SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LINK QUALITY SOURCE ROUTING
First Claim
1. A system for link-state source routing in an ad hoc network, the system comprising:
- a send buffer that holds packets while route discovery is performed;
a maintenance buffer that is used for route maintenance;
a request table that is used to identify duplicate route discovery requests;
at least one link quality metric module that determines quality of links to neighboring nodes; and
a neighbor cache for translating layer 2.5 virtual addresses into physical addresses,wherein the link-state source routing is performed using the layer 2.5 virtual addresses.
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Abstract
Systems and methods for routing packets by nodes in an ad hoc network in accordance with a link quality source routing protocol are disclosed. Route discovery, route maintenance, and metric maintenance are designed to propagate and keep current link quality measurements. Metric maintenance includes a reactive approach for links that a node is currently using to route packets, and a proactive mechanism for all links. Nodes are configured to include a send buffer, a maintenance buffer, a request table, link quality metric modules, and preferably a neighbor cache and a link cache. The invention allows for asymmetric links in the network. The invention may be implemented within a virtual protocol interlayer between the link and network layers. The invention may employ any particular link quality metrics, including metrics based on probing techniques as well as metrics based on knowledge gained in other ways.
126 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A system for link-state source routing in an ad hoc network, the system comprising:
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a send buffer that holds packets while route discovery is performed; a maintenance buffer that is used for route maintenance; a request table that is used to identify duplicate route discovery requests; at least one link quality metric module that determines quality of links to neighboring nodes; and a neighbor cache for translating layer 2.5 virtual addresses into physical addresses, wherein the link-state source routing is performed using the layer 2.5 virtual addresses. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. In a multi-hop ad hoc network, a method for discovery of a route from a first node to a target node, the method comprising:
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broadcasting, by the first node, a route request message; receiving, by a neighboring node, the route request; appending, by the neighboring node, an address of the neighboring node to a path listed in the route request, and adding a link quality measurement; rebroadcasting, by the neighboring node, the route request; receiving, by the target node, the route request; and sending, by the target node, a route reply message to the first node, wherein the route reply includes a complete list of link quality measurements for links comprising the route from the first node to the target node. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 25)
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14. In a multi-hop ad hoc network, a method for conveying link quality information for a source route listed in a data packet, the source route originating at a source node and ending at a destination node, the method comprising:
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by a forwarding node, modifying the source route with one or more updated link quality measurements; and by the destination node, updating the destination node'"'"'s link cache with link quality information for the source route, and sending to the source node a route reply that conveys link quality information for the source route, wherein the link quality information is conveyed using layer 2.5 virtual addresses. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 26)
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19-24. -24. (canceled)
Specification