Mesh networking using point coordination function
First Claim
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1. A method of transferring inter-mesh node traffic within a self-configuring mesh network, comprising:
- exchanging topology database information indicating the amount of inter-mesh node traffic mesh nodes within the mesh network have queued for transmission;
computing an average queue depth based on the amount of inter-mesh node traffic queued for each mesh node within the mesh network;
determining that the average queue depth is greater than a threshold;
upon so determining, initiating a contention-free mode for transferring the inter-mesh node traffic between the mesh nodes within the mesh network;
transferring the inter-mesh node traffic between the mesh nodes within the mesh network; and
ending the contention-free mode.
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Abstract
A system and methods for wireless computing devices to become mesh member nodes within a self-configuring mesh network includes mechanisms for neighbor discovery and sharing of a common topology database including mesh topology and mesh network information. Each mesh node may use the topology database to determine optimized routing paths within the mesh network. Mesh member nodes are configured to detect and communicate topology changes and measured mesh network attributes to other members of the self-configuring wireless network.
87 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of transferring inter-mesh node traffic within a self-configuring mesh network, comprising:
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exchanging topology database information indicating the amount of inter-mesh node traffic mesh nodes within the mesh network have queued for transmission; computing an average queue depth based on the amount of inter-mesh node traffic queued for each mesh node within the mesh network; determining that the average queue depth is greater than a threshold; upon so determining, initiating a contention-free mode for transferring the inter-mesh node traffic between the mesh nodes within the mesh network; transferring the inter-mesh node traffic between the mesh nodes within the mesh network; and ending the contention-free mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for distributing bandwidth within a self-configuring mesh network, comprising:
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initiating a contention-free mode for transferring the inter-mesh node traffic between the mesh nodes within the mesh network upon determining that an average queue depth computed based on the amount of inter-mesh node traffic queued for each mesh noted within the mesh network is greater than a threshold; transferring inter-mesh node traffic between a first mesh node within the mesh network and a second mesh node within the mesh network during the contention-free period; and suspending traffic between any station within the mesh network and the first mesh node or the second mesh node during the contention-free period. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A self-configuring mesh member node comprising:
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a networking element configured to exchange topology database information with a second mesh member node within a mesh network, the topology database information indicating the amount of inter-mesh node traffic the mesh member node has queued for transmission during a contention-free transmit period; a media access control driver configured to; compute an average queue depth based on the amount of inter-mesh node traffic queued for each mesh member node within the mesh network, determine that the contention-free transmit period should begin when the average queue depth is greater than a threshold; and a memory configured to store the inter-mesh node traffic the mesh member node has queued for transmission. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification