NAN Data Path Synchronization for Low-Power Device Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices experience delays in data communication with external devices due to the need to repeatedly configure and reconfigure NAN data paths during discovery windows, leading to inefficiencies in proximity services like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and neighbor awareness networking (NAN).
Innovation Solution
The electronic device configures a NAN data path (NDP) using first scheduling information, switches to a low-power mode, and maintains synchronization with external devices using second scheduling information, allowing for efficient data communication without the need for repeated path configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic device repeatedly configures and reconfigures the NAN data path during discovery windows, then the data communication can be established with external devices, but the communication delay increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device configures the NAN data path in advance during the discovery window before actual data communication is needed. By pre-establishing the data path and storing its information, the device avoids the need for repeated configuration during subsequent communication sessions, thereby reducing communication delay while ensuring reliable data exchange.
2Productivity
If the electronic device maintains continuous connection for data communication, then communication efficiency improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device switches to a low-power mode after configuring the NAN data path and stores the path information for later use. Instead of maintaining continuous active connection, the device periodically checks and reactivates the pre-configured data path when needed, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining communication efficiency through the stored configuration information.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device autonomously manages the NAN data path configuration and maintains synchronization information locally. When data communication is required, the device can reactivate the pre-configured path without requiring continuous external coordination, enabling self-managed power states that balance efficiency and energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the electronic device switches to low-power mode to save energy, then power consumption decreases, but maintaining synchronization with external devices becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device configures and stores all necessary synchronization information and NAN data path details during the active discovery window before switching to low-power mode. By pre-storing the second scheduling information and path configuration, the device maintains synchronization capability without requiring continuous active communication, thus reducing power consumption while preserving synchronization reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An example electronic device includes a communication circuit and a processor, wherein the processor may: configure an NDP for data communication, based on first scheduling information, with an external electronic device included in a NAN cluster; store information related to the NDP on the basis of switching to a low-power mode associated with the NDP connection; maintain synchronization with the external electronic device on the basis of the second scheduling information that is different from the first scheduling information; and, in a case of performing data communication with the external electronic device, perform data communication with the external electronic device through the NDP to the external electronic device on the basis of the information related to the NDP.