Neighbor Aware Network Logical Channel Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In neighbor aware networks (NANs), electronic devices continuously monitor wireless channels for data transmissions, leading to unnecessary power consumption, as they do not know when data will be sent, and are limited to single data sessions per wireless channel.
Innovation Solution
The method involves selecting a logical channel with defined transmission windows and generating messages to indicate availability, allowing devices to synchronize and reduce power usage by transitioning to low-power mode during inactive periods, enabling multiple data sessions and efficient data exchange without relying on cellular networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices continuously monitor wireless channels for data transmissions, then data reception reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring by defining specific transmission windows during which devices monitor the wireless channel, rather than continuous monitoring. Devices wake up at predetermined intervals to check for transmissions and return to low-power mode when no data is present, resolving the contradiction between reliable data reception and power consumption.
2Device complexity
If a single wireless channel is used for data transmission, then channel simplicity is maintained, but the ability to support multiple data sessions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless communication resource by dividing a single wireless channel into multiple logical channels, each identified by a unique logical channel ID. This segmentation allows multiple data sessions to be supported simultaneously on the same physical channel through logical separation, resolving the contradiction between channel simplicity and multi-session capability.
3Reliability
If devices monitor the wireless network substantially continuously, then data transmission detection is improved, but device battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring by defining specific transmission windows during which devices monitor the wireless channel, rather than continuous monitoring. Devices wake up at predetermined intervals to check for transmissions and return to low-power mode when no data is present, resolving the contradiction between reliable data reception and power consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of communication includes transmitting a message from a first electronic device of a neighbor aware network (NAN) to a second electronic device of the NAN via a first communication channel of a plurality of communication channels during a discovery window. The message indicates that the first electronic device is available to communicate. The method also includes monitoring a second communication channel of the plurality of communication channels during a first paging window of a transmission window. The first paging window includes a beginning portion of the transmission window, and electronic devices of the NAN are in an active state during the first paging window.