Multi-Standard Peer-to-Peer Connection via Phase Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current peer-to-peer network technologies face challenges in efficiently establishing connections between mobile devices, particularly in areas with limited bandwidth and high costs, as existing methods often require manual intervention and are not optimized for reliable data transfer.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a multi-standard approach where a first peer-to-peer standard is used for metadata exchange during the discovery phase, identifying compatible devices within a social graph, and switching to a second standard for a more reliable data connection during the session phase, such as using Wi-Fi Direct for discovery and Wi-Fi ad hoc or Bluetooth for data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single peer-to-peer standard is used for both discovery and data transfer, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of data transfer deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment complexityVSAvoiddata transfer reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection process is segmented into two distinct phases: discovery phase and data transfer phase. Each phase uses a different peer-to-peer standard optimized for its specific function. The discovery phase uses a standard optimized for device discovery and metadata exchange, while the data transfer phase uses a different standard optimized for reliable data transmission. This segmentation allows each standard to be specialized for its intended purpose without compromising overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different peer-to-peer standards based on the operational phase. During discovery, the first standard is active; upon successful discovery and transition to the data transfer phase, the system switches to the second standard. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for discovery efficiency initially, then for data transfer reliability subsequently, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If manual intervention is required for peer-to-peer connection establishment, then connection reliability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection establishment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The peer-to-peer connection system performs self-service through automated discovery and connection establishment. Devices automatically broadcast their presence and capabilities during the discovery phase, exchange metadata including supported standards, and autonomously select and switch to the appropriate data transfer standard without requiring manual user intervention. This automation maintains reliability through structured protocols while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The discovery phase serves as a preliminary action that prepares the system for reliable data transfer. During this phase, devices exchange metadata, authenticate each other, and establish trust relationships before the actual data transfer begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the data transfer phase commences, all necessary conditions for reliable communication are already in place, eliminating the need for manual verification while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a simplified discovery process is used, then ease of operation improves, but data transfer reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediscovery process simplicityVSAvoiddata connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The discovery phase acts as an intermediary between device discovery and data transfer establishment. It uses a simplified peer-to-peer standard that excels at device detection and metadata exchange but is not optimized for data transfer. This intermediary phase prepares all necessary connection parameters, authenticates devices, and establishes trust relationships, enabling the subsequent data transfer phase to use a more reliable standard without requiring complex discovery procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the connection process so that the simplified discovery standard handles only device detection and metadata exchange, while the reliable data transfer standard handles actual data transmission. This functional segmentation allows each standard to be optimized for its specific purpose: the first standard prioritizes ease of discovery, while the second standard prioritizes data transfer reliability, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10320768B2Techniques for multi-standard peer-to-peer connection
Publication Date: 2019.06.11 META PLATFORMS INC
  • US10320768B2 patent drawing
  • US10320768B2 patent drawing
  • US10320768B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for multi-protocol peer-to-peer connection are described. An apparatus may comprise a discovery component to discover a remote device using a first protocol, and receive discovery information from the remote device, the discovery information including protocol information. The apparatus may comprise an authentication component to authenticate the remote device. The apparatus may comprise a connection component to establish a peer-to-peer connection with the remote device using a second protocol based on the protocol information. Other embodiments are described and claimed.