Abstract: An electronic device in a device-to-device network of a user of the electronic device communicates with a group of one or more other instances of the electronic via dynamic connections that are based on pre-established and maintained (i.e., long-lived) associations in the device-to-device network. Moreover, a given dynamic connection between the electronic device and a given instance of the electronic device in the group is setup by the electronic device without assistance of a computer in another network, which conveys the communication within the group. During operation, the electronic device: receives content from the user; generates a message by encrypting the content using an encryption key associated with the user; and provides the message to at least a second instance of the electronic device in the group, which is associated with a second user in the device-to-device network, at a location specified by one of the associations.

Abstract: An electronic device in a device-to-device network of a user of the electronic device communicates with a group of one or more other instances of the electronic via dynamic connections that are based on pre-established and maintained (i.e., long-lived) associations in the device-to-device network. Moreover, a given dynamic connection between the electronic device and a given instance of the electronic device in the group is setup by the electronic device without assistance of a computer in another network, which conveys the communication within the group. During operation, after receiving a response accepting an invitation to a second user of a second instance of the electronic device in the group to join the device-to-device network, the electronic device verifies the second user based on an encryption key associated with the second user; and establishes a new maintained association with the second instance of the electronic device in the device-to-device network.

Abstract: An electronic device in a device-to-device network of a user of the electronic device communicates with a group of one or more other instances of the electronic via dynamic connections that are based on pre-established and maintained (i.e., long-lived) associations in the device-to-device network. Moreover, a given dynamic connection between the electronic device and a given instance of the electronic device in the group is setup by the electronic device without assistance of a computer in another network, which conveys the communication within the group. During operation, the electronic device: detects a change to a location of the electronic device in the other network; and communicates a message with the update to the location to a second user in the device-to-device network who is associated with a second instance of the electronic device in the group at a second location specified by one of the associations.