communication with an AP, a mobile hotspot, or for direct communication based on WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct). For example, the processor 500 may obtain information related to the channels of the external electronic device for communication with an AP, a mobile hotspot, or direct communication based on WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct) based on at least one of NAN availability information, WLAN infrastructure information (extended WLAN infrastructure attributes), or non-NAN operation scheduling information received from the external electronic device through the discovery window. For example, the channel of the AP to which the electronic device (or the external electronic device) is connected may indicate the channel of the electronic device (or the external electronic device) for WLAN communication with the AP (or allocated for WLAN communication with the AP).

[0143] In operation 607, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., the processor 120 or 500) may determine whether the second scheduling information may be used for data communication with the at least one external electronic device based on the channels of the electronic device 101 and the at least one external electronic device in the second time segment 830. When the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device are not connected to the AP, the processor 500 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time segment 830 may be used. The processor 500 may identify whether the electronic device 101 and / or the external electronic device may use the second scheduling information for the second time segment 830 based on the channel used for communication with the AP or direct communication based on a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct). For example, when the channels of the electronic device 101 and / or the at least one external electronic device used for communication with the AP, a mobile hotspot, or direct communication based on a WLAN are the same, the processor 500 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time segment 830 may be used. When channels of the electronic device 101 and / or at least one external electronic device for communication with an AP, a mobile hotspot, or a WLAN-based direct communication are different, the processor 500 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time section 830 cannot be used.

[0144] When it is determined that the second scheduling information cannot be used for data communication with at least one external electronic device (e.g., "No" in operation 607), the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., processor 120 or 500) can end the embodiment of scheduling based on time resources. When the electronic device 101 and / or at least one external electronic device use different channels for communication with an AP, a mobile hotspot, or direct communication based on a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct) in the second time segment 830, the electronic device 101 and the at least one external electronic device use different channels in the second time segment, so the processor 500 can determine that data communication between the electronic device 101 and the at least one external electronic device cannot be performed in the second time segment 830.

[0145] When it is determined that the second scheduling information can be used for data communication with at least one external electronic device (e.g., "yes" in operation 607), in operation 609, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., processor 120 or 500) may perform data communication with at least one external electronic device based on the first scheduling information for the first time segment 820 and the second scheduling information for the second time segment 830. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to send information related to the second scheduling information to the at least one external electronic device during the data communication with the at least one external electronic device based on the first scheduling information. For example, the information related to the second scheduling information may be included in the SDF and / or NAF sent and / or received within the discovery window. For example, the information related to the second scheduling information may be sent within the first time segment 820. For example, the signal related to the second scheduling information may include identification information of the second scheduling information or information related to the frequency (or frequency band related to the frequency band) to be used by the electronic device 101 in the second time segment 830.

[0146] The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to communicate with the Figure 8a The first time section 820 and the second time section 830 configured between the discovery window 0 800 and the discovery window 1 810 transmit data to the external electronic device and / or receive data from the external electronic device.

[0147] The electronic device 101 may designate the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information as the scheduling to be used initially. When it is determined that data communication with the external electronic device can be performed in the second time segment based on the channel between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device in the second time segment, the electronic device 101 may designate the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information as the scheduling information to be used initially. The electronic device 101 may send data to and / or receive data from at least one external electronic device through the first time segment and the second time segment between the discovery windows based on the first scheduling and the second scheduling.

[0148] Figure 7 700 is a flowchart showing a process in which an electronic device uses the second scheduling information. In the following process, each operation may be performed sequentially, but sequential execution is not required. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, the operations may be omitted, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel or in combination. For example, Figure 7 The electronic device can be Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 An electronic device 101. Figure 7 The process can be implemented independently or in Figure 6 It is realized after the completion of the process.

[0149] refer to Figure 7 In operation 701, an electronic device (eg, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 electronic device 101) or a processor (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 or Figure 5The processor 500 of the electronic device 101 can identify whether the channel of the electronic device 101 and / or at least one external electronic device has changed in the second time segment. The processor 500 can identify whether the channel of the electronic device 101 and / or at least one external electronic device has changed in the second time segment during the data communication with the at least one external electronic device through the first time segment and / or the second time segment. For example, when the channels of the electronic device 101 and / or at least one external electronic device in the second time segment are the same, the processor 500 can control the communication circuit 510 to perform data communication with the at least one external electronic device by discovering the first time segment and the second time segment between the windows. For example, when the channels of the electronic device 101 and / or at least one external electronic device in the second time segment are different, the processor 500 can control the communication circuit 510 to perform data communication with the at least one external electronic device by discovering the first time segment between the windows. For example, data communication in the first time segment can be performed based on the first scheduling information. For example, data communication in the second time segment can be performed based on the second scheduling information.

[0150] When the electronic device 101 accesses the AP, the connection between the electronic device 101 and the AP is released, or the channel for accessing the AP is changed, the processor 500 may determine that the channel of the electronic device 101 in the second time segment is changed. When an external electronic device accesses the AP, the connection between the external electronic device and the AP is released, or the channel for accessing the AP is changed, the processor 500 may determine that the channel of the external electronic device in the second time segment is changed.

