WO2025031825A1

WO2025031825A1 - System and apparatus for connecting user devices across different networks and a method in association thereto

Info

Publication number: WO2025031825A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/071233
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rajat PUSHKARNA; Reuben GEORGE STEPHEN; Rikin SHAH; David GONZALEZ GONZALEZ; Hojin Kim
Original assignee: Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH
Priority date: 2023-08-07
Filing date: 2024-07-26
Publication date: 2025-02-13

Abstract

System (100), apparatus (102), device (104) and a method (300) for connecting user devices across different networks are disclosed. The method (300) includes generating a connection request by a first user device, the connection request including a plurality of pre-determined decision parameters; communicating the connection request to one or more network access points; determining whether the plurality of pre-determined decision parameters are satisfied; transmitting the connection request to a second user device having a network access point different from the first user device upon determination that the decision parameters are satisfied; and establishing a connection with the first user device in response to the connection request.

Description

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING USER DEVICES ACROSS DIFFERENT NETWORKS AND A METHOD IN ASSOCIATION THERETO

Field Of Invention

[001] The present disclosure generally relates to one or both of a system and an apparatus for connecting user devices across different networks and in association with, for example, an access point and/or a User Equipment (UE), usable for communication. The present disclosure further relates a method which can be associated with the system and/or the apparatus.

Background of Invention

[002] Generally, wireless networks provide network connectivity through various interfaces to mobile communication devices or user equipment (UE), for example smart phones. Current techniques may not address the issue of enabling Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TLDS) between peer Stations (STAs) or UEs, where they can be in range of each other but do not belong to the same Basic Service Set (BSS)

[003] The present disclosure contemplates that it would be helpful to address or at least mitigate one or more issues in relation to conventional techniques for connecting user devices across different networks.

Summary of the Invention

[004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for connecting user devices across different networks, the method comprising: generating a connection request by a first user device, the connection request including a plurality of pre-determined decision parameters; communicating the connection request to one or more network access points; determining whether the plurality of pre-determined decision parameters are satisfied; transmitting the connection request to a second user device having a network access point different from the first user device upon determination that the decision parameters are satisfied; and establishing a connection with the first user device in response to the connection request.

[005] Advantageously, the method as described herein can enhance coverage for client to client connectivity in a wireless network and may also assist to offload the access point for communications between stations (STAs) or user devices.

[006] In an embodiment, establishing a connection with the first user device comprises communicating, by the second user device, a response to the connection request directly to the first user device.

[007] In an embodiment, establishing a connection with the first user device comprises transmitting data associated with the second user device to the first user device, the data comprising at least one of: a station identity (STA ID), a medium access control (MAC) address and/or a basic service set identity (BSSID) of a second network access point.

[008] In an embodiment, establishing a connection with the first user device comprises initiating, by the first device, the connection with the second user device.

[009] In an embodiment, the connection request is a Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) discovery request and/or an extended TDLS discovery request.

[0010] In an embodiment, the one or more access points comprises an access point having a user device with acknowledgement (ACK) failure and/or a user device with Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).

[0011] In an embodiment, the method further includes selecting the one or more access points based on a pre-determined condition for communicating the connection request. [0012] In an embodiment, communicating the connection request to one or more network access points comprises communicating to the one or more network access points in a round robin manner or a mass broadcast manner.

[0013] In an embodiment, the connection request is communicated via public action frame format.

[0014] In an embodiment, the metho further includes communicating the connection request to the second user device via a Wi-Fi direct mechanism.

[0015] In an embodiment, the Wi-Fi direct mechanism comprises a Wi-Fi direct link discovery and/or a Wi-Fi direct setup frame, each of the Wi-Fi direct link discovery and the Wi-Fi direct setup frame containing the connection request.

[0016] In an embodiment, the Wi-Fi direct mechanism comprises a user device that is configured to behave as a network access point.

[0017] In an embodiment, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the first aspect.

[0018] In an embodiment, there is provided a computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the method according to the first aspect.

[0019] In an embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for connecting user devices across different networks comprising: a first module configured to receive at least one input signal associated with a connection request including a plurality of predetermined decision parameters; a second module configured to at least one of process and facilitate the method according to the first aspect to generate at least one output signal; and a third module configured to communicate at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for connecting user devices across different networks.

[0020] In an embodiment, the apparatus may correspond to a User Equipment (UE) communicable with a device corresponding to a network access point, and wherein the UE is configured to communicate the at least one input signal to the network access point.

[0021] In an embodiment, there is provided a system comprising: at least one apparatus(es); and at least one device(s), wherein the apparatus(es) and the device(s) are capable of being coupled via at least one of wired coupling and wireless coupling.

[0022] Advantageously, the system as disclosed herein can enable client-to-client (or user devices or UEs) connectivity for overlapping Basic Service Set (BSS) in an area where there are a large number of client devices (or user devices or UEs).

