Multi-hop Peer Discovery in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peer discovery methods in wireless networks face limitations in extending range without reducing battery life, decreasing spatial reuse of resource units, and increasing de-sense probability when increasing transmission power.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multi-hop peer discovery methods using unique identification codes and local identification codes, where nodes decode and transmit peer discovery signals with a hop count, selecting relays based on predetermined criteria to extend range without increasing transmission power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If transmission power of peer discovery signals is increased to extend discovery range, then peer discovery range is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the peer discovery process into multiple hops, where intermediate nodes relay discovery signals. Instead of one node transmitting at high power directly to distant nodes, the discovery signal is broken into segments that are forwarded through intermediate nodes, each transmitting at normal power levels. This resolves the contradiction by achieving extended range through multi-hop relaying rather than high-power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate relay nodes as mediators in the peer discovery process. These intermediate nodes receive discovery signals from source nodes and forward them to destination nodes, enabling extended range discovery without requiring source nodes to transmit at high power. The intermediaries handle the power-intensive transmission task, allowing source nodes to maintain low power consumption and preserve battery life.
2Length of stationary object
If transmission power of peer discovery signals is increased to extend discovery range, then peer discovery range is improved, but spatial reuse of resource units is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the discovery signal transmission into multiple hops across different spatial locations. Each intermediate node transmits on different resource units (time-frequency slots) than the source node, allowing other nodes to reuse the source node's resource units for their own transmissions. This segmentation enables spatial reuse while achieving extended discovery range through the relayed signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends peer discovery from a single-hop spatial dimension to a multi-hop network dimension. By introducing the hop count parameter and utilizing intermediate nodes, the system achieves extended range without requiring increased transmission power or exclusive resource allocation, thereby maintaining spatial reuse of resource units across the network.
3Length of stationary object
If transmission power of peer discovery signals is increased to extend discovery range, then peer discovery range is improved, but de-sense probability is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the discovery signal transmission path into multiple low-power hops rather than one high-power transmission. Each intermediate node transmits at normal power levels, avoiding the creation of high-power interference that would cause de-sense in other nodes. This segmentation eliminates the harmful de-sense effect while achieving extended range through relayed signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate nodes as mediators that receive and forward discovery signals. These intermediaries transmit at normal power levels, preventing the high-power interference that would otherwise cause de-sense probability to increase. The intermediaries enable extended range discovery without creating harmful interference effects on other nodes in the network.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for supporting multi-hop peer discovery in peer-to-peer wireless networks are disclosed. One method supports multi-hop peer discovery using a first peer having a first unique identification code. The method includes decoding a second peer discovery signal to obtain a second unique identification code and a second local identification code of a second peer received during a peer-to-peer discovery channel, determining whether to select the second peer based on a predetermined criterion; and transmitting a first peer discovery signal having the first unique identification code, the second local identification code and a hop count when the predetermined criterion is satisfied.