Dual-Module NAN Communication for Low-Power Cluster Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NAN communication technologies face inefficiencies in power consumption and responsiveness due to the need for extensive activation and synchronization processes during cluster formation and maintenance, particularly when transitioning between data transmission and low-power states.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual communication module system, where a first module supports the NAN protocol for data transmission and a second module, such as HaLow, supports low-power communication, allowing for the handoff of association information and cluster maintenance using low-frequency bands to reduce power consumption and improve responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NAN protocol is used for data transmission, then communication functionality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module is divided into two distinct parts: a first communication module for NAN protocol operations and a second communication module for HaLow protocol operations. This segmentation allows the device to use the appropriate module for each task, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining full communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second communication module (HaLow) acts as an intermediary to maintain cluster associations and synchronize timing information when the first communication module (NAN) is in low-power state. This intermediary enables the NAN module to remain dormant while still preserving cluster membership, thereby reducing power consumption.
2Stability of the object's composition
If extensive activation and synchronization processes are performed during cluster formation, then cluster stability is improved, but responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second communication module performs preliminary actions by maintaining cluster association information and synchronizing timing ahead of time. When data transmission is needed, the first communication module can quickly activate using pre-synchronized information from the second module, eliminating the need for extensive synchronization processes and improving responsiveness while maintaining cluster stability.
3Reliability
If first communication module maintains cluster association continuously, then cluster maintenance reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second communication module serves as an intermediary that maintains cluster association and timing synchronization when the first communication module is in low-power state. This allows the first module to remain dormant without compromising cluster maintenance reliability, as the second module continuously preserves the necessary association information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by having the second communication module maintain cluster associations during periods when the first module is inactive. This periodic maintenance ensures cluster reliability is preserved while allowing the first module to consume minimal power during low-activity periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include one or more wireless communication modules including: a first communication module supporting an NAN protocol; and a second communication module using a frequency band different from that of the first communication module. The electronic device may comprise one or more processors, including processing circuitry, operatively connected to the one or more wireless communication modules. The electronic device may comprise a memory configured to store instructions. The instructions are executed individually and/or collectively, by the one or more processors, to cause the electronic device to transmit or receive, via the first communication module, data to or from an external electronic device included in a NAN cluster along with the electronic device. The instructions are executed individually and/or collectively, by the one or more processors, to cause the electronic device to transmit associated information about the NAN cluster to the external electronic device after the data transmission and reception operation supported via the first communication module ends. The instructions are executed individually and/or collectively, by the one or more processors, to cause the electronic device to hand off the associated information about the NAN cluster from the first communication module to the second communication module. The instructions are executed individually and/or collectively, by the one or more processors, to cause the electronic device to maintain the NAN cluster on the basis of the associated information about the NAN cluster via the second communication module. Various other embodiments may be possible.