Service discovery with low power consumption in wireless communications networks

A method, comprising:

• joining a wireless communications network by a first communications device, wherein the communications network is managed by a management device;
• the first communications device registering a service to the management device, wherein registering the service includes sending a schedule of availability of the service to the management device, wherein the service is available in accordance with a set of service parameters, and wherein the service is announced by the management device on behalf of the first communications device when the first communications device is unavailable;
• the first communications device receiving a notice from the management device for providing the service to a second communications device;
• and
• the first communications device wirelessly providing the service to the second communications device when the first communications device and the second communications device are available to communicate with one another.

A method, comprising:

• transmitting a first request for a seeking a service by a first communications device to a management device in a wireless communications network;
• the first communications device receiving a response from the management device on behalf of a second communications device when the second communications device is unavailable, the response including ranging information of the second communications device, wherein the service is provided by the second communications device in accordance with the ranging information, a schedule and a set of service parameters;
• the first communications device transmitting a second request for establishing a session for the service based on the response;
• and
• wirelessly receiving the service provided by the second communications device when the first communications device and the second communications device are available to communicate with one another.