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] Embodiments of the disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0024] Fig. 1A shows a schematic diagram illustrating a system for connecting user devices across different networks which can include at least one apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Fig. 1 B to 1 G show example scenarios in association with the system of Fig. 1A, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the device of Fig. 1A in further detail, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0027] Fig. 3 shows a method in association with the system of Fig. 1A, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Fig. 4A to Fig. 4E show schematic diagrams illustrating different examples of the flow of information in association with the method of Fig. 3, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

[0029] The detailed description set forth below, with reference to annexed drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In particular, although terminology from 3GPP 5G NR may be used in this disclosure to exemplify embodiments herein, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0030] In addition, some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments, however, are contained within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0031] Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and/or is implied from the context in which it is used. All references to a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methods disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step and/or where it is implicit that a step must follow or precede another step. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may apply to any other embodiments, and vice versa. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

[0032] In some embodiments, the non-limiting term User Equipment (UE) or wireless device or user device may be used and may refer to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and/or with another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE are target device, device-to-device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA, PAD, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, UE category Ml, UE category M2, ProSe UE, V2V UE, V2X UE, etc.

[0033] In some embodiments, a more general term “network node” may be used and may correspond to any type of radio network node or any network node, which communicates with a User Equipment (directly or via another node) and/or with another network node. Examples of network nodes are NodeB, MeNB, ENB, a network node belonging to MCG or SCG, base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB, gNodeB, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g. Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), etc), Operations & Maintenance (O&M), Operations Support System (OSS), Self Optimized Network (SON), positioning node (e.g. Evolved- Serving Mobile Location Centre (E-SMLC)), Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT), test equipment (physical node or software), etc. [0034] Additionally, terminologies such as base station/gNodeB and UE should be considered non-limiting and do in particular not imply a certain hierarchical relation between the two; in general, “gNodeB” could be considered as device 1 and “UE” could be considered as device 2 and these two devices communicate with each other over some radio channel. And in the following the transmitter or receiver could be either gNodeB (gNB), or UE.

[0035] Popular wireless network technologies may include various types of wireless local area networks (WLANs). A WLAN may be used to interconnect nearby devices together, employing widely used networking protocols. The various aspects described herein may apply to any communication standard, such as a wireless protocol.

[0036] In some aspects, wireless signals may be transmitted according to an 802.11 protocol using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communications, a combination of OFDM and DSSS communications, or other schemes. Implementations of the 802.11 protocol may be used for sensors, metering, and smart grid networks. Advantageously, aspects of certain devices implementing the 802.11 protocol may consume less power than devices implementing other wireless protocols, and/or may be used to transmit wireless signals across a relatively long range, for example about one kilometer or longer.

[0037] In some implementations, a WLAN includes various devices which are the components that access the wireless network. For example, there may be two types of devices: access points (“APs”) and clients (also referred to as stations, or “STAs”). In general, an AP may serve as a hub or base station for the WLAN and a STA serves as a user of the WLAN. For example, a STA may be a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, etc. In an example, a STA connects to an AP via a WiFi (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocol) compliant wireless link to obtain general connectivity to the Internet or to other wide area networks. In some implementations a STA may also be used as an AP. [0038] An access point (“AP”) may also comprise, be implemented as, or known as a NodeB, Radio Network Controller (“RNC”), eNodeB, Base Station Controller (“BSC”), Base Transceiver Station (“BTS”), Base Station (“BS”), Transceiver Function (“TF”), Radio Router, Radio Transceiver, or some other terminology.

[0039] A station “STA” may also comprise, be implemented as, or known as an access terminal (“AT”), a subscriber station, a subscriber unit, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, a user device, user equipment, or some other terminology. In some implementations an access terminal may comprise a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”) phone, a wireless local loop (“WLL”) station, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a handheld device having wireless connection capability, or some other suitable processing device connected to a wireless modem. Accordingly, one or more aspects taught herein may be incorporated into a phone (e.g., a cellular phone or smartphone), a computer (e.g., a laptop), a portable communication device, a headset, a portable computing device (e.g., a personal data assistant), an entertainment device (e.g., a music or video device, or a satellite radio), a gaming device or system, a global positioning system device, or any other suitable device that is configured to communicate via a wireless medium.

[0040] As discussed above, certain devices described herein may implement the 802.11 standard, for example. Such devices, whether used as a STA or AP or other device, may be used for smart metering or in a smart grid network. Such devices may provide sensor applications or be used in home automation. The devices may instead or in addition be used in a healthcare context, for example for personal healthcare. They may also be used for surveillance, to enable extended-range Internet connectivity (e.g. for use with hotspots), or to implement machine-to- machine communications.

[0041] Code for carrying out operations for embodiments may be any number of lines and may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages including an object- oriented programming language such as Python, Ruby, Java, Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language, or the like, and/or machine languages such as assembly languages. The code may execute entirely on the user’s computer, partly on the user’s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user’s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user’s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (“LAN”), wireless LAN (“WLAN”), or a wide area network (“WAN”), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider (“ISP”)).

