Determining proxy device transmit power using signal strength information from source device

Abstract

Embodiments include a method for messaging in a wireless network, the method comprising: receiving, by a proxy device of a source device, a first message from the source device, where the first message includes a reference transmit power of the source device and the first message is received at a receive power; calculating, by the proxy device, a transmission power for transmitting the message on behalf of the source device based on the reference transmission power and the reception power; and transmitting, by the proxy device, a second message at the transmission power, the second message including information about the service provided by the source device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates in general to wireless communication systems, and more specifically to, for example, but not limited to, using signal strength information from a source device to determine the transmission power of a proxy device. Background Technology

[0002] Since the late 1990s, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technology has evolved towards increasing data rates and continues to grow in various markets such as homes, businesses, and hotspots. WLAN allows devices to access the Internet in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or 60 GHz frequency bands. WLAN is based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. The IEEE 802.11 standard family aims to improve speed and reliability and extend the operational range of wireless networks.

[0003] WLAN devices increasingly need to support a variety of latency-sensitive or real-time applications, such as augmented reality (AR), robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and autonomous vehicles. To achieve the extremely low latency and extremely high throughput required for such applications, Multi-Link Operation (MLO) has been proposed for WLANs. A WLAN is formed by WLAN devices within a limited area such as a home, school, apartment, or office building. Each WLAN device can have one or more Stations (STAs), such as Access Point (AP) STAs and Non-Access Point (Non-AP) STAs.

[0004] Wi-Fi Awareness (also known as Neighbor Aware Networking (NAN)) is a specification proposed by the Wi-Fi Alliance focusing on self-organizing peer-to-peer (P2P) networking. This specification allows devices to connect to each other to meet specific service-based needs. A key feature of this specification is discovery. NAN discovery can be processed by the NAN discovery engine and may include publishing service advertisements for devices within the NAN network. NAN service advertisements are typically sent multiple times (e.g., periodically) by devices in a NAN cluster. Devices offering / requesting services can make service advertisements. Many devices have limited power, so frequent advertisement sending can be an expensive activity.

[0005] There are many ways to publish service announcements. For example, a NAN device can initiate periodic publishing messages to solicit subscriptions to a service. Alternatively, a NAN device can initiate this by repeatedly (e.g., periodically) sending subscription messages to search for another device offering a specific service. In either case, to increase the likelihood of finding a matching publisher / subscriber, it may be necessary to repeat these messages over an extended period of time.

[0006] The descriptions set forth in the Background section should not be assumed to be prior art simply because they are set forth in the Background section. The Background section may describe aspects or embodiments of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Solution to the problem

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure provides a method for messaging in a wireless network. The method includes receiving a first message from a source device by an agent device, wherein the first message includes a reference transmit power of the source device and is received at receive power. The method includes calculating a transmit power for transmitting a message on behalf of the source device based on the reference transmit power and the receive power. The method also includes sending a second message by the agent device to a plurality of devices at the transmit power, the second message including information about services provided by the source device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the received power is based on the received signal strength of the first message.

[0010] In some embodiments, the transmission power is calculated such that the second message is received by a set of neighboring devices of the source device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the set of neighboring devices of the source device is determined based on ranging information provided in a neighbor-aware network (NAN).

[0012] In some embodiments, the transmission power is calculated such that the second message is received by a set of adjacent devices shared by the source device and the proxy device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first message includes information about one or more devices adjacent to the source device, wherein the method further includes having the proxy device compare one or more adjacent devices between the proxy device and the source device to determine a set of common adjacent devices of the source device and the proxy device and a set of exclusive adjacent devices of the proxy device, and having the proxy device calculate a transmission power to include the set of common adjacent devices and exclude the set of exclusive adjacent devices of the proxy device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first message includes signal strength information of a set of neighboring devices of the source device, and the second message includes signal strength information of a set of neighboring devices of the source device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a signal strength threshold for sending a message to a source device by: calculating an estimated path loss between the source device and a proxy device based on the difference between the transmit power and the receive power; calculating a target maximum distance for sending the message as a function of the estimated path loss; setting a signal strength threshold for the receive power of the device receiving the second message to be equal to the distance between the transmit power of the proxy device and the expected receive power of the target maximum distance; and including the signal strength threshold in the second message.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a third message from a different source device by the proxy device, and sending a fourth message by the proxy device, the fourth message including information about services provided by the source device and information about services provided by the different source devices.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further includes using a machine learning model to determine the transmission power.

[0018] One aspect of this disclosure provides a first station (STA) in a wireless network. The first STA includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive a first message from a second STA, wherein the first message includes a reference transmit power of the second STA and the first message is received at receive power. The processor is configured to calculate a transmit power for transmitting a message on behalf of the second STA based on the reference transmit power and the receive power. The processor is configured to transmit a second message to a plurality of STAs at the transmit power, the second message including information about services provided by the second STA.

[0019] In some embodiments, the received power is based on the received signal strength of the first message.

[0020] In some embodiments, the transmission power is calculated such that the second message is received by the set of neighboring STAs of the second STA.

[0021] In some embodiments, the set of neighboring STAs of the second STA is determined based on ranging information provided in the Neighbor Sensing Network (NAN).

[0022] In some embodiments, the transmit power is calculated such that the second message is received by a set of neighboring STAs shared by the first STA and the second STA.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first message includes information about one or more STAs adjacent to the second STA, wherein the processor is further configured to compare adjacent STAs between the first STA and the second STA to determine a set of common adjacent STAs of the first STA and the second STA, and to determine a set of adjacent STAs of the exclusive neighbor of the first STA, and to calculate transmit power to include the set of common adjacent STAs and exclude the set of adjacent STAs of the exclusive neighbor of the first STA.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first message includes signal strength information of the set of neighboring STAs of the second STA, and the second message includes signal strength information of the set of neighboring STAs of the second STA.

[0025] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to determine a signal strength threshold for transmitting a message to a second STA by: calculating an estimated path loss between the second STA and the first STA based on the difference between the transmit power and the receive power; calculating a target maximum distance for transmitting the message as a function of the estimated path loss; and setting a signal strength threshold for the receive power of the STA receiving the second message to be equal to the distance between the transmit power of the first STA and the expected receive power for the target maximum distance.

[0026] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to receive a third message from a third STA and to send a fourth message, the fourth message including information about services provided by a second STA and information about services provided by a third STA.

[0027] In some embodiments, the processor is also configured to use a machine learning model to determine the transmit power. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 An example of a wireless network according to an embodiment is shown.

