Systems and methods for providing wireless unconnected communication between devices

#The present disclosure relates in general to unconnected wireless communication, and more specifically to direct unconnected communication between wireless devices.

#Wireless enabled devices (WEDs) when connected to a wireless network typically communicate using a protocol that defines message structures (sometimes referred to herein as “frames”). A message frame may include a field for a network identifier or name, the media access controller address (MAC) of the station from which the frame is broadcast, and other information. In order to connect to a network, a wireless station must first find a compatible network that is within range of its transceiver. This process is typically accomplished through either passive or active scanning. In passive scanning, an Access Point (AP) broadcasts its network name and other information in a message frame and other devices in the area may detect that signal. In active scanning, the wireless station requests a response from an access point by broadcasting the network ID of the network it is seeking to join. Alternatively, an active scanning process may include broadcasting a request for a response from any network within range of the wireless station. The APs that are within range broadcast their SSIDs to the wireless station. The wireless station may select a wireless AP to associate with from the list of responders.

#Another architecture allows wireless stations to announce their presence to other wireless stations and to form networks in which there is no AP. In this case, the wireless station seeking other wireless stations broadcasts its network identifier and receives a response from other wireless stations within range.

#The present disclosure can be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the figures, reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

#FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the components of a wireless enabled device (WED), according to an exemplary embodiment.

#FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a process of acquisition of content, according to an exemplary embodiment.

#The present disclosure is here described in detail with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which form a part here. Other embodiments may be used and/or other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description are not meant to be limiting of the subject matter presented here.

#As used here, the following terms may have the following definitions:

#“Wireless Enabled Device,” or “WED” refers to any electronic device capable to communicate using one or more suitable wireless technologies.