Wireless Communication Device Network Bridging via NAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems fail to enable the use of device functions when the target device, such as a printing device, is not connected to the same network as the terminal device, limiting functionality across different networks.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication device that employs a first communication system for network access and switches to a second communication system, following the Neighbor Awareness Network (NAN) standard, to transmit setting information and facilitate network participation by target devices, allowing them to join the network even if initially disconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is performed using a single wireless communication system (e.g., Wi-Fi via access point), then communication can be established when both devices are in the same network, but the terminal device cannot use the function of the target device when they are in different networks
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication device is equipped with multiple communication processing units supporting different wireless communication systems (first and second systems). This multi-functionality enables the device to adapt to various network environments and communicate with target devices regardless of which network they are in, resolving the limitation of single-system communication
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses an intermediary approach by first attempting communication through the access point (infrastructure mode), and if that fails, switching to direct device-to-device communication (NAN mode). This intermediary strategy ensures connection reliability across different network scenarios
2Ease of operation
If the terminal device and target device are connected via an access point in the same network, then data can be transmitted between them, but when the target device is not connected to the access point, communication cannot be established
Solution Approach 1:
The communication method dynamically switches between two modes: infrastructure mode (via access point) when both devices are in the same network, and NAN mode (direct communication) when they are in different networks. This dynamic adaptation simplifies operation while providing network configuration flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary determination of the target device's network status before establishing communication. Based on this preliminary assessment, it pre-selects the appropriate communication mode (infrastructure or NAN), avoiding connection failures and simplifying the overall communication setup process
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device includes: a first communication processor configured to perform processing of executing communication of a first wireless communication system; a target determination unit configured to determine whether a target device is present in a network accessible by the communication of the first wireless communication system; a second communication processor configured to perform processing of executing, when the target device is not present in the network, communication of a second wireless communication system with at least one of the target devices; and a transmission controller configured to perform control to transmit, to the at least one target device, setting information for participating in the network using the communication of the second wireless communication system.