Abstract: Techniques for connection information for inter-device wireless data communication are described. In at least some embodiments, a broker device maintains wireless connection information for various wireless devices. The wireless connection information includes wireless channels at which particular wireless devices can be accessed. The broker device can provide the wireless connection information to various other devices to enable wireless communication with the wireless devices.

Abstract: Techniques for determination of packet retransmission using a time threshold are described. In at least some embodiments, information for a packet that is received is compared to information for previously received packets. If the information for the packet matches a previously received packet, a receive time for the packet is compared to a timestamp for the previously received packet to determine if the packet is a retransmission of the previously received packet. In at least some embodiments, packet information associated with different senders can be stored, e.g., to enable packet information comparison for purpose of retransmission detection. An amount of packet information that is stored can be limited to a certain number of senders to control the impact of packet information storage on memory resources.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring presence of a remote device at Layer 2 that allow reducing power consumption without compromising the device's availability. A device that pairs with a remote wireless device may establish a Layer 3 connection, such as an IP connection, to the remote device to provide services to a user. The Layer 3 connection may be formed over a Layer 2 connection via an access point or as a peer-to-peer wireless connection between the devices. When the Layer 3 connection is not actively used to access the remote device, the Layer 3 connection and the supporting Layer 2 connection (e.g., WI-FI, WI-FI DIRECT™ or BLUETOOTH®) may be terminated and presence of the remote device may be monitored using a Layer 2 device discovery mechanism. The Layer 2 and Layer 3 connections to the device may be reestablished when use of the remote device is desired.

Abstract: Wireless devices that support bootstrapping of a peer-to-peer connection. The wireless devices may use an infrastructure mode connection to exchange security information, such as a PIN, used in establishing the peer-to-peer connection. This security information may be encrypted in accordance with a security protocol used by the access point and then may be applied in a security protocol used to establish a peer-to-peer connection. Such a bootstrapping capability supports operating scenarios in which devices that are communicating over an infrastructure network encounter an operation that requires transfer of large amounts of data and automatically transition to a peer-to-peer connection that provides better performance. With these techniques, a computing device may automatically connect to a display device and stream audio/video data to the display.

Abstract: A wireless computer that pairs with a remote audio-video presentation device, such as a television. As a result of the pairing, a communication channel is established for the computer to transmit audio-video content for presentation through that device. Additionally, as part of the pairing, the computer and remote device select a side channel for communication of user commands. The wireless computer may display a user interface through which a user may input commands that control the manner in which the remote audio-video device presents the content. As a result, a user may use the wireless computer as a remote control for the audio-video device, controlling both the content presented and the manner in which it is presented. The side channel may use different frequencies than the channel used to communicate audio-video content, and may use very low power at frequencies in the digital TV spectrum.

Abstract: A wireless device that discovers other wireless devices for the formation of a peer-to-peer connection may perform a scan that is limited in duration and power consumption. The scan nonetheless is highly likely to discover a device, if a discoverable device exists. In addition, the scan may be performed in compliance with parameters of a peer-to-protocol such that the scan may be readily implemented in a wireless device, in some embodiments even as a firmware upgrade on a wireless network interface card. Parameters of the scan may be adjusted to increase the likelihood that, if the scan completes without discovering a device, no discoverable device exists. The scan may be used in an overall process in which discovery ends or the scan is selectively repeated following an unsuccessful scan, without entering a find phase.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring presence of a remote device at Layer 2 that allow reducing power consumption without compromising the device's availability. A device that pairs with a remote wireless device may establish a Layer 3 connection, such as an IP connection, to the remote device to provide services to a user. The Layer 3 connection may be formed over a Layer 2 connection via an access point or as a peer-to-peer wireless connection between the devices. When the Layer 3 connection is not actively used to access the remote device, the Layer 3 connection and the supporting Layer 2 connection (e.g., WI-FI, WI-FI DIRECT™ or BLUETOOTH®) may be terminated and presence of the remote device may be monitored using a Layer 2 device discovery mechanism. The Layer 2 and Layer 3 connections to the device may be reestablished when use of the remote device is desired.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting presence of a remote device at Layer 2 in response to an indication of an attempt to use the device and without maintaining a Layer 3 connection to the device. The techniques allow reducing power consumption without compromising the device's availability. A device that pairs with a remote wireless device may establish a Layer 3 connection to the remote device to provide services to a user. The Layer 3 connection and underlying Layer 2 connection (e.g., WI-FI, WI-FI DIRECT™ or BLUETOOTH®) may be terminated when the Layer 3 connection is not actively used. Once use of the remote device is desired, its presence may be detected using a Layer 2 device discovery mechanism and the Layer 2 and Layer 3 connections to the device may be reestablished. Services provided at Layer 3, such as steaming data, may then be performed over the reestablished Layer 3 connection.