[0151] When the electronic device 101 operates in the mobile hotspot mode, the electronic device 101 ends the mobile hotspot mode, or the channel for the mobile hotspot changes, the processor 500 may determine the channel change of the electronic device 101 in the second time segment. When the external electronic device operates in the mobile hotspot mode, the electronic device 101 ends the mobile hotspot mode, or the channel for the mobile hotspot changes, the processor 500 may determine the channel change of the external electronic device in the second time segment.

[0152] When the electronic device 101 performs direct communication based on WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct), the electronic device 101 ends direct communication based on WLAN, or the channel for direct communication changes, the processor 500 may determine the channel change of the electronic device 101 in the second time segment. When the external electronic device performs direct communication based on WLAN, the electronic device 101 ends direct communication based on WLAN, or the channel for direct communication changes, the processor 500 may determine the channel change of the external electronic device in the second time segment.

[0153] When the channels of the electronic device 101 and the at least one external electronic device in the second time segment are not changed (e.g., "No" of operation 701), the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., the processor 120 or 500) may end the embodiment of using the second scheduling information. When the channels of the electronic device 101 and the at least one external electronic device in the second time segment are not changed, if the channels of the electronic device 101 and / or the at least one external electronic device in the second time segment are the same, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform data communication with the at least one external electronic device by discovering the first time segment and the second time segment between the windows, such as Figure 6 For example, when the electronic device 101 and / or at least one external electronic device have different channels in the second time segment, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform data communication with the at least one external electronic device through the first time segment between the discovery windows, such as Figure 6 The "No" option of 607 is described below.

[0154] When the channels of the electronic device 101 and / or the at least one external electronic device in the second time segment are changed (e.g., "yes" of operation 701), in operation 703, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., the processor 120 or 500) may determine whether the second scheduling information can be used for data communication with the at least one external electronic device based on the channels of the electronic device 101 and the at least one external electronic device in the second time segment. When the channels used by the electronic device 101 and the at least one external electronic device for communication with an AP, a mobile hotspot, or direct communication based on a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct) are the same based on the change of the channels of the electronic device 101 and / or the at least one external electronic device in the second time segment, the processor 500 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time segment can be used. When the channels used by the electronic device 101 and the at least one external electronic device for communication with an AP, a mobile hotspot, or direct communication based on a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct) are different, the processor 500 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time segment cannot be used.

[0155] When it is determined that the second scheduling information can be used for data communication with at least one external electronic device (e.g., "yes" in operation 703), in operation 705, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., processor 120 or 500) may perform data communication with at least one external electronic device based on the first scheduling information for the first time segment and the second scheduling information for the second time segment. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform data communication with the at least one external electronic device by Figure 8aThe first time section 820 and the second time section 830 configured between the discovery window 0 800 and the discovery window 1 810 transmit data to the external electronic device and / or receive data from the external electronic device.

[0156] When it is determined that the second scheduling information cannot be used for data communication with at least one external electronic device (e.g., "No" in operation 703), in operation 707, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., processor 120 or 500) may perform data communication with at least one external electronic device based on the first scheduling information for the first time segment. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to send information related to the removal of the second scheduling information (or the restriction of the second scheduling information) to at least one external electronic device. For example, the information related to the removal of the second scheduling information (or the restriction of the second scheduling information) may be included in the SDF and / or NAF sent and / or received within the discovery window. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to send data to and / or receive data from the external electronic device through the first time segment 820 configured between the discovery window 0 800 and the discovery window 1 810.

[0157] When data communication with at least one external electronic device is performed in the first time segment and the second time segment between the discovery windows, the electronic device 101 may limit the use of the second time segment to reduce power consumption. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to send information related to the removal of the second scheduling information (or the restriction on the second scheduling information) to the at least one external electronic device to limit the use of the second time segment. For example, the information related to the removal of the second scheduling information (or the restriction on the second scheduling information) may be included in the SDF and / or NAF sent and / or received within the discovery window. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to limit the use of the second time segment based on the restriction on the use of the second time segment, such as Figure 8b The first time section 820 configured between the discovery window 0 800 and the discovery window 1 810 is shown to transmit data to and / or receive data from the external electronic device.

[0158] Fig. 9 An example is shown in which an electronic device performs scheduling based on time resources.

[0159] refer to Fig. 9 In operation 911, the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210 may perform NAN cluster synchronization. The electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210 may be based on a cluster (or network) implemented in a NAN scheme (eg, Figure 2The NAN cluster synchronization may be performed based on NAN cluster information included in a signal broadcasted by an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101, 210, 220, and / or 230) included in a cluster 200 of the NAN cluster. For example, the NAN cluster synchronization may include a series of operations of synchronizing time resources and frequency resources (e.g., channels) by the electronic device 101 included in the NAN cluster and the external electronic device 1 210. For example, the NAN cluster synchronization may be based on the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101, 210, 220, and / or 230) included in the NAN cluster. Figure 2 electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230) (or a master device of a NAN cluster) (e.g., Figure 2 The execution is performed based on the clock information of the electronic device 101).

