Simultaneous P2P and non-P2P communications

• US 9,197,535 B1
• Filed: 12/19/2012
• Issued: 11/24/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2011
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: NXP USA, Inc. (NXP Semiconductors NV)
• Original Assignee: Marvell International Limited (Marvell Technology Group Limited)
• Inventors: Nagawade, Deepak Shahaji, Wagholikar, Sarang Shrikrishna, Singh, Sudhanshu
• Primary Examiner(s): Daftuar, Saket K
• Application Number:
  US13/720,498
• Time in Patent Office: 1,070 Days
• Field of Search: 709/201, 709/202, 709/203, 709/204, 709/217, 709/218, 709/219, 709/223, 709/224, 709/225, 709/226, 709/227, 709/228, 709/229, 370/254, 370/310, 370/328, 370/330, 370/350, 370/431, 370/252, 370/255, 370/312, 370/329, 370/338, 370/491, 370/503, 455/41.2, 455/434, 455/450, 455/515, 455/69
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/6418 Hybrid transport
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/02 Topology update or discovery
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/104 Peer-to-peer [P2P] networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/021 in wireless networks with changing topologies, e.g. ad-hoc networks self-organizing networks H04W84/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/16 Discovering, processing access restriction or access information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/0446 Resources in time domain, e.g. slots or frames
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/04 Scheduled access hybrid access H04W74/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

After determining that a P2P discovery process is to commence, one or both of (i) at least a portion of the P2P discovery process is delayed to permit communication via a non-P2P communication link, or (ii) at least a portion of the P2P discovery process is not performed to permit communication via the non-P2P communication link. Communications are performed via the non-P2P communication link during a time period that, prior to delaying or deciding not to perform the portion of the P2P discovery process, would have been allocated for the P2P discovery process.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

determining, with a communication device, that a peer-to-peer (P2P) discovery process is to commence, wherein the P2P discovery process is for the communication device to discover one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications;

after determining that the P2P discovery process is to commence, at least one of

(i) delaying, with the communication device, at least a portion of the P2P discovery process to permit communication, by the communication device, via a non-P2P communication link, or

(ii) not performing at least a portion of the P2P discovery process to permit communication, by the communication device, via the non-P2P communication link;

during a time period that, prior to the act of delaying or deciding not to perform, would have been allocated for the P2P discovery process, performing communications, with the communication device, via the non-P2P communication link;

allocating, with the communication device, a first portion of a listen time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the listen time period of the P2P discovery process is allocated for the communication device (i) to listen, on a first channel, for one or more probes, when transmitted, from one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications, and (ii) to transmit, via the first channel, one or more responses to the one or more probes on the first channel;

allocating, with the communication device, a second portion of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process;

allocating, with the communication device, at least one non-P2P communication time period between (i) the first portion of the listen time period and (ii) the second portion of the listen time period;

listening, with the communication device, for one or more probes received via the first channel during the first portion of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the one or more probes are transmitted by one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications;

at least one of (i) transmitting or (ii) receiving, with the communication device, via the non-P2P communication link during the at least one non-P2P communication time period;

listening, with the communication device, for one or more probes received via the first channel during the second portion of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the one or more probes, when transmitted, are from one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications; and

in response to one or more probes received, via the first channel, during the second portion of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process, transmitting, with the communication device, one or more responses via the first channel.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising monitoring traffic demands of the non-P2P communication link;

wherein delaying or not performing at least a portion of the P2P discovery process is based on the traffic demands on the non-P2P communication link.

3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

allocating, with the communication device, a first portion of a P2P search time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the first portion of the P2P search time period is allocated for the communication device (i) to transmit one or more probes on a second channel, and (ii) to listen, on the second channel, for one or more first responses to the one or more probes on the second channel, the one or more first responses, when transmitted, from one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications;

allocating, with the communication device, a second portion of the P2P search time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the second portion of the P2P search time period is allocated for the communication device (i) to transmit one or more probes on a third channel, and (ii) to listen, on the third channel, for one or more second responses to the one or more probes on the third channel, the one or more second responses, when transmitted, from one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications; and

allocating, with the communication device, at least one non-P2P communication time period, during the time period that was scheduled for the P2P discovery process, between (i) the first portion of the P2P search time period and, (ii) the second portion of the P2P search time period of the P2P discovery process.

7. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

determining a length of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process,

wherein the first portion of the listen time period and the second portion of the listen time period are allocated such that an aggregate length of (i) the first portion of the listen time period and (ii) the second portion of the listen time period is less than or equal to the determined length of the listen time period.

8. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

allocating, with the communication device, a first portion of a search time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the first portion of the search time period of the P2P discovery process is allocated for the communication device (i) to transmit one or more probes via a first search channel, and (ii) to listen for one or more responses, received via the first search channel, that are responsive to the one or more probes transmitted via the first search channel;

allocating, with the communication device, a second portion of a search time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the second portion of the search time period of the P2P discovery process is allocated for the communication device (i) to transmit one or more probes via a second search channel, and (ii) to listen for one or more responses, received via the second search channel, that are responsive to the one or more probes transmitted via the second search channel;

allocating, with the communication device, at least one non-P2P communication time period between (i) the first portion of the search time period and (ii) the second portion of the search time period;

transmitting, with the communication device, one or more probes via the first search channel during the first portion of the search time period of the P2P discovery process;

at least one of (i) transmitting or (ii) receiving, with the communication device, via the non-P2P communication link during the at least one non-P2P communication time period; and

transmitting, with the communication device, one or more probes via the second search channel during the second portion of the search time period of the P2P discovery process.

4. A communication device, comprising:

a network interface having one or more integrated circuit devices configured to

determine that a peer-to-peer (P2P) discovery process is to commence, wherein the P2P discovery process is for the communication device to discover one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications,

after determining that the P2P discovery process is to commence, at least one of (i) delay at least a portion of the P2P discovery process to permit communication, by the communication device, via a non-P2P communication link, or (ii) not perform at least a portion of the P2P discovery process to permit communication, by the communication device, via the non-P2P communication link,

during a time period that, prior to the act of delaying or deciding not to perform, would have been allocated for the P2P discovery process, perform communications via the non-P2P communication link,

allocate a first portion of a listen time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the listen time period of the P2P discovery process is allocated for the communication device (i) to listen, on a first channel, for one or more probes, when transmitted, from one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications, and (ii) to transmit, via the first channel, one or more responses to the one or more probes on the first channel,

allocate a second portion of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process,

allocate at least one non-P2P communication time period between (i) the first portion of the listen time period and (ii) the second portion of the listen time period,

listen for one or more probes received via the first channel during the first portion of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the one or more probes are transmitted by one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications,

at least one of (i) transmit or (ii) receive, via the non-P2P communication link, during the at least one non-P2P communication time period,

listen for one or more probes received via the first channel during the second portion of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the one or more probes, when transmitted, are from one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications, and

in response to one or more probes received, via the first channel, during the second portion of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process, transmit one or more responses via the first channel.

5. A communication device according to claim 4, wherein the one or more integrated circuit devices are configured to:

monitor traffic demands of the non-P2P communication link; and

delay or not perform at least a portion of the P2P discovery process based on the traffic demands on the non-P2P communication link.

6. A communication device according to claim 4, wherein the one or more integrated circuit devices are configured to:

allocate a first portion of a P2P search time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the first portion of the P2P search time period is allocated for the communication device (i) to transmit one or more probes on a second channel, and (ii) to listen, on the second channel, for one or more first responses to the one or more probes on the second channel, the one or more first responses, when transmitted, from one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications;

allocate a second portion of the P2P search time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the second portion of the P2P search time period is allocated for the communication device (i) to transmit one or more probes on a third channel, and (ii) to listen, on the third channel, for one or more second responses to the one or more probes on the third channel, the one or more second responses, when transmitted, from one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications; and

allocate at least one non-P2P communication time period, during the time period that was scheduled for the P2P discovery process, between (i) the first portion of the P2P search time period and, (ii) the second portion of the P2P search time period of the P2P discovery process.

