NAN Extended Availability Schedules for Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi peer-to-peer communication systems, such as those using the Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) protocol, are limited in transmitting availability schedules beyond 512 time units, which is insufficient for certain datapath operations, and do not effectively convey channel bandwidth and maximum receivable spatial streams.
Innovation Solution
Implementing extended availability attributes that allow wireless stations to transmit availability information beyond 512 time units, including channel bandwidth and maximum receivable spatial streams, while maintaining compatibility with existing NAN devices and minimizing communication overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If extended availability information is transmitted beyond 512 time units, then the availability schedule coverage is improved, but the communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The availability schedule is segmented into multiple 512-time-unit blocks, each represented by a separate bitmap. This allows the system to extend coverage beyond a single 512-TU limit while managing data transmission in manageable segments, balancing coverage extension with overhead control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by organizing availability information across multiple time blocks (first 512 TUs, next 512 TUs, etc.). This dimensional approach allows extension of coverage without proportionally increasing overhead in a single dimension, as the information is structured across time blocks rather than requiring all information in one transmission.
2Productivity
If channel bandwidth and spatial stream information are included, then the communication efficiency is improved, but the data transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple types of availability information (channel bandwidth, maximum receivable spatial streams, and availability bitmaps) into a single integrated data structure called the Further Availability Map attribute. This merging approach improves communication efficiency by transmitting all necessary parameters in one coordinated transmission rather than separate messages, while the structured format manages the complexity through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The Further Availability Map attribute serves multiple functions simultaneously: it conveys channel bandwidth information, spatial stream capabilities, and time-domain availability schedules. This multi-functionality improves communication efficiency by providing comprehensive device capabilities in a single data structure, while the standardized format manages complexity through universal applicability across different NAN operations.
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 peer devices to transmit availability schedules beyond 512 time units while continuing to minimize communication overhead. In some embodiments, a wireless station may discover a peer wireless station and transmit extended availability information. In some embodiments, the extended availability information may indicate one or more of an availability interval duration, a bitmap length, and/or a repeat interval of the availability information. In some embodiments, the extended availability information may indicate a maximum number of receivable spatial streams and/or a channel bandwidth. In some embodiments, the extended availability information may include or indicate availability of the wireless station for more than 512 time units.