[0042] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of an embodiment. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. [0043] The present disclosure contemplates that mainstream Wi-Fi can have various techniques to perform direct link establishment with client-to-client within the same Basic Service Set (BSS). The present disclosure further contemplates that WiFi-7 can incorporate Multi-Access Point (AP) coordination to enhance the coverage and network offloading on less busy APs.

[0044] The present disclosure further contemplates the possibility of enabling Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) between peer stations (STAs) which are in the range of each other but not belonging to the same BSS. The present disclosure further contemplates the possibility of increased load on the AP to which the STAs are connected when TDLS is limited only to single BSS, which can be an issue in dense deployment scenario. In addition, the coverage of the network remains limited as the peer-to-peer link is contained withing the same BSS.

[0045] In the above manner, a method can be provided to perform discovery and setup of client STAs in the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) for TDLS. Power saving and energy consumption efficiency can therefore possibly be facilitated in the network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0046] The foregoing will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 hereinafter.

[0047] Referring to Fig. 1A, a schematic diagram illustrating a system 100 for connecting user devices across different networks is shown, according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 100 can, for example, be suitable for facilitating energy and improve power efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0048] As shown, the system 100 can include one or more apparatuses 102, at least one device 104 and, optionally, a communication network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. [0049] The apparatus(es) 102 can be coupled to the device(s) 104. Specifically, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be coupled to the device(s) 104 via the communication network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0050] In one embodiment, the apparatus(es) 102 can be coupled to the communication network 106 and the device(s) 104 can be coupled to the communication network 106. Coupling can be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling. The apparatus(es) 102 can, in general, be configured to communicate with the device(s) 104 via the communication network 106, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0051] The apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be associated with or correspond to or include one or more user equipment (UE) which can carry one or more computers, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For example, an apparatus 102 can correspond to a UE or a user device carrying at least one computer (e.g. an electronic device or module having computing capabilities such as an electronic mobile device which can be carried into a vehicle or an electronic module which can be installed in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention) which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with the UE, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0052] In an embodiment, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be configured to generate one or more input signals and perform at least one processing task based on the input signal(s) in a manner to generate one or more output signals. The input signal(s) can optionally be communicated from the device(s) 104 and received by the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, perform one or more processing tasks in association with dynamic/adaptive/gradual control on the input signal(s) in a manner so as to generate at least one output signal. This will be discussed later in further detail in the context of an example scenario, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. [0053] The device(s) 104 can, for example, be associated with/correspond to at least one network access point, where the at least one network access point can be a Next Generation Node B (gNB). Moreover, the device(s) 104 can, for example, be configured to carry/be associated with/include one or more computers (e.g., an electronic device/module having computing capabilities) which can, for example, be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with the network access point.

[0054] The input signal can be associated with a connection request including a plurality of pre-determined decision parameters. As a possible option, the output signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the device(s) 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The output signal may correspond to a control signal for connecting user devices across different networks. The apparatus(es) 102 and device(s) 104 will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0055] The communication network 106 can, for example, correspond to an Internet communication network, a cellular-based communication network, a wired-based communication network, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based communication network, a wireless-based communication network, or any combination thereof. Communication (e.g., between the apparatuses 102 and/or between the apparatus(es) 102 and the device(s) 104) via the communication network 106 can be by manner of one or both of wired communication and wireless communication.

[0056] The device(s) 104 can, for example, be configured to generate (and communicate) the output signal(s) to the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus(es) 102 may be configured to generate (and communicate) the output signal(s) to other apparatus(es) 102. Accordingly, the device(s) 104 or apparatus(es) 102 can generate a control signal for connecting user devices across different networks. This will be discussed, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in the context of example scenarios with reference to Fig. 1 B to Fig. 1 G, hereinafter. [0057] Fig. 1 B to 1 G show example scenarios in association with the system of Fig. 1A, according to an embodiment of the invention. Specifically, Fig. 1 B shows a basic service set representing an access point (AP) or a network access point and stations (STAs) in Infrastructure mode. In IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networking standards (including Wi-Fi), a service set is a group of wireless network devices which share a service set identifier (SSID), typically the natural language label that users see as a network name. For example, all of the devices that together form and use a Wi-Fi network called Foo are a service set. A service set forms a logical network of nodes operating with shared link-layer networking parameters; they form one logical network segment. A service set is either a basic service set (BSS) or an extended service set (ESS). A basic service set is a subgroup, within a service set, of devices that share physical-layer medium access characteristics, e.g. radio frequency, modulation scheme, security settings such that they are wirelessly networked. The basic service set is defined by a basic service set identifier (BSSID) shared by all devices within it. The BSSID is a 48-bit label that can conform to MAC- 48 conventions. While a device may have multiple BSSIDs, usually each BSSID is associated with at most one basic service set at a time. A basic service set can be different with the coverage area of an access point, known as the basic service area (BSA).

[0058] An example of a service set called "WiFi " consisting of two basic service sets (BSSs). A user device, such as a notebook or smartphone, may be able to automatically roam between the two BSSs, without the user having to explicitly connect to the second network.