[0029] Figure 2A An example of an AP according to an embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figure 2B An example of a STA according to an embodiment is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 An example of multi-link communication operation according to an embodiment is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 The architecture of a Neighbor-Aware Network (NAN) engine according to an embodiment is shown.

[0033] Figure 5The spatial radio frequency (RF) coverage area (footprint) of the source device and the proxy device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 The transmit (TX) power regions of the source device and the proxy device according to an embodiment are shown.

[0035] Figure 7 An example of an extended agent notification scope, according to an embodiment, is shown to cover more devices within the discovery coverage area of ​​the source device.

[0036] Figure 8 An example flowchart for proxy power control calibration of a radio device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0037] Figure 9 An example communication for proxy power control calibration within NAN service discovery is shown according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 10 The discovery area for proxy power control calibration according to an embodiment is shown.

[0039] Figure 11 An example flowchart is shown for performing proxy power control calibration of a radio device using shared neighbor device information according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 12 An example communication for proxy power control calibration within NAN service discovery using shared neighbor device information, according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0041] Figure 13 A proxy notification power adjustment configuration according to an embodiment is shown.

[0042] Figure 14 An example flowchart is shown, illustrating proxy device discovery control of radio devices using shared neighbor device information via a qualified device field, according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 15 An example communication is shown for proxy device discovery control using shared neighbor device information via the qualified device field in the NAN service discovery, according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 16 An example flowchart is shown, according to an embodiment, of proxy device discovery control of radio devices using the source device received signal strength through a qualified range field.

[0045] Figure 17 An example communication is shown, according to an embodiment, for proxy device discovery control using the source device received signal strength through a qualified range field within the NAN service discovery.

[0046] Figure 18 An example communication for agent device discovery according to an embodiment is shown.

[0047] Figure 19 An example flowchart is shown according to an embodiment for receiving agent discovery messages and making discovery event decisions using scope restrictions.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, not all components depicted in each figure are necessary, and one or more embodiments may include additional components not shown in the figures. Variations in the arrangement and type of components may be made without departing from the scope of this subject matter disclosure. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be utilized within the scope of this subject matter disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to describe various embodiments and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the subject matter can be practiced. Rather, this detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the invention. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and description are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. The same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0050] The following description pertains to certain embodiments for the purpose of describing the innovative aspects of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in a variety of different ways. The examples in this disclosure are based on WLAN communication according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, including the IEEE 802.11be standard and any future revisions to the IEEE 802.11 standard. However, the described embodiments can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals according to the IEEE 802.11 standard, Bluetooth standard, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), GSM / General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Terrestrial Trunking Radio (TETRA), Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolved Data Optimized (EV-DO), 1xEV-DO, EV-DO Rev A, EV-DO Rev B, High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), High-Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High-Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolved High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G NR (New Radio), AMPS, or other known signals used for communicating within wireless, cellular, or Internet of Things (IoT) networks, such as systems utilizing 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, or further embodiments thereof.

[0051] Depending on the network type, other well-known terms may be used instead of "access point" or "AP," such as "router" or "gateway." For convenience, the term "AP" is used in this disclosure to refer to a network infrastructure component that provides wireless access to remote terminals. In a WLAN, assuming that the AP also contends for the wireless channel, the AP may also be referred to as a STA. Furthermore, depending on the network type, other well-known terms may be used instead of "station" or "STA," such as "mobile station," "subscriber station," "remote terminal," "user equipment," "wireless terminal," or "user device." For convenience, the terms "station" and "STA" are used in this disclosure to refer to a remote wireless device that wirelessly accesses an AP or contends for a wireless channel in a WLAN, whether the STA is a mobile device (such as a mobile phone or smartphone) or is generally considered a fixed device (such as a desktop computer, AP, media player, fixed sensor, television, etc.).

[0052] Multilink Operation (MLO) is a key feature currently being developed by the standards body for next-generation Ultra High Throughput (EHT) Wi-Fi systems in IEEE 802.11be. Wi-Fi devices that support MLO are called Multilink Devices (MLDs). Using MLO, a non-AP MLD can discover, authenticate, associate, and establish multiple links with an AP MLD. Channel access and frame switching can occur on each link between the AP MLD and non-AP MLDs.

[0053] Figure 1 An example of a wireless network 100 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of the wireless network 100 is for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments of the wireless network 100 may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, wireless network 100 may include multiple wireless communication devices. Each wireless communication device may include one or more stations (STAs). An STA may be a logical entity that is a separate addressable instance of an interface to the Media Access Control (MAC) layer and Physical (PHY) layer of the wireless medium. STAs may be classified as Access Point (AP) STAs and Non-Access Point (Non-AP) STAs. An AP STA may be an entity that provides access to distribution system services to an associated STA via the wireless medium. A Non-AP STA may be a STA that is not included within an AP-STA. For simplicity, an AP STA may be referred to as an AP, and a Non-AP STA may be referred to as a STA. Figure 1 In the example, APs 101 and 103 are wireless communication devices, each of which may include one or more AP STAs. In such an embodiment, APs 101 and 103 may be AP multilink devices (MLDs). Similarly, STAs 111-114 are wireless communication devices, each of which may include one or more non-AP STAs. In such an embodiment, STAs 111-114 may be non-AP MLDs.

[0055] APs 101 and 103 communicate with at least one network 130, such as the Internet, a proprietary Internet Protocol (IP) network, or other data network. AP 101 provides wireless access to network 130 to multiple stations (STAs) 111-114 in the coverage area 120 of AP 101. APs 101 and 103 can communicate with each other and with the STAs using Wi-Fi or other WLAN communication technologies.

[0056] Depending on the network type, other well-known terms may be used instead of "access point" or "AP," such as "router" or "gateway." For convenience, the term "AP" is used in this disclosure to refer to a network infrastructure component that provides wireless access to remote terminals. In a WLAN, assuming that the AP also contends for the wireless channel, the AP may also be referred to as a STA. Furthermore, depending on the network type, other well-known terms may be used instead of "station" or "STA," such as "mobile station," "subscriber station," "remote terminal," "user equipment," "wireless terminal," or "user device." For convenience, the terms "station" and "STA" are used in this disclosure to refer to a remote wireless device that wirelessly accesses an AP or contends for a wireless channel in a WLAN, whether the STA is a mobile device (such as a mobile phone or smartphone) or is generally considered a fixed device (such as a desktop computer, AP, media player, fixed sensor, television, etc.).

[0057] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, the dashed lines indicate the approximate extent of the coverage areas 120 and 125 of APs 101 and 103, which are shown as approximately circular for illustrative and explanatory purposes. It should be clearly understood that, depending on the configuration of the APs, the coverage areas associated with the APs (such as coverage areas 120 and 125) may have other shapes, including irregular shapes.