[0160] In operation 913, the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1210 may perform scheduling corresponding to different time sections in order to configure NDP for data communication. Figure 8a The electronic device 101 may include a first scheduling information for the first time segment 820 and a second scheduling information for the second time segment 830 to be sent to the external electronic device 1 210 so as to configure the NDP with the external electronic device 1 210. For example, the information related to the scheduling may be included in at least one of the NAN availability information or the non-NAN operation scheduling information, and sent to the external electronic device 1 210 through the discovery window. For example, the NAN availability information may include information related to one of the channel information, the frequency band information, the start time point (start offset), the duration (bit duration), or the repetition period to be used for each further available window (FAW). The electronic device 101 may receive a response signal in response to the scheduling information from the external electronic device 1 210. For example, when the response signal includes information related to "acceptance", the electronic device 101 may establish an NDP session for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the scheduling information sent to the external electronic device 1 210. For example, when the response signal includes information related to the "modification proposal (counter)", the electronic device 101 can identify the scheduling information modified by the external electronic device 1 210. When it is determined to accept the scheduling information modified by the external electronic device 1 210, the electronic device 101 can establish an NDP session for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the modified scheduling information. For example, the first scheduling information for the first time segment 820 and / or the second scheduling information for the second time segment 830 may include identification information (e.g., ID or scheduling number of [Table 1]) for identifying the scheduling information. For example, the identification information for identifying the scheduling information can be used for adding a scheduling operation or removing the scheduling information.

[0161] In operation 915, the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210 may perform data communication through the first time segment based on the first scheduling information. When the first scheduling information is configured as the scheduling information (initial scheduling number) to be initially used among the instances of the plurality of scheduling information, in operation 915, the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210 may perform data communication through the first time segment based on the first scheduling information.

[0162] The electronic device 101 may determine whether the second scheduling information may be additionally used for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the channel of the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210 in the second time segment. When the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210 are not connected to the AP, the electronic device 101 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time segment may be used for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210. When the channel of the electronic device 101 for the mobile hotspot and the channel of the AP to which the external electronic device 1 210 is connected are the same, the electronic device 101 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time segment may be used for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210. When the channel used by the electronic device 101 for the mobile hotspot and the channel of the AP to which the external electronic device 1 210 is connected are the same, the electronic device 101 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time segment may be used for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210. When the channel used by the external electronic device 1 210 for the mobile hotspot is the same as the channel with the AP to which the electronic device 101 is connected, the electronic device 101 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time section may be used for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210. When the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210 use the same channel for the mobile hotspot, the electronic device 101 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time section may be used for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210. When the channel used by the electronic device 101 for direct communication based on WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct) is the same as the channel with the AP to which the external electronic device 1 210 is connected, the electronic device 101 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time section may be used for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210. When the channel used by the external electronic device 1 210 for direct communication based on WLAN is the same as the channel with the AP to which the electronic device 101 is connected, the electronic device 101 may determine that the scheduling information for the second time section may be used for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210. When the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210 use the same channel for WLAN-based direct communication, the electronic device 101 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time section may be used for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 .

[0163] When it is determined that the second scheduling information for the second time section can be used for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210, in operation 917, the electronic device 101 may send a request signal related to the addition of the second scheduling information to the external electronic device 1 210. For example, the request signal related to the addition of the second scheduling information may include identification information of the second scheduling information or information related to a frequency to be used by the electronic device 101 in the second time section (or information related to a frequency band). For example, the request signal related to the addition of the second scheduling information may be sent to the external electronic device 1 210 within the discovery window and / or the first time section.

[0164] In operation 919, the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210 may perform data communication through the first time section and the second time section based on the addition of the second scheduling information, based on the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information for NDP configuration.

[0165] The electronic device 101 may determine whether the second scheduling information can be used for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on a change in a channel of the electronic device 101 and / or the external electronic device 1 210 in the second time segment. When the channel of the AP to which the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device are connected is different based on a change in a channel of the electronic device 101 and / or at least one external electronic device in the second time segment, the electronic device 101 may determine that the second scheduling information for the second time segment cannot be used for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210.

[0166] When it is determined that the second scheduling information for the second time section cannot be used for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210, in operation 921, the electronic device 101 may transmit a request signal related to removal of the second scheduling information (or restriction of the second scheduling information) to the external electronic device 1 210. For example, the request signal related to removal of the second scheduling information (or restriction of the second scheduling information) may be included in the SDF and / or NAF within the discovery window and transmitted to the external electronic device 1 210. For example, the request signal related to removal of the second scheduling information (or restriction of the second scheduling information) may be transmitted to the external electronic device 1 210 within the first time section and / or the second time section.

[0167] In operation 923 , the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210 may perform data communication through the first time section based on the first scheduling information based on the removal of the second scheduling information (or the limitation on the second scheduling information).

[0168] Fig.10 An example of scheduling by an electronic device is shown. For example, Fig.10At least some of Fig. 9 Detailed operation of operation 913.

[0169] refer to Fig.10 , in operation 1011, the electronic device 101 may send information related to scheduling of different time segments for configuring an NDP with the external electronic device 1 210 to the external electronic device 1 210. For example, the information related to scheduling may include first scheduling information for a first time segment and second scheduling information for a second time segment that does not overlap with the first time segment. For example, the first time segment is a time segment used jointly by the electronic device 101 configuring the NDP and the external electronic device 1 210, and the channel of the NDP may be fixed for use. For example, the second time segment is a time segment that does not overlap with the first time segment between discovery windows, and the channel of the NDP may vary. For example, the information related to scheduling may be included in at least one of the NAN availability information and / or the non-NAN operation scheduling information, and sent to the external electronic device 1 210 through the discovery window.

