Self-organizing multi-channel mesh network

• US 8,750,159 B2
• Filed: 10/20/2008
• Issued: 06/10/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Natural Light Energy Systems, LLC
• Original Assignee: Natural Light Energy Systems, LLC
• Inventors: Cheng, Alexander L., Tao, Zhifeng
• Primary Examiner(s): RAMPURIA, SHARAD K
• Application Number:
  US12/288,381
• Publication Number:
  US 20090059815A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,059 Days
• Field of Search: 370/310, 370/395.21, 370/395.32, 370/395.42, 370/406, 370445-447, 370/254, 370328-351, 370/401, 455/422.1, 455/435.3, 455443-453, 455/512, 455/524, 455/502, 455/41.2, 709/200, 709/240, 709/242
• US Class Current: 370/254
• 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 a node leaves or is introduced to the system, 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 auto-configuring a wireless network, comprising the steps of:

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

b) exchanging information between at least two access points;

c) prioritizing said access points for cluster formation;

d) mapping a cluster of access points wherein all said access points communicate with one another based on information obtained from said information exchanged between at least two said access points; and

e) selecting a scheduling sequence for said access points contained in said cluster based on the information obtained from the exchange.

2. The method of self-organizing and auto-configuring a wireless network according to claim 1, wherein said prioritizing step is performed by assessing at least one of:

whether said access points are connected to a wide area network, 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.

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

a) exchanging information with said new access point;

b) determining connectivity to said new access point;

c) assessing the size of said cluster; and

d) absorbing said new access point into said cluster.

4. The method of self-organizing and auto-configuring a wireless network according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

a) broadcasting status information to at least one neighboring access points outside of said cluster;

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

c) determining connectivity to said neighboring access point; and

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

5. The method of self-organizing and auto-configuring a wireless network according to claim 4, wherein said determining connectivity to said neighboring access point comprises assessing traffic requirements within said cluster and said neighboring access point.

6. The method of self-organizing and auto-configuring a wireless network according to claim 4, wherein said receiving status information from said neighboring access point includes information on an ability of said access points to communicate with one another and existence of a second cluster where access points in said second cluster are configured to communicate with one another in said cluster and includes said neighboring access point.

7. The method of self-organizing and auto-configuring wireless network according to claim 1, further comprising:

a) forming an additional cluster mapped from information exchanged between a plurality of access points outside of said cluster;

b) selecting a communication link between said cluster and said additional cluster, said communication link configured to communicate with at least one access point in said cluster; and

c) selecting a scheduling sequence to enable said cluster to communicate with said additional cluster.

8. The method of self-organizing and auto-configuring a wireless network according to claim 7, wherein said selecting a scheduling sequence comprises assessing traffic requirements within said cluster and traffic requirements for said additional cluster.

9. The method of self-organizing and auto-configuring a wireless network according to claim 1, wherein said selecting a scheduling sequence for communication between said access points comprises assessing bandwidth increases, reduction in delay, maximizing traffic bearing capability, fault tolerance or minimizing impact on existing topology.

10. A method of communicating in a self-organizing and auto-configuring wireless network, comprising the steps of:

a) providing multiple access points to a wireless network wherein each access point is configured to exchange information on multiple channels;

d) selecting a scheduling sequence for said multiple access points;

e) communicating concurrently among said multiple access points over said multiple channels according to said scheduling sequence; and

f) collaborating with each other among said multiple access points.

11. The method of self-organizing and auto-configuring a wireless network according to claim 10, wherein said selecting a scheduling sequence for said multiple access points comprises assessing traffic requirements for said multiple access points.

12. The method of self-organizing and auto-configuring a wireless network according to claim 10, wherein said selecting a scheduling sequence for communication between said access points comprises assessing bandwidth increases, reduction in delay, maximizing traffic bearing capability, fault tolerance or minimizing impact on existing topology.

13. The method of self-organizing and auto-configuring a wireless network according to claim 10, wherein said exchanged information on multiple channels comprises at least one of:

whether said access points are connected to a wide area network, 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.

14. A self-organizing and auto-configuring wireless communication network system, comprising:

a) a wireless network;

b) multiple access points, each access point is configured to exchange information on multiple channels;

c) sequencing patterns to enable selecting scheduling sequences for said multiple access points;

d) communication means for communicating concurrently among said multiple access points over said multiple channels according to said scheduling sequence; and

g) collaborating means to enable collaboration among said multiple access points.

15. The self-organizing and auto-configuring wireless communication network according to claim 14, wherein said sequencing patterns are established by assessing traffic requirements for said multiple access points.

16. The self-organizing and auto-configuring a wireless network according to claim 14, wherein said sequencing patterns are established by assessing bandwidth increases, reduction in delay, maximizing traffic bearing capability, fault tolerance or minimizing impact on existing topology.

17. The self-organizing and auto-configuring a wireless network according to claim 14, wherein said exchanged information on multiple channels comprises at least one of:

whether said access points are connected to a wide area network, 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.