[0059] In an embodiment, an infrastructure BSS may be created by an infrastructure device called an access point (AP) for other devices to join. The term IBSS may not be used for or referred to this type of BSS, i.e. infrastructure BSS, but refers to the independent type as will be discussed below. The operating parameters of the infrastructure BSS are defined by the AP and the Wi Fi segments of common home and business networks are examples of this type of BSS. [0060] The present disclosure contemplates that each basic service set can have a unique identifier, a BSSID, which is a 48-bit number that follows MAC address conventions. An infrastructure BSSID is usually non-configurable, in which case it is either preset during manufacture or mathematically derived from a preset value such as a serial number or a MAC address of another network interface. As with the MAC addresses used for Ethernet devices, an infrastructure BSSID is a combination of a 24-bit organizationally unique identifier (Olli, the manufacturer's identity) and a 24-bit serial number. A BSSID with a value of all 1s is used to indicate the wildcard BSSID, usable only during probe requests or for communications that take place outside the context of a BSS.

[0061] The present disclosure further contemplates that an independent BSS (IBSS), or ad hoc network, can be created by peer devices among themselves without network infrastructure. A temporary network created by a cellular telephone to share its Internet access with other devices is a common example. In contrast to the stations in an infrastructure-mode network, the stations in a wireless ad-hoc network communicate directly with one another, i.e. without a dependence on a distribution point to relay traffic between them. In this form of peer-to-peer wireless networking, the peers form an independent basic service set (IBSS). Some of the responsibilities of a distribution point, such as defining network parameters and other "beaconing" functions, are established by the first station in an ad-hoc network. That station may not relay traffic between the other stations but instead, the peers communicate directly with one another. Like an infrastructure BSS, an independent-BSS also has a 48-bit MAC-address-like identifier. But unlike infrastructure BSS identifiers, independent-BSSs identifiers are not necessarily unique: the individual/group bit of the address is always set to 0 (individual), the universal/local bit of the address is always set to 1 (local), and the remaining 46 bits are randomly generated.

[0062] The present disclosure also contemplates that a mesh basic service set (MBSS) may form a self-contained network of mesh stations that share a mesh profile. Each node may also be an access point hosting its own basic service set, for example using the mesh BSS to provide Internet access for local users. From the point of view of a wireless client, an IEEE 802.11s wireless mesh network appears as a conventional infrastructure mode topology and is centrally configured as such. The formation of the mesh's BSS, as well as wireless traffic management including path selection and forwarding is negotiated between the nodes of the mesh infrastructure. The mesh's BSS is distinct from the networks which may also be wireless used by a mesh's redistribution points to communicate with one another.

[0063] In various embodiments, the service set identifier (SSID) defines a service set or extends service set and is broadcast in the clear by stations in beacon packets to announce the presence of a network and seen by users as a wireless network name. Unlike basic service set identifiers, SSIDs are usually customizable. These SSIDs can be zero to 32 octets (32 bytes) long, and are, for convenience, usually in a natural language, such as English. The 802.11 standards may not define any particular encoding or representation for SSIDs, which were expected to be treated and handled as an arbitrary sequence of 0-32 octets that are not limited to printable characters. IEEE Std 802.11-2012 defines a flag to express that the SSID is UTF-8- encoded and could contain any Unicode text. Wireless network stacks can be prepared to handle arbitrary values in the SSID field.

[0064] In implementations of the present disclosure, the 802.11 standard may permit devices to advertise the presence of a wireless network with beacon packets in which the SSID field is set to null since the contents of an SSID field are arbitrary. A null SSID (the SSID element's 'length' field is set to zero) is called a "wildcard SSID" in IEEE 802.11 standards, and as a "no broadcast SSID" or "hidden SSID" in the context of beacon announcements, and can be used, for example, in enterprise and mesh networks to steer a client to a particular (e.g. less utilized) access point. A station may also likewise transmit packets in which the SSID field is set to null; this prompts an associated access point to send the station a list of supported SSIDs. Once a device has associated with a basic service set, for efficiency, the SSID is not sent within packet headers; only BSSIDs are used for addressing.

[0065] Fig. 1 C shows an example of an overlapping basic service set (OBSS) while Fig. 1 D shows an example of STAs from different BSSs falling in the OBSS region. Specifically, Fig. 1 D shows extended TDLS with OBSS STA such that STA1 is associated with AP1. STA2 is associated with AP2 and STA1 and STA2 are in the OBSS. An example of OBSS TDLS can be a V2V communication between two moving objects that may be represented by two vehicles.

[0066] In various embodiments, an extended service set (ESS) is a wireless network, created by multiple access points, which appears to users as a single, seamless network, such as a network covering a home or office that is too large for reliable coverage by a single access point. It is a set of one or more infrastructure basic service sets on a common logical network segment i.e. same IP subnet and VLAN. Key to the concept is that the participating basic service sets appear as a single network to the logical link control layer. Thus, from the perspective of the logical link control layer, stations within an ESS may communicate with one another, and mobile stations may move transparently from one participating basic service set to another (within the same ESS). Extended service sets make possible distribution services such as centralized authentication. From the perspective of the link layer, all stations within an ESS are all on the same link, and transfer from one BSS to another is transparent to logical link control.

