Electronic device for operating main group and auxiliary group, and operation method of electronic device

Abstract

In an electronic device and an operation method of the electronic device, according to an embodiment, a first electronic device may comprise a communication circuit that supports short-range wireless communication. The first electronic device may comprise a processor operatively connected to the communication circuit. The first electronic device may comprise a memory. The memory may store an instruction that, when executed by the processor, causes the first electronic device to receive, from a second electronic device operating as a group owner (GO) of a first group in which the first electronic device and an external electronic device operate as group clients (GCs), information related to a second group, which includes information related to a frequency band to be used for communication for the second group including the first electronic device and the external electronic device included in the first group and information indicating the external electronic device to operate as a GC to be included in the second group. The memory may store an instruction for configuring, on the basis of the information related to the second group, the second group from which the second electronic device is excluded and which includes the first electronic device and the external electronic device. The memory may store instructions that, when the first group is disbanded, cause a GO of the second group to perform communication with the external electronic device included in the second group through a frequency band used by the second group.

Description

Electronic devices operating the main group and auxiliary group and methods of operating the electronic devices

[0001] One embodiment relates to an electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device, and relates to techniques for operating a main group and an auxiliary group.

[0002] With the proliferation of various electronic devices, the wireless communication speeds for these devices have been improved. Among the wireless communication standards supported by recent electronic devices, IEEE 802.11 WLAN (or Wi-Fi) is a standard for implementing high-speed wireless connections across various electronic devices. While the first Wi-Fi implementations could support transmission speeds of up to 1-9 Mbps, Wi-Fi 6 technology (or IEEE 802.11 ax) can support transmission speeds of up to approximately 10 Gbps.

[0003] Electronic devices can support various services using relatively large amounts of data (e.g., high-definition video streaming services, augmented reality (AR) services, virtual reality (VR) services, or mixed reality (MR) services) through wireless communication supporting high transmission speeds, and can also support various other services.

[0004] The IEEE 802.11 WLAN standard defines a technology that supports data transmission and reception via peer-to-peer (P2P) methods. The technology, referred to as Wi-Fi P2P, can support data transmission and / or reception between electronic devices without the use of an access point (AP).

[0005] At least two or more electronic devices can be connected to each other through Wi-Fi P2P technology, and multiple electronic devices included in a group created through Wi-Fi P2P technology can directly transmit and / or receive data. The electronic device that created the group (or controls the group) is defined as a GO (group owner), and other electronic devices can be defined as GC (group clients). An electronic device that performs the GO role and an electronic device that performs the GC role can be included in one group.

[0006] Electronic devices can create groups through short-range wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi) and communicate with each other within the group. However, among the electronic devices within the group, an electronic device performing the GO role may not be able to perform the GO role for various reasons. In a situation where an electronic device performing the GO role is unable to perform the GO role, the group may be disbanded, and the electronic devices within the group may need to perform operations (e.g., discovery operations, provisioning discovery exchange operations, group owner negotiation operations, and provisioning operations) to re-create the group for short-range wireless communication in order to communicate with each other.

[0007] The act of re-creating a group for short-range wireless communication can take a significant amount of time, and the time taken can cause increased latency in the communication.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] According to one example, a first electronic device may include a communication circuit that supports short-range wireless communication. The first electronic device may include a processor operatively connected to the communication circuit. The first electronic device may include a memory. The memory may store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the first electronic device to receive, from a second electronic device operating as a group owner (GO) of a first group in which the first electronic device and an external electronic device operate as group clients (GCs), information associated with a second group, the second group including information associated with a frequency band to be used for communication with the first electronic device and an external electronic device included in the first group, and information indicating an external electronic device to operate as a group client (GC) to be included in the second group. The memory may store instructions that, based on the information associated with the second group, configure the second group including the first electronic device and the external electronic device, excluding the second electronic device. The above memory can store instructions for performing communication with an external electronic device included in the second group through a frequency band used by the second group as a GO (group owner) of the second group when the first group is disbanded.

[0010] According to an example, a method of operating a first electronic device may include receiving, from a second electronic device operating as a group owner (GO) of a first group in which the first electronic device and an external electronic device operate as group clients (GCs), information related to a second group including the first electronic device and the external electronic device, the information including information related to a frequency to be used for communication of the second group and information indicating the external electronic device to operate as a group client (GC) to be included in the second group. The method of operating the first electronic device may include configuring the second group including the first electronic device and the external electronic device, excluding the second electronic device, based on the information related to the second group. The method of operating the first electronic device may include performing communication with the external electronic device included in the second group through a frequency band used by the second group when a connection with the second electronic device is released.

[0011] According to an example, a second electronic device may include a communication circuit that supports short-range wireless communication. The second electronic device may include a processor operatively connected to the communication circuit. The second electronic device may include a memory. The memory may store an instruction that, when executed by the processor, determines one of the at least one external electronic device as a GO (group owner) of a second group while the second electronic device operates as a GO (group owner) of a first group including the second electronic device and at least one external electronic device. The memory may store an instruction that controls the communication circuit to transmit information related to the second group, the information including a frequency band to be used for communication of the second group and information indicating the at least one external electronic device to operate as a GC (group client) to be included in the second group among the at least one external electronic device. The memory may store instructions for controlling the communication circuit to transmit information including information indicating a GO of the second group and a frequency band to be used for communication of the second group to an external electronic device performing a GC (group client) included in the second group among the at least one external electronic device.

[0012] In an electronic device and an operating method thereof according to one embodiment, a second electronic device acting as a GO (group owner) for operating a main group may create a secondary group including at least some electronic devices among electronic devices acting as GCs (group clients) of the main group. The electronic devices included in the secondary group may perform device-to-device communication through the previously created secondary group in a situation where the main group is disbanded or the second electronic device acting as a GO of the main group has difficulty performing short-range wireless communication. Therefore, the electronic device and the operating method thereof may reduce and / or prevent a delay time caused by the creation of a new group in a situation where the main group is disbanded or the electronic device acting as a GO of the main group has difficulty performing short-range wireless communication, and may improve the quality of a service utilizing device-to-device communication.

[0013] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a P2P (peer to peer) group via short-range wireless communication according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a GO based on a GO intent in a P2P group via short-range wireless communication according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a second electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a first electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first electronic device generating a second group according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a first electronic device according to one embodiment performs communication with external electronic devices included in a second group upon disbandment of a first group.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first electronic device joining a new external electronic device to a second group when a new external electronic device joins the first group according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a second electronic device according to one embodiment creates a new auxiliary group (e.g., a third group) among external electronic devices included in a first group when a connection with a first electronic device is terminated.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a first electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a second electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a second electronic device according to one embodiment performs communication through a second group upon disbandment of a first group and creates a fourth group including external electronic devices included in the second group.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a first electronic device, according to one embodiment, performs communication through a second group upon disconnection with a second electronic device and creates a fourth group including external electronic devices included in the second group.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with the electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio 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 subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0028] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0029] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of 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), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0030] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0031] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0032] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0033] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0034] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0035] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0036] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0037] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0038] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0039] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0040] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0041] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0042] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0043] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of 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 the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one 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 module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0044] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0045] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one 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 method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0046] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0047] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0048] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a P2P (peer to peer) group via short-range wireless communication according to one embodiment.

[0050] According to one example, a first electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) (210) and / or a second electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) (220) may be included in a first group (200) for short-range wireless communication, and may communicate with electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., first electronic device (210), second electronic device (220), external electronic devices (231, 233)).

[0051] The first group (200) may refer to a group that supports device-to-device (D2D) communication through short-range wireless communication between electronic devices included in the first group. According to one example, short-range wireless communication may include Wi-Fi direct, and the first group (200) is a group created using a method defined in Wi-Fi direct, and may be referred to by various names such as a P2P group or a Wi-Fi direct group.

[0052] Electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), the second electronic device (220), and external electronic devices (231, 233)) can be directly connected via short-range wireless communication without going through separate entities (e.g., access points (AP)). According to one example, electronic devices included in the P2P group (e.g., the first electronic device (210), the second electronic device (220), and external electronic devices (231, 233)) can be connected based on the Wi-Fi direct standard defined by the Wi-Fi alliance (WFA).

[0053] In order to be connected to each other via short-range wireless communication, the first electronic device (210) and / or the second electronic device (220) may perform a discovery operation for searching for an electronic device to be connected, a provisioning discovery exchange operation, a group owner (GO) negotiation operation for determining which of the first electronic device (210) and / or the second electronic device (220) will become the host, and / or a provisioning operation.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a GO based on a GO intent in a P2P group via short-range wireless communication according to one embodiment.

[0055] The first electronic device (210) may transmit a GO negotiation request message to the second electronic device (220) in operation 311.

[0056] The first electronic device (210) can search for an external electronic device (e.g., a second electronic device (220)) to be connected via short-range wireless communication in a search procedure, and transmit a GO negotiation request message to the searched second electronic device (220).

[0057] The GO negotiation request message may include P2P IE information and WSC IE (Wi-Fi simple configuration information element) information. The P2P IE information may include GO intent and operating channel attribute information that can be used to determine a GO. The operating channel attribute may include preferred channel information, which is information related to a channel preferred by the first electronic device (210) among channels that can be established between the first electronic device (210) and the second electronic device (220), and / or preferred frequency band information, which is information related to a frequency band preferred by the first electronic device (210). The preferred channel information may be included in a channel number field of the operating channel attribute field. The preferred frequency band information may be included in an operating class field of the operating channel attribute field.

[0058] The second electronic device (220) may transmit a GO negotiation response message to the first electronic device (210) in operation 313.

[0059] The GO negotiation response message may include P2P IE information and WSC IE information. The P2P IE information may include GO intent and operating channel attribute information that can be used to determine a GO. The operating channel attribute may include preferred channel information, which is information related to a channel preferred by the second electronic device (220) among channels that can be established between the first electronic device (210) and the second electronic device (220), and / or preferred frequency band information, which is information related to a frequency band preferred by the second electronic device (220). The preferred channel information may be included in a channel number field of the operating channel attribute field. The preferred frequency band information may be included in an operating class field of the operating channel attribute field.

[0060] The first electronic device (210) may receive a GO negotiation response message and compare the GO intent included in the GO negotiation response message with the GO intent included in the GO negotiation request message. The electronic device that transmits the GO intent with a larger value may become a GO (group owner), and the electronic device that transmits the GO intent with a smaller value may become a GC (group client). The GO may operate as a host in a short-range wireless communication system, and the GC may operate as a client. In the present invention, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the first electronic device (210) performs the role of a GC, and the second electronic device (220) performs the role of a GO.

[0061] The first electronic device (210) can select a channel to be used for connection between the first electronic device (210) and the second electronic device (220) based on a preferred channel of the first electronic device (210), a preferred frequency band of the first electronic device (210), a preferred channel of the second electronic device (220), and / or a preferred frequency band of the second electronic device (220).

[0062] The first electronic device (210) may transmit a GO negotiation confirmation message to the second electronic device (220) at operation 315.

[0063] The GO negotiation confirmation message may contain information about the selected channel.

[0064] Through the method described in FIG. 3, the first electronic device (210), the second electronic device (220), and / or the external electronic devices (231, 233) are included in the first group (200) and can transmit and / or receive data through short-range wireless communication. The second electronic device (220) can operate as a GO (group owner) of the first group (200), and the second electronic device (220) can control communication between the electronic devices included in the first group (e.g., the first electronic device (210), the external electronic devices (231, 233)). According to one example, the second electronic device (220) can set a frequency band, bandwidth, and / or channel used by electronic devices included in the first group (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) to perform communication, and can transmit information related to the first group including the set frequency band, bandwidth, and / or channel information to the electronic devices included in the first group (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) through various methods (e.g., a beacon).

