NFC Out-of-Hand Device-to-Device Wi-Fi Connection Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for setting up device-to-device Wi-Fi networks lack efficient out-of-band initialization methods, particularly in scenarios without a controlling Access Point, where device roles are unknown, and existing Near-Field Communication (NFC) standards are not applicable to device-to-device connections.
Innovation Solution
The method involves initiating an out-of-band NFC connection between devices to exchange short-range communication parameters, negotiate roles, and select appropriate connection parameters for establishing a Wi-Fi connection using NFC Forum Logical Link Control Protocol and Connection Handover protocol, enabling device-to-device connection setup for Wi-Fi networks without a controlling Access Point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If NFC is used for out-of-band initialization in device-to-device connections, then connection setup efficiency is improved, but existing NFC standards are not applicable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies NFC message parameters by incorporating role determination parameters (registrar/enrollee identification) into the NFC handover messages. This allows the existing NFC protocol framework to be adapted for device-to-device Wi-Fi setup by changing the data content and message structure parameters, enabling efficient connection setup while working within the NFC standard framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection setup process into distinct phases: NFC-based out-of-band initialization phase for role determination and parameter exchange, followed by Wi-Fi connection establishment phase. This segmentation allows each protocol to operate in its optimal domain, with NFC handling the critical initialization and role assignment, then transitioning to Wi-Fi for data transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device roles are unknown in device-to-device scenarios, then connection flexibility is improved, but role determination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service role determination where each device independently determines its role (registrar or enrollee) based on pre-configured identifiers or capabilities exchanged during NFC initialization. The devices autonomously select their roles without requiring external coordination or complex negotiation protocols, simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs role determination as a preliminary action during the NFC out-of-band initialization phase, before the actual Wi-Fi connection is established. By determining roles early in the process through NFC message exchange, the system avoids the need for complex role negotiation during the Wi-Fi connection phase, reducing overall complexity.
3Speed
If out-of-band NFC connection is established, then connection setup speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses NFC to skip the traditional slow Wi-Fi connection setup process by performing out-of-band initialization. The critical role determination and parameter exchange are rushed through quickly using NFC's fast communication capability, allowing the devices to bypass lengthy discovery and negotiation phases that would otherwise consume more power over longer periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by using NFC only for the brief initialization phase, then transitioning to Wi-Fi for sustained communication. The NFC connection is activated periodically just long enough to exchange necessary parameters and determine roles, then deactivated, minimizing power consumption while achieving fast setup.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for efficient device-to-device Wi-Fi network setup by determining device roles and selecting appropriate connection parameters through NFC, facilitating secure and reliable connections in device-to-device scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
initiating, by a first device, an out-of-band near-field communication connection with a second device by transmitting wireless communication signals including necessary power
Implementation Method 2
The NFC radio operates within the unlicensed radio frequency ISM band of 13.56 MHz... where two loop antennas are located within each other's near field, effectively energizing a wireless contact by forming an air-core transformer
Data Source
AI summary
Example method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments are disclosed to enable near-field communication to be used in out-of-band initialization methods for connection setup for device-to-device communication. Example embodiments of the invention include a method comprising the steps of initiating, by a first device, an out-of-band near-field communication connection with a second device by transmitting wireless communication signals including necessary power for providing the near-field communication connection; sending a first short-range communication connection parameters for role determination, to the second device via the out-of-band near-field communication connection; receiving second short-range communication connection parameters for role determination, from the second device via the out-of-band near-field communication connection; selecting a role for the short-range communication connection by adopting short-range communication connection parameters for role determination that correspond to the role; discarding short-range communication connection parameters for role determination that are not adopted; and initiating the short-range communication connection according to the selected role using the adopted short-range communication connection parameters for role determination.