[0067] The basic service sets formed in wireless ad hoc networks are, by definition, independent from other BSSs, and an independent BSS cannot therefore be part of an extended infrastructure. In that formal sense an independent BSS has no extended service set. However, the network packets of both independent BSSs and infrastructure BSSs have a logical network service set identifier, and the logical link control does not distinguish between the use of that field to name an ESS network, and the use of that field to name a peer-to-peer ad hoc network. The two are effectively indistinguishable at the logical link control layer level.

[0068] Fig. 1 E shows an example of frame exchange sequence in Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) and FIG. 1 F shows an example of information exchange and various steps during TDLS. In the Figures, TDLS, or Tunneled Direct Link Setup, can be a seamless way to stream media and other data faster between devices already on the same Wi-Fi network. Devices using TDLS communicate directly with one another, without involving the wireless network's router.

[0069] In an embodiment, a condition for TDLS can be that the peer STAs or client STAs shall be in the same BSS. This may mean that the client STAs can be connected to the same network. During the TDLS Discovery phase, the discovery request and the setup request frames are transmitted to a peer STA via the access point (AP). The discovery response and setup response are transmitted to the peer STA on the direct link. The purpose to transmit the discovery response and setup response on the direct link is that it ensures that the peer STAs are in the range of each other. Once the direct link is established between the peers STAs, the frame exchanges take place on the direct link. The direct link between the peer STAs is secured using Tunneled Peer Key exchange (TPK), where the peer STAs shares a symmetric key to secure the communication channel. In case of TDLS, TPK is generated by the AP for both the peer STAs.

[0070] Fig. 1 G shows an example of a Multi-Link TDLS scenario which includes an access point for multi-link devices (AP MLD) and direct links between two non-AP MLDs. In the case of Multi-Link TDLS as shown in the Figure, the concept of legacy TDLS can be extended to support the case of Multi-Link Devices (MLDs).

[0071] The above-described aspect(s) of the system 100 of the present invention can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of a below described apparatus 102 of the present invention. Likewise, all below described aspect(s) of the apparatus 102 of the invention can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of above-described system 100 of the invention.

[0072] The aforementioned apparatus(es) 102 or Stations (STAs) or user devices will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 2 hereinafter. [0073] Referring to Fig. 2, a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus 102 is shown in further detail in the context of an example implementation 200, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0074] In the example implementation 200, the apparatus 102 can correspond to an electronic module 200a. The electronic module 200a can, in one example, correspond to a mobile device which can, for example, be carried into the vehicle by a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In another example, the electronic module 200a can correspond to an electronic device which can be installed/mounted in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this regard, the electronic module 200a can be considered to be carried by the vehicle (e.g., either carried into the vehicle by a user or installed/mounted in the vehicle).

[0075] It is contemplated that the electronic module 200a can be capable of performing one or more processing tasks in association with adaptive/dynamic/gradual control related processing, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0076] The electronic module 200a can, for example, include a casing 200b. Moreover, the electronic module 200a can, for example, carry any one of a first module 202, a second module 204, a third module 206, or any combination thereof.

[0077] In one embodiment, the electronic module 200a can carry a first module 202, a second module 204 and/or a third module 206. In a specific example, the electronic module 200a can carry a first module 202, a second module 204 and a third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0078] In this regard, it is appreciable that, in one embodiment, the casing 200b can be shaped and dimensioned to carry any one of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206, or any combination thereof. [0079] The first module 202 can be coupled to one or both of the second module 204 and the third module 206. The second module 204 can be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the third module 206. The third module 206 can be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the second module 204. In one example, the first module 202 can be coupled to the second module 204 and the second module 204 can be coupled to the third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Coupling between the first module 202, the second module 204 and/or the third module 206 can, for example, be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling. Each of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206 can correspond to one or both of a hardware-based module and a software-based module, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0080] In one example, the first module 202 can correspond to a hardware-based receiver which can be configured to generate or receive one or more input signals. The input signal(s) can, for example, be generated within the apparatus 102 or communicated from the device(s) 104 (or access point e.g., a gNB), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0081] The second module 204 can, for example, correspond to a hardware-based processor which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks (e.g., in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals) as will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0082] The third module 206 can correspond to a hardware-based transmitter which can be configured to communicate one or more output signals from the electronic module 200a. The output signal(s) can, for example, include one or more instructions/commands/control signals in association with the aforementioned dynamic/adaptive/gradual control configuration/determination strategy so as to facilitate efficiency (e.g., power/energy efficiency and/or communication efficiency), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For example, the output signal(s) can be a control signal(s) for connecting user devices across different networks. [0083] The present disclosure contemplates the possibility that the first and second modules 202, 204 can be an integrated software-hardware based module, for example, an electronic part which can carry a software program or algorithm in association with receiving and processing functions or an electronic module programmed to perform the functions of receiving and processing. The present disclosure further contemplates the possibility that the first and third modules 202, 206 can be an integrated software-hardware based module, for example an electronic part which can carry a software program or algorithm in association with receiving and transmitting functions or an electronic module programmed to perform the functions of receiving and transmitting. The present disclosure yet further contemplates the possibility that the first and third modules 202, 206 can be an integrated hardware module, for example a hardware-based transceiver, capable of performing the functions of receiving and transmitting.