[0058] As described in more detail below, one or more APs in an AP may include circuitry and / or programming for the management of MU-MIMO and OFDMA channel detection in a WLAN. Although Figure 1 An example of a wireless network 100 is shown, but more details can be found on other wireless networks. Figure 1 Various modifications can be made. For example, wireless network 100 can include any number of APs and any number of STAs in any suitable arrangement. Furthermore, AP 101 can communicate directly with any number of STAs and provide these STAs with wireless broadband access to network 130. Similarly, each AP 101 and 103 can communicate directly with network 130 and provide STAs with direct wireless broadband access to network 130. Additionally, AP 101 and / or 103 can provide access to other or additional external networks, such as external telephone networks or other types of data networks.

[0059] Figure 2A An example of AP 101 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 2A The embodiment of AP 101 shown is for illustrative purposes, and Figure 1 AP 103 can have the same or similar configuration. However, APs have a wide variety of configurations, and Figure 2A This disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of any particular implementation of AP.

[0060] like Figure 2A As shown, AP 101 may include multiple antennas 204a-204n, multiple radio frequency (RF) transceivers 209a-209n, transmit (TX) processing circuitry 214, and receive (RX) processing circuitry 219. AP 101 may also include a controller / processor 224, a memory 229, and a backhaul or network interface 234. RF transceivers 209a-209n receive incoming RF signals from antennas 204a-204n, such as signals transmitted by STAs in network 100. RF transceivers 209a-209n down-convert the incoming RF signals to generate intermediate (IF) or baseband signals. The IF or baseband signals are sent to RX processing circuitry 219, which generates processed baseband signals by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signals. RX processing circuitry 219 sends the processed baseband signals to controller / processor 224 for further processing.

[0061] TX processing circuit 214 receives analog or digital data (such as voice data, network data, email, or interactive video game data) from controller / processor 224. TX processing circuit 214 encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. RF transceivers 209a-209n receive the outgoing processed baseband or IF signal from TX processing circuit 214 and up-convert the baseband or IF signal into an RF signal transmitted via antennas 204a-204n.

[0062] The controller / processor 224 may include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the overall operation of the AP 101. For example, the controller / processor 224 may control the RF transceivers 209a-209n, the RX processing circuitry 219, and the TX processing circuitry 214 to receive uplink signals and transmit downlink signals according to well-known principles. The controller / processor 224 may also support additional functions, such as more advanced wireless communication functions. For example, the controller / processor 224 may support beamforming or directional routing operations, wherein outgoing signals from multiple antennas 204a-204n are weighted differently to effectively guide the outgoing signals to a desired direction. The controller / processor 224 may also support OFDMA operations, wherein outgoing signals are allocated to different subsets of subcarriers for different receivers (e.g., different STAs 111-114). The controller / processor 224 may support a variety of other functions in the AP 101, including combining DLMU-MIMO and OFDMA in the same transmission opportunity. In some embodiments, the controller / processor 224 may include at least one microprocessor or microcontroller. The controller / processor 224 is also capable of executing programs and other processes, such as an operating system, residing in the memory 229. The controller / processor 224 can move data into or out of the memory 229 as needed for the execution process.

[0063] The controller / processor 224 is also coupled to a backhaul or network interface 234. The backhaul or network interface 234 allows the AP 101 to communicate with other devices or systems via a backhaul connection or over a network. Interface 234 can support communication via any suitable wired or wireless connection. For example, interface 234 can allow the AP 101 to communicate with a larger network (such as the Internet) via a wired or wireless local area network or via a wired or wireless connection. Interface 234 can include any suitable structure that supports communication via a wired or wireless connection, such as an Ethernet or RF transceiver. Memory 229 is coupled to the controller / processor 224. A portion of memory 229 can include RAM, and another portion of memory 229 can include flash memory or other ROM.

[0064] As described in more detail below, AP 101 may include circuitry and / or procedures for managing the channel detection process in a WLAN. Although Figure 2A An example of AP 101 is shown, but it is possible to compare it with other versions. Figure 2A Various changes can be made. For example, AP101 can include any number of... Figure 2AEach component shown. As a specific example, the AP may include multiple interfaces 234, and the controller / processor 224 may support routing functionality to route data between different network addresses. As another example, although shown as a single instance including TX processing circuitry 214 and a single instance including RX processing circuitry 219, AP 101 may include multiple instances of each (such as one per RF transceiver). Alternatively, only one antenna and RF transceiver path may be included, as in a conventional AP. Moreover, Figure 2A The various components can be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components can be added as needed.

[0065] like Figure 2A As shown, in some embodiments, AP 101 may be an AP MLD comprising multiple APs 202a-202n. Each AP 202a-202n is attached to AP MLD 101 and includes multiple antennas 204a-204n, multiple radio frequency (RF) transceivers 209a-209n, transmit (TX) processing circuitry 214, and receive (RX) processing circuitry 219. Each AP 202a-202n may communicate independently with the controller / processor 224 and other components of AP MLD 101. Figure 2A The diagram shows that each AP 202a-202n has multiple antennas individually, but each AP 202a-202n can share multiple antennas 204a-204n without requiring separate multiple antennas. Each AP 202a-202n can represent the physical (PHY) layer and the lower media access control (MAC) layer.

[0066] Figure 2B An example of STA 111 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 2B The embodiment of STA 111 shown is for illustrative purposes, and Figure 1 STAs 111-114 can have the same or similar configurations. However, STAs appear in a wide variety of configurations, and Figure 2B This disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of any particular implementation of STA.

[0067] like Figure 2B As shown, STA 111 may include an antenna 205, an RF transceiver 210, a TX processing circuit 215, a microphone 220, and an RX processing circuit 225. STA 111 may also include a speaker 230, a controller / processor 240, an input / output (I / O) interface (IF) 245, a touchscreen 250, a display 255, and a memory 260. The memory 260 may include an operating system (OS) 261 and one or more applications 262.

[0068] RF transceiver 210 receives incoming RF signals transmitted by the AP of network 100 from antenna 205. RF transceiver 210 down-converts the incoming RF signals to generate IF or baseband signals. The IF or baseband signals are sent to RX processing circuitry 225, which generates processed baseband signals by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signals. RX processing circuitry 225 sends the processed baseband signals to speaker 230 (e.g., for voice data) or to controller / processor 240 for further processing (e.g., for web browsing data).

[0069] TX processing circuitry 215 receives analog or digital voice data from microphone 220, or other outgoing baseband data (such as web data, email, or interactive video game data) from controller / processor 240. TX processing circuitry 215 encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. RF transceiver 210 receives the outgoing processed baseband or IF signal from TX processing circuitry 215 and up-converts the baseband or IF signal into an RF signal transmitted via antenna 205.