9. A communication device according to claim 4, wherein the one or more integrated circuit devices are further configured to:

determine a length of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process,

wherein the first portion of the listen time period and the second portion of the listen time period are allocated such that an aggregate length of (i) the first portion of the listen time period and (ii) the second portion of the listen time period is less than or equal to the determined length of the listen time period.

10. A communication device according to claim 4, wherein the one or more integrated circuit devices are further configured to:

allocate a first portion of a search time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the first portion of the search time period of the P2P discovery process is allocated for the communication device (i) to transmit one or more probes via a first search channel, and (ii) to listen for one or more responses, received via the first search channel, that are responsive to the one or more probes transmitted via the first search channel;

allocate a second portion of a search time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the second portion of the search time period of the P2P discovery process is allocated for the communication device (i) to transmit one or more probes via a second search channel, and (ii) to listen for one or more responses, received via the second search channel, that are responsive to the one or more probes transmitted via the second search channel;

allocate at least one non-P2P communication time period between (i) the first portion of the search time period and (ii) the second portion of the search time period;

transmit one or more probes via the first search channel during the first portion of the search time period of the P2P discovery process;

at least one of (i) transmit or (ii) receive via the non-P2P communication link during the at least one non-P2P communication time period; and

transmit one or more probes via the second search channel during the second portion of the search time period of the P2P discovery process.

11. A tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium, or media, storing machine readable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

determine that a peer-to-peer (P2P) discovery process is to commence, wherein the P2P discovery process is for a communication device to discover one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications;

after determining that the P2P discovery process is to commence, at least one of (i) delay at least a portion of the P2P discovery process to permit communication, by the communication device, via a non-P2P communication link, or (ii) cause the communication device to not perform at least a portion of the P2P discovery process to permit communication, by the communication device, via the non-P2P communication link;

during a time period that, prior to the act of delaying or deciding not to perform, would have been allocated for the P2P discovery process, cause the communication device to perform communications via the non-P2P communication link;

allocate a first portion of a listen time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the listen time period of the P2P discovery process is allocated for the communication device (i) to listen, on a first channel, for one or more probes, when transmitted, from one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications, and (ii) to transmit, via the first channel, one or more responses to the one or more probes on the first channel;

allocate a second portion of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process;

allocate at least one non-P2P communication time period between (i) the first portion of the listen time period and (ii) the second portion of the listen time period;

cause the communication device to listen for one or more probes received via the first channel during the first portion of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the one or more probes are transmitted by one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications;

cause the communication device to at least one of (i) transmit or (ii) receive via the non-P2P communication link during the at least one non-P2P communication time period;

cause the communication device to listen for one or more probes received via the first channel during the second portion of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the one or more probes, when transmitted, are from one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications; and

in response to one or more probes received, via the first channel, during the second portion of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process, cause the communication device to transmit one or more responses via the first channel.

12. A tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium, or media, according to claim 11, further storing machine readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

monitor traffic demands of the non-P2P communication link; and

delay, or cause the communication device to not perform, at least a portion of the P2P discovery process based on the traffic demands on the non-P2P communication link.

13. A tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium, or media, according to claim 11, further storing machine readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

allocate a first portion of a P2P search time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the first portion of the P2P search time period is allocated for the communication device (i) to transmit one or more probes on a second channel, and (ii) to listen, on the second channel, for one or more first responses to the one or more probes on the second channel, the one or more first responses, when transmitted, from one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications;

allocate a second portion of the P2P search time period of the P2P discovery process, wherein the second portion of the P2P search time period is allocated for the communication device (i) to transmit one or more probes on a third channel, and (ii) to listen, on the third channel, for one or more second responses to the one or more probes on the third channel, the one or more second responses, when transmitted, from one or more other communication devices capable of P2P communications; and

allocate at least one non-P2P communication time period, during the time period that was scheduled for the P2P discovery process, between (i) the first portion of the P2P search time period and, (ii) the second portion of the P2P search time period of the P2P discovery process.

14. A tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium, or media, according to claim 11, further storing machine readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

determine a length of the listen time period of the P2P discovery process,

wherein the first portion of the listen time period and the second portion of the listen time period are allocated such that an aggregate length of (i) the first portion of the listen time period and (ii) the second portion of the listen time period is less than or equal to the determined length of the listen time period.