[0084] The apparatus 102 (or user device or UE or stations STAs) can, for example, be further configured to process the input signal(s), as will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 3, in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals in a manner so as to facilitate efficiency, for example power efficiency or energy efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one specific example, the output signal(s) can include one or more control signals to facilitate some form of dynamic/adaptive/gradual control configuration/determination strategy so as to facilitate efficiency, for example power efficiency or energy efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For example, the output signal(s) can be a control signal(s) for connecting user devices across different networks.

[0085] The above-described aspect(s) of the apparatus 102 of the present invention can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of a below described processing/communication method of the present invention. Likewise, all below described aspect(s) of the method of the invention can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of above described apparatus 102 of the invention. It is to be appreciated that these remarks apply analogously to the earlier discussed system 100 of the present disclosure. [0086] Referring to Fig. 3, a method 300 (or a communication method) for connecting user devices across different networks in association with the system 100 is shown, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0087] The method 300 can, for example, be suitable for facilitating energy efficiency, network optimization and power saving in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0088] The method 300 can include any one of an input step 302, a processing step 304 and an output step 306, or any combination thereof, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0089] In an embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302. In another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302 and the processing step 304. In another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306. In yet another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the processing step 304 and one or both of the input step 302 and the output step 306. In yet a further embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306. In yet a further additional embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the processing step 304. In yet another further additional embodiment, the processing method 300 can include any one of or any combination of the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306 (i.e. , the input step 302, the processing step 304 and/or the output step 306).

[0090] With regard to the input step 302, one or more input signal(s) can be received. For example, the input signal(s) may be generated from within the apparatus 102 or generated and communicated from a second or different apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In another example embodiment, the input signal(s) can be communicated from the device 104 and can be received by the apparatus 102. [0091] The input step 302 can include receiving at least one input signal associated with a connection request including a plurality of pre-determined decision parameters In an embodiment, the input signal(s) may be generated by the apparatus 102 or the device 104 and/or a second apparatus and transmitted to the apparatus 102 to advance to the processing step 304.

[0092] With regard to the processing step 304, at least a processing task can be performed in association with the received input signal(s) in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0093] The processing step 304 may include at least one of: generating a connection request by a first user device, the connection request including a plurality of predetermined decision parameters; communicating the connection request to one or more network access points; determining whether the plurality of pre-determined decision parameters are satisfied; transmitting the connection request to a second user device having a network access point different from the first user device upon determination that the decision parameters are satisfied; and establishing a connection with the first user device in response to the connection request.

[0094] The processing step 304 may also include communicating, by the second user device, a response to the connection request directly to the first user device; transmitting data associated with the second user device to the first user device, the data comprising at least one of: a station identity (STA ID), a medium access control (MAC) address and/or a basic service set identity (BSSID) of a second network access point; and initiating, by the first device, the connection with the second user device.

[0095] The connection request can be a Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) discovery request and/or an extended TDLS discovery request and the one or more access points can include an access point having a user device with acknowledgement (ACK) failure and/or a user device with Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).

[0096] The processing step 304 may further include selecting the one or more access points based on a pre-determined condition for communicating the connection request; communicating to the one or more network access points in a round robin manner or a mass broadcast manner; and communicating the connection request to the second user device via a Wi-Fi direct mechanism. The connection request may be communicated via public action frame format. The Wi-Fi direct mechanism may include a Wi-Fi direct link discovery and/or a Wi-Fi direct setup frame, where each of the Wi-Fi direct link discovery and the Wi-Fi direct setup frame contains the connection request. The Wi-Fi direct mechanism can also include a user device that is configured to behave as a network access point.

[0097] With regards to the output step 306, the output signal(s) can, for example, be communicated, as an option, communicated from the apparatus 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In a more specific example, the output signal(s) can optionally be communicated from the apparatus 102 to one or more different apparatus(es), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0098] The present disclosure further contemplates a computer program (not shown) which can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer (not shown), cause the computer to carry out the input step 302, the processing step 304 and/or the output step 306 as discussed with reference to the method 300. For example, the computer program can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the input step 302 and/or the processing step 304, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0099] The present disclosure yet further contemplates a computer readable storage medium (not shown) having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer (not shown), the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the input step 302, the processing step 304 and/or the output step 306 as discussed with reference to the method 300. For example, the computer readable storage medium can have data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to carry out the input step 302 and/or the processing step 304, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[00100] Further in view of the foregoing, it is appreciable that the present disclosure generally contemplates an apparatus 102 for connecting user devices across different networks which can include a first module 202, a second module 204 and/or a third module 206.