[0065] However, the second electronic device (220) operating as the GO of the first group (200) may be unable to perform short-range wireless communication due to various reasons. For example, if the remaining capacity of the battery of the second electronic device (220) is less than (or below) a specified size, the second electronic device (220) may not be able to perform short-range wireless communication. For another example, as the second electronic device (220) moves, if the distance between the electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) and the second electronic device (220) is greater than (or exceeds) a specified size, the second electronic device (220) may not be able to perform short-range wireless communication.

[0066] If the second electronic device (220) operating as the GO of the first group (200) cannot perform short-range wireless communication, the first group (200) may be disbanded, and the electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) may not be able to perform short-range wireless communication using the method set in the first group (200) (e.g., frequency band, bandwidth, and / or channel information).

[0067] Electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) may need to re-perform operations for re-creating a group for short-range wireless communication (e.g., a discovery operation, a provisioning discovery exchange operation, a group owner negotiation operation, and a provisioning operation) in order to perform device-to-device communication when they cannot perform device-to-device (D2D) communication via short-range wireless communication due to the second electronic device (220). Electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) may experience a delay in communication until they re-create a group for short-range wireless communication after the first group (200) is disbanded.

[0068] Hereinafter, an example is described of creating a second group including at least some electronic devices among the electronic devices included in the first group (200), and reducing the delay time of communication until a group for short-range wireless communication is re-created after the first group (200) is disbanded by having the electronic devices included in the second group perform communication using the second group when the first group (200) is disbanded.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a second electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0070] A second electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device (220) of FIG. 2) may include a communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) (410) and a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) (420).

[0071] The communication circuit (410) may include various circuit structures used for modulating and / or demodulating signals within the second electronic device (220). For example, the communication circuit (410) may modulate a baseband signal into a radio frequency (RF) band signal to be output through an antenna (not shown), or may demodulate an RF band signal received through an antenna into a baseband signal and transmit the baseband signal to the processor (420).

[0072] The communication circuit (410) can perform short-range wireless communication through a first frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz), a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz) that is a higher frequency band than the first frequency band, and / or a third frequency band (e.g., 6 GHz) that is a higher frequency band than the second frequency band.

[0073] The processor (420) is operatively connected to the communication circuit (410) and can control the operation of the communication circuit (410). At least some of the operations of the processor (420) described below can be performed using the communication circuit (410). The processor (420) can perform the operations described below by executing (or performing) instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1).

[0074] The processor (420) may control the communication circuit (410) to perform communication with electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the first group (200) while the second electronic device (220) operates as a GO (group owner) of the first group (e.g., the first group (200) of FIG. 2) including the second electronic device (220), the first electronic device (e.g., the first electronic device (210) of FIG. 2) and / or external electronic devices (e.g., the external electronic devices (231, 233) of FIG. 2). The processor (420) may perform communication using a frequency band (e.g., a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and / or a third frequency band) and / or a bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz, 40 MHz) determined by the second electronic device (220) when generating the first group (200). The electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the first group (200) may operate as a GC (group client) of the first group (200), and the electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the first group (200) may perform communication using a frequency band and / or a bandwidth determined by the GO of the first group (200) or the second electronic device (200).

[0075] The processor (420) can perform an operation to enable electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) to create a second group that is a different group from the first group (200) while the second electronic device (220) operates as a GO of the first group (200).

[0076] The second group may refer to a group that is activated upon the dissolution (or extinction, or termination) of the first group (200). The second group may be referred to as a sub-group, a preliminary group, or a secondary group. The first group may be referred to as a main group. The electronic devices included in the second group may include at least some of the electronic devices excluding the second electronic device (200) that operates as a GO (group owner) of the first group (200) among the electronic devices included in the first group (200).

[0077] The second group may be a group that can be switched to (or maintained) an active state when the first group (200) is disbanded. Electronic devices included in the second group (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) can perform communication using the frequency band and / or bandwidth set for the second group upon detecting the disbandment of the first group, and can prevent occurrence of a delay time in communication until a group for short-range wireless communication is re-created upon the disbandment of the first group.

[0078] The second group may exist (or be maintained) in an inactive state if the first group (200) is not disbanded, and electronic devices included in the second group (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) may perform short-range wireless communication using the frequency band and / or bandwidth set in the first group (200).

[0079] Below, an example is described in which a second electronic device (220) operating as a GO of a first group (200) creates a second group including at least some of the electronic devices included in the first group (200).

[0080] When creating a second group, the processor (420) can determine (or select) an electronic device to operate as a GO (group owner) of the second group among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200).

[0081] According to one example, the processor (420) may determine (or select) an electronic device to operate as a GO of the second group based on characteristics of the electronic devices included in the first group (200).

[0082] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include performance information of the electronic device. The performance information of the electronic device may include a response speed. The response speed of the electronic device may be determined based on a difference between a transmission time of a message (or data, signal) transmitted by the second electronic device (220) and a reception time of a response message (or data, signal) corresponding to the message transmitted by the second electronic device (220). The processor (420) may determine an electronic device that satisfies a specified condition of a response speed (e.g., a condition of a response speed being equal to or greater than a specified size, or a condition of a fastest response speed) among electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as a GC of the first group (200), as a GO of the second group.

[0083] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the value of the GO intent of the electronic device. The processor (420) may determine an electronic device that satisfies a condition (e.g., a condition having the highest GO intent) specified by the GO intent among the electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as GCs of the first group (200) as the GO of the second group.

[0084] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include a state in which the electronic device is connected to an external power source (or a charger). The processor (420) may determine an electronic device connected to an external power source among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) as a GO of the second group. Among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)), the electronic device connected to an external power source is less sensitive to battery consumption than electronic devices not connected to an external power source and can provide a stable communication connection. Accordingly, the processor (420) can implement a stable connection of the second group by determining an electronic device connected to an external power source among the electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as a GC of the first group (200) as a GO of the second group.

[0085] In one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the location of the electronic device. The processor (420) may determine an electronic device that is present at a location capable of performing a stable connection of the second group among the electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as a GC of the first group (200), as the GO of the second group. In one example, the processor (420) may identify the locations of the electronic devices to be included in the second group, and determine an electronic device present at a location closest to the central region of the second group as the GO of the second group, thereby implementing a stable connection of the second group.

[0086] In one example, the characteristics of an electronic device may include the degree to which the electronic device moves. The processor (420) may determine the electronic device with the least movement among the electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as the GC of the first group (200) as the GO of the second group, thereby implementing a stable connection of the second group.

[0087] According to one example, the processor (420) may determine (or select) an electronic device to act as a GO of the second group by selecting an electronic device selected by the user and / or specified by an application or service running on the second electronic device (220).

[0088] According to one example, the processor (420) may determine the GO of the second group based on the time at which the electronic device joined (or was added) to the first group when determining (or selecting) the electronic device to act as the GO of the second group. The processor (420) may determine the electronic device that joined (or was added) to the first group the earliest as the GO of the second group, or may determine the electronic device that joined (or was added) to the first group the latest as the GO of the second group.

[0089] The timing (or point in time) at which the processor (420) performs the operation of determining (or selecting) an electronic device to act as a GO of the second group can be implemented in various ways.

[0090] According to one example, the processor (420) may determine to create a second group when the number of electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the first group is equal to or greater than a specified number (e.g., 2 or 3), and may determine an electronic device to operate as a GO of the second group.

[0091] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the second electronic device (220) determines the electronic device to operate as the GO of the second group as the first electronic device (210).

[0092] The processor (420) may control the communication circuit (410) to transmit information related to the second group to a GO of the second group (e.g., the first electronic device (210)). The information related to the second group may include information (or a message) indicating that the first electronic device (210) is designated as a GO of the second group and / or information indicating electronic devices to be included in the second group (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) or electronic devices to operate as GCs of the second group (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)).

[0093] Information (or message) indicating that the first electronic device (210) is designated as the GO of the second group may be implemented as shown in Table 1 below, and the information (or message) indicating that the first electronic device (210) is designated as the GO of the second group may include information indicating a frequency band or frequency bandwidth to be used for communication of the second group.

[0094] Message type Frequency band Bandwidth Setsubowner (type indicating that it is designated as GO of the second group) 2.4GHz 20MHz

[0095] Information indicating electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) to operate as GCs of the second group can be implemented as shown in Table 2, and the information indicating electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) to operate as GCs of the second group can include identification information of the electronic devices (e.g., MAC address, name, various information that can identify the electronic devices) to operate as GCs of the second group.

[0096] MAC Address Name Other Information AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF External Electronic Device (231).. BB:CC:DD:EE:FF:11 External Electronic Device (233)…

[0097] The first electronic device (210) can create (or configure, set) a second group based on information related to the second group.

[0098] The processor (420) can control the communication circuit (410) to transmit information indicating a GO of the second group (e.g., a first electronic device (210)) to an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that will operate as a GC of the second group.

[0099] When the processor (420) receives a message (or signal) from the first electronic device (210) indicating that the creation (or configuration, setting) of the second group is completed, the processor (420) may transmit information indicating a GO of the second group (e.g., the first electronic device (210)) to an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that will operate as a GC of the second group. Alternatively, even if the processor (420) does not receive a message (or signal) from the first electronic device (210) indicating that the creation (or configuration, setting) of the second group is completed, the processor (420) may transmit information indicating a GO of the second group (e.g., the first electronic device (210)) to an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that will operate as a GC of the second group.

[0100] Information indicating a GO of the second group (e.g., the first electronic device (210)) may be implemented as shown in Table 3 below, and the information indicating a GO of the second group (e.g., the first electronic device (210)) may include identification information of the GO of the second group, information indicating a frequency band to be used for communication of the second group, and information indicating a frequency bandwidth.

[0101] Message Type MAC address of GO of Group 2 Name of GO of Group 2 Frequency Bandwidth Other Subownerinfo (type indicating information indicating GO of Group 2) A1:B2:C3:D4:E5:F6 First Electronic Device (210) 2.4GHz 20…

[0102] An electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that will act as a GC of the second group can participate (or join) in the second group through a frequency band to be used for communication of the second group.

[0103] Through the method described above, the second electronic device (220) can transmit information for creating a second group, which is an auxiliary group of the first group (200), to electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200) while operating as GOs of the first group (200), and the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200) can perform data transmission and / or reception through the second group when the first group is disbanded after creating the second group, thereby reducing the time required to create a new group after the first group is disbanded.

[0104] When determining the frequency band of the second group, the processor (420) may determine the same frequency band as the frequency band of the first group or a different frequency band as the frequency band of the second group. According to one example, when the frequency band of the first group is 5 GHz, the processor (420) may determine the frequency band of the second group to be 2.4 GHz. Considering that the second group is an auxiliary group that is not actually used when the first group is activated (or maintained), the processor (420) may determine the frequency band of the second group to be a lower frequency band than the frequency band of the first group in order to reduce the power consumed by electronic devices included in the second group.

[0105] When the processor (420) detects that the connection with the first electronic device (210) operating as the GO of the second group is released, the processor (420) may determine an external electronic device, excluding the first electronic device (210), among the electronic devices included in the first group as the GO of a new group (e.g., a third group). The processor (420) may determine the GO of the new group in the same manner as the GO of the second group is determined. The processor (420) may control the communication circuit (410) to transmit information related to the new group to the GO of the new group. The information related to the new group may include information (or a message) indicating that the receiving electronic device is designated as the GO of the new group and / or information indicating electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) to be included in the new group or electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) to operate as GCs of the new group. The processor (420) can transmit information indicating a GO of a new group to electronic devices that will act as GCs of the new group.