[0170] In operation 1013, the electronic device 101 may receive a response signal in response to the scheduling information from the external electronic device 1 210. When the response message received from the external electronic device 1 210 includes information related to "Accept", the electronic device 101 may determine that the external electronic device 1 210 accepts the scheduling information transmitted to the external electronic device 1 210. When the response message received from the external electronic device 1 210 includes information related to "Modification Proposal (Counter)", the electronic device 101 may recognize the scheduling information modified by the external electronic device 1 210 in the response message. When the response message received from the external electronic device 1 210 includes information related to "Reject", the electronic device 101 may determine that data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 cannot be performed.

[0171] When the response message received from the external electronic device 1 210 includes information related to “Modification Proposal (Counter)”, the electronic device 101 may send a scheduling confirmation message to the external electronic device 1 210 in operation 1015. When accepting the scheduling information modified by the external electronic device 1 210, the electronic device 101 may send the scheduling confirmation message to the external electronic device 1 210.

[0172] When the response message received from the external electronic device 1 210 includes information related to "Acceptance", the transmission of the scheduling confirmation message may be omitted.

[0173] The electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210 may perform scheduling based on security settings. The electronic device 101 may send scheduling-related information including security settings to the external electronic device 1 210. The external electronic device 1 210 may send a response message including security settings to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may send a scheduling confirmation message including security settings to the external electronic device 1 210 based on the response message. The electronic device 101 may determine that scheduling with the external electronic device 1 210 is completed based on receiving a message related to completion of security settings (e.g., security installation) from the external electronic device 1 210.

[0174] When first configuring NDP using external devices, refer to Figures 6 to 10 The described method performs scheduling for a first time segment and a second time segment. Therefore, if the first time segment is initially used for data communication with an external device, if it is subsequently determined that the second time segment can also be used, the second time segment can be used without additional scheduling or at least reduced scheduling compared to existing methods because the second scheduling information has been previously determined. Since both the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information are configured in a single message exchange, negotiations can also be reduced. This in turn means that the use of the second time segment can be achieved with reduced delay compared to existing methods that only perform scheduling of the second time segment when it is determined that the second time segment can be used. This reduced delay can increase data transfer speed, and the reduced number of exchanged messages can reduce power consumption.

[0175] Fig.11 1100 is a flowchart showing a process of an electronic device performing scheduling based on frequency resources. In the following process, each operation can be performed sequentially, but sequential execution is not required. For example, the order of operations can be changed, operations can be omitted, and at least two operations can be performed in parallel or in combination. For example, Fig.11 The electronic device can be Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 An electronic device 101.

[0176] refer to Fig.11 In operation 1101, an electronic device (eg, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 electronic device 101) or a processor (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 or Figure 5The processor 500 of the embodiment may perform scheduling corresponding to different frequency bands (or channels) for configuring NDP with the external electronic device 1 210 in the cluster. The processor 500 may perform scheduling corresponding to the cluster implemented with the NAN scheme (for example, Figure 2 The external electronic device (eg, Figure 2 For example, NAN cluster synchronization may include a series of operations in which the electronic devices included in the cluster synchronize time and / or frequency (or channel) based on beacons sent and / or received through the discovery window.

[0177] The processor 500 may search for the external electronic device 1210 for data transmission based on the generation of the data transmission event. For example, the processor 500 may search for the external electronic device 1210 for data transmission through a Bluetooth message exchange scheme or SDP exchange through a discovery window.

[0178] The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform scheduling for different frequency bands (or channels) for configuring the NDP with the external electronic device 1 210. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit at least one of first scheduling information for a first frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of about 6 GHz) and second scheduling information for a second frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of about 5 GHz) to the external electronic device 1 210. For example, the information related to the scheduling may be included in at least one of the NAN availability information or the non-NAN operation scheduling information, and transmitted to the external electronic device 1 210 within the discovery window. For example, the NAN availability information may include information related to one of channel information, frequency band information, a start time point (start offset), a duration (bit duration), or a repetition period to be used for each further available window (FAW). For example, the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information may include scheduling information for different frequency bands in the same time segment (e.g., FAW) between the discovery windows. For example, the first frequency band and the second frequency band may include frequency bands that cannot be used simultaneously by the communication circuit 510.

[0179] The processor 500 may receive a response signal to the scheduling information from the external electronic device 1 210. For example, when the response signal received from the external electronic device 1 210 includes information related to "acceptance", the processor 500 may determine that the external electronic device 1 210 accepts the scheduling information. For example, when the response signal includes information related to "modification proposal (counter)", the processor 500 may identify the scheduling information modified by the external electronic device 1 210 in the response signal.

[0180] In operation 1103, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., the processor 120 or 500) may perform data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the first scheduling information for the first frequency band. When the first scheduling information is configured as a schedule to be initially used (initial scheduling number), the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 through a channel of the first frequency band in a further available window between discovery windows based on the first scheduling information. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit and / or receive data to and / or from the external electronic device 1 210 through the further available window of the first frequency band between discovery windows.