[00101] The first module 202 can be configured to receive one or more input signals. The input signal(s) can, for example, be associated with a connection request including a plurality of pre-determined decision parameters.

[00102] The second module 204 can be configured to process and/or facilitate processing of the input signal(s) according to the method 300 as discussed earlier to generate one or more output signals.

[00103] The third module 206 can be configured to communicate one or more output signals. The output signal(s) can, for example, correspond to one or more control signals for connecting devices across different networks.

[00104] In one embodiment, the apparatus 102 can correspond to a User Equipment (UE) or a station (STA) which can communicate with a device 104 corresponding to a network access point (or access point). The access point (or network access point) can, for example, correspond to a Next generation Node B (gNB) which can be configured to communicate one or more signals (e.g., output signal(s)) to the UE (or user device or STA).

[00105] Yet further in view of the foregoing, it is appreciable that the present disclosure generally contemplates a system 100 which can include one or more apparatuses 102 and one or more devices 104. The apparatus(es) 102 and the device(s) 104 can, for example, be capable of being coupled via wired coupling and/or wireless coupling.

[00106] It should be appreciated that the embodiments described above can be combined in any manner as appropriate (e.g., one or more embodiments as discussed in the “Detailed Description” section can be combined with one or more embodiments as described in the “Summary of the Invention” section).

[00107] It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that variations and combinations of embodiments described above, not being alternatives or substitutes, may be combined to form yet further embodiments.

[00108] In one example, the possibility of the output signal(s) being communicated from the apparatus(es) 102 was discussed. It is appreciable that the output signal(s) need not necessarily be communicated from the apparatus(es) 102. Specifically, the possibility that the output signal(s) need not necessarily be communicated outside of the apparatus(es) 102 is contemplated, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, the output signal(s) can, for example, correspond to internal command(s)/instruction(s) (e.g., communicated only within an apparatus 102 for adaptively controlling operational configuration of the apparatus 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[00109] Fig. 4A to Fig. 4E show schematic diagrams illustrating the flow of information in association with the method of Fig. 3, according to various embodiments of the invention.

[00110] Fig. 4A shows an example embodiment of extended Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) in Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS). In the Figure, a client from one BSS is trying to establish a direct link with another client in other BSS. For example, Station 1 (STA 1 ) connected with Access Point 1 (AP 1 ) trying to establish a direct link with Station 2 (STA 2) connected to Access Point 2 (AP 2). [00111] In this embodiment, APs can be part of a Multi-AP set. STA1 transmits an Extended TDLS Discovery Request element to AP1 and AP1 forwards the TDLS Discovery request to AP2. AP2, based on the decision parameters of the STA, can transmit the TDLS Discovery request frame to the STA satisfying the decision parameters. STA2, upon receiving the Extended TDLS Discovery element, may transmit the Extended TDLS Discovery Response element on the direct link with the responder’s STA ID, MAC Address and BSSID of the AP with which it is associated etc. Subsequently, STA1 may then initiate the TDLS Setup using the information provided by STA 2. The Decision parameters could be the acknowledgement (ACK) failure status of the STA, Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) degradation etc. and the extended TDLS Discovery request element can be carried in the TDLS Discovery request frame.

[00112] In an implementation, STA1 may transmit the TDLS Discovery Request frame containing the Extended TDLS Discovery Request Element to AP1. AP1 may forward the Extended TDLS Discovery request frame to the Multi-AP set. AP2, which is part of Multi-AP Set with STAs with frequent ACK failure or fluctuating RSSI, may forward the TDLS Discovery Request to those STAs (here STA2).

[00113] In an embodiment where there is more than one APs with such STAs, the APs perform the selection of OBSS APs in a round robin manner. In another embodiment, forwarding the TDLS Discovery request to APs can be in a broadcast manner; whether TDLS Discovery request is forwarded to all the APs. The Extended TDLS Discovery Request element containing the BSSID, STA ID to inform the OBSS AP about the BSSID and station ID from which the request has been generated. Failure to transmit ACK frames may mean that the STA has unsuccessful reception of the data frames while fluctuating RSSI can be arising from interference from neighboring STAs. These points, i.e. failing to transmit ACK frames and fluctuating RSSI, in combination may be considered as pre-determined decision parameters.

[00114] In the example context as shown in Fig. 4B, a frame exchange is illustrated where the forwarded frame can be encapsulated in Ethertype 89-0d. The frame format for TDLS Discovery Request may be the same as Public Action format such that the newly defined Extended TDLS Discovery Request element is carried within the TDLS Discovery Request frame.

[00115] Fig. 4C shows an example embodiment of an Extended TDLS Discovery Request element format. In this embodiment, the TDLS Discovery Request frame format contains extended a TDLS Discovery Request element, which can be carried in the payload. Furthermore, the extended TDLS Discovery Request element format is depicted. AP’s BSSID will only be present in the response frames as the response frames are transmitted on the direct link. Based on the AP BSSID in the response frame, the requester STA can directly advise it’s AP to transmit the setup frame to the MAC address of the AP specified in the Extended TDLS Discovery response frame.

