NAN Device TIM Offset Determination for Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Neighbor Awareness Network (NAN) specifications do not support data communication between devices, leading to increased power consumption due to unnecessary attempts to receive Traffic Indication Map (TIM) information in each interval, as they are based on one-to-many communication rather than peer-to-peer communication.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for transmitting data in a NAN that acquire a NAN association identifier (AID) to determine a TIM offset for receiving TIM information, allowing devices to operate in sleep mode until the designated offset, reducing power consumption by synchronizing with peer-to-peer communication protocols and adjusting the TIM offset based on the number of devices in a cluster.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices use one-to-many communication protocol to receive TIM information in each interval, then all devices can be notified of buffered traffic, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary attempts to receive TIM information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from a uniform one-to-many communication approach to a targeted peer-to-peer communication model. Each device receives TIM information only when specifically addressed, rather than all devices listening to every TIM transmission. This localized approach ensures reliable notification only for devices with buffered traffic, eliminating unnecessary power consumption for devices without data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the communication mode adaptive based on traffic conditions. The system dynamically switches between one-to-many broadcasting (when multiple devices have traffic) and peer-to-peer unicast (when a single device has traffic). This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between notification reliability and power consumption based on real-time network conditions.
2Reliability
If devices attempt to receive TIM information in each interval, then no traffic is missed, but idle listening time increases reducing communication efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having devices determine in advance whether they are the intended recipient of TIM information before attempting to receive it. Devices use their unique identifiers to pre-calculate expected TIM offsets and only activate receivers during specific time windows when their TIM information is expected to arrive. This preliminary determination eliminates idle listening while ensuring no traffic is missed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by scheduling TIM information reception at specific intervals rather than continuously. Devices wake up at predetermined time offsets based on their unique identifiers, receive TIM information only during these periodic windows, and then return to sleep mode. This periodic reception pattern maintains complete traffic detection while dramatically reducing idle listening time and improving communication efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If NAN specification uses one-to-many communication for TIM information, then all devices can be notified, but peer-to-peer communication efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the communication parameters from fixed one-to-many broadcasting to variable peer-to-peer unicast based on traffic conditions. The system changes the notification coverage parameter adaptively: using broad one-to-many notification when multiple devices have traffic, and switching to targeted peer-to-peer notification when only one device has traffic. This parameter change optimizes communication efficiency while maintaining adaptability for different network scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for transmitting data in a neighbor awareness network (NAN) are provided. A NAN device acquires a NAN association identifier (AID) from a unique identifier and receives a traffic indication map (TIM) information on the basis of a TIM offset. TIME offset is determined on the basis of the NAN AID.