[0070] The controller / processor 240 may include one or more processors and executes a basic OS program 261 stored in memory 260 to control the overall operation of STA 111. In one such operation, the controller / processor 240 controls the RF transceiver 210, RX processing circuitry 225, and TX processing circuitry 215 to receive downlink signals and transmit uplink signals according to well-known principles. The controller / processor 240 may also include processing circuitry configured to provide management of the channel detection process in the WLAN. In some embodiments, the controller / processor 240 may include at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0071] The controller / processor 240 is also capable of executing other processes and programs residing in the memory 260, such as operations for managing channel sensing processes in the WLAN. The controller / processor 240 can move data into or out of the memory 260 as needed for the execution of processes. In some embodiments, the controller / processor 240 is configured to execute multiple applications 262, such as applications for channel sensing, including feedback calculations based on received Null Data Packet Advertisements (NDPA) and Null Data Packets (NDP), and sending beamforming feedback reports in response to trigger frames (TF). The controller / processor 240 can operate the multiple applications 262 based on the OS program 261 or in response to signals received from the AP. The controller / processor 240 is also coupled to an I / O interface 245, which provides the STA 111 with the ability to connect to other devices such as laptops and handheld computers. The I / O interface 245 is the communication path between these accessories and the main controller / processor 240.

[0072] The controller / processor 240 is also coupled to input 250 (such as a touchscreen) and display 255. An operator of STA 111 can use input 250 to input data into STA 111. Display 255 may be a liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode display, or other display capable of displaying text and / or at least limited graphics (such as from a website). Memory 260 is coupled to the controller / processor 240. A portion of memory 260 may include random access memory (RAM), and another portion of memory 260 may include flash memory or other read-only memory (ROM).

[0073] although Figure 2B An example of STA 111 is shown, but it is possible to compare it with other models. Figure 2B Make various changes. For example, Figure 2B The various components can be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components can be added as needed. In a specific example, STA 111 may include any number of antennas 205 for MIMO communication with AP 101. In another example, STA 111 may not include voice communication, or the controller / processor 240 may be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). Furthermore, although... Figure 2B The STA 111 is shown configured as a mobile phone or smartphone, but the STA can be configured to operate as other types of mobile or fixed devices.

[0074] like Figure 2BAs shown, in some embodiments, STA 111 may be a non-AP MLD comprising multiple STAs 203a-203n. Each STA 203a-203n is attached to the non-AP MLD 111 and includes an antenna 205, an RF transceiver 210, a TX processing circuit 215, and an RX processing circuit 225. Each STA 203a-203n may independently communicate with the controller / processor 240 and other components of the non-AP MLD 111. Figure 2B It is shown that each STA 203a-203n has a separate antenna, but each STA 203a-203n can share antenna 205 without requiring a separate antenna. Each STA 203a-203n can represent the physical (PHY) layer and the lower medium access control (MAC) layer.

[0075] Figure 3 An example of multi-link communication operation according to an embodiment is shown. Multi-link communication operation can be used in the IEEE 802.11be standard and any future revisions of the IEEE 802.11 standard. Figure 3 In the middle, AP MLD 310 can be Figure 1 Wireless communication devices 101 and 103, and non-AP MLD 220 can be Figure 1 One of the wireless communication devices 111-114 in the series.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, AP MLD 310 may include multiple affiliated APs, such as AP 1, AP 2, and AP 3. Each affiliated AP may include a PHY interface to the wireless medium (Link 1, Link 2, or Link 3). AP MLD 310 may include a single MAC Service Access Point (SAP) 318 through which the affiliated APs of AP MLD 310 communicate with higher layers (Layer 3 or network layer). Each affiliated AP of AP MLD 310 may have a different MAC address (lower MAC address) than any other affiliated AP of AP MLD 310. AP MLD 310 may have an MLD MAC address (higher MAC address), and the affiliated APs share a single MAC SAP 318 to Layer 3. Therefore, the affiliated APs share a single IP address, and Layer 3 identifies AP MLD 310 by assigning a single IP address.

[0077] A non-AP MLD 320 may include multiple affiliated STAs, such as STA 1, STA 2, and STA 3. Each affiliated STA may include a PHY interface to the wireless medium (Link 1, Link 2, or Link 3). A non-AP MLD 320 may include a single MAC SAP 328, through which affiliated STAs communicate with higher layers (Layer 3 or network layer). Each affiliated STA of a non-AP MLD 320 may have a different MAC address (lower MAC address) than any other affiliated STA of the non-AP MLD 320. A non-AP MLD 320 may have an MLD MAC address (higher MAC address), and the affiliated STAs share the single MAC SAP 328 to Layer 3. Therefore, the affiliated STAs share a single IP address, and Layer 3 identifies the non-AP MLD 320 by assigning this single IP address.

[0078] AP MLD 310 and non-AP MLD 320 can establish multiple links between their associated APs and STAs. In this example, AP 1 and STA 1 can establish Link 1, operating in the 2.4 GHz band. Similarly, AP 2 and STA 2 can establish Link 2, operating in the 5 GHz band, and AP 3 and STA 3 can establish Link 3, operating in the 6 GHz band. Each link can independently enable channel access and frame exchange between AP MLD 310 and non-AP MLD 320, which can increase data throughput and reduce latency. When associated with an AP MLD on a set of links (link establishment), each non-AP device is assigned a unique Association Identifier (AID).

[0079] Figure 4 The architecture of a NAN engine according to an embodiment is shown. The NAN engine may include a NAN discovery engine module, a ranging module, a NAN data engine module, a NAN scheduler module, a NAN media access control (MAC) layer module, and an 802.11 PHY layer module.

[0080] The NAN discovery engine can be responsible for discovering devices and / or services available on those devices for specific services by publishing and subscribing to messages. Publishing messages can announce services offered by NAN devices, and subscribing messages can announce the willingness of devices to participate in providing those services.

[0081] The ranging module estimates the distance between NAN devices that support ranging capabilities. In addition to service discovery mechanisms, ranging can be used to estimate the distance to NAN devices providing specific services. The NAN data engine module provides NAN data link (NDL) capabilities that can be used to establish data links between NAN devices. The NAN scheduler module establishes, maintains, and terminates Wi-Fi radio resource scheduling for NAN operations. The NAN scheduler module is also responsible for coordinating concurrent NAN and non-NAN operations. The NAN MAC layer module processes and manipulates NAN beacon frames and NAN service discovery frames. The 802.11 PHY layer module provides data transmission services to higher layers.

