Methods and apparatus for establishing communications between devices with differing capabilities

摘要

Methods and apparatus for establishing communications between devices, e.g., mobile communications devices in an ad hoc network, with differing capabilities are described. A device which is capable of supporting multiple protocols in addition to a protocol used to communicate device capability information forms communications links with first and second devices which do not have the ability to form communications links directly between one another, e.g., because of they do not support the same protocols. Once the links are established the first and second devices can communicate via the third communications device. In some embodiments, each of the first, second and third devices support a first communications protocol which is suitable for communicating device capability information but is unsuitable for exchanging user data. The ability to discover other devices and there capabilities facilitates the creation of an ad hoc network.

主权项

1. A method of operating a third wireless communications device supporting a first communications protocol, a second communications protocol and a third communications protocol, the first, second and third communications protocols being different, the method comprising:
transmitting a beacon signal used to communicate device capability information to other communications devices, said communicated device capability information indicating that the third wireless communications device is able to support said second and third communications protocols; receiving device capability information from at least one of a first wireless communications device and a second wireless communications device, said device capability information being communicated using the first communications protocol wherein at least a portion of a first beacon signal is received from said first communication device that indicates that said first communications device is capable of supporting said second communications protocol, and at least a portion of a second beacon signal is received from said second communication device that indicates that said second communications device is capable of supporting said third communications protocol; and operating as a communications intermediary for communications between the first and second wireless communications devices, the first wireless communications device supporting the first and second communications protocol, the second wireless communications device supporting the first and third communications protocols; establishing a communications link between said first wireless communications device and said third wireless communications device using said second communications protocol; and establishing a communications link between said second wireless communications device and said third wireless communications device using said third communications protocol.