Self-organizing multi-channel mesh network

• US 20060268791A1
• Filed: 05/13/2005
• Published: 11/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alexander L. Cheng, Zhifeng Tao
• Original Assignee: Alexander L. Cheng, Zhifeng Tao
• Inventors: Tao, Zhifeng, Cheng, Alexander L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,440,436 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/338
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/20 Control channels or signalling for resource management
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 Access point devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/20 between access points

Abstract

A system for self-organizing and auto-configuring mesh networks is disclosed. Special nodes (deemed special for their topological significance) are used as a starting point for forming clusters of fully connected nodes. Here, all nodes can communicate directly with one another and links are scheduled to meet the traffic requirements as indicated by their individual configuration and topological positions. Links that do not interfere with each other are scheduled to operate concurrently, thereby increasing the bandwidth offered by the whole system. When there is change to the system, such as leaving or introduction of a node, the system will adjust with minimum impact on its operation. Once all of the clusters are formed in a system, the clusters are now capable of inter-cluster communications with an increase in bandwidth for such communications.

Claims

1. A method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network, comprising the steps of:

a) providing multiple access points to a wireless network wherein each access point is capable of exchanging information with at least one other access point;

b) exchanging information between at least two access points;

c) mapping a first cluster of access points based on information obtained from said information exchange between at least two said access points; and

d) selecting a scheduling sequence for said access points contained in said first cluster.

2. The method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network according to claim 1, wherein said mapping step comprises prioritizing said access points.

3. The method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network according to claim 2, wherein said prioritizing step is performed by assessing at least one of:

whether said access points are connected to wide area network, the number of radios contained in said access points, said access points connection to an information source, or said access points connection to an information destination.

4. The method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network according to claim 1, wherein said exchange of information is used to determine if two access points can communicate with one another by assessing at least one of:

individual wide area network connectivity, neighboring access points, connection to an information source, connection to a information destination, or communication capability.

5. The method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network according to claim 1, wherein said step of selecting a scheduling sequence comprises assessing traffic requirements within said first cluster.

6. The method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network according to claim 1, further comprises selecting a scheduling sequence for said first cluster to communicate with a neighboring cluster, comprising:

a) assessing traffic requirements within said first cluster;

b) receiving traffic requirements from said neighboring cluster;

c) assessing traffic requirements from said neighboring cluster; and

d) matching scheduling patterns according to said requirements.

7. The method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network according to claim 1, further comprising the step of incorporating a new access point into said existing first cluster by:

a) exchanging information with said new access point;

b) determining connectivity to said new access point;

c) assessing the size of said first cluster; and

d) absorbing said new access point into said first cluster.

8. The method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network according to claim 1, wherein said receiving status information from said neighboring access point includes information on the ability of said access points to communicate with one another and the existence of a cluster that includes said neighboring node.

9. A method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network, comprising the steps of:

a) providing multiple access points to a wireless network wherein each access point is capable of exchanging information with at least one other access point;

b) exchanging information between at least two access points;

c) mapping a first cluster of access points based on information obtained from said information exchange between at least two said access points; and

d) selecting a scheduling sequence for said access points contained in said first cluster.

e) broadcasting status information to at least one neighboring access point outside of said first cluster;

f) receiving status information from at least one of said neighboring access points; and

g) establishing one or more wireless communication links between said first cluster and at least one of said neighboring access points.

10. The method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network according to claim 9, wherein said mapping step comprises prioritizing said access points.

11. The method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network according to claim 10, wherein said prioritizing step is performed by assessing at least one of:

whether said access points are connected to wide area network, the number of radios contained in said access points, said access points connection to an information source, or said access points connection to an information destination.

12. The method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network according to claim 9, wherein said exchange of information is used to determine if two access points can communicate with one another by assessing at least one of:

individual wide area network connectivity, neighboring access points, connection to an information source, connection to a information destination, or communication capability.

13. The method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network according to claim 9, wherein said step of selecting a scheduling sequence comprises assessing traffic requirements within said first cluster.

14. The method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network according to claim 9, further comprises selecting a scheduling sequence for said first cluster to communicate with said neighboring cluster, comprising:

a. assessing traffic requirements within said first cluster;

b. receiving traffic requirements from said neighboring cluster;

c. assessing traffic requirements from said neighboring cluster; and

d. matching scheduling patterns according to said requirements.

15. The method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network according to claim 9, further comprising the step of incorporating a new access point into said existing first cluster by:

a. exchanging information with said new access point;

b. determining connectivity to said new access point;

c. assessing the size of said first cluster; and

d. absorbing said new access point into said first cluster.

16. The method of self-organizing and self-configuring a wireless network according to claim 9, wherein said receiving status information from said neighboring access point includes information on the ability of said access points to communicate with one another and the existence of a cluster that includes said neighboring node.

17. A self-organizing auto-configuring wireless network system, comprising:

a) a wide area network connection;

b) a wireless network;

c) multiple access points, each capable of exchanging information with one another;

d) a first cluster mapped from said information exchanged between said multiple access points;

e) at least one access point outside of said first cluster, having the ability to communicate with at least one access point in said first cluster;

18. A self-organizing auto-configuring wireless network system according to claim 17, further comprising:

a) a second cluster mapped from information exchanged between said access point outside of said first cluster and a second access point outside of said first cluster; and

b) a communication link using said wireless network to enable said first cluster to communicate with said second cluster.

19. A self-organizing auto-configuring wireless network system according to claim 17, further comprising sequencing patterns for said access points in said first cluster, wherein said sequencing patterns are determined from traffic requirements in said first cluster.

20. A self-organizing auto-configuring wireless network system according to claim 18, further comprising sequencing patterns to enable said first cluster to communicate with said neighboring cluster, wherein said sequencing patterns are established by assessing traffic requirements within said first cluster, receiving traffic information from said second cluster, assessing traffic requirements from said second cluster, and matching scheduling patterns according to said requirements.