[0181] In operation 1105 , the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 ) or the processor (eg, the processor 120 or 500 ) may identify whether the external electronic device 2 220 for performing additional data communication is detected during data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 .

[0182] When the external electronic device 2 220 is not detected (e.g., "No" of operation 1105), the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., processor 120 or 500) may end the operation of scheduling based on frequency resources. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to maintain data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the first frequency band according to the first scheduling information.

[0183] When the external electronic device 2 220 is detected (e.g., "yes" of operation 1105), in operation 1107, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) or the processor (or, for example, the processor 120 or 500) may change the scheduling information for configuring the NDP with the external electronic device 210 to the second scheduling information. The processor 500 may identify whether the external electronic device 2 220 supports the first frequency band. When the external electronic device 2 220 does not support the first frequency band, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to send information related to the change from the first scheduling information to the second scheduling information to the external electronic device 1 210 through the SDF and / or the NAF within the discovery window. For example, the information related to the change to the second scheduling information may include identification information related to the second scheduling information (e.g., ID or scheduling number of [Table 2]). For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to update the NAN data path for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the second scheduling information in response to receiving a confirmation message (e.g., ACK) related to the information about the change to the second scheduling information. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to update the NAN data path for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the second scheduling information in response to the transmission of the information about the change to the second scheduling information. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the second scheduling information for the second frequency band according to the update to the second scheduling information. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit data to the external electronic device 1 210 and / or receive data from the external electronic device 1 210 by discovering a further available window of the second frequency band between the windows.

[0184] In operation 1109, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., the processor 120 or 500) may perform scheduling corresponding to the second frequency band to configure the NDP with the external electronic device 2 220. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit scheduling information of the second frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of about 5 GHz) to the external electronic device 2 220 for configuring the NDP with the external electronic device 2 220. For example, the information related to the scheduling of the second frequency band may be included in at least one of the NAN availability information or the non-NAN operation scheduling information, and transmitted to the external electronic device 2 220 within the discovery window.

[0185] The processor 500 may receive a response signal in response to the scheduling information of the second frequency band from the external electronic device 2 220. For example, when the response signal received from the external electronic device 2 220 includes information related to "Accept", the processor 500 may determine that the external electronic device 2 220 accepts the scheduling information of the second frequency band. For example, when the response signal received from the external electronic device 2 220 includes information related to "Modify Proposal (Counter)", the processor 500 may identify the scheduling information modified by the external electronic device 2 220 in the response signal.

[0186] In operation 1111, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., the processor 120 or 500) may perform data communication with the external electronic device 2 220 based on the scheduling information for configuring the NDP with the external electronic device 2 220. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit data to the external electronic device 2 220 and / or receive data from the external electronic device 2 220 through the further available window of the second frequency band between the discovery windows. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit data to the external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 and / or receive data from the external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 through the channel of the second frequency band between the discovery windows. For example, the data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 may be performed within the same further available window or different further available windows.

[0187] The electronic device 101 may perform scheduling for different channels within the same frequency band to configure an NDP with the external electronic device 1 210 .

[0188] Fig.12 1200 is a flowchart illustrating a process of switching schedules for an electronic device. For example, Fig.12 At least some of Fig.11 Detailed operations of operation 1107 to operation 1111 of the present invention. In the following process, each operation may be performed sequentially, but sequential execution is not necessary. For example, the order of operations may be changed, operations may be omitted, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel or in combination. For example, Fig.12 The electronic device can be Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 An electronic device 101.

[0189] refer to Fig.12, when the external electronic device 2 220 for additional data communication is detected during the data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the first scheduling information of the first frequency band (for example, Fig.11 In operation 1105, the electronic device (eg, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 electronic device 101) or a processor (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 or Figure 5 The processor 500 of the external electronic device 2 220 may identify whether the external electronic device 2 220 supports the first frequency band. The processor 500 may identify one of NAN availability information, WLAN infrastructure information, or non-NAN operation scheduling information based on at least one of a beacon, a service discovery (SDF), or a NAN action frame (NAF) received from the external electronic device 2 220 within a synchronized time section (e.g., a discovery window). The processor 500 may acquire information related to a frequency band supported by the external electronic device 2 220 based on at least one of the NAN availability information, the WLAN infrastructure information, or the non-NAN operation scheduling information. The processor 500 may identify whether the external electronic device 2 220 supports the first frequency band based on the information related to the frequency band supported by the external electronic device 2 220.

[0190] When the external electronic device 2 220 supports the first frequency band (e.g., "yes" of operation 1201), in operation 1203, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., processor 120 or 500) may perform scheduling corresponding to the first frequency band to configure the NDP with the external electronic device 2 220. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit scheduling information of the first frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of about 6 GHz) for configuring the NDP with the external electronic device 2 220 to the external electronic device 2 220. For example, the information related to the scheduling of the first frequency band may be included in at least one of the NAN availability information or the non-NAN operation scheduling information, and transmitted to the external electronic device 2 220 within the discovery window.

[0191] The processor 500 may receive a response signal in response to the scheduling information of the first frequency band from the external electronic device 2 220. For example, when the response signal received from the external electronic device 2 220 includes information related to "Accept", the processor 500 may determine that the external electronic device 2 220 accepts the scheduling information of the first frequency band. For example, when the response signal received from the external electronic device 2 220 includes information related to "Modify Proposal (Counter)", the processor 500 may identify the scheduling information modified by the external electronic device 2 220 in the response signal.

