Emulated AP TDLS for Battery Conservation in Wireless Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies, such as IEEE 802.11, are cumbersome for impromptu peer-to-peer data sharing between PMC devices, as configuring devices in ad hoc mode is difficult and infrastructure networks are not always available.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an emulated wireless AP module in PMC devices to establish tunneled direct-link setup (TDLS) sessions, allowing for peer-to-peer and bridged communication while conserving battery life by limiting wireless AP activity through periodic wake-ups and infrastructure management handling by station modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If devices operate in 802.11 ad hoc mode for peer-to-peer communication, then direct data sharing between PMC devices is enabled, but configuration becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an infrastructure mode access point as an intermediary to enable peer-to-peer communication. Instead of devices directly configuring ad hoc mode, they connect through the access point which automatically establishes tunneled direct-link setup (TDLS) connections, simplifying the user experience while maintaining peer-to-peer data sharing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from ad hoc mode to infrastructure mode with TDLS tunneling. This parameter change allows devices to use existing infrastructure infrastructure for simplified connection establishment while still achieving direct peer-to-peer communication through the tunnel, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and configuration complexity
2Ease of operation
If devices use 802.11 infrastructure mode for communication, then connection is simplified, but direct peer-to-peer data sharing is not always available and requires constant infrastructure operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection establishment where the access point dynamically creates TDLS tunnels between client devices when needed. This dynamic approach allows peer-to-peer communication to be established on-demand through infrastructure mode, providing both ease of connection and adaptability without requiring constant infrastructure operation
Solution Approach 2:
The access point serves as a flexible intermediary that can dynamically establish direct links between clients through TDLS. This mediator approach allows infrastructure mode to adapt to peer-to-peer communication needs, providing versatility while maintaining connection simplicity
3Reliability
If wireless AP remains continuously active for infrastructure management, then communication reliability is maintained, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic wake-up cycles where the access point transitions to a low-power state and wakes up periodically to send beacon frames and manage infrastructure operations. This periodic action maintains necessary reliability for network management while dramatically reducing continuous power consumption, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy usage
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods disclosed herein operate to provide wireless communication between personal mobile communication (PMC) devices. An emulated wireless access point (AP) at a first PMC device (PMC1) establishes a first tunneled direct link setup (TDLS) session between a first station module (STA1) incorporated into the PMC1 and a second station module (STA2) incorporated into a second PMC device (PMC2). Following establishment of the TDLS session, the wireless AP is allowed to sleep; and most infrastructure management duties are handled by the STA1 during the session. PMC device battery charge may be conserved as a result. The emulated wireless AP may also establish a second TDLS link to a third station module (STA3) incorporated into a third PMC device (PMC3). The STA1 may then bridge data traffic flow between the STA2 and the STA3. Such bridging operation may enable communication between two PMC devices otherwise unable to decode data received from the other.