NAN Data Link Scheduling via Availability Information Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, especially in Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN), there is a need for efficient methods to enable wireless devices to establish connections without prolonged wakefulness, optimizing resource utilization and reducing signaling for connection setup in peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, while ensuring flexibility and energy conservation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that allows wireless devices to perform connection setup during designated data link time blocks (NDL-TBs) and utilize availability information to determine wake-up times, enabling flexible scheduling and reducing the need for prolonged wakefulness, using indicators and time blocks for efficient data link establishment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices remain awake for connection setup procedures, then connection establishment is reliable, but energy consumption increases and resource utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment reliabilityVSAvoiddevice energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Devices exchange availability information and schedules in advance during discovery windows, determining connection setup times before actually entering wake states. This preliminary planning allows devices to sleep through intermediate periods while still establishing reliable connections at predetermined times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic discovery windows and scheduled NDL-TBs instead of continuous wakefulness. Devices wake up at specific periodic intervals defined by availability schedules rather than remaining continuously awake, reducing energy consumption while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If devices use frequent wake-up intervals for connection setup, then connection flexibility improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection setup flexibilityVSAvoiddevice energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts wake-up intervals based on availability information and connection priorities. High-priority connections may trigger more frequent wake-ups, while low-priority connections use longer intervals, optimizing the balance between flexibility and energy consumption for different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Devices change operational parameters (wake-up intervals, availability schedules) based on connection requirements and energy constraints. The system adapts timing parameters dynamically rather than using fixed intervals, allowing flexibility when needed while conserving energy during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If devices establish connections quickly without scheduling, then connection setup speed improves, but resource utilization decreases and energy is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection setup speedVSAvoidwireless resource wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Connection parameters, timing, and availability are negotiated in advance during discovery windows. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for prolonged wakefulness during actual connection establishment, achieving fast connection speed while minimizing resource wastage through efficient pre-planning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If devices use standardized wake-up schedules, then resource utilization improves, but connection flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless resource utilizationVSAvoidconnection scheduling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The availability information framework serves multiple functions: it enables standardized resource utilization through common discovery windows while simultaneously allowing custom scheduling for specific connection requirements. The same mechanism supports both efficient resource sharing and flexible individual connection needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3275112B1Schedule selection and connection setup between devices participating in a nan data link
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3275112B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3275112B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3275112B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable medium for wireless communication are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus is configured to determine a data link attribute for scheduling a data link with a second wireless device and to transmit the determined data link attribute in a frame to the second wireless device.