METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR WAN ASSISTED CONTENTION DETECTION & RESOLUTION IN PEER TO PEER NETWORKS

摘要

Various methods and apparatus are directed to collision detection and/or avoidance regarding peer to peer connection identifiers. A wireless communications device broadcasts a signal indicating its acquired connection identifier in one of two alternative blocks. A base station monitors peer to peer signaling in its coverage area and tracks the usage of peer to peer connection identifiers by pairs of devices. The base station detects when multiple pairs of devices are using the same peer to peer connection identifier. The base station provides assistance to the peer to peer network to avoid a collision or facilitate rapid collision detection by the peer to peer devices. In one approach the base station sends an instruction for a connection to switch its connection identifier. In another approach the base station sends a connection a message to bias its selection as to which of the two alternative blocks to use for transmission.