[0082] There are many ways to complete a publish / subscribe handshake. For example, a NAN device can initiate a periodic publish message to request a subscription to a service. Conversely, a NAN device can alternatively initiate a subscription by repeatedly (e.g., periodically) sending subscription messages to search for another device offering a specific service. In either case, to increase the likelihood of finding a matching publisher / subscriber, it may be necessary to repeat these messages over an extended period of time.

[0083] Some embodiments may provide a proxy device capable of publishing / subscribing on behalf of one or more other devices. This can provide several benefits, including saving channel congestion (e.g., in cases where multiple devices use a single proxy) or allowing the source device to save power.

[0084] Several embodiments of this disclosure can provide improved discovery of nearby devices and / or services available to nearby devices when using a proxy device for publish / subscribe discovery messaging. Embodiments of this disclosure are applicable to discovery supported by various technologies such as Wi-Fi Neighbor Aware Networks (NAN), Bluetooth, LTE sidelinks, etc.

[0085] NAN service announcements are typically sent multiple times (e.g., periodically) by devices within a NAN cluster. Devices that offer / request services can make service announcements. Many devices have limited power, so sending announcements frequently can be an expensive activity.

[0086] Some embodiments may aggregate device service advertisements to a single proxy device, which can reduce radio channel congestion / contention. Some embodiments may allow another NAN device to perform "proxy advertisements". In some embodiments, a proxy NAN device that may not have the same power limits as the source NAN device may send NAN service advertisements in place of the source device or in addition to the source device.

[0087] However, proxy announcements can present potential problems when it comes to the connectivity range of the source device. Since the source and proxy devices may not necessarily be located in the same area and their transmit power capabilities may differ, the spatial RF coverage area (such as the coverage or detection area) of the proxy announcement may not necessarily be the same as the spatial RF coverage area of ​​the source device.

[0088] Figure 5 The spatial RF coverage areas of the source device and the proxy device according to an embodiment are shown. Specifically, in Figure 5 In this example, source device A uses proxy device B. Source device A is within range of devices X and Z, but not within range of device Y, as shown in area 510. However, proxy device B is within range of devices Y and Z, as shown in area 520. This could be problematic for several reasons. First, devices X might not receive the proxy advertisement, even if they are within range of source device A. Second, devices Y might receive the proxy advertisement but might not be able to reach source device A (e.g., utilize their subsequent message sending and receiving), which could lead to wasted time, unnecessary power consumption, and / or media congestion.

[0089] These issues can extend beyond Wi-Fi Sensing / NAN networks and to any technology that supports neighbor discovery. As described below, differences in spatial RF coverage areas between the source and proxy devices can cause several problems.

[0090] Specifically, other devices that hear the notification may be outside the range of the source device and unable to communicate with it (e.g., requesting further discovery or other information, or establishing a data path). Furthermore, other devices within the range of the source device's notification may not hear the notification from the proxy device.

[0091] Some embodiments can address connectivity issues arising from differences in the advertised RF coverage areas of the source and proxy devices by using power control schemes to adjust the advertised transmit power of the proxy device. Adjusting the transmit power of the proxy device can prevent misleading other devices (such as, e.g., those within the proxy device's range but not within the source device's range) from being misled. Figure 5 (Device Y in the context of the project). In other words, it reduces the "false detection" rate of potential device discovery events. Using a power control scheme can also avoid missing potential device discovery events for devices that are within the range of the source device but not within the range of the proxy device. Some embodiments may set the proxy device transmit power or otherwise limit eligible service subscribers / publishers based on one or more of the following.

[0092] Some embodiments may use signal strength metrics from one or more messages received by the proxy device from the source device. The signal strength metric may be based on either the RSSI or SNR of the received messages. The metric may also be based on the proxy device's receive configuration, such as the number of diversity branches, receive antennas, etc. For example, the signal strength metric may be determined based on the signal strength of all diversity branches.

[0093] Some embodiments may use ranging information received by the proxy device from the source device and from other neighboring devices. In some embodiments, the proxy device's transmission power may be configured to specifically include or exclude a subset of neighboring devices. In some embodiments, the proxy device may artificially limit suitable devices for connection by providing range restrictions within the service discovery message.

[0094] Some embodiments may use a set of devices (or services) discovered by the source device and a set of devices (or services) discovered by the proxy device. For example, based on the intersection or difference of the two sets. The proxy device's transmission power may also depend on a signal strength metric associated with each device in both sets, where the signal strength metric may be based on discovery messages received from the devices. For example, the proxy device may determine its TX power such that messages transmitted by the proxy can be successfully received by devices in the intersection of the two sets, but are unlikely to be successfully received by devices in the difference of the sets (the set of proxy devices minus the set of source devices). For example, the proxy device may determine its TX power such that messages transmitted by the proxy can be successfully received by all (or as many as possible, if the maximum TX power is still insufficient to reach all) devices in the set of source devices.

[0095] Figure 6 The TX power regions of the source device and the proxy device according to an embodiment are shown. Specifically, Figure 6 The diagram illustrates source device A and proxy device B with dotted-lined areas. Source device A has a discovery coverage area of ​​area 610, and proxy device B has a discovery coverage area of ​​area 620. These represent the sets of devices discovered by the source device and proxy device, respectively. These can be referred to as the discovery coverage areas of the corresponding devices. Some embodiments may limit the scope of proxy announcements to the discovery coverage area of ​​the source node. As shown, the proxy device can determine its TX power such that messages sent by the proxy can be successfully received by devices in the intersection of these two sets (shown as area 630), but are unlikely to be successfully received by devices in the set difference (the set of proxy devices minus the set of source devices).

[0096] Figure 7 This illustrates an extended agent notification scope, according to an embodiment, to cover more devices within the discovery coverage area of ​​the source device. Specifically, Figure 7The dashed areas illustrate source device A and proxy device B, where source device A has a discovery coverage area 710 and proxy device B has a discovery coverage area 720, respectively representing the sets of devices discovered by the source device / proxy device. As shown, the proxy device (device B) can determine its TX power such that messages sent by the proxy can be successfully received by all (or as many as possible, if the maximum TX power is still insufficient to reach all) devices in the set of source devices (set 710 of source devices A) (as shown in area 730).

[0097] Some embodiments may set the proxy notification transmission power as a function of the power received by the proxy device from the source device and the transmission power of the source device. In some embodiments, coordination from other devices besides the source device and the proxy device may not be required. The proxy device may simply record the received signal strength of messages sent from the source device, parse the transmission power reported by the source device in the discovery message, and adjust its own transmission power accordingly.

