SELECTION OF SYNCHRONISING STATIONS IN PEER-TO-PEER NETWORK ENVIRONMENT Russian patent published in 2016 - IPC H04L29/08 

FIELD: communication.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to communication. Invention discloses a system, apparatus and method for selecting one or more synchronisation stations, or masters, in a peer-to-peer communication environment. Synchronisation stations broadcast periodic synchronisation frames to advertise future availability windows, during which devices rendezvous for discovery and communication. Devices that can act as synchronisation stations advertise preference values, which indicate their preference or suitability for role. All devices execute same algorithm to sort preference values and identify a root synchronisation station and any number of branch synchronisation stations; leaf devices synchronise with root or a branch synchronisation station. Passive synchronisation scheme allows individual devices to conserve power, because they need not actively discover other devices and services, and can power off their radios for periods of time without sacrificing discoverability.

EFFECT: technical result is high flexibility of network technologies for support of peer-to-peer communication.

20 cl, 20 dwg, 1 tbl