[0192] In operation 1205, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., the processor 120 or 500) may perform data communication with the external electronic device 2 220 based on the scheduling information for configuring the NDP with the external electronic device 2 220. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit data to the external electronic device 2 220 and / or receive data from the external electronic device 2 220 through the further available window of the first frequency band between the discovery windows. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit data to the external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 and / or receive data from the external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 through the channel of the first frequency band between the discovery windows. For example, the data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 may be performed within the same further available window or different further available windows.

[0193] When the external electronic device 2 220 does not support the first frequency band (e.g., "No" of operation 1201), in operation 1207, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., processor 120 or 500) may change the schedule for configuring the NDP with the external electronic device 1 210 to the second schedule information. When the external electronic device 2 220 does not support the first frequency band, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to send information related to the change from the first schedule information to the second schedule information to the external electronic device 1 210 through the SDF and / or NAF within the discovery window. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to update the NAN data path for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the second schedule information in response to receiving a confirmation message (e.g., ACK) related to the information about the change to the second schedule information. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to update the NAN data path for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the second scheduling information in response to the transmission of the information about the change to the second scheduling information.

[0194] In operation 1209, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., processor 120 or 500) may perform data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the second scheduling information for the second frequency band. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit and / or receive data to and / or from the external electronic device 1 210 by discovering a further available window of the second frequency band between the windows.

[0195] In operation 1211, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., the processor 120 or 500) may perform scheduling corresponding to the second frequency band to configure the NDP with the external electronic device 2 220. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit scheduling information of the second frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of about 5 GHz) for configuring the NDP with the external electronic device 2 220 to the external electronic device 2 220. When the response signal received from the external electronic device 2 220 includes information related to "acceptance", the processor 500 may determine that the external electronic device 2 220 accepts the scheduling information of the second frequency band. When the response signal received from the external electronic device 2 220 includes information related to "modification proposal", the processor 500 may identify the scheduling information modified by the external electronic device 2 220 in the response signal.

[0196] In operation 1213, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101) or the processor (e.g., the processor 120 or 500) may perform data communication with the external electronic device 2 220 based on the scheduling information for the second frequency band. The processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit data to the external electronic device 2 220 and / or receive data from the external electronic device 2 220 through the further available window of the second frequency band between the discovery windows. For example, the processor 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to transmit data to the external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 and / or receive data from the external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 through the channel of the second frequency band between the discovery windows. For example, the data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 may be performed within the same further available window or different further available windows.

[0197] Fig.13 An example is shown in which an electronic device performs scheduling based on frequency resources.

[0198] refer to Fig.13In operation 1311, the electronic device 101, the external electronic device 1 210, and the external electronic device 2 220 may perform NAN cluster synchronization. The electronic device 101, the external electronic device 1 210, and the external electronic device 2 220 may be based on a cluster (or network) implemented in a NAN scheme (eg, Figure 2 The NAN cluster synchronization may be performed based on NAN cluster information included in a signal broadcasted by an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101, 210, 220, and / or 230) included in a cluster 200 of the NAN cluster. For example, the NAN cluster synchronization may include a series of operations of synchronizing time resources and frequency resources (e.g., channels) by the electronic device 101, the external electronic device 1 210, and the external electronic device 2 220 included in the NAN cluster. For example, the NAN cluster synchronization may be based on the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101, 210, 220, and / or 230) included in the NAN cluster. Figure 2 electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and / or 230) (or a master device of a NAN cluster) (e.g., Figure 2 The execution is performed based on the clock information of the electronic device 101).

[0199] In operation 1313, the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210 may perform scheduling corresponding to different frequency bands to configure an NDP for data communication.

[0200] The electronic device 101 may transmit at least one of first scheduling information for a first frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of about 6 GHz) and second scheduling information for a second frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of 5 GHz) to the external electronic device 1 210. For example, the information related to the schedule may be included in at least one of the NAN availability information or the non-NAN operation scheduling information, and transmitted to the external electronic device 1 210 within the discovery window. For example, the NAN availability information may include information related to one of channel information, frequency band information, a start time point (start offset), duration (bit duration), or a repetition period to be used for each further available window (FAW). For example, the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information may include scheduling information for different frequency bands in the same time segment (e.g., FAW) between the discovery windows. For example, the first frequency band and the second frequency band may include frequency bands that cannot be used simultaneously by the communication circuit 510.

[0201] The electronic device 101 may receive a response signal in response to the scheduling information from the external electronic device 1 210. For example, when the response signal received from the external electronic device 1 210 includes information related to "acceptance", the electronic device 101 may determine that the external electronic device 1 210 accepts the scheduling information. For example, when the response signal received from the external electronic device 1 210 includes information related to "modification proposal (counter)", the electronic device 101 may recognize the scheduling information modified by the external electronic device 1 210 in the response signal.

