WLAN Group Owner Negotiation via Tie-Breaker Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
In peer-to-peer wireless local area networks (WLANs), there is a need for a fair method to determine the group owner when two devices indicate the same intent to be the group owner, as existing methods do not provide a satisfactory solution for resolving this scenario.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the exchange of messages with a tie breaker value is used, where devices send a message indicating their intent to be a group owner and a value, and if their intents are equal, the tie breaker value determines which device should be the group owner, ensuring a fair and random selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices exchange intent to be group owner, then peer-to-peer network formation is enabled, but conflict arises when both devices indicate same intent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tie-breaker parameter (random value or device identifier) to resolve conflicts when both devices indicate equal intent to be group owner. This parameter change transforms the undecidable equal-intent scenario into a determinable outcome by comparing the tie-breaker values, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving the adaptability of peer-to-peer network formation.
2Device complexity
If traditional group owner negotiation is used, then network formation is simplified, but fairness is compromised when intent values are equal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tie-breaker value as an intermediary element that mediates the conflict between two devices with equal intent. This intermediary provides an objective criterion for resolution, ensuring fairness without significantly increasing the complexity of the negotiation process, as it simply adds one more comparison step to the existing intent-based negotiation.
3Device complexity
If no tie breaker method is provided, then negotiation process remains simple, but conflicts cannot be resolved when intents are equal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having devices generate and include tie-breaker values (such as random numbers or device identifiers) in their initial group owner negotiation messages. This preliminary preparation ensures that when equal intent occurs, the resolution can immediately proceed without additional back-and-forth communication, thereby maintaining protocol simplicity while improving determination efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a first wireless device includes sending a first message including a first intent to be a group owner and a value to a second wireless device. In addition, the method includes receiving a second message including a second intent to be the group owner from the second wireless device. Furthermore, the method includes determining which of the first wireless device or the second wireless device should be the group owner based on the first intent, the second intent, and the value.