PEER-TO-PEER COMMUNICATIONS ON RESTRICTED CHANNELS

摘要

A method and apparatus are provided for conducting peer-to-peer communications while channel hopping among two or more wireless channels, at least one of which is a restricted channel. One type of restricted channel requires the use of DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) or a similar scheme for avoiding use of the channel during certain circumstances (e.g., for radar avoidance). Communicating peers may synchronize a channel-hopping sequence with TBTTs (Target Beacon Transmission Times) of the restricted channel(s), so that they switch to such a channel in time to capture a beacon and determine whether the channel is free. If the channel is free, or if no beacon is received, they may immediately begin or resume their communications. They may also quiesce just before another TBTT so as to capture that beacon. Thus, the peer-to-peer communications do not diminish a peer device's ability to receive and comply with channel switch announcements.

主权项

1. A device for conducting peer-to-peer communications, the device comprising:
a processor; a memory; and a wireless transceiver for conducting wireless communications; wherein the processor and the wireless transceiver are configured to:
determine a target beacon transmission time (TBTT) on a restricted channel;tune to the restricted channel prior to the TBTT;after tuning to the restricted channel:
refrain from transmitting during an interval of time that includes the TBTT; andtransmit on the restricted channel only after:
receiving a beacon or a management frame indicating the restricted channel is clear; orfailing to receive a beacon or a management frame during the interval of time.