[0098] In some embodiments, the use of this function may depend on the expected outcome of the solution. In some embodiments, the transmit power of the source device and its receive power at the proxy device may be used to determine the shortest and / or longest distance from the proxy device where the source device can establish a data connection, wherein the distance may be based on path loss. The function itself may include scaling factors, offsets, path loss models, or other adjustments to improve the performance of a particular deployment topology. In some embodiments, the function may also be a machine learning / AI-driven model with a combination or subset of the foregoing parameters.

[0099] Figure 8 An example flowchart for proxy power control calibration of a radio device according to an embodiment is shown. In operation 801, process 800 receives one or more messages from a source device at the proxy device, the messages including information about received power P. S Reference power P T .

[0100] At operation 803, the agent device is based on P. T and P S The function determines the transmit power P used for agent discovery. P .

[0101] At operation 805, the agent device transmits power P. P Initiate agent discovery message passing.

[0102] Figure 9 An example communication for proxy power control calibration within NAN service discovery, according to an embodiment, is shown. T It is the power transmitted by the source device, P SIt is the power of the subscribed messages received, P P It is the power of the exported proxy published messages.

[0103] At position 901, the source NAN device broadcasts a subscription message for the proxy announcement service to the proxy NAN device.

[0104] At position 903, the proxy NAN device broadcasts a publication message for the proxy announcement service to the source NAN device.

[0105] At position 905, the source NAN device broadcasts the services it wants to publish and its transmission power P. T The follow-up.

[0106] At position 907, the proxy NAN device receives the source NAN device for Rx power P. S The follow-up.

[0107] At position 909, the proxy NAN device is configured with proxy publishing power, P. P =f(P) S P T ).

[0108] At point 911, the proxy NAN device broadcasts a follow-up message confirmation to the source NAN device.

[0109] Figure 10 The discovery area for proxy power control calibration according to an embodiment is shown. Specifically, in Figure 10 In the left half of the diagram, source device A uses proxy device B. Device A is within the range of devices X and Z, but not within the range of device Y, as shown in discovery area 1010. Device B is within the range of devices Z and Y, as shown in discovery area 1020.

[0110] This can be the standard configuration. Figure 10 The right half of the diagram illustrates two scenarios for agent notification power adjustment. The first illustration, indicated by arrow 1, shows the notification coverage area of ​​agent device B, which is shown as region 1030 extending to cover all devices within the range of device A. The area of ​​device A is illustrated as region 1010.

[0111] The second illustration, indicated by arrow 2, shows the advertising coverage area of ​​agent device B (shown as region 1040), which narrows to limit the range to within the connection coverage area of ​​device A (shown as region 1010). These can be two extreme cases. In some embodiments, a more balanced approach may also be adopted, resulting in an advertising coverage area between the two extremes.

[0112] In some embodiments, the proxy device can use a set of neighboring devices of both the source device and the proxy device to set the proxy advertisement transmission power. A ranging architecture can be used to determine the distance between devices. As part of normal NAN operations (such as synchronization, NAN discovery beacons, service discovery, etc.), each NAN device can have knowledge of its neighbors.

[0113] In some embodiments, the source device may share its set of neighboring devices with the agent device. The source device may also share signal strength metrics for one or more devices in the neighboring device set. The set of neighboring devices may be based on device ranging and / or it may be based on other signals received from neighboring devices, such as synchronization beacons, discovery beacons, and / or discovery messages. Using information about the source device's neighboring device set, the agent device may cross-reference its own neighboring device information to derive a new set of devices that is the intersection of the source device's and the agent device's neighboring device sets. The agent device may control its advertising capabilities to include only source devices, exclude only agent devices, or balance a more complex objective function.

[0114] Figure 11 An example flowchart is shown for performing proxy power control calibration of a radio device using shared neighbor device information according to an embodiment.

[0115] In operation 1101, the agent device receives one or more messages from the source device that include information about devices adjacent to the source device.

[0116] In operation 1103, the proxy device compares adjacent devices between the proxy device and the source device and determines common devices and mutually exclusive devices.

[0117] In operation 1105, the agent device determines the transmission power P based on a certain objective function. P This includes public neighbors and excludes exclusive neighbors of the agent device.

[0118] In operation 1107, the agent device uses transmit power P. P Initiate agent discovery message passing.

[0119] Figure 12 An example communication for proxy power control calibration within NAN service discovery using shared neighbor device information, according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0120] At position 1201, the source NAN device broadcasts a subscription message for the proxy announcement service to the proxy NAN device.

[0121] At position 1203, the proxy NAN device broadcasts a publication message for the proxy announcement service to the source NAN device.

[0122] At point 1205, the source NAN device broadcasts a follow-up including the services the source NAN device wants to publish and a list of discovered neighboring devices.

[0123] At 1207, the proxy NAN device compares the set of neighboring devices from the source device with the set of neighboring devices of the proxy NAN device itself, and derives the set of intersecting devices.

[0124] At 1209, the proxy NAN device uses range information about each element of the intersection and limits the advertised transmission power to include known devices in the intersection (and may exclude known devices not in the set).

[0125] At point 1211, the proxy NAN device broadcasts a follow-up message confirmation to the source NAN device.

[0126] Figure 13 The proxy announcement power adjustment configuration according to an embodiment is shown. Specifically, in the left half of the figure, source device A uses proxy device B. Device A is within the range of devices X and Z, but not within the range of device Y, as shown in area 1310. Proxy device B is within the range of devices Z and Y, but not within the range of device X, as shown in area 1320. This is the standard configuration. In the right half of the figure, the two extremes of proxy announcement power adjustment using neighbor device information are shown.

[0127] exist Figure 13 In the diagram, the first adjustment extreme, indicated by arrow 1, illustrates the advertised coverage area of ​​proxy device B, as shown in region 1330, which extends to cover all devices within the range of device A. The second illustration, indicated by arrow 2, illustrates the advertised coverage area of ​​proxy device B, as shown in region 1340, which contracts to limit the range so that as many devices as possible within the range of device A can be covered, while excluding devices that are only within the range of device B. This is achieved by device B recording the minimum received power from devices adjacent to device A and the maximum received power from devices adjacent to device B but not adjacent to device A.

[0128] In some embodiments, the proxy device may use a set of adjacent devices of both the source device and the proxy device to set a list of qualified devices for connection.

[0129] In some embodiments, the source device may share its set of neighboring devices with the agent device. The source device may also share signal strength metrics for one or more devices in the neighboring device set. The set of neighboring devices may be based on device ranging, or it may be based on other signals received from neighboring devices, such as synchronization beacons, NAN discovery beacons, discovery messages, etc. Using information about the source device's set of neighboring devices D, the agent device may cross-reference its own neighboring device information to derive a new set of devices that is the intersection of the source device's and the agent device's set of neighboring devices. The agent device may append an additional "qualified devices" field that includes set D. Devices receiving agent notifications from the agent device can then check the qualified devices field and, if they are listed, can follow up with a response. Otherwise, they can ignore the message.

