Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for conducting wireless data communications, particularly real-time data communications, in a communication environment that includes a restricted channel (e.g., a channel subject to Dynamic Frequency Selection or DFS). Two or more mobile communication/computing devices (e.g., smart phones, tablet computers) participate in a peer-to-peer network and engage in data communications while one or more of them operate on the restricted channel (e.g., to maintain an infrastructure communication connection). Their channel sequences are configured to maximize the efficiency of the data communication while satisfying restrictions of the restricted channel or avoiding that channel, and only require them to monitor one beacon interval. One or more of the devices may strategically roam to the restricted channel or away from the restricted channel, depending on which action will provide greater communication throughput or efficiency.

Abstract: An electronic device is described. In order to facilitate the communication of synchronization information with another electronic device in a wireless network, the electronic device provides a request for the synchronization information to the other electronic device at a time other than a predefined synchronization transmission time of the other electronic device. Then, the electronic device receives the synchronization information from the other electronic device in response to the request. In this way, the probability that the synchronization information is successfully communicated is increased, and the amount of time the electronic device is in an active mode is reduced, thereby reducing power consumption.

Abstract: A low-power roaming mechanism is described. This low-power roaming mechanism is used by a portable electronic device when the portable electronic device enters a stand-by mode (sleep mode). During this stand-by mode, the portable electronic device allows a wireless interface to look for surrounding wireless networks with a configurable quota. This quota is allotted for roaming based on the usage or communication pattern of the portable electronic device. Once the allotted quota is completely used, the portable electronic device is blocked from performing roaming operations to prevent the portable electronic device from draining the battery.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for conducting wireless data communications, particularly real-time data communications, in a communication environment that includes a restricted channel (e.g., a channel subject to Dynamic Frequency Selection or DFS). Two or more mobile communication/computing devices (e.g., smart phones, tablet computers) participate in a peer-to-peer network and engage in data communications while one or more of them operate on the restricted channel (e.g., to maintain an infrastructure communication connection). Their channel sequences are configured to maximize the efficiency of the data communication while satisfying restrictions of the restricted channel or avoiding that channel, and only require them to monitor one beacon interval. One or more of the devices may strategically roam to the restricted channel or away from the restricted channel, depending on which action will provide greater communication throughput or efficiency.

Abstract: A method and system are described for determining parameters of an access point (AP). In the described embodiments, during a first time period, a portable electronic device (PED) scans for APs on a wireless local area network (WLAN) channel. Then, when an AP is detected on the WLAN channel, the PED determines if the AP includes a general advertisement service (GAS) protocol to make available information related to services provided by the AP. If the AP includes the GAS protocol, then the PED transmits a GAS request frame to the AP. If a response to the GAS request frame is not received from the AP within the first time period, then the PED extends the dwell time to wait for the response for a second time period, wherein a duration of the second time period is determined based on a total allowable time to scan for APs.

Abstract: A low-power roaming mechanism is described. This low-power roaming mechanism is used by a portable electronic device when the portable electronic device enters a stand-by mode (sleep mode). During this stand-by mode, the portable electronic device allows a wireless interface to look for surrounding wireless networks with a configurable quota. This quota is allotted for roaming based on the usage or communication pattern of the portable electronic device. Once the allotted quota is completely used, the portable electronic device is blocked from performing roaming operations to prevent the portable electronic device from draining the battery.

Abstract: A method and system are described for determining parameters of an access point (AP). In the described embodiments, during a first time period, a portable electronic device (PED) scans for APs on a wireless local area network (WLAN) channel. Then, when an AP is detected on the WLAN channel, the PED determines if the AP includes a general advertisement service (GAS) protocol to make available information related to services provided by the AP. If the AP includes the GAS protocol, then the PED transmits a GAS request frame to the AP. If a response to the GAS request frame is not received from the AP within the first time period, then the PED extends the dwell time to wait for the response for a second time period, wherein a duration of the second time period is determined based on a total allowable time to scan for APs.

Abstract: An electronic device is described. In order to facilitate the communication of synchronization information with another electronic device in a wireless network, the electronic device provides a request for the synchronization information to the other electronic device at a time other than a predefined synchronization transmission time of the other electronic device. Then, the electronic device receives the synchronization information from the other electronic device in response to the request. In this way, the probability that the synchronization information is successfully communicated is increased, and the amount of time the electronic device is in an active mode is reduced, thereby reducing power consumption.