Wireless Service Discovery via Beacon Information Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network systems require establishing a connection to discover services provided by devices, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, especially in environments where proximity is crucial and security is a concern, such as unfamiliar buildings or crowded areas.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to discover services wirelessly before establishing a connection by using information elements (IEs) that include compressed data, allowing devices to actively or passively seek or advertise services within their proximity, using protocols like WS-Discovery, UPnP-SSDP, and SLP, even before Layer 3 connectivity is established.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connection is established before service discovery, then reliable service information can be obtained, but the time and complexity of the discovery process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding service discovery information in beacon frames that are transmitted before any connection is established. Devices publish their service capabilities in advance through these beacon messages, allowing clients to discover services without needing to establish a connection first. This resolves the contradiction by making service discovery possible prior to connection, thereby reducing discovery time while maintaining information reliability through the structured IE format.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive service information is transmitted, then complete service discovery is enabled, but the amount of data and communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing service information into structured Information Elements (IEs) with specific tags and formats. Each service capability is represented as a discrete IE that can be independently parsed and processed. This segmentation allows receivers to extract only the service information they need without processing entire data streams, reducing effective data volume while maintaining information completeness for discovered services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by compressing service information into standardized IE formats with defined parameters and constraints. Instead of transmitting raw, unstructured service data, the system transforms service capabilities into standardized parameters that fit within beacon frame limitations. This parameterization reduces data volume while preserving essential service discovery information through efficient encoding schemes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If service discovery is limited to proximal devices only, then security is improved, but the scope of discoverable services is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making service discovery inherently local through wireless beacon transmission, where only devices within physical proximity can receive and process service information. The beacon frames are transmitted over wireless media with limited range, automatically restricting service discovery to nearby devices. This resolves the contradiction by using the physical characteristics of wireless communication to provide both security (through proximity limitation) and adaptability (through natural local service discovery).
Data Source
AI summary
Discovery of services between devices is provided prior to establishing a connection between devices, including wireless-enabled devices or devices that are communicatively coupled to wireless access points or other wireless communication devices. Discovering services prior to establishing a connection may facilitate finding a desired service. The services that may be discovered may be, for example, print services, camera services, PDA services or any other suitable services. Services may be discovered using 802.11, Bluetooth, UWB or any other suitable wireless technology. An information element is used to wirelessly convey information related to a service and/or information related to service discovery.