Power save mechanisms for dynamic ad-hoc networks

摘要

Techniques for establishing a dynamic ad-hoc wireless network are disclosed. A node transitions between wake and sleep modes during periods defined as beacon intervals. Before a network connection is established and while it is awake, the node transmits network connection request and also listens for network activity. If a beacon or response message is not detected while the node is listening, the node enters sleep mode and thereby conserves power. The node optionally changes the duration of its detection period and/or the time at which it listens for network activity relative to the start of each beacon interval. Information elements are optionally included with transmitted beacons or response messages.

主权项

1. A method of establishing a wireless ad-hoc network connection between a first node and a second node, the method comprising:
sending a network connection request from the first node during a first subinterval of a plurality of subintervals of a beacon interval, the first subinterval occupying a first position within the beacon interval; listening for a network connection request from the second node during a second subinterval of the plurality of subintervals, the second subinterval occupying a second position within the beacon interval; and changing the second position of the second subinterval for a next beacon interval.