[0106] The processor (420) may perform a series of operations to add (or join) the new external electronic device to the second group upon confirming (or detecting) that a new external electronic device is added (or joined) to the first group (200). The processor (420) may control the communication circuit (410) to transmit information indicating the new external electronic device to the first electronic device (210) operating as the GO of the second group, and may control the communication circuit (410) to transmit information indicating the GO of the second group to the new external electronic device.

[0107] When the connection between at least one electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (231)) among the electronic devices included in the first group (200) and the second electronic device (220) is disconnected, the processor (420) can control the communication circuit (410) to transmit information indicating that the connection between the at least one electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (231)) and the second electronic device (220) is disconnected to the first electronic device (210). The first electronic device (210) can receive the information indicating that the connection between the at least one electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (231)) and the second electronic device (220) is disconnected, and confirm the connection between the at least one electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (231)) and the first electronic device (210). The first electronic device (210) may allow at least one electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (231)) to rejoin the first group if a connection between the at least one electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (231)) and the first electronic device (210) is maintained. For example, the first electronic device (210) may transmit a message to at least one electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (231)) requesting that the at least one electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (231)) transmit a subscription request message to the second electronic device (220).

[0108] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a first electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0109] A first electronic device (e.g., the first electronic device (210) of FIG. 2) may include a communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) (510) and a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) (520).

[0110] The communication circuit (510) may include various circuit structures used for modulating and / or demodulating signals within the first electronic device (210). For example, the communication circuit (510) may modulate a baseband signal into a radio frequency (RF) band signal to be output through an antenna (not shown), or may demodulate an RF band signal received through an antenna into a baseband signal and transmit the baseband signal to the processor (520).

[0111] The communication circuit (510) can perform short-range wireless communication through a first frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz), a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz) that is a higher frequency band than the first frequency band, and / or a third frequency band (e.g., 6 GHz) that is a higher frequency band than the second frequency band.

[0112] The processor (520) is operatively connected to the communication circuit (510) and can control the operation of the communication circuit (510). At least some of the operations of the processor (520) described below can be performed using the communication circuit (510). The processor (520) can perform the operations described below by executing (or performing) instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1).

[0113] The processor (520) may control the communication circuit (410) to perform communication with electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), the external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the first group (200) while the first electronic device (210) operates as a group client (GC) of the first group (200) including the second electronic device (220), the first electronic device (210), and / or an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic devices (231, 233) of FIG. 2). The processor (520) may perform communication using a frequency band (e.g., a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and / or a third frequency band) and / or a bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz, 40 MHz) determined by the second electronic device (220) when generating the first group (200). The electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) may operate as a GC (group client) of the first group (200), and the electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) may perform communication using a frequency band and / or a bandwidth determined by the GO of the first group (200) or the second electronic device (200).

[0114] The processor (520) can perform an operation that allows electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) to create a second group that is a different group from the first group (200) while the first electronic device (210) operates as a GC of the first group (200).

[0115] The second group may refer to a group that is activated upon the dissolution (or extinction, termination) of the first group (200). The second group may be referred to as a sub-group, a preliminary group, or a secondary group. The electronic devices included in the second group may include at least some of the electronic devices excluding the second electronic device (220) that operates as the GO (Group Owner) of the first group (200) among the electronic devices included in the first group (200).

[0116] The second group may be a group that can be switched to (or maintained) an active state when the first group (200) is disbanded. Electronic devices included in the second group (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) can perform communication using the frequency band and / or bandwidth set for the second group upon detecting the disbandment of the first group, and can prevent occurrence of a delay time in communication until a group for short-range wireless communication is re-created upon the disbandment of the first group.

[0117] The second group may exist (or be maintained) in an inactive state if the first group (200) is not disbanded, and electronic devices included in the second group (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) may perform short-range wireless communication using the frequency band and / or bandwidth set in the first group (200).

[0118] The processor (520) may receive information related to the second group from the second electronic device (220). The information related to the second group may include information (or a message) indicating that the first electronic device (210) is designated as the GO of the second group and / or information indicating electronic devices to be included in the second group (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) or electronic devices to operate as GCs of the second group (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)).

[0119] Information (or message) indicating that the first electronic device (210) is designated as a GO of the second group may include information indicating a frequency band or frequency bandwidth to be used for communication of the second group. Information indicating electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) to operate as GCs of the second group may include identification information of the electronic devices to operate as GCs of the second group (e.g., MAC address, name, and / or various information that can identify the electronic devices).

[0120] The processor (520) may create (or configure, set) a second group based on information related to the second group. After creating the second group, the processor (520) may perform an operation of adding an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that operates as a GC in the first group to the second group.

[0121] According to one example, the processor (520) may transmit a second group subscription request message (or invitation message) to electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will operate as GCs of the second group based on information included in information related to the second group that indicates electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will operate as GCs of the second group. The processor (520) may transmit the second group subscription request message (or invitation message) to electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will operate as GCs of the second group through a frequency band used by the second group. The processor (520) may use information received from the second electronic device (220) indicating electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) to operate as GCs of the second group to transmit a second group subscription request message (or invitation message) to the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) to operate as GCs of the second group. The second group subscription request message (or invitation message) may be transmitted in a management frame (e.g., action frame) rather than a data frame. According to one example, the processor (520) can transmit a second group subscription request message (or invitation message) to electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will operate as GCs of the second group without intervention of an electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device (220)) that operates as a GO of the first group (or without passing through an electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device (220)) that operates as a GO of the first group. The electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will operate as GCs of the second group can perform an operation of being added to the second group upon receipt of the second group subscription request message (or invitation message) transmitted by the first electronic device (210).Electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will act as GCs of the second group may maintain their connection to the first group even if they are added to the second group.

[0122] The processor (520) may transmit a second group's subscription request message (or invitation message) to electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will operate as GCs of the second group through a frequency band used by the second group or a frequency band used by the first group.

[0123] According to one example, the processor (520) may receive an invitation request message transmitted by an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that will operate as a GC of a second group. The processor (520) may check whether the electronic device that transmitted the invitation request message is included in information indicating the electronic devices (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that will operate as a GC of a second group included in information related to the second group, and may perform a series of operations to add the electronic device that transmitted the invitation request message to the second group based on the check result.

[0124] The processor (520) can check whether the first group (200) is disbanded or the connection with the second electronic device (220) operating as the GO of the first group (200) is released, and based on the check result, can perform communication with electronic devices included in the second group (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)).

[0125] When determining whether the first group (200) is disbanded, the processor (520) can confirm that the first group (200) is disbanded if it receives a message (e.g., deauthentication) indicating that the first group (200) is disbanded transmitted by the second electronic device (220) operating as the GO of the first group (200).

[0126] Alternatively, if the processor (520) does not receive a message (e.g., keep-alive message) exchanged at a designated interval to determine whether the first group (200) is maintained, the processor (520) may determine that the connection with the second electronic device (220) is released. When the connection with the second electronic device (220) is released, the processor (520) may transmit a message (or signal) instructing communication to be performed through the second group to the electronic devices included in the second group, and may perform communication with the electronic devices included in the first group (200) in the second group. The first electronic device (210) may perform data transmission and / or reception through the second group when the first group is disbanded, thereby reducing the time required to create a new group after the first group is disbanded.

[0127] The processor (520) can change the frequency band set for the second group as the first group (200) is dismantled and / or the connection with the second electronic device (220) is released.

[0128] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine a lower frequency band than the frequency band of the first group as the frequency band of the second group when determining the frequency band of the second group. According to one example, when the frequency band of the first group is 5 GHz, the second electronic device (220) may determine the frequency band of the second group as 2.4 GHz. Considering that the second group is an auxiliary group that is not actually used when the first group is activated (or maintained), the second electronic device (220) may determine the frequency band of the second group as a lower frequency band than the frequency band of the first group in order to reduce the power consumed by the electronic devices included in the second group.

[0129] The processor (520) can implement a communication speed through the second group to be substantially the same as the communication speed through the first group by changing the frequency band set for the second group to be substantially the same as the frequency band set for the first group as the first group (200) is disbanded and / or the connection with the second electronic device (220) is released.

[0130] The processor (520) can change the existing frequency band set in the second group (or the frequency band of the second group set by the second electronic device (220)) to be the same as the first frequency band set in the first group, and transmit (or broadcast) a signal (e.g., channel switch announcement (CSA)) including information indicating that the frequency band set in the second group is changed and / or information indicating the changed frequency band to external electronic devices (231, 233) included in the second group. The external electronic devices (231, 233) can perform communication between electronic devices included in the second group through the changed frequency band according to the signal (e.g., channel switch announcement (CSA)) including information indicating that the frequency band set in the second group is changed and / or information indicating the changed frequency band.

[0131] The processor (520) can communicate with the first electronic device (210) and / or the external electronic device (231, 233) through a frequency band supported by the first group, not the second group, as long as the first group (200) is not dismantled or the connection with the second electronic device (220) is maintained.

[0132] When a new external electronic device is added to the first group (200), the processor (520) may receive information indicating a new external electronic device from the first electronic device (210). The information indicating the new external electronic device may include identification information of the new external electronic device and an address (e.g., MAC address, IP address) of the new external electronic device. When the processor (520) receives an invitation request message of the second group from the new external electronic device, the processor (520) may perform a series of operations to add (or join) the new external electronic device to the second group. Alternatively, the processor (520) may perform a series of operations to add (or join) the new external electronic device to the second group by transmitting the invitation message of the second group to the new external electronic device.

[0133] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first electronic device generating a second group according to one embodiment.

[0134] According to one example, a first electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) (210) and / or a second electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) (220) may be included in a first group (200) for short-range wireless communication, and may communicate with electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., first electronic device (210), second electronic device (220), external electronic devices (231, 233)).

[0135] The first group (200) may refer to a group that supports device-to-device (D2D) communication through short-range wireless communication between electronic devices included in the first group. According to one example, short-range wireless communication may include Wi-Fi direct, and the first group (200) is a group created using a method defined in Wi-Fi direct, and may be referred to by various names such as a P2P group or a Wi-Fi direct group.

[0136] Electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), the second electronic device (220), and external electronic devices (231, 233)) can be directly connected via short-range wireless communication without going through separate entities (e.g., access points (AP)). According to one example, electronic devices included in the P2P group (e.g., the first electronic device (210), the second electronic device (220), and external electronic devices (231, 233)) can be connected based on the Wi-Fi direct standard defined by the Wi-Fi alliance (WFA).

[0137] The second electronic device (220) can perform an operation that allows electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) to create a second group (610) that is a different group from the first group (200) while the second electronic device (220) operates as a GO of the first group (200).

[0138] The second group (610) may refer to a group that is activated upon the dissolution (or extinction, or termination) of the first group (200). The second group (610) may be referred to as a sub-group, a preliminary group, or a secondary group. The electronic devices included in the second group (610) may include at least some of the electronic devices excluding the second electronic device (220) that operates as a GO (group owner) of the first group (200) among the electronic devices included in the first group (200).

[0139] The second group (610) may be a group that can be switched to (or maintained) an active state when the first group (200) is disbanded. Electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the second group (610) can perform communication using the frequency band and / or bandwidth set for the second group (610) upon detecting the disbandment of the first group, and can prevent occurrence of a delay time in communication until a group for short-range wireless communication is re-created upon the disbandment of the first group.

[0140] The second group (610) may exist (or be maintained) in an inactive state if the first group (200) is not dismantled, and electronic devices included in the second group (610) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) may perform short-range wireless communication using the frequency band and / or bandwidth set in the first group (200).

