Automatic P2P Discovery and Negotiation in Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for establishing peer-to-peer (P2P) connections in wireless networks require significant user involvement and configuration, which can be frustrating and discourage users, especially novice users, due to complexity and interoperability issues.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of automatic discovery and negotiation of P2P networks and services through a P2P discovery exchange over P2P-supported protocols within a WLAN environment, allowing wireless terminals to determine compatible connections and services without manual configuration, using a control point to facilitate the exchange of P2P capabilities and configuration information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration methods are used to establish P2P connections, then connection security and reliability are improved, but user involvement and configuration complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of connection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic discovery and negotiation of P2P connections without requiring user intervention. The wireless terminals autonomously exchange capability information, negotiate parameters, and establish connections through automated protocols, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining secure connections through encrypted capability exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optional intermediary component that facilitates P2P connection establishment by mediating the discovery and negotiation process between wireless terminals. This intermediary helps coordinate the automated exchange of capability information and negotiation parameters, ensuring reliable connection establishment while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If automated discovery and negotiation is implemented, then ease of operation and user experience are improved, but device complexity and protocol overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoidprotocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal P2P capability information structures and standardized negotiation protocols that can be applied across different wireless terminal types and services. The capability information format and negotiation mechanism are designed to be service-agnostic, allowing the same automated discovery and negotiation framework to support multiple P2P services without increasing protocol complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts negotiation parameters and capability information exchange based on the specific service requirements and terminal capabilities. By parameterizing the discovery and negotiation process, the system maintains a standardized framework while adapting to different service types and device capabilities, avoiding the need for complex service-specific protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If P2P connections are established automatically, then productivity and connection speed are improved, but bandwidth usage for capability exchange increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection speedVSAvoidbandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs capability information exchange and negotiation as preliminary actions during the initial connection phase. By completing the discovery and parameter negotiation before actual data transfer begins, the system enables immediate high-speed P2P communication without repeated negotiation overhead, improving overall productivity while confining bandwidth consumption to the initial setup phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2484170B1Methods and apparatus to establish peer-to-peer communications
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2484170B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2484170B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2484170B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A method and device for peer-to-peer communications is provided. The method includes communication of the capabilities (204) of a device (302a) to another device (302b) or network component (104). A peer to peer communication is established based on at least one of the capabilities of the device. The method may also include utilizing a control point or access point in conveying the capabilities of the device to another device.