Fixed network master

A method of operation of a network device operating as a master device on a communication network, comprising:

• broadcasting a beacon during a communication session being carried out over the network;
• determining that the communication session being carried out over the network has ended;
• ceasing broadcast of the beacon;
• and
• the master device entering at least one of a sleeping mode or a power saving mode;

A method of operation of a network device operating as a master device on a communication network, comprising:

• at the master device transmitting beacon signals;
• at the master device, entering an operational mode wherein the master device temporarily ceases transmission of the beacons;
• while in the operational mode, the master device receiving a master search message requesting services of a master device while the master device is in the operational mode;
• and
• the master device responding to the master search message.

A method of operation of network devices with one device operating as a master device on a communication network, comprising:

• the master device broadcasting a beacon during a communication session being carried out over the network;
• the master device determining that the communication session being carried out over the network has ended;
• the master device ceasing broadcast of the beacon;
• the master device entering at least one of a sleeping mode or a power saving mode;
• at a client device on the network, transmitting a master search message requesting services of a master device while the master device is in the sleeping or power saving mode;
• the master device responding to the master search message;
• and
• the master device resuming broadcasting beacon signals.