[0141] The second electronic device (220) can determine (or select) an electronic device to operate as a GO (group owner) of the second group (610) among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200) in creating the second group (610).

[0142] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine (or select) the electronic device to operate as the GO of the second group (610) based on the characteristics of the electronic devices included in the first group (200).

[0143] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include performance information of the electronic device. The performance information of the electronic device may include a response speed. The response speed of the electronic device may be determined based on a difference between a transmission time of a message (or data, signal) transmitted by the second electronic device (220) and a reception time of a response message (or data, or signal) corresponding to the message transmitted by the second electronic device (200). The second electronic device (220) may determine an electronic device that satisfies a specified condition of a response speed (e.g., a condition of a response speed being equal to or greater than a specified size, or a condition of a fastest response speed) among electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as a GC of the first group (200) as a GO of the second group (610).

[0144] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the value of the GO intent of the electronic device. The second electronic device (220) may determine an electronic device that satisfies a condition (e.g., a condition having the highest GO intent) specified among the electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as GCs of the first group (200) as the GO of the second group (610).

[0145] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include a state in which the electronic device is connected to an external power source (or a charger). The second electronic device (220) may determine an electronic device connected to an external power source among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) as a GO of the second group (610). Among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)), the electronic device connected to an external power source may be less sensitive to battery consumption than electronic devices not connected to an external power source, and may provide a stable communication connection. Accordingly, the second electronic device (220) can implement a stable connection of the second group (610) by determining an electronic device connected to an external power source among the electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as a GC of the first group (200) as a GO of the second group (610).

[0146] In one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the location of the electronic device. The second electronic device (220) may determine an electronic device that is present in a location capable of performing a stable connection of the second group (610) among the electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as a GC of the first group (200), as a GO of the second group (610). In one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine the locations of the electronic devices to be included in the second group (610), and determine an electronic device present in a location closest to the center area of ​​the second group (610) as a GO of the second group (610), thereby implementing a stable connection of the second group (610).

[0147] In one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the degree to which the electronic device moves. The second electronic device (220) may determine the electronic device with the least movement among the electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as the GC of the first group (200) as the GO of the second group (610), thereby implementing a stable connection of the second group (610).

[0148] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine (or select) an electronic device to act as a GO of the second group (610) by selecting an electronic device selected by the user and / or specified by an application or service running on the second electronic device (220).

[0149] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine the GO of the second group (610) based on the time at which the electronic device joined (or was added) to the first group when determining (or selecting) an electronic device to act as the GO of the second group (610). The second electronic device (220) may determine the electronic device that joined (or was added) to the first group the earliest as the GO of the second group (610), or may determine the electronic device that joined (or was added) to the first group the latest as the GO of the second group (610).

[0150] The timing (or point in time) at which the operation of determining (or selecting) an electronic device to act as a GO of the second group is performed by the second electronic device (220) can be implemented in various ways.

[0151] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine to create a second group when the number of electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the first group is equal to or greater than a specified number (e.g., 2 or 3), and may determine an electronic device to act as a GO of the second group.

[0152] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the second electronic device (220) has determined the electronic device to operate as the GO of the second group (610) to be the first electronic device (210).

[0153] The second electronic device (220) can transmit information related to the second group (610) to the GO (e.g., the first electronic device (210)) of the second group (610). The information related to the second group (610) can include information (or a message) indicating that the first electronic device (210) is designated as the GO of the second group (610) and / or information indicating electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) to be included in the second group (610) or electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) to operate as GCs of the second group (610).

[0154] Information (or message) indicating that the first electronic device (210) is designated as a GO of the second group (610) may include information indicating a frequency band or frequency bandwidth to be used for communication of the second group (610). Information indicating electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) to operate as GCs of the second group (610) may include identification information of the electronic devices to operate as GCs of the second group (610) (e.g., MAC address, name, and / or various information that can identify the electronic devices).

[0155] The second electronic device (220) can transmit information indicating a GO of the second group (610) (e.g., the first electronic device (210)) to an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that will operate as a GC of the second group (610).

[0156] The second electronic device (220) may transmit information indicating a GO (e.g., the first electronic device (210)) of the second group (610) to an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that will operate as a GC of the second group (610) upon receiving a message (or signal) from the first electronic device (210) indicating that the creation (or configuration, or setting) of the second group (610) is completed. Alternatively, the second electronic device (220) may transmit information indicating a GO of the second group (610) (e.g., the first electronic device (210)) to an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that will act as a GC of the second group (610) even if the second electronic device (220) does not receive a message (or signal) from the first electronic device (210) indicating that the creation (or configuration, setting) of the second group (610) is complete.

[0157] Information indicating a GO (e.g., a first electronic device (210)) of the second group (610) may include identification information of the GO of the second group (610), information indicating a frequency band to be used for communication of the second group (610), and information indicating a frequency bandwidth.

[0158] An electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that operates as a GC of the second group (610) can participate (or join) in the second group (610) through a frequency band to be used for communication of the second group (610).

[0159] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a first electronic device according to one embodiment performs communication with external electronic devices included in a second group upon disbandment of a first group.

[0160] The first electronic device (210) can check whether the first group (200) is dismantled or the connection with the second electronic device (220) operating as the GO of the first group (200) is released, and based on the check result, can communicate with electronic devices included in the second group (610) (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)).

[0161] When determining whether the first group (200) is disbanded, the first electronic device (210) can confirm that the first group (200) is disbanded if it receives a message (e.g., deauthentication) indicating that the first group (200) is disbanded transmitted by the second electronic device (220) operating as the GO of the first group (200).

[0162] Alternatively, if the first electronic device (210) does not receive a message (e.g., keep-alive message) exchanged at a designated interval to determine whether the first group (200) is maintained, the first electronic device (210) may determine that the connection with the second electronic device (220) is released. When the connection with the second electronic device (220) is released, the first electronic device (210) may transmit a message (or signal) instructing communication to be performed through the second group (610) to the electronic devices included in the second group (610), and may perform communication with the electronic devices included in the first group (200) in the second group (610). The first electronic device (210) may perform data transmission and / or reception through the second group (610) when the first group is disbanded, thereby reducing the time required to create a new group after the first group is disbanded.

[0163] The first electronic device (210) can change the frequency band set to the second group (610) as the first group (200) is dismantled and / or the connection with the second electronic device (220) is disconnected.

[0164] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine a lower frequency band than the frequency band of the first group as the frequency band of the second group (610) when determining the frequency band of the second group (610). According to one example, when the frequency band of the first group is 5 GHz, the second electronic device (220) may determine the frequency band of the second group as 2.4 GHz. Considering that the second group (610) is an auxiliary group that is not actually used when the first group is activated (or maintained), the second electronic device (220) may determine the frequency band of the second group (610) as a lower frequency band than the frequency band of the first group in order to reduce the power consumed by the electronic devices included in the second group (610).

[0165] The first electronic device (210) can change the frequency band set for the second group (610) to be substantially the same as the frequency band set for the first group when the first group (200) is disbanded and / or the connection with the second electronic device (220) is disconnected, thereby making the communication speed through the second group (610) substantially the same as the communication speed through the first group.

[0166] The first electronic device (210) can communicate with the first electronic device (210) and / or the external electronic device (231, 233) through a frequency band supported by the first group, not the second group (610), as long as the first group (200) is not dismantled or the connection with the second electronic device (220) is maintained.

[0167] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first electronic device joining a new external electronic device to a second group when a new external electronic device joins the first group according to one embodiment.

[0168] The second electronic device (220) can perform a series of operations to add (or join) the external electronic device (810) to the second group (610) upon confirming (or detecting) that the external electronic device (810) has been added (or joined) to the first group (200). The second electronic device (220) can transmit information indicating the external electronic device (810) to the first electronic device (210) operating as the GO of the second group (610), and can transmit information indicating the GO of the second group to the external electronic device (810).

[0169] Information indicating an external electronic device (810) may include identification information of the external electronic device (810) and / or an address (e.g., MAC address, and / or IP address) of the external electronic device (810).

[0170] When the first electronic device (210) receives an invitation request message of the second group (610) from the external electronic device (810), the first electronic device (210) may perform a series of operations to add (or join) the external electronic device (810) to the second group (610). Alternatively, the first electronic device (210) may perform a series of operations to add (or join) the external electronic device (810) to the second group (610) by transmitting an invitation message of the second group (610) to the external electronic device (810).

[0171] The first electronic device (210) can transmit the invitation message of the second group to the external electronic device (810) through the frequency band used by the second group. The first electronic device (210) can transmit the invitation message of the second group to the external electronic device (810) using information indicating the external electronic device (810) received from the second electronic device (220). The invitation message of the second group can be transmitted while being included in a management frame (e.g., an action frame). In one example, the first electronic device (210) can transmit the invitation message of the second group to the external electronic device (810) without the intervention of the second electronic device (220), which is an electronic device operating as a GO of the first group (or without going through the second electronic device (220).

[0172] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a second electronic device (220) according to one embodiment creates a new auxiliary group (e.g., a third group) among external electronic devices (231, 233) included in a first group (200) when a connection with a first electronic device (210) is terminated.

[0173] The second electronic device (220) may create a third group different from the second group when it detects that the connection with the first electronic device (210) operating as the GO of the second group is lost.

[0174] The third group (910) may refer to a group that is activated upon the dissolution (or extinction, termination) of the first group (200). The third group (910) may be referred to as a sub-group, a preliminary group, or a secondary group. The electronic devices included in the third group (910) may include at least some of the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) excluding the second electronic device (220) operating as a GO (group owner) of the first group (200) and the first electronic device (210) operating as a GO of the second group (610) among the electronic devices included in the first group (200).

[0175] The third group (910) may be a group that can be switched to (or maintained) an active state when the first group (200) is disbanded. Electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the third group (910) can perform communication using the frequency band and / or bandwidth set for the third group (910) upon detecting the disbandment of the first group (200), and can prevent occurrence of a delay time in communication until a group for short-range wireless communication is re-created upon the disbandment of the first group.

[0176] The third group (910) may exist (or be maintained) in an inactive state if the first group (200) is not dismantled, and electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the third group (910) may perform short-range wireless communication using the frequency band and / or bandwidth set in the first group (200).

[0177] The second electronic device (220) may determine an external electronic device, excluding the first electronic device (210), among the electronic devices included in the first group, as a GO of a new group (e.g., a third group (910)). The second electronic device (220) may determine the GO of the new group in the same manner as the GO of the second group is determined.

[0178] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine (or select) the electronic device to operate as the GO of the third group (910) based on the characteristics of the electronic devices included in the first group (200).

[0179] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include performance information of the electronic device. The performance information of the electronic device may include a response speed. The response speed of the electronic device may be determined based on a difference between a transmission time of a message (or data, or signal) transmitted by the second electronic device (220) and a reception time of a response message (or data, signal) corresponding to the message transmitted by the second electronic device (220). The second electronic device (220) may determine an electronic device that satisfies a specified condition for a response speed (e.g., a condition of a response speed being equal to or greater than a specified size, or a condition of a fastest response speed) among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) excluding the first electronic device (210) among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200), as a GO of the third group (910).

[0180] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the value of the GO intent of the electronic device. The second electronic device (220) may determine an electronic device that satisfies a condition (e.g., a condition having the highest GO intent) specified for the GO intent among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) excluding the first electronic device (210) among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200), as the GO of the third group (910).

