Wi-Fi Device Discovery via Probe Frame Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi Ad-hoc mode, face challenges with weak security, high power consumption, and limited throughput, making direct communication between devices inefficient, while Wi-Fi Direct offers improvements but lacks an easy method for users to recognize discovered devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for discovering peer-to-peer devices in a wireless communication network using probe request and response frames to exchange information, allowing users to easily identify and connect with nearby devices, with features like PIN or Push Button Configuration for secure connections and efficient channel selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Wi-Fi Ad-hoc mode is used for direct communication between terminals, then direct communication is enabled, but security is weak, power consumption is high, and throughput is limited to 11 Mbps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication mode from Ad-hoc to Infrastructure mode with AP, transforming the network topology parameters. This allows leveraging the security features of infrastructure mode while enabling direct communication through AP-mediated connections, thus improving security without sacrificing direct communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The Access Point (AP) is introduced as an intermediary between terminals to enable direct communication. The AP mediates the communication process, allowing terminals to communicate directly while benefiting from the AP's security management, authentication, and network control capabilities, thereby resolving the security weakness of Ad-hoc mode
2Adaptability or versatility
If Wi-Fi Ad-hoc mode is used for direct communication between terminals, then direct communication is enabled, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The AP serves as a central coordinator that manages communication between terminals. Terminals can enter sleep modes more effectively when the AP handles active communication tasks, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining direct communication capability through AP-mediated connections
3Adaptability or versatility
If Wi-Fi Ad-hoc mode is used for direct communication between terminals, then direct communication is enabled, but throughput is limited to 11 Mbps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the network mode from Ad-hoc to Infrastructure mode, which supports higher throughput standards. The infrastructure mode with AP enables modern Wi-Fi protocols and higher data rates, eliminating the 11 Mbps limitation while maintaining direct communication capability through the AP
4Reliability
If Wi-Fi Direct is used for device discovery, then direct communication is enabled with improved security and throughput, but users cannot easily recognize discovered terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring and displaying terminal identification information (such as device names, icons, or contact information) before the actual connection is established. This allows users to easily recognize and select desired terminals during the discovery process, improving ease of operation while maintaining Wi-Fi Direct's security benefits
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for discovering a peer to peer, P2P, device capable of performing P2P communication in a wireless communication network. The method comprises transmitting or receiving a probe request frame including a message requesting at least one of a phone number and user identification information. The method further comprises receiving or transmitting a probe response frame including at least one of the phone number and the user identification information response to the probe request frame. The apparatus comprises a Wi-Fi module and a controller.