P2P Wireless Device Communication Over WLAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices are unable to establish peer-to-peer communications over a wireless local area network (WLAN) without routing through the core network of a wireless wide area network (WWAN), even when both devices are connected to the same WLAN, which inefficiently uses WWAN resources.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided for wireless communication devices to determine if a second device is connected to a WLAN and establish peer-to-peer communication over the WLAN if possible, or use the WWAN if not, by using RF communication circuitry and P2P modules to manage communication protocols and routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless devices route all communications through the WWAN core network, then call connectivity is ensured, but network resource efficiency deteriorates and WWAN resources are unnecessarily consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path is segmented into two possible routes: WWAN core network routing for general connectivity, and direct WLAN peer-to-peer routing for local communications. The system divides the communication flow based on destination, routing local WLAN device communications directly over the WLAN infrastructure while maintaining WWAN routing for external or non-WLAN devices, thereby segmenting the traffic load and optimizing resource usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the routing parameter (communication path) based on the destination device's network status. When the target device is determined to be on the same WLAN, the routing parameter switches from WWAN core network path to direct WLAN peer-to-peer path, optimizing resource consumption while maintaining connectivity.
2Productivity
If wireless devices establish peer-to-peer communication over WLAN, then network utilization improves and WWAN resources are conserved, but device complexity increases due to dual network management
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of the destination device's network status before establishing communication. By checking whether the target device is on the WLAN in advance, the system can pre-select the appropriate communication path (WLAN peer-to-peer or WWAN routing), avoiding complex runtime switching and simplifying the overall management process.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication management system acts as an intermediary that automatically determines the optimal path and establishes connections accordingly. This intermediary function handles the complexity of dual network management internally, presenting a simplified interface to the user while managing the intricate details of network selection and path establishment.
3Speed
If wireless devices use WLAN for data communication, then communication speed improves, but call communication reliability deteriorates when WLAN routing through WWAN core network is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forcing all communications through the WLAN infrastructure (which would require WWAN core network routing for calls), the system inverts the approach by enabling direct WLAN peer-to-peer communication for local devices. This reversal eliminates the need for WWAN core network routing for local calls, simultaneously achieving high speed and high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and computer readable media for providing peer-to-peer wireless device communication over a wireless local area network. In a particular embodiment, a method of operating a wireless communication device in communication with a wireless wide area communication network (WWAN) and a wireless local area communication network (WLAN) is provided. The method includes receiving a request from a user to initiate a communication with a second wireless communication device and determining whether the second wireless device is in communication with the WLAN. Upon determining that the second wireless device is in communication with the WLAN, the method provides establishing the communication with the second wireless device as a peer-to-peer communication over the WLAN. Upon determining that the second wireless device is not in communication with the WLAN, the method provides establishing the communication with the second wireless device over the WWAN.