[0181] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include a state in which the electronic device is connected to an external power source (or a charger). The second electronic device (220) may determine an electronic device connected to an external power source among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) excluding the first electronic device (210) among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200) as a GO of the third group (910). Among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200) excluding the first electronic device (210) among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) connected to an external power source, the electronic devices may be less sensitive to battery consumption than electronic devices not connected to an external power source, and may provide a stable communication connection. Accordingly, the second electronic device (220) can implement a stable connection of the third group (910) by determining an electronic device connected to an external power source among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) excluding the first electronic device (210) among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200) as the GO of the third group (910).

[0182] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the location of the electronic device. The second electronic device (220) may determine an electronic device that is present in a location capable of performing a stable connection of the third group (910) among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) excluding the first electronic device (210) among the electronic devices operating as the GC of the first group (200), as the GO of the third group (910). According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may check the locations of the electronic devices to be included in the third group (910) and determine the electronic device present in a location closest to the center area of ​​the third group (910) as the GO of the third group (910), thereby implementing a stable connection of the third group (910).

[0183] In one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the degree to which the electronic device moves. The second electronic device (220) may determine the electronic device with the least movement among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) excluding the first electronic device (210) among the electronic devices operating as the GC of the first group (200), as the GO of the third group (910), thereby implementing a stable connection of the third group (910).

[0184] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine (or select) an electronic device to act as a GO of the third group (910) by selecting an electronic device selected by the user and / or specified by an application or service running on the second electronic device (220).

[0185] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine the GO of the third group (910) based on the time at which the electronic device joined (or was added) to the first group when determining (or selecting) an electronic device to act as the GO of the third group (910). The second electronic device (220) may determine the electronic device that joined (or was added) to the first group the earliest as the GO of the third group (910), or may determine the electronic device that joined (or was added) to the first group the latest as the GO of the third group (910).

[0186] The timing (or point in time) at which the second electronic device (220) performs the operation of determining (or selecting) an electronic device to act as a GO of the third group can be implemented in various ways.

[0187] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine to create a third group when the number of electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the third group is equal to or greater than a specified number (e.g., 2 or 3), and may determine an electronic device to act as a GO of the third group.

[0188] The second electronic device (220) may control the communication circuit (410) to transmit information related to the third group (910) to a GO (e.g., an external electronic device (231)) of the third group (910). The information related to the third group (910) may include information (or a message) indicating that a receiving electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231)) is designated as a GO of the third group (910) and / or information indicating electronic devices (e.g., an external electronic device (233)) to be included in the third group (910) or electronic devices (e.g., an external electronic device (233)) to operate as a GC of the third group (910). The processor (420) can transmit information indicating the GO of the third group (910) to electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (233)) that will operate as GCs of the third group (910), and enable electronic devices that will operate as GCs of the third group (910) to be added (or joined) to the third group (910).

[0189] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation method (1000) of a first electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0190] A first electronic device (e.g., the first electronic device (210) of FIG. 5) may, in operation 1010, receive information related to a second group, including information related to a frequency to be used for communication of the second group and / or information indicating a group client (GC) to be included in the second group, from a second electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device (220) of FIG. 4).

[0191] The first electronic device (210) may control the communication circuit (410) to perform communication with electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), the external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the first group (200) while the first electronic device (210) operates as a group client (GC) of the first group (200) including the second electronic device (220), the first electronic device (210), and / or an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic devices (231, 233) of FIG. 2). The first electronic device (210) can perform communication using a frequency band (e.g., a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and / or a third frequency band) and / or a bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz, 40 MHz) determined by the second electronic device (220) when creating the first group (200). The electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) can operate as a GC (group client) of the first group (200), and the electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) can perform communication using a frequency band and / or a bandwidth determined by the GO of the first group (200) or the second electronic device (200).

[0192] The first electronic device (210) can perform an operation that allows electronic devices included in the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) to create a second group that is a different group from the first group (200) while the first electronic device (210) operates as a GC of the first group (200).

[0193] The second group may refer to a group that is activated upon the dissolution (or extinction, termination) of the first group (200). The second group may be referred to as a sub-group, a preliminary group, or a secondary group. The electronic devices included in the second group may include at least some of the electronic devices excluding the second electronic device (220) that operates as the GO (Group Owner) of the first group (200) among the electronic devices included in the first group (200).

[0194] The second group may be a group that can be switched to (or maintained) an active state when the first group (200) is disbanded. Electronic devices included in the second group (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) can perform communication using the frequency band and / or bandwidth set for the second group upon detecting the disbandment of the first group, and can prevent occurrence of a delay time in communication until a group for short-range wireless communication is re-created upon the disbandment of the first group.

[0195] The second group may exist (or be maintained) in an inactive state if the first group (200) is not disbanded, and electronic devices included in the second group (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) may perform short-range wireless communication using the frequency band and / or bandwidth set in the first group (200).

[0196] The first electronic device (210) may receive information related to the second group from the second electronic device (220). The information related to the second group may include information (or a message) indicating that the first electronic device (210) is designated as a GO of the second group and / or information indicating electronic devices to be included in the second group (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) or electronic devices to operate as GCs of the second group (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)).

[0197] Information (or message) indicating that the first electronic device (210) is designated as a GO of the second group may include information indicating a frequency band and / or frequency bandwidth to be used for communication of the second group. Information indicating electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) to operate as GCs of the second group may include identification information of the electronic devices to operate as GCs of the second group (e.g., MAC address, name, and / or various information that can identify the electronic devices).

[0198] The first electronic device (210) may, in operation 1020, form a second group based on information related to the second group.

[0199] The first electronic device (210) can create (or configure, or set) a second group based on information related to the second group. After creating the second group, the first electronic device (210) can perform an operation of adding an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that operates as a GC in the first group to the second group.

[0200] According to one example, the first electronic device (210) may transmit a second group subscription request message (or invitation message) to electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will operate as GCs of the second group based on information included in information related to the second group that indicates which electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) will operate as GCs of the second group.

[0201] The first electronic device (210) can transmit a subscription request message (or invitation message) of the second group to electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will operate as GCs of the second group through a frequency band used by the second group. The first electronic device (210) can transmit a subscription request message (or invitation message) of the second group to electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will operate as GCs of the second group using information received from the second electronic device (220) that indicates the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will operate as GCs of the second group. The subscription request message (or invitation message) of the second group can be transmitted in a management frame (e.g., action frame) rather than a data frame. According to one example, the first electronic device (210) can transmit a second group membership request message (or invitation message) to electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will operate as GCs of the second group without intervention of an electronic device (e.g., a second electronic device (220)) that operates as a GO of the first group (or without going through an electronic device (e.g., a second electronic device (220)) that operates as a GO of the first group.

[0202] The second electronic device (220) may transmit a second group's subscription request message (or invitation message) to electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will operate as GCs of the second group through a frequency band used by the second group or a frequency band used by the first group.

[0203] Electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will act as GCs of the second group can perform an operation of being added to the second group upon receipt of a second group subscription request message (or invitation message) transmitted by the first electronic device (210). Even if electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will act as GCs of the second group are added to the second group, their connection to the first group can be maintained.

[0204] According to one example, the first electronic device (210) can receive an invitation request message transmitted by electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will operate as GCs of the second group. The first electronic device (210) can check whether the electronic device that transmitted the invitation request message is included in information indicating electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) that will operate as GCs of the second group included in information related to the second group, and can perform a series of operations to add the electronic device that transmitted the invitation request message to the second group based on the check result.

[0205] The first electronic device (210) can communicate with the external electronic device (231, 233) through the frequency band used by the second group as the connection with the second electronic device (220) is released in operation 1030.

[0206] The first electronic device (210) can check whether the first group (200) is disbanded or the connection with the second electronic device (220) operating as the GO of the first group (200) is disconnected, and based on the check result, can communicate with electronic devices included in the second group (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)).

[0207] When determining whether the first group (200) is disbanded, the first electronic device (210) can confirm that the first group (200) is disbanded if it receives a message (e.g., deauthentication) indicating that the first group (200) is disbanded transmitted by the second electronic device (220) operating as the GO of the first group (200).

[0208] Alternatively, if the first electronic device (210) does not receive a message (e.g., keep-alive message) exchanged at a designated interval to determine whether the first group (200) is maintained, the first electronic device (210) may determine that the connection with the second electronic device (220) is released. When the connection with the second electronic device (220) is released, the first electronic device (210) may transmit a message (or signal) instructing communication to be performed through the second group to the electronic devices included in the second group, and may perform communication with the electronic devices included in the first group (200) in the second group. The first electronic device (210) may perform data transmission and / or reception through the second group when the first group is disbanded, thereby reducing the time required to create a new group after the first group is disbanded.

[0209] The first electronic device (210) can change the frequency band set to the second group as the first group (200) is dismantled and / or the connection with the second electronic device (220) is disconnected.

[0210] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine a lower frequency band than the frequency band of the first group as the frequency band of the second group when determining the frequency band of the second group. According to one example, when the frequency band of the first group is 5 GHz, the second electronic device (220) may determine the frequency band of the second group as 2.4 GHz. Considering that the second group is an auxiliary group that is not actually used when the first group is activated (or maintained), the second electronic device (220) may determine the frequency band of the second group as a lower frequency band than the frequency band of the first group in order to reduce the power consumed by the electronic devices included in the second group.

[0211] The first electronic device (210) can change the frequency band set for the second group to be substantially the same as the frequency band set for the first group when the first group (200) is disbanded and / or the connection with the second electronic device (220) is disconnected, thereby making the communication speed through the second group substantially the same as the communication speed through the first group.

[0212] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation method (1100) of a second electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0213] A second electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device (220) of FIG. 4) may, in operation 1110, determine one of the electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210) of FIG. 2, external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in a first group (e.g., the first group (200) of FIG. 2) as a GO (group owner) of a second group (e.g., the second group (610) of FIG. 6).

[0214] The second group (610) may refer to a group that is activated upon the dissolution (or extinction, termination) of the first group (200). The second group (610) may be referred to as a sub-group, a preliminary group, or a secondary group. The electronic devices included in the second group (610) may include at least some of the electronic devices excluding the second electronic device (200) that operates as a GO (Group owner) of the first group (200) among the electronic devices included in the first group (200).

[0215] The second group (610) may be a group that can be switched to (or maintained) an active state when the first group (200) is disbanded. Electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the second group (610) can perform communication using the frequency band and / or bandwidth set for the second group (610) upon detecting the disbandment of the first group, and can prevent occurrence of a delay time in communication until a group for short-range wireless communication is re-created upon the disbandment of the first group.

[0216] The second group (610) may exist (or be maintained) in an inactive state if the first group (200) is not dismantled, and electronic devices included in the second group (610) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) may perform short-range wireless communication using the frequency band and / or bandwidth set in the first group (200).

[0217] The second electronic device (220) can determine (or select) an electronic device to operate as a GO (group owner) of the second group (610) among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200) in creating the second group (610).

[0218] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine (or select) the electronic device to operate as the GO of the second group (610) based on the characteristics of the electronic devices included in the first group (200).

[0219] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include performance information of the electronic device. The performance information of the electronic device may include a response speed. The response speed of the electronic device may be determined based on a difference between a transmission time of a message (or data, signal) transmitted by the second electronic device (220) and a reception time of a response message (or data, signal) corresponding to the message transmitted by the second electronic device (220). The second electronic device (220) may determine an electronic device that satisfies a specified condition of a response speed (e.g., a condition of a response speed being equal to or greater than a specified size, or a condition of a fastest response speed) among electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as a GC of the first group (200), as a GO of the second group (610).

[0220] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the value of the GO intent of the electronic device. The second electronic device (220) may determine an electronic device that satisfies a condition (e.g., a condition having the highest GO intent) specified among the electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as GCs of the first group (200) as the GO of the second group (610).