[0202] In operation 1315, the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210 may perform data communication based on the first scheduling information for the first frequency band. When the first scheduling information is configured as a schedule (initial scheduling number) to be initially used among multiple instances of scheduling, the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 1 210 may send and / or receive data through a channel of the first frequency band in a further available window between discovery windows based on the first scheduling information. For example, data may be sent and / or received through a further available window of the first frequency band between discovery windows.

[0203] In operation 1317, the electronic device 101 may detect the external electronic device 2 220 for additional data communication during data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the first scheduling information of the first frequency band. The electronic device 101 may identify whether the external electronic device 2 220 supports the first frequency band. The electronic device 101 may acquire information related to the frequency band supported by the external electronic device 2 220 through at least one of a beacon, a service discovery frame (SDF), or a NAN action frame (NAF) received from the external electronic device 2 220 within the discovery window. The electronic device 101 may identify whether the external electronic device 2 220 supports the first frequency band based on the information related to the frequency band supported by the external electronic device 2 220.

[0204] When it is determined that the external electronic device 2 220 does not support the first frequency, the electronic device 101 may transmit a request signal related to a change in scheduling for the NDP session with the external electronic device 1 210 to the external electronic device 1 210 in operation 1319. The request signal related to the change in scheduling may be transmitted through the SDF and / or the NAF within the discovery window.

[0205] In operation 1321, the electronic device 101 may perform data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the second scheduling information for the second frequency band. The electronic device 101 may update the NAN data path for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the second scheduling information in response to receiving a confirmation message (e.g., ACK) related to the information about the change in scheduling information. The electronic device 101 may update the NAN data path for data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 based on the second scheduling information in response to the transmission of the information about the change in scheduling information. The electronic device 101 may transmit data to and / or receive data from the external electronic device 1 210 by discovering a further available window of the second frequency band between windows based on the change in scheduling.

[0206] In operation 1323, the electronic device 101 may perform scheduling corresponding to the second frequency band to configure the NDP with the external electronic device 2 220. The electronic device 101 may transmit scheduling information of the second frequency band (e.g., a frequency band of about 5 GHz) for configuring the NDP with the external electronic device 2 220 to the external electronic device 2 220. When the response signal received from the external electronic device 2 220 includes information related to "acceptance", the electronic device 101 may determine that the external electronic device 2 220 accepts the scheduling information of the second frequency band. When the response signal received from the external electronic device 2 220 includes information related to "modification proposal", the electronic device 101 may recognize the scheduling information modified by the external electronic device 2 220 in the response signal.

[0207] In operation 1325, the electronic device 101 may perform data communication with the external electronic device 2 220 based on the scheduling information for configuring the NDP with the external electronic device 2 220. The electronic device 101 may transmit data to the external electronic device 2 220 and / or receive data from the external electronic device 2 220 through the further available window of the second frequency band between the discovery windows. For example, the electronic device 101 may transmit data to the external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 and / or receive data from the external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 through the channel of the second frequency band between the discovery windows. For example, the data communication with the external electronic device 1 210 and the external electronic device 2 220 may be performed within the same further available window or different further available windows.

[0208] When the NDP is first configured using the first external electronic device, the above reference Figures 11 to 13The described method performs scheduling for a first time-frequency channel and a second time-frequency channel. Therefore, if the first frequency channel is initially used for data communication with a first external electronic device, if a second external electronic device that cannot utilize the first frequency band is detected, the communication between the electronic device and the first external electronic device can be switched to the second frequency band without additional scheduling or at least reduced scheduling compared to existing methods because the second scheduling information has been previously determined. Therefore, simultaneous communication with both the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device can be performed with reduced delay. This reduced delay can increase data transfer speed, and the reduced number of exchanged messages can reduce power consumption.

[0209] According to an example, an operating electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 The method of operating the electronic device 101) may include the following operations: based on a request for configuring a NAN data path (NDP) scheduling of an external electronic device included in a cluster of a neighbor awareness network (NAN), scheduling for different time segments is performed. Therefore, a first scheduling information corresponding to the first time segment is generated. If the second time segment exists, the second scheduling information is generated. The method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of sending data to the external electronic device or receiving data from the external electronic device based on the first scheduling corresponding to the first time segment. The method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of identifying channels of the electronic device and the external electronic device that are assigned to a second time segment different from the first time segment. The method of operating the electronic device may include the following operations: in a case where the electronic device and the external electronic device use the same channel in the second time segment, data is sent to the external electronic device or received from the external electronic device based on the first scheduling information corresponding to the first time segment and the second scheduling information corresponding to the second time segment.

[0210] The operation of sending data to or receiving data from the external electronic device based on the first scheduling information may include the operation of sending data to or receiving data from the external electronic device through a first time section between discovery windows based on the first scheduling information.

[0211] The operation of sending data to or receiving data from an external electronic device based on the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information may include: when the electronic device and the external electronic device use the same channel in the second time segment, the operation of sending information related to the second scheduling information to the external electronic device, and the operation of sending data to or receiving data from the external electronic device by discovering the first time segment and the second time segment between the windows based on the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information.

[0212] Information related to the second scheduling information may be transmitted to the external electronic device in at least one of the discovery window and / or the first time section.

[0213] The operation of identifying the channel of the external electronic device may include: identifying the operation of the channel of the external electronic device based on at least one of NAN availability information (NAN availability attribute), WLAN infrastructure information (extended WLAN infrastructure attribute), or non-NAN operation scheduling information (unaligned scheduling attribute) received from the external electronic device within the discovery window.

