NAN Data Path Group Scheduling for Cluster Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication technologies face challenges in efficiently enabling device/service discovery and low-power operation in proximity networks, particularly in dense Wi-Fi environments, where devices struggle to synchronize and maintain effective communication schedules across different topologies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a data path group communication system that utilizes a data path topology, allowing devices to form clusters and synchronize within defined discovery windows, enabling efficient service discovery and low-power operation by establishing specific scheduling schemes based on fully connected, one-to-many, or one-to-one topologies, facilitating direct communication and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices follow a common time schedule for discovery windows to facilitate cluster formation, then device/service discovery capability is improved, but communication efficiency for specific data paths deteriorates due to inability to optimize for different topologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cluster into multiple data path groups, each with its own scheduling scheme. Devices are organized into different groups based on their communication needs and topology requirements, allowing each group to have optimized scheduling while still participating in the overall cluster discovery process through the common discovery window framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic scheduling where devices can transition between different scheduling schemes based on their current communication needs. A device may participate in common discovery windows for service discovery, then switch to group-specific or device-specific scheduling for actual data transmission, optimizing communication efficiency for different operational states.
2Stability of the object's composition
If devices synchronize within a common discovery window framework, then cluster formation is facilitated, but power consumption increases due to devices needing to remain active for scheduling negotiations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs scheduling negotiations and group formations during the common discovery window when devices are already active for service discovery. Once groups are formed and schedules are negotiated, devices can enter low-power states during periods when no communication is expected, as the scheduling decisions are made in advance during the discovery window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the service discovery function and scheduling negotiation into the same common discovery window period. Devices perform both service discovery and scheduling setup simultaneously, avoiding the need for separate active periods and reducing overall power consumption by consolidating activities when devices must be awake anyway.
3Device complexity
If a common scheduling scheme is used for all devices in a cluster, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but communication optimization for specific topologies is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cluster into data path groups with different scheduling schemes (common, group-specific, or device-specific). Each segment handles its own scheduling independently, allowing optimization for specific topologies without requiring complex centralized control for the entire cluster. The segmentation reduces overall complexity by dividing the scheduling problem into manageable portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different scheduling schemes to different local contexts or data path groups based on their specific topology requirements. Each group can have scheduling optimized for its local communication patterns while still being part of the larger cluster, allowing communication optimization without requiring a completely complex global scheduling system.
Data Source
AI summary
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of communicating in a data path group. For example, an apparatus may include logic and circuitry configured to cause a Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) device to communicate during one or more Discovery Windows (DW) of a NAN cluster; and to communicate with one or more NAN devices of at least one data path group having a data path topology according to a scheduling scheme corresponding to the data path topology, the data path group including two or more NAN devices of the NAN cluster.