[0221] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include a state in which the electronic device is connected to an external power source (or a charger). The second electronic device (220) may determine an electronic device connected to an external power source among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) as a GO of the second group (610). Among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the first group (200) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)), the electronic device connected to an external power source may be less sensitive to battery consumption than electronic devices not connected to an external power source, and may provide a stable communication connection. Accordingly, the second electronic device (220) can implement a stable connection of the second group (610) by determining an electronic device connected to an external power source among the electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as a GC of the first group (200) as a GO of the second group (610).

[0222] In one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the location of the electronic device. The second electronic device (220) may determine an electronic device that is present in a location capable of performing a stable connection of the second group (610) among the electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as a GC of the first group (200), as a GO of the second group (610). In one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine the locations of the electronic devices to be included in the second group (610), and determine an electronic device present in a location closest to the center area of ​​the second group (610) as a GO of the second group (610), thereby implementing a stable connection of the second group (610).

[0223] In one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the degree to which the electronic device moves. The second electronic device (220) may determine the electronic device with the least movement among the electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as the GC of the first group (200) as the GO of the second group (610), thereby implementing a stable connection of the second group (610).

[0224] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine (or select) an electronic device to act as a GO of the second group (610) by selecting an electronic device selected by the user and / or specified by an application or service running on the second electronic device (220).

[0225] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine the GO of the second group (610) based on the time at which the electronic device joined (or was added) to the first group when determining (or selecting) an electronic device to act as the GO of the second group (610). The second electronic device (220) may determine the electronic device that joined (or was added) to the first group the earliest as the GO of the second group (610), or may determine the electronic device that joined (or was added) to the first group the latest as the GO of the second group (610).

[0226] The timing (or point in time) at which the operation of determining (or selecting) an electronic device to act as a GO of the second group is performed by the second electronic device (220) can be implemented in various ways.

[0227] According to one example, the second electronic device (220) may determine to create a second group when the number of electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the first group is equal to or greater than a specified number (e.g., 2 or 3), and may determine an electronic device to act as a GO of the second group.

[0228] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the second electronic device (220) has determined the electronic device to operate as the GO of the second group (610) to be the first electronic device (210).

[0229] The second electronic device (220) may transmit, in operation 1120, information related to the second group, including information related to a frequency to be used for communication of the second group (610) and information indicating a group client (GC) to be included in the second group (610), to the first electronic device (210) corresponding to the GO of the second group (610).

[0230] The second electronic device (220) can transmit information related to the second group (610) to the GO (e.g., the first electronic device (210)) of the second group (610). The information related to the second group (610) can include information (or a message) indicating that the first electronic device (210) is designated as the GO of the second group (610) and / or information indicating electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) to be included in the second group (610) or electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) to operate as GCs of the second group (610).

[0231] Information (or message) indicating that the first electronic device (210) is designated as a GO of the second group (610) may include information indicating a frequency band and / or frequency bandwidth to be used for communication of the second group (610). Information indicating electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) to operate as GCs of the second group (610) may include identification information of the electronic devices to operate as GCs of the second group (610) (e.g., MAC address, name, and / or various information that can identify the electronic devices).

[0232] The second electronic device (230) can transmit, in operation 1130, information indicating the GO of the second group (610) and information related to a frequency to be used for communication of the second group to an external electronic device (231, 233) corresponding to the GC of the second group (610).

[0233] The second electronic device (220) may transmit information indicating a GO (e.g., the first electronic device (210)) of the second group (610) to an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that will operate as a GC of the second group (610) upon receiving a message (or signal) from the first electronic device (210) indicating that the creation (or configuration, setting) of the second group (610) is completed. Alternatively, the second electronic device (220) may transmit information indicating a GO of the second group (610) (e.g., the first electronic device (210)) to an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that will act as a GC of the second group (610) even if the second electronic device (220) does not receive a message (or signal) from the first electronic device (210) indicating that the creation (or configuration, setting) of the second group (610) is complete.

[0234] Information indicating a GO (e.g., a first electronic device (210)) of the second group (610) may include identification information of the GO of the second group (610), information indicating a frequency band to be used for communication of the second group (610), and / or a frequency bandwidth.

[0235] An electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) that operates as a GC of the second group (610) can participate (or join) in the second group (610) through a frequency band to be used for communication of the second group (610).

[0236] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a second electronic device according to one embodiment performs communication through a second group upon disbandment of a first group and creates a fourth group including external electronic devices included in the second group.

[0237] A first electronic device (e.g., the first electronic device (210) of FIG. 4) included in a first group (e.g., the first group (200) of FIG. 2) may create (or set) a second group, and an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic devices (231, 233) of FIG. 2) included in the first group (200) may be joined to the second group created by the first electronic device (210). In FIG. 12, it is assumed that the first electronic device (210) operates as a GO of the second group (610), and the external electronic devices (231, 233) operate as GCs of the second group (610).

[0238] The second electronic device (220) may transmit, in operation 1201, a message (e.g., deauthentication) indicating that the first group (200) is disbanded to the first electronic device (210) included in the first group (200) (or operating as a GC (Group client) of the first group (200)) and external electronic devices (231, 233).

[0239] The first electronic device (210) may operate as a GO of a pre-created second group (e.g., the second group (610) of FIG. 6) upon receiving a message (e.g., deauthentication) indicating that the first group (e.g., the first group (200) of FIG. 2) is disbanded, at operation 1203.

[0240] The external electronic device (231) may operate as a GC of a pre-generated second group (610) upon receiving a message (e.g., deauthentication) indicating that the first group (e.g., the first group (200) of FIG. 2) is disbanded at operation 1205.

[0241] The external electronic device (233) may operate as a GC of a pre-generated second group (610) upon receiving a message (e.g., deauthentication) indicating that the first group (e.g., the first group (200) of FIG. 2) is disbanded at operation 1207.

[0242] The first electronic device (210) and the external electronic devices (231, 233) operate as GCs of the first group (200) and, while performing communication between electronic devices included in the first group (200), upon disbandment of the first group (200), can perform communication between electronic devices through a pre-created second group (610).

[0243] The first electronic device (210) and the external electronic devices (231, 233) can change the pre-created second group (610) from a sub group to a main group as the first group (200) operating as the main group is disbanded, and can perform communication through the second group (610).

[0244] While the first electronic device (210) and the external electronic devices (231, 233) communicate through the second group (610), an operation of creating a fourth group including at least some electronic devices (e.g., the external electronic devices (231, 233)) among the electronic devices included in the second group (610) can be performed. The fourth group can operate as a subgroup while the second group (610) operates as the main group. In one example, the fourth group can be changed to the main group when the second group (610) is disbanded.

[0245] The first electronic device (210), in operation 1209, can determine (or select) an electronic device to operate as a GO (group owner) of the fourth group among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the second group (610) in generating the fourth group.

[0246] According to one example, the first electronic device (210) may determine (or select) the electronic device to operate as the GO of the fourth group based on the characteristics of the electronic devices included in the second group (610) in determining (or selecting) the electronic device to operate as the GO of the fourth group.

[0247] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include performance information of the electronic device. The performance information of the electronic device may include a response speed. The response speed of the electronic device may be determined based on a difference between a transmission time of a message (or data, or signal) transmitted by the first electronic device (210) and a reception time of a response message (or data, or signal) corresponding to the message transmitted by the external electronic device (231, 233). The first electronic device (210) may determine an electronic device that satisfies a specified condition of a response speed (e.g., a condition of a response speed being equal to or greater than a specified size, or a condition of a fastest response speed) among the electronic devices (e.g., the external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as GCs of the second group (610) as a GO of the fourth group.

[0248] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the value of the GO intent of the electronic device. The first electronic device (210) may determine an electronic device that satisfies a condition (e.g., a condition having the highest GO intent) specified for the GO intent among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as GCs of the second group (610) as the GO of the fourth group.

[0249] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include a state in which the electronic device is connected to an external power source (or a charger). The first electronic device (210) may determine an electronic device connected to an external power source among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as GCs of the second group (610) as a GO of the fourth group. The electronic device connected to an external power source among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as GCs of the second group (610) may be less sensitive to battery consumption than electronic devices not connected to an external power source, and may provide a stable communication connection. Accordingly, the first electronic device (210) may implement a stable connection of the fourth group by determining an electronic device connected to an external power source among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as GCs of the second group (610) as a GO of the fourth group.

[0250] In one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the location of the electronic device. The first electronic device (210) may determine an electronic device that is located at a location capable of performing a stable connection of the fourth group among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as a GC of the second group (610) as the GO of the fourth group. In one example, the first electronic device (210) may determine the locations of the electronic devices to be included in the fourth group and determine the electronic device located at a location closest to the center area of ​​the fourth group as the GO of the fourth group, thereby implementing a stable connection of the fourth group.

[0251] In one example, the characteristics of an electronic device may include the degree to which the electronic device moves. The first electronic device (210) may determine the electronic device with the least movement among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as the GC of the second group (610) as the GO of the fourth group, thereby implementing a stable connection of the fourth group.

[0252] According to one example, the first electronic device (210) may determine (or select) an electronic device to act as a GO of the fourth group by selecting an electronic device selected by the user and / or specified by an application or service running on the first electronic device (210).

[0253] According to one example, the first electronic device (210) may determine the GO of the fourth group based on the time at which the electronic device joined (or was added) to the second group when determining (or selecting) the electronic device to act as the GO of the fourth group. The first electronic device (210) may determine the electronic device that joined (or was added) to the second group the earliest as the GO of the fourth group, or may determine the electronic device that joined (or was added) to the second group the latest as the GO of the fourth group.

[0254] According to one example, the first electronic device (210) can acquire (or receive) characteristics of an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) considered for determining the GO of the fourth group in various ways. The first electronic device (210) can check a frame (e.g., a vendor specific information element (VSIE)) exchanged in the process of generating the second group, and acquire characteristics of an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231, 233)) included in the frame.

[0255] The timing (or point in time) at which the operation of determining (or selecting) an electronic device to act as a GO of the fourth group is performed by the first electronic device (210) can be implemented in various ways.

[0256] According to one example, when the number of electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the first electronic device (210) and the second group is equal to or greater than a specified number (e.g., 2 or 3), it is determined to create a fourth group, and an electronic device to operate as a GO of the fourth group can be determined.

[0257] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the first electronic device (210) has determined the electronic device to operate as the GO of the fourth group as the external electronic device (231).

[0258] The first electronic device (210) can transmit information related to the fourth group to the external electronic device (231) in operation 1211.

[0259] The first electronic device (210) may transmit information related to the fourth group to a GO of the fourth group (e.g., an external electronic device (231)). The information related to the fourth group may include information (or a message) indicating that the first electronic device (210) is designated as a GO of the fourth group and / or information indicating electronic devices (e.g., an external electronic device (233)) to be included in the fourth group or electronic devices (e.g., an external electronic device (233)) to operate as GCs of the fourth group.

[0260] Information (or message) indicating that an external electronic device (231) is designated as a GO of the fourth group may include information indicating a frequency band and / or a frequency bandwidth to be used for communication of the fourth group. Information indicating electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (233)) to operate as GCs of the fourth group may include identification information of the electronic devices to operate as GCs of the fourth group (e.g., MAC address, name, and / or various information that can identify the electronic devices).

[0261] The external electronic device (231) may, in operation 1213, generate a fourth group based on information related to the fourth group.

[0262] The first electronic device (210) may, at operation 1215, transmit information indicating a GO of the fourth group (e.g., an external electronic device (231)) to an external electronic device (233) that will operate as a GC of the fourth group.