Abstract: Wireless devices that support bootstrapping of a peer-to-peer connection. The wireless devices may use an infrastructure mode connection to exchange security information, such as a PIN, used in establishing the peer-to-peer connection. This security information may be encrypted in accordance with a security protocol used by the access point and then may be applied in a security protocol used to establish a peer-to-peer connection. Such a bootstrapping capability supports operating scenarios in which devices that are communicating over an infrastructure network encounter an operation that requires transfer of large amounts of data and automatically transition to a peer-to-peer connection that provides better performance. With these techniques, a computing device may automatically connect to a display device and stream audio/video data to the display.

Abstract: A wireless device that automatically forms a connection to a remote device in accordance with a peer-to-peer protocol. The remote device may be designated as an auto-connect device for the wireless device such that, when the wireless device determines that it is in the vicinity of the auto-connect device, it can re-form a connection to the remote device based on stored information for re-establishing connections among a persistent group of devices, but without any express user input. When a user requests that the wireless device perform a function that involves interaction with an auto-connect device, that function may be performed with the delay associated with forming a connection. Any of multiple techniques may be employed for identifying devices designated as auto-connect devices and for determining when the wireless device and a remote, auto-connect devices are in close proximity.

Abstract: A wireless device that automatically forms a connection to a remote device in accordance with a peer-to-peer protocol. The remote device may be designated as an auto-connect device for the wireless device such that, when the wireless device determines that it is in the vicinity of the auto-connect device, it can re-form a connection to the remote device based on stored information for re-establishing connections among a persistent group of devices, but without any express user input. When a user requests that the wireless device perform a function that involves interaction with an auto-connect device, that function may be performed with the delay associated with forming a connection. Any of multiple techniques may be employed for identifying devices designated as auto-connect devices and for determining when the wireless device and a remote, auto-connect devices are in close proximity.

Abstract: A wireless device that automatically forms a connection to a remote device in accordance with a peer-to-peer protocol. The remote device may be designated as an auto-connect device for the wireless device such that, when the wireless device determines that it is in the vicinity of the auto-connect device, it can re-form a connection to the remote device based on stored information for re-establishing connections among a persistent group of devices, but without any express user input. When a user requests that the wireless device perform a function that involves interaction with an auto-connect device, that function may be performed with the delay associated with forming a connection. Any of multiple techniques may be employed for identifying devices designated as auto-connect devices and for determining when the wireless device and a remote, auto-connect devices are in close proximity.

Abstract: A system in which wireless devices form a group in accordance with a peer-to-peer protocol and, at a later time, a device may send an invitation request to trigger the devices tore-form the peer-to-peer group. The invitation request may contain an identifier that is associated with a set of a plurality of devices. Those devices may be related such that they perform a function for which a user would want to use those devices together. The group of devices, for example, may be multimedia devices that receive and present streaming multimedia content or may be human interface devices that collectively act as an interface for a work station incorporating a wireless computing device operated by a user. Requesting that remote devices concurrently re-form a group reduces the time and spectral congestion associated with re-forming the group, particularly when the remote devices may periodically enter a low power state.

