Secured Ranging Protocol for NAN Devices

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing security credentials and encrypted communication channels before the ranging procedure begins. Devices exchange capability indications and set up secured communication paths in advance, so that when ranging measurements are taken, the security framework is already in place. This prevents security issues during the actual ranging operation without adding complexity to the ranging algorithm itself.

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing capability indication messages and setup parameter exchanges as intermediate steps between device connection and ranging execution. These intermediary protocols handle the security negotiation and credential verification, separating the security complexity from the core ranging function. The secured ranging protocol acts as an intermediary layer that protects the actual distance measurement process.

The patent segments the ranging process into distinct phases: capability indication exchange, security credential verification, setup parameter negotiation, and actual ranging measurement. Each segment handles a specific aspect of the protocol, allowing devices to implement only the portions relevant to their capabilities. This segmentation reduces overall implementation complexity by breaking down the secured protocol into manageable, independent modules.

The patent applies local quality by allowing devices to indicate their specific security capabilities and receive tailored setup parameters. Each device negotiates the appropriate security level based on its own capabilities and the requirements of the specific ranging scenario. This means that not all devices must implement the full spectrum of security features, reducing complexity for devices that only require basic secured ranging while maintaining high security where needed.