[0263] The first electronic device (210) may transmit information indicating a GO of the fourth group (e.g., the external electronic device (231)) to an electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (233)) that will operate as a GC of the fourth group upon receiving a message (or signal) from the external electronic device (231) indicating that the creation (or configuration, or setting) of the fourth group is completed. Alternatively, even if the first electronic device (210) does not receive a message (or signal) from the external electronic device (231) indicating that the creation (or configuration, or setting) of the fourth group is completed, the first electronic device (210) may transmit information indicating a GO of the fourth group (e.g., the external electronic device (231)) to an electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (233)) that will operate as a GC of the fourth group.

[0264] Information indicating a GO of the fourth group (e.g., an external electronic device (231)) may include identification information of the GO of the fourth group, information indicating a frequency band to be used for communication of the fourth group, and / or information indicating a frequency bandwidth.

[0265] The external electronic device (231, 233) can perform a fourth group joining procedure for the external electronic device (233) to join the fourth group in operation 1217.

[0266] An electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (233)) that will operate as a GC of the fourth group can participate in (or join) the fourth group through a frequency band to be used for communication of the fourth group.

[0267] An electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231)) that operates as a GO of the fourth group can transmit a membership request message (or invitation message) of the fourth group to an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (233)) that operates as a GC of the fourth group. The external electronic device (233) that receives the membership request message (or invitation message) of the fourth group can join (or subscribe to) the fourth group based on the membership request message (or invitation message) of the fourth group.

[0268] An electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (233)) that will operate as a GC of the fourth group can transmit an invitation request message to an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231)) that will operate as a GO of the fourth group in order to participate in the fourth group. The external electronic device (231) that has received the invitation request message can check whether the external electronic device (233) that has transmitted the invitation request message is included in information indicating electronic devices (e.g., an external electronic device (233)) that will operate as a GC of the fourth group included in information related to the fourth group, and, based on the check result, perform a series of operations to add the external electronic device (233) that has transmitted the invitation request message to the fourth group.

[0269] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a first electronic device, according to one embodiment, performs communication through a second group upon disconnection with a second electronic device and creates a fourth group including external electronic devices included in the second group.

[0270] A first electronic device (e.g., the first electronic device (210) of FIG. 5) may detect, in operation 1301, that a connection with a second electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device (220) of FIG. 4) has been released.

[0271] The first electronic device (210) can determine that the connection with the second electronic device (220) is released if it does not receive a message (e.g., keep-alive message) exchanged at a specified period to determine whether the first group (200) is maintained.

[0272] The first electronic device (210), upon detecting that the connection with the second electronic device (220) is released in operation 1303, may transmit a message (or signal) instructing communication to be performed using the second group (e.g., the second group (610) of FIG. 6) to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (231, 233) of FIG. 2).

[0273] The first electronic device (210) may operate as a GO of the pre-generated second group (610) upon detecting that the connection with the second electronic device (220) is disconnected at operation 1305.

[0274] The external electronic device (231) may operate as a GC of the pre-generated second group (610) upon receiving a message (or signal) instructing to perform communication using the second group (610) in operation 1307.

[0275] The external electronic device (233) may operate as a GC of the pre-generated second group (610) upon receiving a message (or signal) instructing to perform communication using the second group (610) in operation 1309.

[0276] The first electronic device (210) and the external electronic device (231, 233) operate as GCs of the first group (200) and perform communication between electronic devices included in the first group (200), and when they detect that the connection with the second electronic device (220) operating as GO of the first group (200) is released, they can perform communication between electronic devices through the second group (610) that is created in advance.

[0277] When the first electronic device (210) operates as a GC of the first group (200) and performs communication between electronic devices included in the first group (200), upon detecting that the connection with the second electronic device (220) operating as a GO of the first group (200) is released, the pre-created second group (610) is changed from a sub group to a main group, and communication between electronic devices can be performed through the second group (610).

[0278] While the first electronic device (210) and the external electronic devices (231, 233) communicate through the second group (610), an operation of creating a fourth group including at least some electronic devices (e.g., the external electronic devices (231, 233)) among the electronic devices included in the second group (610) can be performed. The fourth group can operate as a subgroup while the second group (610) operates as the main group. In one example, the fourth group can be changed to the main group when the second group (610) is disbanded.

[0279] The first electronic device (210) can determine (or select) an electronic device to operate as a GO (group owner) of the second group (610) among the electronic devices operating as GCs of the second group (610) in creating the fourth group.

[0280] According to one example, in operation 1311, the first electronic device (210) may determine (or select) the electronic device to operate as the GO of the fourth group based on the characteristics of the electronic devices included in the second group (610).

[0281] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include performance information of the electronic device. The performance information of the electronic device may include a response speed. The response speed of the electronic device may be determined based on a difference between a transmission time of a message (or data, signal) transmitted by the first electronic device (210) and a reception time of a response message (or data, signal) corresponding to the message transmitted by the external electronic device (231, 233). The first electronic device (210) may determine an electronic device that satisfies a specified condition of a response speed (e.g., a condition of a response speed being equal to or greater than a specified size, or a condition of a fastest response speed) among electronic devices operating as GCs of the second group (610) (e.g., the first electronic device (210), external electronic devices (231, 233)) as a GO of the fourth group.

[0282] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the value of the GO intent of the electronic device. The first electronic device (210) may determine an electronic device that satisfies a condition (e.g., a condition having the highest GO intent) specified for the GO intent among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as GCs of the second group (610) as the GO of the fourth group.

[0283] According to one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include a state in which the electronic device is connected to an external power source (or a charger). The first electronic device (210) may determine an electronic device connected to an external power source among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as GCs of the second group (610) as a GO of the fourth group. The electronic device connected to an external power source among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as GCs of the second group (610) may be less sensitive to battery consumption than electronic devices not connected to an external power source, and may provide a stable communication connection. Accordingly, the first electronic device (210) may implement a stable connection of the fourth group by determining an electronic device connected to an external power source among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as GCs of the second group (610) as a GO of the fourth group.

[0284] In one example, the characteristics of the electronic device may include the location of the electronic device. The first electronic device (210) may determine an electronic device that is located at a location capable of performing a stable connection of the fourth group among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as a GC of the second group (610) as the GO of the fourth group. In one example, the first electronic device (210) may determine the locations of the electronic devices to be included in the fourth group and determine the electronic device located at a location closest to the center area of ​​the fourth group as the GO of the fourth group, thereby implementing a stable connection of the fourth group.

[0285] In one example, the characteristics of an electronic device may include the degree to which the electronic device moves. The first electronic device (210) may determine the electronic device with the least movement among the electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) operating as the GC of the second group (610) as the GO of the fourth group, thereby implementing a stable connection of the fourth group.

[0286] According to one example, the first electronic device (210) may determine (or select) an electronic device to act as a GO of the fourth group by selecting an electronic device selected by the user and / or specified by an application or service running on the first electronic device (210).

[0287] According to one example, the first electronic device (210) may determine the GO of the fourth group based on the time at which the electronic device joined (or was added) to the second group when determining (or selecting) the electronic device to act as the GO of the fourth group. The first electronic device (210) may determine the electronic device that joined (or was added) to the second group the earliest as the GO of the fourth group, or may determine the electronic device that joined (or was added) to the second group the latest as the GO of the fourth group.

[0288] The timing (or point in time) at which the first electronic device (210) performs the operation of determining (or selecting) an electronic device to operate as a GO of the fourth group can be implemented in various ways.

[0289] According to one example, the first electronic device (210) may determine to create a fourth group when the number of electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (231, 233)) included in the second group is equal to or greater than a specified number (e.g., 2 or 3), and may determine an electronic device to act as a GO of the fourth group.

[0290] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the first electronic device (210) has determined the electronic device to operate as the GO of the fourth group as the external electronic device (231).

[0291] The first electronic device (210) can transmit information related to the fourth group to the external electronic device (231) in operation 1313.

[0292] The first electronic device (210) may transmit information related to the fourth group to a GO of the fourth group (e.g., an external electronic device (231)). The information related to the fourth group may include information (or a message) indicating that the first electronic device (210) is designated as a GO of the fourth group and / or information indicating electronic devices (e.g., an external electronic device (233)) to be included in the fourth group or electronic devices (e.g., an external electronic device (233)) to operate as GCs of the fourth group.

[0293] Information (or message) indicating that an external electronic device (231) is designated as a GO of the fourth group may include information indicating a frequency band and / or a frequency bandwidth to be used for communication of the fourth group. Information indicating electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (233)) to operate as GCs of the fourth group may include identification information of the electronic devices to operate as GCs of the fourth group (e.g., MAC address, name, and / or various information that can identify the electronic devices).

[0294] The external electronic device (231) may, in operation 1315, generate a fourth group based on information related to the fourth group.

[0295] The first electronic device (210) may, in operation 1317, transmit information indicating a GO of the fourth group (e.g., an external electronic device (231)) to an external electronic device (233) that will operate as a GC of the fourth group.

[0296] The first electronic device (210) may transmit information indicating a GO of the fourth group (e.g., the external electronic device (231)) to an electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (233)) that will operate as a GC of the fourth group upon receiving a message (or signal) from the external electronic device (231) indicating that the creation (or configuration, or setting) of the fourth group is completed. Alternatively, even if the first electronic device (210) does not receive a message (or signal) from the external electronic device (231) indicating that the creation (or configuration, or setting) of the fourth group is completed, the first electronic device (210) may transmit information indicating a GO of the fourth group (e.g., the external electronic device (231)) to an electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (233)) that will operate as a GC of the fourth group.

[0297] Information indicating a GO of the fourth group (e.g., an external electronic device (231)) may include identification information of the GO of the fourth group, information indicating a frequency band to be used for communication of the fourth group, and / or information indicating a frequency bandwidth.

[0298] The external electronic device (231, 233) can perform a fourth group joining procedure for the external electronic device (233) to join the fourth group in operation 1319.

[0299] An electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (233)) that will operate as a GC of the fourth group can participate in (or join) the fourth group through a frequency band to be used for communication of the fourth group.

[0300] An electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231)) that operates as a GO of the fourth group can transmit a membership request message (or invitation message) of the fourth group to an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (233)) that operates as a GC of the fourth group. The external electronic device (233) that receives the membership request message (or invitation message) of the fourth group can join (or subscribe to) the fourth group based on the membership request message (or invitation message) of the fourth group.

[0301] An electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (233)) that will operate as a GC of the fourth group can transmit an invitation request message to an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (231)) that will operate as a GO of the fourth group in order to participate in the fourth group. The external electronic device (231) that has received the invitation request message can check whether the external electronic device (233) that has transmitted the invitation request message is included in information indicating electronic devices (e.g., an external electronic device (233)) that will operate as a GC of the fourth group included in information related to the fourth group, and, based on the check result, perform a series of operations to add the external electronic device (233) that has transmitted the invitation request message to the fourth group.

[0302] According to an example, a first electronic device (e.g., the first electronic device (210) of FIG. 5) may include a communication circuit (e.g., the communication circuit (510) of FIG. 5) that supports short-range wireless communication. The first electronic device (210) may include a processor (e.g., the processor (520) of FIG. 5) that is operatively connected to the communication circuit. The first electronic device (210) may include a memory (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1). The memory may store an instruction, when executed by the processor, to receive, from a second electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device (220) of FIG. 4) operating as a GO (group owner) of a first group (200) in which the first electronic device (210) and an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (231, 233) of FIG. 2) operate as a GC (group client), information related to a frequency band to be used for communication of a second group (e.g., the second group (610) of FIG. 6) including the first electronic device and the external electronic device (231, 233) included in the first group, and information related to a second group (610) including information indicating an external electronic device (231, 233) (231, 233) to be included in the second group (610) to operate as a GC (group client). The memory (130) may store instructions for configuring the second group (610) including the first electronic device and the external electronic devices (231, 233) and excluding the second electronic device (220) based on information related to the second group (610). The memory (130) may store instructions for performing communication with the external electronic devices (231, 233) included in the second group (610) through a frequency band used by the second group (610) as a GO (group owner) of the second group (610) when the first group (200) is disbanded.