Abstract: A computing device that forms a group in accordance with a peer-to-peer protocol in which a device may be identified based on a credential of a user. The credential may be used to determine a unique identifier for the user such that the same identifier is used on any device operated by the same user. Such an identifier may be used in connection with a peer-to-peer protocol that supports persistent peer-to-peer groups. As a result, the unique identifier for the user may be retained by remote devices that have paired with any device operated by a particular user such that those remote devices may automatically establish a connection with any other device operated by the same user that similarly uses the same unique identifier for the user.

Abstract: A computing device that selectively renegotiates roles of devices in an existing peer-to-peer group. As the group is formed, the device may negotiate with other devices to select a device to control the group. During operation of the group, a device in the group may initiate a renegotiation that may lead to the selection of an alternative device to control the group. Renegotiation may be triggered by a message containing an information element signifying a request for renegotiation. Such a message may be sent either by the controlling device or other device in the group, and may be sent based on a state of the device. The state may relate to a source of power to the device such that a client that is connected to a source of power or a controlling device that is running low on battery power may request a renegotiation.

Abstract: An architecture for a computing device to enable the computing device to support peer-to-peer communications using a wireless radio also configured for infrastructure-based communication. The architecture includes a driver for the wireless radio that supports ports for communication in accordance with the peer-to-peer protocol. A port may act as a control port through which action frames that control the formation of a peer-to-peer group may be sent and received. One or more other ports may be used for exchanging data with other devices in the group. Each of these ports may be configured in accordance with its role in the group, such that each port may be configured for operation as a group owner or a client. Additionally, after establishing a group, the control port may be used as a side channel for controlling a device in a group associated with another port.

Abstract: A wireless computing device operating as a controller of a peer-to-peer group configured to generate unique master keys for each device joining the group. The wireless computing device may use the unique master keys to selectively remove remote devices from the group such that the remote device cannot later rejoin the group. Other remote devices, each possessing a master key that remains valid, can disconnect from the group and later reconnect to the group without express user action. To support such behavior, the wireless device may provide a user interface through which a user may manage connected remote devices by providing commands to selectively disconnect or remove remote devices from the group.

Abstract: A wireless peer-to-peer protocol that supports fast and low power joining to an existing group. The protocol may be an extension of a peer-to-peer protocol that supports a sleep state for a device controlling the group. When a device is seeking to join a group at a time when the controlling device is in a sleep state, another device that has information about the controlling device may provide information to the joining device that may then be used by the joining device to more quickly, and using less power, synchronize with the controlling device. The information may include information about a channel used by the controlling device or about timing of availability of the controlling device. The information may also reveal whether the group provides a service being sought by the joining device or may otherwise influence whether the joining device will attempt to join a group.

Abstract: A wireless computer that pairs with a remote audio-video presentation device, such as a television. As a result of the pairing, a communication channel is established for the computer to transmit audio-video content for presentation through that device. Additionally, as part of the pairing, the computer and remote device select a side channel for communication of user commands. The wireless computer may display a user interface through which a user may input commands that control the manner in which the remote audio-video device presents the content. As a result, a user may use the wireless computer as a remote control for the audio-video device, controlling both the content presented and the manner in which it is presented. The side channel may use different frequencies than the channel used to communicate audio-video content, and may use very low power at frequencies in the digital TV spectrum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing simultaneous virtual connections with multiple wireless networks. A plurality of ports in a hardware driver may be each associated with a corresponding wireless network and maintain a unique MAC state relative to other ports. Each port may have a corresponding virtual NIC that communicates directly with the radio hardware via a hardware virtualization layer that multiplexes communication between the virtual NICs and the radio hardware. Simultaneous virtual connections may be made with one or more infrastructure networks or adhoc networks, and/or the computer may function as an access point for one or more of the networks.