Discovery Protocol for Peer Aware Communication Networks

Wireless networks formed by peer devices or device-to-device communications are drawing more and more attention recently. In IEEE 802 Standardization Committee, TG15.8 was set up to develop a new standard for peer aware communication (PAC). PAC is expected to provide fast neighbor discovery, offload traffic for infrastructure-based networks, provide emergency links without fixed central control, etc. In this paper, we propose procedures and protocols for using common channel for discovery and for forming group in PAC. Computer simulations are carried out with various combinations of devices and various device densities. Simulation results show that the proposed method is efficient for fast initial discovery and for accommodation of large number of PDs.