[0130] Figure 14 An example flowchart illustrating proxy device discovery control for radio devices using shared neighbor device information via a qualified device field, according to an embodiment, is shown. In operation 1401, the proxy device receives one or more messages from the source device including information about devices adjacent to the source device.

[0131] At operation 1403, the proxy device compares the adjacent devices between the proxy device and the source device and determines the common device D.

[0132] At operation 1405, the agent device begins discovery messaging, which includes a list D of approved devices.

[0133] Figure 15 An example communication is shown for proxy device discovery control using shared neighbor device information via the qualified device field in the NAN service discovery, according to an embodiment.

[0134] At position 1501, the source NAN device broadcasts a subscription message for the proxy announcement service to the proxy NAN device.

[0135] At position 1503, the proxy NAN device broadcasts a publication message for the proxy announcement service to the source NAN device.

[0136] At 1505, the source NAN device broadcasts a follow-up including the services the source NAN device wants to publish and a list D of discovered neighboring devices.

[0137] At point 1507, the proxy NAN device broadcasts a follow-up message confirmation to the source NAN device.

[0138] At 1509, the proxy NAN device creates a publishing message for the service of the source NAN device, which includes an additional field with a list D of approved devices.

[0139] At 1511, the agent NAN device appropriately broadcasts a message in response to unsolicited or requested discoveries.

[0140] In some embodiments, the agent device may provide scope restrictions in the discovery message to prevent unqualified devices from attempting to set data paths for the service.

[0141] In some embodiments, the agent device may broadcast an initial message for the agent announcement service, and the source device may respond with a subsequent message including the service it wishes to be advertised by the agent and the transmission power P. T The proxy device can receive power P. S The subsequent message is received. Using the send and receive power of the source device, the path loss between them can be estimated as the difference between them. The target maximum distance of the proxy announcement can then be set as a function of the path loss between the source and proxy devices. The proxy device can then set a threshold for the receive power of devices receiving its proxy announcements to be equal to the distance between its own send power and the expected receive power for the target maximum distance. This received power threshold can then be appended to the broadcast message generated by the proxy announcement service. Devices receiving proxy announcements from the proxy device can then check the receive power threshold of the message, and if it falls within the range, they can follow up with a response. Otherwise, they can ignore the message.

[0142] Some embodiments may include aggregated announcement messages. Specifically, if multiple source devices subscribe to proxy announcement service messages from a single proxy device, an aggregated proxy announcement message may be sent that includes multiple services provided by the multiple source devices. Since each source device may have a different derived receive power threshold, the aggregated announcement message may include multiple receive power thresholds corresponding to each source device. Devices receiving proxy announcements from the proxy device can check the receive power thresholds corresponding to the services they wish to subscribe to, and if they fall within the range, they can follow up with a response. Otherwise, they can ignore the message.

[0143] Figure 16 An example flowchart is shown, illustrating proxy device discovery control of a radio device using the source device's received signal strength via a qualified range field, according to an embodiment. In process 1600, at operation 1601, the proxy device receives one or more messages from the source device, the one or more messages including information about received power P. S Reference power P T .

[0144] At operation 1603, the agent device is based on each pair of P... T and P SThe function determines the signal strength metric threshold used for agent discovery for each source device.

[0145] At operation 1605, the agent device begins agent discovery message delivery, which includes a list of signal strength reference thresholds for each service or service group in the discovery message.

[0146] Figure 17 An example communication is shown, according to an embodiment, for proxy device discovery control using the source device received signal strength through a qualified range field within the NAN service discovery.

[0147] At position 1701, the source NAN device broadcasts a subscription message for the proxy announcement service to the proxy NAN device.

[0148] At position 1703, the proxy NAN device broadcasts a publication message for the proxy announcement service to the source NAN device.

[0149] At position 1705, the source NAN device broadcasts the services it wants to publish and its transmission power P. T The follow-up.

[0150] At position 1707, the proxy NAN device receives the subsequent Rx power P from the source NAN device. S .

[0151] At position 1709, the proxy NAN device broadcasts a follow-up message confirmation to the source NAN device.

[0152] At 1711, the proxy NAN device creates a publication message for the service of the source NAN device, which includes an additional field with a reception threshold based on range or signal strength metric.

[0153] At 1713, the agent NAN device appropriately broadcasts a message in response to unsolicited or requested discoveries.

[0154] Figure 18 Example communication for agent device discovery according to an embodiment is shown. Specifically, Figure 18 This illustrates proxy device discovery control for multiple source devices using the qualified range field within the NAN service discovery based on the source device received signal strength, according to an embodiment.

[0155] At position 1801, multiple source NAN devices broadcast subscription messages for the proxy announcement service to the proxy NAN device.

[0156] At position 1803, the proxy NAN device broadcasts a publication message for the proxy announcement service to the source NAN device.

[0157] At position 1805, the source NAN device broadcasts the services it wants to publish and its transmission power P. T The follow-up.

[0158] At position 1807, the proxy NAN device receives the subsequent Rx power P from the source NAN device. S .

[0159] At position 1809, the proxy NAN device broadcasts a follow-up message confirmation for each source NAN device.

[0160] At 1811, the proxy NAN device creates a publication message for the services of all source NAN devices, which includes an additional field with a reception threshold based on the range or signal strength metric for each service.

[0161] At point 1813, the agent NAN device appropriately broadcasts a message in response to unsolicited or requested discoveries.

[0162] Figure 19 An example flowchart is shown according to an embodiment for receiving agent discovery messages and making discovery event decisions using range limitations. In operation 1901, at step 1900, the NAN device receives an agent discovery message including a reference signal strength threshold.

[0163] At operation 1903, the NAN device compares the received signal strength metric with a reference signal strength threshold.

[0164] At operation 1905, the NAN device announces a discovery event for the received message if and only if the reference signal strength threshold in the discovery message is lower than the device's received signal strength metric.

[0165] Unless otherwise specified, references to elements in the singular form are not intended to indicate one and only one, but rather one or more. For example, a “a” module can refer to one or more modules. Without further constraints, elements preceded by “a”, “an”, “the”, or “said” do not preclude the presence of additional identical elements.

[0166] Titles and subtitles (if any) are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. Examples of words are used to indicate that they are intended as examples or illustrations. Within the scope of the use of terms such as “comprising,” “having,” etc., such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising,” as “comprising” is interpreted when used as a transitional word in the claims. Relational terms such as “first” and “second” can be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions.

