NAN Proxy Registration for Low-Power Neighbor Awareness Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices in neighbor awareness networking (NAN) clusters face increased power consumption due to failed data transmissions and receptions during discovery windows, and operating as a proxy client or server further exacerbates this issue.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device can switch to a second communication mode with lower power consumption by registering as a proxy client or server, utilizing NAN cluster information to synchronize with external devices and operate in a mode where another device performs certain functions, thereby reducing its own power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic devices transmit and receive data during discovery windows in NAN clusters, then data communication is enabled, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary device that performs service discovery and communication functions on behalf of proxy clients. The proxy server handles data transmission and reception during discovery windows, allowing proxy clients to remain in low-power states while maintaining communication reliability through the intermediary.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices operate as proxy clients or servers, then service discovery functions are enhanced, but power consumption increases due to additional operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional role assignment by allowing devices to dynamically switch between being proxy clients and proxy servers based on their power state and capabilities. A device that would normally perform service discovery can instead become a proxy client and rely on another device acting as proxy server, thereby reducing its own power consumption while maintaining service discovery functionality through the role reversal.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a communication circuit; and a processor operatively connected to the communication circuit, wherein the processor may be configured to perform synchronization with neighbor awareness networking (NAN) based on NAN cluster information included in a signal broadcast by an external electronic device included in the NAN, to determine whether to switch to a second communication mode operable with lower power than that of the first communication mode based on a state of the electronic device while operating in the first communication mode capable of transmitting and/or receiving data each interval having a first value, to search for an external electronic device capable of performing a function of a proxy server among external electronic devices included in the NAN corresponding to determining to switch to the second communication mode, to transmit a proxy registration request signal to the found external electronic device, and to operate in the second communication mode corresponding to completion of registration to the external electronic device, wherein the proxy registration request signal may include information related to a function to be performed by the external electronic device instead of the electronic device while operating in the second communication mode. In addition, various embodiments are possible.