Abstract: A method for establishing an encrypted communication channel is described. Query IDs are generated at a first device. Each query ID identifies a keyword in a set of keywords. Query IDs are received, at a second device. A second set of keywords is determined by the second device based on the query IDs. Match IDs are determined based on the second set. Each match ID identifies a keyword in the second set. An encryption key is generated based on the second set. A response is sent which includes the match IDs and an encrypted message. At the first device, the second set is determined based on the match IDs. The second set includes keywords of the first set of keywords identified by the match IDs. The encryption key is generated at the first device and the encrypted message is decrypted. Apparatus and computer readable media are also described.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for key management in mobile ad hoc networks are described. Pseudonyms are defined for group members of mobile ad hoc networks such that a pseudonym in a message can be deterministically identified with the sending device only by the sending device and the message recipient. Key management for a group is performed by a group manager, and key management may include key renewal and revocation. Key renewal is performed by a group manager, with the group manager using a set of couple pseudonyms, including a couple pseudonym between the manger and each group member. Key renewal employs a renewal key used to encrypt the updated group key, and the group manager updates the group key be transmitting a message to each group member in proximity, with the message being identified using the couple pseudonym of the manager and the group member.

Abstract: There is described discovery of a plurality of audio devices, and for the discovered audio devices are determined relative positions thereof and distances therebetween. The determined relative positions and distances are used to select a constellation of audio devices from the discovered plurality. This constellation is selected for playing or recording of a multi-channel audio file so as to present an audio effect such as a spatial audio effect. Channels for the multi-channel audio file are allocated to different audio devices of the selected constellation, which are controlled to synchronously play back or record their respectively allocated channel or channels of the multi-channel audio file. In a specific embodiment the determined distances are used to automatically select the constellation and include distance between each pair of audio devices of the plurality. Several embodiments are presented for determining the distances and relative positions.

Abstract: Message authentication in an ad-hoc network. Upon creation of a message, a message authentication code is created using a key shared with members of a group comprising a subset of nodes of the ad-hoc network. The message authentication code may be created using a cryptographic process having the message and a message identifier as inputs. After or in parallel with broadcast of the message, a pointer to the message is broadcast. The message authentication code is publicly broadcast and those members of the group among which the key has been shared are able to authenticate the message as coming from a particular sender.

Abstract: A method for establishing an encrypted communication channel is described. Query IDs are generated at a first device. Each query ID identifies a keyword in a set of keywords. Query IDs are received, at a second device. A second set of keywords is determined by the second device based on the query IDs. Match IDs are determined based on the second set. Each match ID identifies a keyword in the second set. An encryption key is generated based on the second set. A response is sent which includes the match IDs and an encrypted message. At the first device, the second set is determined based on the match IDs. The second set includes keywords of the first set of keywords identified by the match IDs. The encryption key is generated at the first device and the encrypted message is decrypted. Apparatus and computer readable media are also described.

Abstract: An approach is provided for discovering a location-based service over an ad-hoc mesh network. A location-based service is discovered sending an anonymous flooding message including a query over the ad-hoc mesh network. A wireless node replies to the flooding message over the ad-hoc mesh network with a pointer to the discovered location-based service.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer program product example embodiments enable contention for access to a wireless communications medium. In example embodiments, a method comprises initiating a channel access procedure by an apparatus; performing, by the apparatus, in response to the channel access procedure initiation, a random draw for permission to start contention with other member apparatuses of a group in which the apparatus belongs, the random draw being based on how many member apparatuses of the group are expected to compete for the wireless communications medium; and starting, by the apparatus, contention for access to the wireless communications medium, if the apparatus wins the random draw.

Abstract: An approach is provided for group formation based on a synchronized response mechanism. A group platform may determine a request to form at least one group of one or more devices. Then, the group platform may cause, at least in part, a transmission of at least one challenge signal to the one or more devices, wherein the at least one challenge signal includes, at least in part, at least one audio signal, at least one visual signal, or a combination thereof, and wherein the transmission specifies at least one synchronized response time. Then, the group platform causes, at least in part, a formation of the at least one group comprising the one or more devices that provide at least one response signal in reply to the at least one audio signal, the at least one visual signal, or a combination thereof at least substantially currently with the at least one synchronized response time.