[0167] Phrases such as aspect, that aspect, on the other hand, some aspects, one or more aspects, implementation, that implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, embodiment, that embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, configuration, that configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, subject matter, disclosure, this disclosure, other variations thereof, etc., are used for convenience and do not imply that disclosures associated with such phrases are essential to the subject matter, or that such disclosures apply to all configurations of the subject matter. Disclosures associated with such phrases may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Disclosures associated with such phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa, and this similarly applies to other foregoing phrases.

[0168] The phrase "at least one" preceding a series of items, separated by the terms "and" or "or," modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase "at least one of..." does not require the selection of at least one item; rather, it allows for the inclusion of at least one of any one item, and / or at least one of any combination of items, and / or at least one of each item. For example, each of the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0169] As described herein, any electronic device and / or part thereof according to any example embodiment may include, be included in, and / or be implemented by one or more processors and / or combinations of processors. A processor is a circuit that performs processing.

[0170] A processor may include processing circuitry, which may more specifically include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an MPU, a system-on-a-chip (SoC), an integrated circuit (IC), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application processor (AP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a neural network processing unit (NPU), an electronic control unit (ECU), an image signal processor (ISP), etc. In some example embodiments, the processing circuitry may include: a non-transitory computer-readable storage device (e.g., memory), such as a DRAM device, storing a program of instructions; and a processor (e.g., a CPU) configured to execute the program of instructions to implement all or some of the functions and / or methods performed by any means, system, module, unit, controller, circuit, architecture, and / or portions thereof according to any example embodiment and / or any part of any example embodiment. Instructions may be stored in memory and / or partitioned among multiple memories.

[0171] Different processors can execute different functions and / or parts of functions. For example, processor 1 can execute functions A and B, and processor 2 can execute function C; or processor 1 can execute a portion of function A, while processor 2 can execute the remainder of function A, and also execute functions B and C. Different processors can be dynamically configured to execute different processes. For example, at one time, processor 1 can execute function A, and at another time, processor 2 can execute function A. Processors can reside on different processing circuits (e.g., client-side processors and server-side processors, device-side processors and cloud computing processors, etc.).

[0172] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the disclosed steps, operations, or processes is an example of an exemplary method. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in a different order. Some steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously, or may be performed as part of one or more other steps, operations, or processes. The appended method claims (if any) present the elements of various steps, operations, or processes in a sample order, but this does not imply limitation to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed serially, linearly, in parallel, or in different orders. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software / hardware product or packaged into multiple software / hardware products.

[0173] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concept of the subject matter. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject matter, and the subject matter is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0174] The various aspects described throughout this disclosure are all structural and functional equivalents known now or hereafter to a person skilled in the art, and are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be offered to the public, whether or not such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. No claim element is to be interpreted pursuant to paragraph 6 of 35 USC § 112 unless it is explicitly stated using the phrase “for a component of”, or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase “for a step of”.

[0175] The title, background art, description of the drawings, abstract, and figures are incorporated herein by reference and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as limiting descriptions. It should be understood at the time of filing that they are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it will become apparent that the description provides illustrative examples and that various features are combined in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. The approach of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require more features than expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the inventive subject matter lies in all features of fewer than those in a single disclosure configuration or operation. The appended claims are incorporated herein by reference, wherein each claim is independently claimed as a separate subject matter.

[0176] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but rather to conform to the full scope consistent with the language claims and to include all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to include subject matter that does not meet the requirements of applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

Claims

1. A method for message passing in a wireless network, comprising: The proxy device of the source device receives a first message from the source device, wherein the first message includes the reference transmission power of the source device, and the first message is received at the receive power; The proxy device calculates the transmission power used to send messages on behalf of the source device based on reference transmission and reception power; and The proxy device sends a second message to multiple devices at a transmission power, the second message including information about the services provided by the source device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The received power is based on the received signal strength of the first message.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The transmission power is calculated such that the second message is received by the set of adjacent devices of the source device.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The set of neighboring devices of the source device is determined based on ranging information provided in the Neighbor Aware Network (NAN).

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The transmission power is calculated such that the second message is received by the set of neighboring devices common to both the source device and the proxy device.

6. A first station (STA) in a wireless network, the first STA comprising: Memory; The processor, coupled to the memory, is configured as follows: Receive a first message from the second STA, wherein the first message includes the reference transmit power of the second STA and the first message is received at receive power; The transmission power used to represent the message transmitted by the second STA is calculated based on the reference transmit power and receive power; and A second message is sent to multiple STAs at a transmission power, the second message including information about the services provided by the second STA.

7. The first STA according to claim 6, wherein, The received power is based on the received signal strength of the first message.

8. The first STA according to claim 6, wherein, The transmission power is calculated such that the second message is received by the set of neighboring STAs of the second STA.

9. The first STA according to claim 8, wherein, The set of neighboring STAs of the second STA is determined based on ranging information provided in the Neighbor Sensing Network (NAN).

10. The first STA according to claim 6, wherein, The transmission power is calculated such that the second message is received by the set of neighboring STAs shared by the first STA and the second STA.

11. The first STA according to claim 10, wherein, The first message includes information about one or more STAs adjacent to the second STA, wherein the processor is further configured to: The neighboring STAs between the first STA and the second STA are compared to determine the set of common neighboring STAs of the first STA and the second STA, and to determine the set of neighboring STAs of the exclusive neighbors of the first STA; and Calculate the transmit power to include the set of common neighboring STAs and exclude the set of neighboring STAs of the exclusive neighbor of the first STA.

12. The first STA according to claim 6, wherein, The first message includes signal strength information of the set of neighboring STAs of the second STA, and the second message includes signal strength information of the set of neighboring STAs of the second STA.

13. The first STA according to claim 6, wherein, The processor is also configured as follows: The signal strength threshold used to send messages to the second STA is determined by the following steps: Based on the difference between transmit power and receive power, the estimated path loss between the second STA and the first STA is calculated; Calculate the maximum target distance for sending the message as a function of the estimated path loss; Set the signal strength threshold of the received power of the STA receiving the second message to be equal to the distance between the transmitted power of the first STA and the expected received power for the target maximum distance; as well as Include the signal strength threshold in the second message.

14. The first STA according to claim 6, wherein, The processor is also configured as follows: Receive the third message from the third STA; and A fourth message is sent, which includes information about services provided by the second STA and information about services provided by the third STA.

15. The first STA according to claim 6, wherein, The processor is also configured to use a machine learning model to determine the transmission power.

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