[0214] The operation of performing scheduling may include: sending information related to the first time segment and the second time segment included in the discovery window to an external electronic device, and performing scheduling for different time segments based on a response to the information related to the first time segment and the second time segment received from the external electronic device.

[0215] The information related to the time segment may include at least one of channel information, a frequency band, a start time point (start offset), a duration (bit duration), or a repetition period used in each time segment.

[0216] When channels used by the electronic device and the external electronic device in the second time section are different from each other, the method may include an operation of limiting use of the second scheduling information.

[0217] The method may include an operation of limiting use of the second scheduling information based on a change in a channel used by the electronic device and / or the external electronic device in the second time section.

[0218] The embodiments, examples and implementations of the present disclosure in the specification and the drawings are presented to easily describe the technical content according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and to provide specific examples for helping to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, but are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be interpreted as all changes or modified forms derived from the technical ideas of the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the embodiments disclosed herein are included in the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0219] Unless otherwise stated or mutually exclusive, the embodiments, examples, implementations and features thereof described in the present disclosure may also be combined.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: Communication circuits; and a processor operatively connected to the communication circuit, Wherein, the processor is configured to: performing scheduling of a first time segment and a second time segment for a communication resource based on a request for configuring a NAN data path NDP scheduling with an external electronic device included in a neighbor awareness network NAN cluster including the electronic device; sending data to the external electronic device or receiving data from the external electronic device based on first scheduling information corresponding to the first time period generated by the scheduling; identifying frequency channels of the electronic device and the external electronic device allocated to a second time period; and When the allocated frequency channels of the electronic device and the external electronic device are the same, data are sent to or received from the external electronic device based on first scheduling information corresponding to the first time segment and second scheduling information corresponding to the second time segment generated by the scheduling.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is configured to transmit data to or receive data from the external electronic device through a first time section between discovery windows based on first scheduling information.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The processor is configured to: In a case where the allocated frequency channels of the electronic device and the external electronic device are the same, sending information related to the second scheduling information to the external electronic device; as well as Based on the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information, data is sent to the external electronic device or received from the external electronic device through the first time segment and the second time segment between the discovery windows.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The processor is configured to transmit information related to second scheduling information to the external electronic device in at least one of the discovery window or the first time section.

5. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The processor is configured to identify a frequency channel of the external electronic device allocated to the second time segment based on at least one of NAN availability information (NAN availability attribute), WLAN infrastructure information (extended WLAN infrastructure attribute), or non-NAN operation scheduling information (unaligned scheduling attribute) received from the external electronic device within the discovery window.

6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The processor is configured to: sending information related to a first time segment and a second time segment included in the discovery window to the external electronic device; as well as Scheduling for the first time segment and the second time segment is performed based on a response to the information related to the first time segment and the second time segment received from the external electronic device.

7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The processor is configured to restrict use of second scheduling information if the allocated frequency channels of the electronic device and the external electronic device are different from each other.

8. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The processor is configured to restrict use of the second scheduling information based on a change in an allocated frequency channel used by the electronic device and / or the external electronic device in a second time section.

9. A method for operating an electronic device, the method comprising: performing scheduling of a first time segment and a second time segment for a communication resource based on a request for configuring a NAN data path NDP scheduling with an external electronic device included in a neighbor awareness network NAN cluster including the electronic device; sending data to the external electronic device or receiving data from the external electronic device based on first scheduling information corresponding to the first time period generated by the scheduling; identifying frequency channels of the electronic device and the external electronic device allocated to a second time period; as well as When the allocated frequency channels of the electronic device and the external electronic device are the same, data are sent to or received from the external electronic device based on first scheduling information corresponding to the first time segment and second scheduling information corresponding to the second time segment generated by the scheduling.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Sending data to the external electronic device or receiving data from the external electronic device based on the first scheduling information includes: sending data to the external electronic device or receiving data from the external electronic device through a first time section between discovery windows based on the first scheduling information.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: Based on the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information, sending data to the external electronic device or receiving data from the external electronic device includes: In a case where the allocated frequency channels of the electronic device and the external electronic device are the same, sending information related to the second scheduling information to the external electronic device; and Based on the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information, data is sent to the external electronic device or received from the external electronic device through the first time segment and the second time segment between the discovery windows.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: Identifying the frequency channel of the electronic device allocated to the second time segment includes: identifying the frequency channel of the external electronic device allocated to the second time segment based on at least one of the NAN availability information (NAN availability attribute), WLAN infrastructure information (extended WLAN infrastructure attribute), or non-NAN operation scheduling information (unaligned scheduling attribute) received from the external electronic device within the discovery window.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: Executing the scheduling includes: sending information related to a first time segment and a second time segment included in the discovery window to the external electronic device; and Scheduling for the first time segment and the second time segment is performed based on a response to the information related to the first time segment and the second time segment received from the external electronic device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising: In case that the allocated frequency channels of the electronic device and the external electronic device are different from each other, use of the second scheduling information is restricted.

15. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: The use of the second scheduling information is restricted based on a change in the allocated frequency channel used by the electronic device and / or the external electronic device in a second time section.

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