Patent ID: 7619999
Filing Date: 2009-11-17
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A wireless communication method, comprising: a first portable wireless device (PWD) capable of emitting a periodic beacon indicating an ad hoc wireless network is present and capable of acting as a coordinator station for the ad hoc wireless network; at the first portable wireless device, receiving a beacon from another PWD acting as a coordinator station for the ad hoc network, indicating that the first PWD has entered the other PWD's established ad hoc wireless network's communication range; the first PWD responding to the beacon with a request for authorization on the wireless network; receiving authorization for the first PWD to communicate using the wireless network; sending a request for the first PWD to be associated with the wireless network; the first PWD receiving confirmation of association with the wireless network; the first PWD broadcasting a first announcement over the wireless network, the announcement comprising at least an identifier that notifies other PWDs associated with the wireless network of the identity of the first PWD; receiving at least one reply announcement broadcast from a second PWD associated with the wireless network that identifies the second PWD; building a list in the first PWD of all PWDs in range of the periodic beacon of the coordinator station and updating this list each time an announcement message is received from any PWD within range, wherein the PWD entering the ad hoc network is provided sufficient information to assume the role of the coordinator station when necessary; and at the first PWD providing a first shared public folder with contents that can be accessed by the second PWD and all other PWDs in range.