Network link controller for dynamic designation of master nodes
First Claim
1. In a wireless computer network comprising a plurality of nodes, one of which is designated as a master node for setting a communication frequency among the plurality of nodes, a network link controller associated with each node for configuring, regulating, and controlling the associated node in the computer network, each network link controller comprising:
- a radiator for transmitting and receiving modulated signals;
a radio transceiver coupled to the radiator for processing the received and transmitted modulated signals including a signal from the designated master node indicating the communication frequency;
a digital controller coupled to the radio transceiver for providing at least one control signal to adjust selected parameters of the radio transceiver responsive to commands from a control program; and
a control program included in the digital controller for monitoring network conditions, analyzing the monitored network condition for a measure of signal quality, and providing commands to the digital controller to improve the measure of signal quality, including desigating the associated node as a new master node.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A link controller for use in a node of a network includes a digital controller (102) that employs a knowledge-based control program (103). The device and method provide flexible master node designation, automatic installation, configuration and reconfiguration, and recognition and correction of network communication problems resulting from interference and other adverse conditions. The knowledge-based control program (103) employs an inference engine and a set of rules to dynamically optimize network configuration. Multipath is managed by locking on to reflected signals when a direct signal is unavailable. Operation is transparent to network users.
169 Citations
25 Claims
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1. In a wireless computer network comprising a plurality of nodes, one of which is designated as a master node for setting a communication frequency among the plurality of nodes, a network link controller associated with each node for configuring, regulating, and controlling the associated node in the computer network, each network link controller comprising:
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a radiator for transmitting and receiving modulated signals; a radio transceiver coupled to the radiator for processing the received and transmitted modulated signals including a signal from the designated master node indicating the communication frequency; a digital controller coupled to the radio transceiver for providing at least one control signal to adjust selected parameters of the radio transceiver responsive to commands from a control program; and a control program included in the digital controller for monitoring network conditions, analyzing the monitored network condition for a measure of signal quality, and providing commands to the digital controller to improve the measure of signal quality, including desigating the associated node as a new master node. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method of optimizing a transmit power level for a first node in a wireless network comprising a plurality of nodes, one of which is designated as a master node, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a0) determining which of the plurality of nodes is currently designated as the master node; (a) transmitting a first packet from the currently designated master node to the first node to indicate a change in power; (b) changing the transmit power level of the first node in response to the first packet being received at the first node; (c) transmitting a second packet from the first node to the currently designated master node to indicate acknowledgment of the first packet; (d) measuring the strength of the received second packet at the currently designated master node; (e) determining whether the strength of the received second packet at the currently designated master node is optimal; (f) responsive to a determination that the strength is not optimal, repeating steps (a) through (e); (g) designating a new master node from among the plurality of nodes when steps (a) through (f) fail to provide adequate signal strength; and (h) responsive to designation of the new master node from among the plurality of nodes, repeating steps (a0) through (f).
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23. A method of optimizing a transmit power level for a first node in a wireless network containing a plurality of nodes, one of which is designated as a master node, the method comprising the steps of;
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(a0) determining which of the plurality of nodes is currently designated as the master node; (a) transmitting a first packet from the currently designated master node to the first node to indicate a change in power; (b) changing the transmit power level of the first node in response to the first packet being received at the first node; (c) transmitting a second packet from the first node to the currently designated master node to indicate acknowledgment of the first packet; (d) measuring the strength of the received second packet at the currently designated master node; (e) adjusting at the currently designated master node the received signal strength; (f) determining whether the adjusted received signal strength at the currently designated master node is optimal; (g) responsive to a determination that the adjusted received signal strength is not optimal, repeating steps (a) through (f); (h) designating a new master node when steps (a) through (g) fail to provide adequate signal strength; and (i) responsive to designation of the new master node, repeating steps (a0) through (g). - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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Specification