Cluster control in network systems
First Claim
1. A method for controlling the clustering of nodes implementing a cluster-based routing protocol in a data communications network system comprising a plurality of such nodes which are interconnectable to form a plurality of ad hoc networks, the method comprising:
- for each node which is a member of a cluster, maintaining cluster control information dependent on the size of at least the cluster of which that node is a member;
on connection of two nodes which are members of two respective clusters, in each of the two nodes transmitting the cluster control information maintained for that node to the other of the two nodes, determining whether a clustering condition, dependent on the cluster control information maintained for that node and the cluster control information received from the other node, is satisfied and, if so, communicating a clustering agreement to the other node; and
if the clustering condition of each of the two nodes is satisfied for said two clusters, in each of the two nodes exchanging routing information with the other node and merging the two clusters.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling the clustering of nodes which implement a cluster-based routing protocol in a data communications network system where the system comprises a plurality of such nodes which are interconnectable to form a plurality of ad hoc networks. For each node which is a member of a cluster, cluster control information (CCMs) is maintained, this cluster control information being dependent on the size of at least the cluster of which that node is a member. On connection of two nodes which are members of two respective clusters, each of the two nodes transmits its cluster control information to the other node, and then determines whether a clustering condition is satisfied. In each node, the clustering condition is dependent on the cluster control information maintained for that node and the cluster control information received from the other node. In each node, if the clustering condition is satisfied, the node then communicates a clustering agreement to the other node. If the clustering conditions of both nodes are satisfied for the two clusters, the two nodes exchange routing information to merge the two clusters.
42 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A method for controlling the clustering of nodes implementing a cluster-based routing protocol in a data communications network system comprising a plurality of such nodes which are interconnectable to form a plurality of ad hoc networks, the method comprising:
-
for each node which is a member of a cluster, maintaining cluster control information dependent on the size of at least the cluster of which that node is a member; on connection of two nodes which are members of two respective clusters, in each of the two nodes transmitting the cluster control information maintained for that node to the other of the two nodes, determining whether a clustering condition, dependent on the cluster control information maintained for that node and the cluster control information received from the other node, is satisfied and, if so, communicating a clustering agreement to the other node; and if the clustering condition of each of the two nodes is satisfied for said two clusters, in each of the two nodes exchanging routing information with the other node and merging the two clusters. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. A device for connection as a node in a data communications network system comprising a plurality of such nodes which are interconnectable to form a plurality of ad hoc networks, wherein the device comprises control logic for implementing a cluster-based routing protocol, memory for storing routing information in accordance with said routing protocol, and communications circuitry for communication of data with other said nodes with which the device is connected in use, wherein the control logic is configured such that:
-
when the device is connected as a node which is a member of a cluster, the control logic maintains cluster control information in said memory, the cluster control information being dependent on the size of at least the cluster of which that node is a member; when the device is connected as a node which is a member of a cluster, on connection of that node to another said node which is a member of another cluster, the control logic controls transmission to the other node, via said communications circuitry, of the cluster control information maintained in said memory, determines whether a clustering condition, dependent on the cluster control information maintained in the memory and cluster control information received from said other node via said communications circuitry, is satisfied, and if so controls communication of a clustering agreement to the other node; and if said clustering condition is satisfied and a said clustering agreement is communicated to the control logic from said other node, the control logic controls exchange of routing information with the other node to merge the two clusters of the two nodes. - View Dependent Claims (19)
-
-
20. A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having embodied therein computer readable program code means for causing a processor of a device for connection as a node implementing a clusterbased routing protocol in a data communications network system comprising a plurality of such nodes which are interconnectable to form a plurality of ad hoc networks, to perform a cluster control method comprising the steps of:
-
when the device is connected as node which is a member of a cluster, maintaining cluster control information dependent on the size of at least the cluster of which that node is a member; when the device is connected as node which is a member of a cluster, on connection of that node to another said node which is a member of another cluster, transmitting said cluster control information to the other node, determining whether a clustering condition, dependent on the cluster control information transmitted to the other node and cluster control information received from the other node, is satisfied and, if so, communicating a clustering agreement to the other node; and if said clustering condition is satisfied and a said clustering agreement is received from the other node, exchanging routing information with the other node and merging the two clusters of the two nodes.
-
Specification