NAN Data Beacon for Wi-Fi Direct Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly those based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, face challenges in efficiently coordinating direct communication between mobile stations without an intermediate access point, leading to suboptimal setup and synchronization of device roles and updates.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism where wireless stations can discover and synchronize with neighboring peer devices via peer-to-peer Wi-Fi communications, using synchronization beacons and data beacons to maintain timing and role updates, enabling direct communication without an access point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless stations use direct peer-to-peer communication without an intermediate access point, then communication efficiency and setup coordination are improved, but device role synchronization and timing coordination become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data beacon as an intermediary information structure that mediates synchronization between peer devices. The beacon contains role information, timing data, and coordination parameters that enable devices to automatically synchronize without complex manual configuration, resolving the contradiction by providing a standardized communication protocol that simplifies peer-to-peer coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting timing parameters, role assignments, and synchronization intervals through the data beacon mechanism. Devices can modify their operational parameters based on beacon information received from peers, enabling flexible adaptation to changing network conditions while maintaining efficient direct communication
2Measurement precision
If wireless stations transmit data beacons frequently to maintain synchronization, then timing accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and network overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of data beacons at optimized intervals rather than continuous transmission. This periodic action maintains sufficient timing accuracy for synchronization while significantly reducing energy consumption and network overhead compared to continuous beaconing, resolving the contradiction between precision and energy use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of beacon transmission intervals based on network conditions, device roles, and synchronization requirements. Active devices may transmit more frequently while sleeping devices transmit less often, allowing the system to adapt timing accuracy and energy consumption dynamically to current operational needs
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, one or more wireless stations operate to configure direct communication with neighboring mobile stations, e.g., direct communication between the wireless stations without utilizing an intermediate access point. Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a mechanism for a wireless station to discover a neighboring peer wireless station, e.g., via peer-to-peer Wi-Fi communications, receive a synchronization beacon(s) from the neighboring peer wireless station, and synchronize timing with the neighboring peer wireless station based at least in part on the synchronization beacon(s). In addition, the wireless station may transmit, e.g., via Wi-Fi peer-to-peer communications, a data beacon to one or more neighboring wireless devices stations, wherein the one or more neighboring wireless stations are configured to synchronize timing with the wireless station based on the data beacon.