NAN Proxy Server Power Management via Frequency-Based State Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless LAN networks using the IEEE802.11 standard, NAN devices face challenges in power consumption due to the need for all devices to be in an AWAKE state during specific Discovery Window periods, which limits the ability of devices to enter a DOZE state and reduces efficiency, especially when acting as Proxy Servers.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a decision unit to determine whether to operate as a Proxy Server based on the frequency of wireless signal transmission and reception periods, enabling the device to switch between AWAKE and DOZE states to optimize power consumption and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all NAN devices are required to be in AWAKE state during DW periods for service discovery, then service discovery capability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Proxy Server as an intermediary device that performs service discovery operations on behalf of Proxy Clients. The Proxy Server maintains AWAKE state and handles service discovery messages, while Proxy Clients can enter DOZE state to save power. This mediator approach allows power-constrained devices to offload discovery responsibilities to devices with sufficient power resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by requiring only certain devices (Proxy Servers) to remain AWAKE during Discovery Windows, rather than all devices. Devices can selectively participate in service discovery based on their power availability, with Proxy Clients performing partial service discovery through the Proxy Server instead of full direct discovery.
2Loss of energy
If NAN devices operate as Proxy Servers to enable other devices to save power, then overall network power efficiency improves, but the Proxy Server itself consumes more power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple device functions into the Proxy Server, which performs both service discovery and acts as a relay for power-constrained devices. By merging these roles, the system reduces total network power consumption as Proxy Clients can enter DOZE state, even though the Proxy Server consumes more power individually. The benefit to the network outweighs the cost to the Proxy Server.
3Use of energy by moving object
If devices enter DOZE state to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency improves, but service discovery reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The Proxy Server acts as a mediator that maintains service discovery reliability even when Proxy Clients are in DOZE state. The Proxy Server receives and forwards service discovery messages, ensuring that devices in DOZE state can still be discovered and can still discover services through the intermediary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary service discovery actions through the Proxy Server before devices need to wake up. The Proxy Server can pre-fetch service information and maintain updated service catalogs, so when Proxy Clients wake up, service discovery can occur quickly without requiring the client to be continuously AWAKE.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes a function for performing transmission and reception of a wireless signal in a period having a predetermined length which arrives at a predetermined time interval, a function for performing at least one process of the transmission and the reception of the wireless signal in the period as a substitute for a particular communication apparatus belonging to a set of a plurality of communication apparatuses among which the period is synchronized, and a function for deciding whether or not proxy processing is to be performed in accordance with a frequency of periods during which the communication apparatus performs the transmission and the reception of the wireless signal among a plurality of the periods.