[0303] In a first electronic device (210) according to an example, the memory (130) may be further configured to store instructions for performing communication with the first electronic device (210) and / or the external electronic device (231, 233) through a frequency band used by the first group (200) when the first group (200) is maintained.

[0304] In a first electronic device (210) according to an example, the memory (130) may be further configured to store an instruction to not perform communication with an external electronic device (231, 233) included in the second group (610) through a frequency band used by the second group (610) when the first group (200) is maintained.

[0305] In a first electronic device (210) according to an example, the memory (130) may be configured to further store an instruction for adding an external electronic device (231, 233) that has transmitted the subscription request message to the second group (610) upon receiving a subscription request message of the second group (610) from an external electronic device (231, 233) included in the information indicating the GC.

[0306] In a first electronic device (210) according to an example, the memory (130) may be further configured to store an instruction for transmitting an invitation message for joining the second group (610) to an external electronic device (231, 233) included in the information indicating the GC.

[0307] In a first electronic device (210) according to an example, the memory (130) may further store an instruction for receiving information indicating a new external electronic device (231, 233) from the second electronic device (220) as the new external electronic device (231, 233) joins the first group (200). The memory (130) may further store an instruction for performing a procedure for joining the new external electronic device (231, 233) to the second group (610).

[0308] In the first electronic device (210) according to an example, the frequency band to be used for communication of the second group (610) may include a lower frequency band than the frequency band to be used for communication of the first group (200).

[0309] In a first electronic device (210) according to an example, the memory (130) may be further configured to store an instruction for changing a frequency band to be used for communication of the second group (610) to the same frequency band as the frequency band to be used for communication of the first group (200) upon disbandment of the first group (200).

[0310] In a first electronic device (210) according to an example, information indicating the external electronic device (231, 233) included in the information related to the second group (610) may include identification information of the external electronic device (231, 233) and a MAC (media access control) address of the external electronic device (231, 233).

[0311] According to an example, a method of operating a first electronic device (210) may include receiving, from a second electronic device (220) operating as a GO (group owner) of a first group (200) in which the first electronic device (210) and external electronic devices (231, 233) operate as GCs (group clients), information related to a second group (610) including information related to a frequency to be used for communication of the second group (610) (610) including the first electronic device (210) and the external electronic devices (231, 233) and information indicating an external electronic device (231, 233) to operate as a GC (group client) to be included in the second group (610). The operating method of the first electronic device (210) may include an operation of configuring the second group (610) including the first electronic device (210) and the external electronic devices (231, 233), excluding the second electronic device (220), based on information related to the second group (610). The operating method of the first electronic device (210) may include an operation of performing communication with the external electronic devices (231, 233) included in the second group (610) through a frequency band used by the second group (610) as the connection with the second electronic device (220) is released.

[0312] According to an example, the method of operating the first electronic device (210) may further include an operation of performing communication with the first electronic device (210) and / or the external electronic device (231, 233) through a frequency band used by the first group (200) when the first group (200) is maintained.

[0313] According to an example, the method of operating the first electronic device (210) may further include an operation of suppressing communication with the external electronic device (231, 233) included in the second group (610) through a frequency band used by the second group (610) when the first group (200) is maintained.

[0314] In an operating method of a first electronic device (210) according to an example, an operation of forming the second group (610) may include an operation of adding the external electronic device (231, 233) that transmitted the subscription request message to the second group (610) upon receiving a subscription request message of the second group (610) from the external electronic device (231, 233) included in the information indicating the GC.

[0315] In the operating method of the first electronic device (210) according to an example, the operation of forming the second group (610) may include an operation of transmitting an invitation message for joining the second group (610) to the external electronic device (231, 233) included in the information indicating the GC.

[0316] According to an example, the operating method of the first electronic device (210) may further include an operation of receiving information indicating a new external electronic device (231, 233) from the second electronic device (220) as the new external electronic device (231, 233) joins the first group (200). The operating method of the first electronic device (210) may further include an operation of performing a procedure for joining the new external electronic device (231, 233) to the second group (610).

[0317] In the operating method of the first electronic device (210) according to an example, the frequency band to be used for communication of the second group (610) may include a frequency band lower than the frequency band to be used for communication of the first group (200).

[0318] According to an example, the method of operating the first electronic device (210) may further include an operation of changing the frequency band to be used for communication of the second group (610) to the same frequency band as the frequency band to be used for communication of the first group (200) upon disbandment of the first group (200).

[0319] According to an example, the method of operating the first electronic device (210) may include information indicating the external electronic device (231, 233) included in the information related to the second group (610), including identification information of the external electronic device (231, 233) and a MAC (media access control) address of the external electronic device (231, 233).

[0320] According to an example, a second electronic device (220) may include a communication circuit (e.g., a communication circuit (410) of FIG. 4) that supports short-range wireless communication. The second electronic device (220) may include a processor (e.g., a processor (420) of FIG. 4) operatively connected to the communication circuit. The second electronic device (220) may include a memory (130). The memory (130) may store an instruction that, when executed by the processor (420), determines one of the at least one external electronic device (231, 233) as the GO (group owner) of the second group (610) while the second electronic device (220) operates as the GO (group owner) of the first group (200) including the second electronic device (220) and at least one external electronic device (231, 233). The memory (130) may store instructions for controlling the communication circuit (410) to transmit information related to the second group (610), including information indicating a frequency band to be used for communication of the second group (610) and at least one external electronic device (231, 233) to be included in the second group (610) and to operate as a GC (group client) among the at least one external electronic device (231, 233), to the first electronic device (210) determined as the GO of the second group (610). The memory (130) may store an instruction to control the communication circuit (410) to transmit information including information indicating the GO of the second group (610) and information including a frequency band to be used for communication of the second group (610) to an external electronic device (231, 233) that performs a GC (group client) to be included in the second group (610) among the at least one external electronic device (231, 233).

[0321] In a second electronic device (220) according to an example, the first group (200) may include the first electronic device (210) which is a GO of the second group (610) and a GC included in the second group (610).

[0322] In a second electronic device (220) according to an example, the memory (130) may be further configured to store an instruction for determining a GO (group owner) of the second group (610) based on a GO intent of each of the at least one external electronic device (231, 233).

[0323] In a second electronic device (220) according to an example, the memory (130) may be further configured to store an instruction for determining the GO of the second group (610) based on performance information of each of the at least one external electronic device (231, 233).

[0324] In a second electronic device (220) according to an example, the memory (130) may be further configured to store an instruction for changing another external electronic device (231, 233) among the at least one external electronic device (231, 233) to a GO of the second group (610) upon detecting that the connection with the first electronic device (210) determined as the GO of the second group (610) is released through the short-range wireless communication.

[0325] In a second electronic device (220) according to an example, the memory (130) may be further configured to store an instruction for transmitting, to the first electronic device (210), information indicating a new external electronic device (231, 233) as the new external electronic device (231, 233) joins the first group (200), and transmitting, to the new external electronic device (231, 233), information indicating a GO of the second group (610) and information including a frequency band to be used for communication of the second group (610).

[0326] In a second electronic device (220) according to an example, the frequency band to be used for communication of the second group (610) may include a frequency band lower than the frequency band to be used for communication of the first group (200).

[0327] Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0328] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, 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” each include all possible combinations of the items listed together in that phrase. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish the corresponding component from other corresponding components and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0329] The term "module" as used in this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0330] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more commands stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one command among the one or more commands stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one command called. The one or more commands may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0331] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0332] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In the first electronic device (210), A communication circuit (510) supporting short-range wireless communication; a processor (520) operatively connected to the above communication circuit; and Contains memory, The above memory, when executed by the processor, causes the first electronic device to Receive information related to a second group including information related to a frequency band to be used for communication of the second group including the first electronic device (210) and the at least one external electronic device (231, 233) included in the first group and information indicating an external electronic device (231, 233) to be included in the second group and to operate as a GC (group client) from the second electronic device (220) operating as a GO (group owner) of the first group (200) operating as a GC (group client), Based on the information related to the second group, the second electronic device (220) is excluded, and the second group including the first electronic device and the at least one external electronic device is configured, A first electronic device storing instructions for performing communication with at least one external electronic device (231, 233) included in the second group through a frequency band used by the second group as a GO (group owner) of the second group when the first group is disbanded.

2. In paragraph 1, The above memory A first electronic device further configured to store instructions for performing communication with the first electronic device and / or the at least one external electronic device via a frequency band used by the first group, if the first group is maintained.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above memory A first electronic device further configured to store an instruction to not perform communication with an external electronic device included in the second group through a frequency band used by the second group when the first group is maintained.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above memory A first electronic device configured to further store an instruction for adding an external electronic device that has transmitted the subscription request message to the second group upon receiving a subscription request message of the second group from an external electronic device included in the information indicating the GC.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above memory A first electronic device further configured to store instructions for transmitting an invitation message for joining the second group to an external electronic device, the invitation message being included in the information indicating the GC.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above memory As a new external electronic device joins the first group, information indicating the new external electronic device is received from the second electronic device, A first electronic device further configured to store instructions for performing a procedure for joining said new external electronic device to said second group.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The frequency band to be used for the communication of the second group above is A first electronic device comprising a frequency band lower than the frequency band to be used for communication of the first group.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above memory A first electronic device further configured to store an instruction for changing a frequency band to be used for communication of the second group to the same frequency band as the frequency band to be used for communication of the first group, upon disbandment of the first group.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, Information indicating the external electronic device included in the information related to the second group above A first electronic device including identification information of the external electronic device and a MAC (media access control) address of the external electronic device.

10. In the operating method of the first electronic device (210), An operation of receiving, from a second electronic device (220) operating as a GO (group owner) of a first group in which the first electronic device and at least one external electronic device (231, 233) operate as a GC (group client), information related to a second group (610) including the first electronic device and the at least one external electronic device, the information including information related to a frequency to be used for communication and information indicating the at least one external electronic device to operate as a GC (group client) to be included in the second group; An operation of configuring a second group including the first electronic device and the at least one external electronic device, based on information related to the second group, wherein the second electronic device (220) is excluded; and A method of operating a first electronic device, comprising: performing communication with at least one external electronic device included in the second group through a frequency band used by the second group when the connection with the second electronic device is released.

11. In paragraph 10, The method of operating the first electronic device is A method of operating a first electronic device, further comprising: performing communication with the first electronic device and / or the at least one external electronic device through a frequency band used by the first group, when the first group is maintained.

12. In clause 10 or 11, The method of operating the first electronic device is A method of operating a first electronic device, further comprising an action of suppressing performance of communication with at least one external electronic device included in the second group through a frequency band used by the second group, when the first group is maintained.

13. In any one of paragraphs 10, 11 and 12, The actions that constitute the second group above are An operating method of a first electronic device, comprising: receiving a subscription request message of the second group from the external electronic device included in the information indicating the GC; adding the external electronic device that transmitted the subscription request message to the second group.

14. In any one of Articles 10, 11, 12 and 13, The actions that constitute the second group above are A method of operating a first electronic device, comprising the action of transmitting an invitation message for joining the second group to the external electronic device included in the information indicating the GC.

15. In any one of Articles 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, The method of operating the first electronic device is An operation of receiving information indicating a new external electronic device from the second electronic device as a new external electronic device joins the first group; A method of operating a first electronic device further comprising performing a procedure for joining said new external electronic device to said second group.

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