NFC Initiated P2P Wi-Fi Ranging Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peer-to-peer (P2P) Wi-Fi ranging is challenging due to mobile devices hopping in the frequency spectrum and potential sleep modes, making discovery and connection complex, especially in applications like gaming and asset tracking.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing near field communication (NFC) to initiate P2P Wi-Fi ranging by exchanging information between devices to establish a connection, simplify the discovery process, and facilitate communication, even when devices are in close proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional Wi-Fi discovery methods are used for P2P ranging, then devices can communicate wirelessly, but the discovery process becomes complex due to mobile devices hopping in frequency spectrum and potential sleep modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces NFC as an intermediary communication channel to facilitate P2P Wi-Fi connection establishment. NFC serves as a mediator that enables initial device discovery and connection setup through close-proximity communication, after which Wi-Fi takes over for actual data transmission. This resolves the contradiction by using NFC's simplicity for discovery while maintaining Wi-Fi's wireless communication capability.
2Reliability
If devices use close-proximity NFC communication to establish connections, then security against eavesdropping is improved, but the requirement for physical proximity limits connectivity range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection establishment process into two distinct phases: NFC-based initial connection setup (requiring close proximity for security) and Wi-Fi-based data transmission (enabling extended range). This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both NFC's security through proximity requirement and Wi-Fi's extended connectivity range, resolving the contradiction between security and adaptability.
3Productivity
If P2P Wi-Fi ranging is implemented without NFC initiation, then wireless communication flexibility is maintained, but discovery and connection establishment become slower and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using NFC to pre-establish device identification and connection parameters before initiating Wi-Fi communication. The NFC phase performs preliminary device discovery, authentication, and connection setup, which simplifies and accelerates the subsequent Wi-Fi connection process. This resolves the contradiction by performing complex discovery work upfront through NFC, enabling faster overall connection establishment.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some aspects, a method includes communicating a request from a first device to a second device using near field communication (NFC). The request includes a preferred mode of wireless local area network (Wi-Fi) operation and state information of the first device. The method further includes receiving a reply at the first device, sent from the second device, including acceptance of the preferred mode of Wi-Fi operation. The method further includes communicating wireless information to establish the Wi-Fi communication link from the first device to the second device.