NAN Device Paging Without Central Node

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) mechanisms, existing paging operations between devices rely on a central node, leading to inefficiencies when the central node leaves the cluster, requiring re-establishment of connections and reallocation of association identifiers, which affects paging efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method where NAN devices can perform paging independently by sending and receiving paging messages that carry service information, allowing them to determine if data transmission is needed without relying on a central node or association identifiers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a central node is used to assist paging operations between NAN devices, then paging can be performed in an organized manner with centralized control, but when the central node leaves the cluster, connection re-establishment and AID reallocation are required, which reduces paging efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaging operation reliabilityVSAvoidpaging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

NAN devices perform paging operations independently without relying on a central node. Each NAN device can send and receive paging messages directly, determining data transmission needs based on service information in the messages, thereby eliminating the bottleneck caused by central node dependency and maintaining high paging efficiency even when network topology changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The paging function is extracted from the central node and distributed to individual NAN devices. Each NAN device maintains its own paging capability, removing the single point of failure and allowing paging operations to continue efficiently regardless of central node presence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If association identifiers (AID) are allocated by a central node for device identification, then centralized management and control are achieved, but the process of allocating and reallocating AIDs increases complexity and time consumption when devices join or leave the cluster

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized management easeVSAvoidAID allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

NAN devices independently manage their own identification through service information contained in paging messages, rather than relying on central node-allocated AIDs. This self-service approach eliminates the complexity of AID allocation and reallocation processes while maintaining ease of operation through autonomous device behavior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Service information in paging messages serves multiple functions: it identifies the transmitting NAN device, describes the service being offered or requested, and enables paging operations all in one data structure, replacing the need for separate AID allocation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If paging messages include detailed service information, then NAN devices can accurately determine data transmission needs, but message size increases leading to higher processing overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice matching precisionVSAvoidmessage data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes service information parameters by using compact field structures and selective inclusion based on service type. Essential identification and service description parameters are maintained for accurate matching, while optional parameters are included only when needed, balancing precision with data efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3291630B1Method for paging between neighbor awareness networks, and neighbor awareness network device
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3291630B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3291630B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3291630B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for paging between NAN devices, and a NAN device, and relate to the field of communications technologies, so that paging can be directly performed between NAN devices when there is no central node. The method includes: sending, by a first NAN device, a first paging message in a first window; receiving a paging response message sent by a second NAN device that meets first service information; and determining, according to the paging response message, whether to perform data transmission with the second NAN device. The first paging message carries the first service information, and the first service information is used to describe a service that needs to be performed by the NAN device. The method is applied to a NAN mechanism.