Device-to-device network membership confirmation

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for use in conjunction with an electronic device, the computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions, wherein, when executed by the electronic device, the program instructions cause the electronic device to communicate a message, by performing operations comprising:

• confirming that a second instance of the electronic device in a group is associated with a provider of the electronic device, wherein the second instance of the electronic device is associated with a second user in a device-to-device network, and wherein the group comprises one or more other instances of the electronic device in a device-to-device network of a user of the electronic device;
• and
• communicating, when the association is confirmed, the message for the second instance of the electronic device at a location specified by a pre-established and maintained association between the electronic device and the second instance of the electronic device;
• wherein the pre-established and maintained association is maintained for longer time than the dynamic connection;
• and
• wherein the communicating involves at least a dynamic connection that is based at least in part on the pre-established and maintained association and the pre-established and maintained association and the dynamic connection are set up by the electronic device without assistance of a computer in another network;
• wherein the pre-established and maintained associations are in response to invitations from the user without advertising in the device-to-device network, the device-to-device network partially overlaps one or more other device-to-device networks of users of the one or more other instances of the electronic device, and a given one of the one or more other device-to-device networks is controlled by a given one of the users;
• and
• wherein the communication between the electronic device and the second instance of the electronic device via the other network involves at least a non-wireless communication technique.

A method for communicating a message, wherein the method comprises:

• by an electronic device:
• confirming that a second instance of the electronic device in a group is associated with a provider of the electronic device, wherein the second instance of the electronic device is associated with a second user in a device-to-device network, and wherein the group comprises one or more other instances of the electronic device in a device-to-device network of a user of the electronic device;
• and
• communicating, when the association is confirmed, the message for the second instance of the electronic device at a location specified by a pre-established and maintained association between the electronic device and the second instance of the electronic device;
• wherein the pre-established and maintained association is maintained for longer time than the dynamic connection;
• and
• wherein the communicating involves at least a dynamic connection that is based at least in part on the association and the pre-established and maintained association and the dynamic connection are set up by the electronic device without assistance of a computer in another network;
• wherein the pre-established and maintained associations are in response to invitations from the user without advertising in the device-to-device network, the device-to-device network partially overlaps one or more other device-to-device networks of users of the one or more other instances of the electronic device, and a given one of the one or more other device-to-device networks is controlled by a given one of the users;
• and
• wherein the communication between the electronic device and the second instance of the electronic device via the other network involves at least a non-wireless communication technique.