Access Point Retransmission for Peer Discovery Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peer to peer networks face limitations in device discovery range and reliability due to power constraints, processing limitations, and unfavorable channel conditions, which restrict their effectiveness compared to cellular networks.
Innovation Solution
An access point monitors and retransmits peer discovery signals, determining and broadcasting device location information to extend the discovery range, allowing wireless communications devices to establish connections with devices outside their direct detection range through cooperative efforts with other access points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If peer to peer networks are used for direct device communication, then communication overhead is reduced and local communication efficiency is improved, but discovery range and reliability are limited due to power constraints and channel conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an access point as an intermediary that receives peer discovery signals from wireless communication devices and retransmits them to extend the discovery range. This mediator approach allows devices to discover each other beyond direct peer-to-peer range while maintaining the efficiency of direct communication once connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines peer-to-peer discovery signals with cellular network infrastructure by having access points retransmit peer discovery signals. This merging allows the system to leverage both the efficiency of peer-to-peer communication and the extended range of cellular infrastructure.
2Productivity
If peer to peer networks are used for direct device communication, then communication overhead is reduced, but discovery range is limited due to power limitations and processing constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The access point serves as a mediator that receives peer discovery signals from devices with limited transmission range and retransmits them with extended reach, effectively solving the discovery range limitation without requiring devices to increase their own transmission power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends peer-to-peer discovery from a single-hop direct communication model to a multi-hop model by introducing access points as intermediate nodes, adding a spatial dimension to the discovery process that overcomes individual device range limitations.
3Reliability
If access points retransmit peer discovery signals to extend discovery range, then discovery range and reliability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs multiple functions: it maintains cellular network operations and simultaneously handles peer discovery signal reception and retransmission. This multi-functionality approach extends the system capabilities without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure for peer-to-peer discovery.
4Length of stationary object
If access points monitor and retransmit peer discovery signals, then discovery range is extended, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point selectively retransmits only peer discovery signals that are relevant for extending device discovery range, rather than continuously transmitting all signals. This partial action approach extends discovery range while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus supporting enhanced discovery operations in peer to peer networks are described. Peer discovery, based on direct peer to peer discovery between two mobile nodes can be somewhat limited, e.g., due to power limitations, processing power, and/or channel conditions. An access point, e.g., base station, monitors for and receives peer discovery signals conveying a set of identifiers from a wireless communications device. The access point retransmits at least one identifier in the set in a wireless peer to peer communications channel. Thus the access point effectively extends the peer discovery range for wireless communications devices utilizing the peer to peer network. Wireless communications devices can monitor for and recover the rebroadcast peer discovery signals from access points. Thus, via access point signaling a wireless communications device can be made situationally aware of other devices of interest which would be otherwise outside its discovery detection range.