[00116] In an alternate embodiment, the requester STA can, in an ad-hoc manner, initiate the direct link setup with another client STA using Wi-Fi Direct mechanism. The Wi-Fi Direct link discovery and setup frames may be added to the Extended TDLS request element to the frame to enable this solution. In this case, the requester STA becomes a Group Owner and has similar capabilities as that of an AP.

[00117] Fig. 4D shows a flowchart of an extended TDLS discovery process according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, it shows the process between two APs. At the first step, A first wireless apparatus may transmit TDLS discovery request frame the extended discovery elements TDLS to its AP. The AP TDLS may then forward the discovery request to a second AP multi- AP set at a second step. At the third step, the second AP transmitting the TDLS discovery request to its capital STA for which the second AP knows the decision parameters. At a fourth step, the STA associated with the second AP which receives the TDLS discovery request wants to establish direct link. In case of an establishment of a direct link is requested, the TDLS discovery response to a first wireless apparatus is transmitted, containing information regarding the TDLS setup parameters. Otherwise, in case of an establishment of a direct link is not requested, the process comes to an end.

[00118] Fig. 4E shows a flowchart of an Access Point (AP) selection criteria to forward TDLS Discovery Request, according to an embodiment of the present invention. At a first step, the AP of a first wireless apparatus obtains information of the STA's in the ESS/OBSS from the APs in the multi-AP set via wireless or wired backhaul exchange. At a second step, it is determined if another AP in multi-AP set has STA meeting the decision parameters. If the decision parameters are met, the AP of the first wireless apparatus forwards the TDLS discovery request to this AP. If the decision parameters are not met, a retry with another AP in the multi-AP set is proceeded.

[00119] In the foregoing manner, various embodiments of the disclosure are described for addressing at least one of the foregoing disadvantages. Such embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the following claims and are not to be limited to specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous changes and/or modification can be made, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Abbreviations:

Claims

Claim(s)

1. A method (300) for connecting user devices across different networks, the method comprising: generating a connection request by a first user device, the connection request including a plurality of pre-determined decision parameters; communicating the connection request to one or more network access points; determining whether the plurality of pre-determined decision parameters are satisfied; transmitting the connection request to a second user device having a network access point different from the first user device upon determination that the decision parameters are satisfied; and establishing a connection with the first user device in response to the connection request.

2. The method (300) of claim 1 , wherein establishing a connection with the first user device comprises communicating, by the second user device, a response to the connection request directly to the first user device.

3. The method (300) of claim 1 , wherein establishing a connection with the first user device comprises transmitting data associated with the second user device to the first user device, the data comprising at least one of: a station identity (STA ID), a medium access control (MAC) address and/or a basic service set identity (BSSID) of a second network access point.

4. The method (300) of claim 1 , wherein establishing a connection with the first user device comprises initiating, by the first device, the connection with the second user device.

5. The method (300) of claim 1 , wherein the connection request is a Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) discovery request and/or an extended TDLS discovery request.

6. The method (300) of claim 1 , wherein the one or more access points comprises an access point having a user device with acknowledgement (ACK) failure and/or a user device with Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).

7. The method (300) of claim 1 , further comprising selecting the one or more access points based on a pre-determined condition for communicating the connection request.

8. The method (300) of claim 1 , wherein communicating the connection request to one or more network access points comprises communicating to the one or more network access points in a round robin manner or a mass broadcast manner.

9. The method (300) of claim 1 , wherein the connection request is communicated via public action frame format.

10. The method (300) of claim 1 , further comprising communicating the connection request to the second user device via a Wi-Fi direct mechanism.

11 . The method (300) of claim 10, wherein the Wi-Fi direct mechanism comprises a Wi-Fi direct link discovery and/or a Wi-Fi direct setup frame, each of the Wi-Fi direct link discovery and the Wi-Fi direct setup frame containing the connection request.

12. The method (300) of claim 10, wherein the Wi-Fi direct mechanism comprises a user device that is configured to behave as a network access point.

13. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (300) according to any of the preceding claims.

14. A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the method (300) of claims 1-12.

15. An apparatus (102) for connecting user devices across different networks comprising: a first module (202) configured to receive at least one input signal associated with a connection request including a plurality of pre-determined decision parameters; a second module (204) configured to at least one of process and facilitate the method (300) of claim 1 to claim 12 to generate at least one output signal; and a third module (206) configured to communicate at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for connecting user devices across different networks.

16. The apparatus (102) according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus (102) corresponds to a User Equipment (UE) communicable with a device (104) corresponding to a network access point, and wherein the UE is configured to communicate the at least one input signal to the network access point.

17. A system (100) comprising: at least one apparatus (102) according to any of claims 15 and 16; and at least one device (104) according to claim 16, wherein the apparatus (102) and the device (104) are capable of being coupled via at least one of wired coupling and wireless coupling.