NAN Multicast Address Allocation for Collision-Free Cluster Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems lack an effective method for NAN terminals to share multicast addresses without collisions, particularly in wireless local area networks (WLANs), which is crucial for efficient message broadcasting within clusters.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for NAN terminals to select and share multicast addresses, including transmitting beacon frames with selected addresses, considering roles, hop counts, and signal strength, to prevent collisions and ensure targeted message delivery within clusters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If NAN terminals use multicast addresses for message broadcasting within clusters, then communication efficiency is improved, but address collisions between neighboring clusters occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different multicast addresses to different geographical clusters or network regions. Each NAN cluster is configured with a unique multicast address based on its location or identifier, ensuring that message broadcasting within a cluster does not cause address collisions in neighboring clusters. This local differentiation maintains communication efficiency while preventing interference between regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the multicast address space by dividing it into multiple ranges or groups, each assigned to specific clusters or network domains. By segmenting the address allocation based on cluster identifiers, hop counts, or geographical regions, the system enables efficient local multicast communication while ensuring global uniqueness of multicast addresses across different clusters.
2Ease of operation
If NAN terminals select multicast addresses independently, then address selection simplicity is improved, but address collision probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary multicast address allocation where addresses are assigned to clusters or terminals before actual multicast communication begins. The system pre-configures multicast addresses based on cluster identifiers, hop count levels, or network topology information, so that when terminals need to broadcast messages, they can directly use the pre-assigned addresses without complex real-time selection processes, thereby maintaining both simplicity and collision-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where terminals report their selected multicast addresses or receive confirmation from network controllers about address availability. This feedback loop allows the system to detect potential address conflicts and reassign addresses if necessary, ensuring that independent address selection does not lead to collisions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated conflict resolution.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for sharing in advance a multicast address in a wireless communication system. To this end, a method can comprise the steps of: selecting a multicast address; and transmitting a beacon frame comprising the selected multicast address. The beacon frame can comprise a search beacon frame and/or a synchronization beacon frame.