Computer Implemented Method Primary Secondary Channels

At 102, a primary P2P communication channel is selected. As mentioned above, the primary channel may be selected based on a predefined prioritization scheme. For example, certain communication channel types may be prioritized ahead of other communication channel types. Channels may also be prioritized based on variables such as bandwidth, cost for usage, and/or reliability. 

At 104, backup P2P communication channels are established. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by sharing connection data between all of the mobile devices over the primary communication channel. At 106, the backup channels are maintained. In one embodiment, this involves transmitting data periodically over the secondary communication channels (e.g., in the form of periodic heartbeat packets). 

At 108, if the primary P2P channel fails (e.g., because the communication link of a particular mobile device went down or the mobile device moved out of range of the communication link), then at 110, the mobile devices promote the highest priority backup channel to the primary channel. In one embodiment, this involves the mobile device with the failed link transmitting a notification of its link failure to the other devices over the secondary channel. Finally, at 112, the backup channel is made the primary channel and the process reverts to 104 (in which any additional backup channels are discovered and added to the prioritization scheme).