Abstract: A system for facilitating communal apparatus interaction. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus configured to communicate on a wireless channel may receive first information pertaining to wireless traffic expected from other networks also utilizing the wireless channel. The apparatus may then determine whether the received information satisfies a first criterion, and if it is determined that the first information satisfies the first criterion, the apparatus may shorten an awake window duration for communicating on the wireless channel. Alternatively, if it is determined that the information does not satisfy the first criterion, the apparatus may proceed to further determine whether second information pertaining to wireless traffic on the wireless channel that is expected from a network satisfies a second criterion. If it is determined that the second information satisfies the second criterion, the apparatus may proceed to lengthen the awake window duration.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer program product example embodiments enable contention for access to a wireless communications medium. In example embodiments, a method comprises initiating a channel access procedure by an apparatus; performing, by the apparatus, in response to the channel access procedure initiation, a random draw for permission to start contention with other member apparatuses of a group in which the apparatus belongs, the random draw being based on how many member apparatuses of the group are expected to compete for the wireless communications medium; and starting, by the apparatus, contention for access to the wireless communications medium, if the apparatus wins the random draw.

Abstract: There is described discovery of a plurality of audio devices, and for the discovered audio devices are determined relative positions thereof and distances therebetween. The determined relative positions and distances are used to select a constellation of audio devices from the discovered plurality. This constellation is selected for playing or recording of a multi-channel audio file so as to present an audio effect such as a spatial audio effect. Channels for the multi-channel audio file are allocated to different audio devices of the selected constellation, which are controlled to synchronously play back or record their respectively allocated channel or channels of the multi-channel audio file. In a specific embodiment the determined distances are used to automatically select the constellation and include distance between each pair of audio devices of the plurality. Several embodiments are presented for determining the distances and relative positions.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for key management in mobile ad hoc networks are described. Pseudonyms are defined for group members of mobile ad hoc networks such that a pseudonym in a message can be deterministically identified with the sending device only by the sending device and the message recipient. Key management for a group is performed by a group manager, and key management may include key renewal and revocation. Key renewal is performed by a group manager, with the group manager using a set of couple pseudonyms, including a couple pseudonym between the manger and each group member. Key renewal employs a renewal key used to encrypt the updated group key, and the group manager updates the group key be transmitting a message to each group member in proximity, with the message being identified using the couple pseudonym of the manager and the group member.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer program product example embodiments exchange information between wireless devices for joining.

Abstract: Message authentication in an ad-hoc network. Upon creation of a message, a message authentication code is created using a key shared with members of a group comprising a subset of nodes of the ad-hoc network. The message authentication code may be created using a cryptographic process having the message and a message identifier as inputs. After or in parallel with broadcast of the message, a pointer to the message is broadcast. The message authentication code is publicly broadcast and those members of the group among which the key has been shared are able to authenticate the message as coming from a particular sender.

Abstract: A system for facilitating communal apparatus interaction. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus configured to communicate on a wireless channel may receive first information pertaining to wireless traffic expected from other networks also utilizing the wireless channel. The apparatus may then determine whether the received information satisfies a first criterion, and if it is determined that the first information satisfies the first criterion, the apparatus may shorten an awake window duration for communicating on the wireless channel. Alternatively, if it is determined that the information does not satisfy the first criterion, the apparatus may proceed to further determine whether second information pertaining to wireless traffic on the wireless channel that is expected from a network satisfies a second criterion. If it is determined that the second information satisfies the second criterion, the apparatus may proceed to lengthen the awake window duration.

Abstract: The invention relates to the design of power sequences for use in a group of sub-areas of a wireless communication system. Each power sequence defines for one of the sub-areas transmission power values for transmissions using a respective one of a plurality of medium access units. For each of the sub-areas of the group, reception quality values are determined for transmissions between an access station serving the sub-area and mobile stations located at an edge of the sub-area. The reception quality values allow meeting system. The reception quality values are then converted for each of the sub-areas into transmission power values of a power sequence.

Abstract: An approach is provided for discovering a location-based service over an ad-hoc mesh network. A location-based service is discovered sending an anonymous flooding message including a query over the ad-hoc mesh network. A wireless node replies to the flooding message over the ad-hoc mesh network with a pointer to the discovered location-based service.

Abstract: An approach is provided for locating communities over an ad-hoc mesh network. Community identifiers are used to locate communities and community members over an ad-hoc mesh network. The community identifiers are also associated with keys to authenticate members of the community and to protect the privacy and anonymity of information exchanged between the members.

Abstract: An approach is provided for providing a collaborative reply to a flooding message over an ad-hoc mesh network. A reply message to a flooding message is received by a wireless node within the ad-hoc network. The wireless node monitors for an acknowledgement of receipt of the reply message according to a routing table and initiates a scheduled transmission of the reply message based on the monitoring.

Abstract: The invention relates to the design of power sequences for use in a group of sub-areas of a wireless communication system. Each power sequence defines for one of the sub-areas transmission power values for transmissions using a respective one of a plurality of medium access units. For each of the sub-areas of the group, reception quality values are determined for transmissions between an access station serving the sub-area and mobile stations located at an edge of the sub-area. The reception quality values allow meeting system. The reception quality values are then converted for each of the sub-areas into transmission power values of a power sequence.