Proxy Wireless Station for Concurrent NAN and AP Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems, particularly Wi-Fi networks based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, face challenges in the setup and coordination of direct communication between mobile stations without an intermediate access point, leading to inefficiencies in data and voice transmission.

Innovation Solution

A wireless station equipped with antennas, radios, and processors is configured to establish peer-to-peer communication links with neighboring stations, acting as a proxy to relay transmissions from a common access point, thereby facilitating direct communication and improving network coordination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If direct peer-to-peer communication is established between wireless stations without an access point, then communication efficiency is improved, but setup and coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidsetup and coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an access point as an intermediary that facilitates peer-to-peer communication between wireless stations. The access point receives data from one station, relays it to the other station, and manages the coordination of direct communication links, thereby simplifying the setup and coordination complexity while maintaining communication efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless stations perform both infrastructure mode and direct mode operations concurrently, then network versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables wireless stations to perform multiple functions by allowing them to operate in both infrastructure mode (communicating through an access point) and direct mode (peer-to-peer communication) concurrently. The station can act as both a client connected to an access point and a direct communication partner, providing universal functionality across different network modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The access point serves as a mediator that enables concurrent infrastructure and direct mode operations. It manages the station's connections and coordinates communication between different modes, allowing the station to maintain versatility while the access point handles the complexity of managing multiple operational modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10736022B2Proxy assisted NAN and access point concurrent operation

Publication Date: 2020.08.04 APPLE INC

AI summary

In some embodiments, one or more wireless stations operate to configure direct communication with neighboring mobile stations, e.g., direct communication between the wireless stations without utilizing an intermediate access point. Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a mechanism for peer NAN devices to assist one another in receiving communications from an access point common to the peer NAN devices. In some embodiments, a wireless station may establish a communication link with a Wi-Fi access point and establish a peer-to-peer communication link with one or more neighboring wireless stations. In addition, the wireless station may receive transmissions intended for at least one neighboring wireless station of the one or more neighboring wireless stations from the Wi-Fi access point and relay the transmissions to the at least one wireless station on behalf of the Wi-Fi access point.