NAN Cluster Synchronization Inversion for Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In neighbor awareness networking (NAN) clusters, electronic devices fail to merge when the attribute of one cluster is lower than another, leading to delayed merging due to the need for repeated scanning operations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a wireless communication module and processor compares attribute information with adjacent clusters, allowing synchronization and information transmission to guide other devices to merge with the cluster having higher attributes while maintaining synchronization with its own cluster.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic device in a first cluster performs synchronization with a second cluster only when the second cluster's attribute is higher, then the device maintains cluster hierarchy stability, but merging between adjacent clusters cannot be implemented when the first cluster has higher attribute
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional synchronization logic by allowing devices to initiate synchronization requests to adjacent clusters regardless of attribute comparison results. Instead of passively waiting for higher-attribute clusters to synchronize downward, the system enables bidirectional synchronization initiation, permitting devices in higher-attribute clusters to actively seek out and merge with adjacent lower-attribute clusters, thus resolving the merging blockage while preserving hierarchical stability through controlled synchronization protocols
2Productivity
If an electronic device performs repeated scanning operations to discover adjacent clusters, then the device can find merge opportunities, but power consumption increases and merging is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having electronic devices proactively transmit their cluster attribute information and synchronization capabilities during initial cluster formation and maintenance phases. Adjacent clusters exchange synchronization request templates and attribute data in advance, enabling devices to immediately initiate merging when conditions are favorable without requiring repeated scanning operations, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining discovery productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes feedback mechanisms where devices monitor and report cluster attribute changes, synchronization status, and merging opportunities to a centralized coordination protocol. This feedback loop enables the network to intelligently trigger synchronization events based on real-time conditions, eliminating the need for continuous scanning while ensuring timely discovery and merging of adjacent clusters, thereby reducing energy usage without sacrificing discovery effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electronic device comprising a wireless communication module, a memory for storing attribute information on a first cluster including the electronic device, and a processor electrically connected to the wireless communication module and the memory, wherein the processor is configured so as to perform synchronization with the first cluster in relation to the performance of neighbor awareness networking (NAN)-based communication, receive a first signal including attribute information on a second cluster from an external electronic device included in the second cluster through the wireless communication module, compare attribute information on the first cluster, which is stored in the memory, with attribute information on the second information, maintain the synchronization with the first cluster and perform synchronization with the second cluster when a condition designated between the attribute information on the first cluster and the attribute information on the second cluster is satisfied, and transmit, on the basis of at least part of the synchronization with the second cluster, a second signal including information on the first cluster to the external electronic device through the wireless communication module.