Mechanism for automatic network formation and medium access coordination

摘要

The invention provides a set of mechanisms by which a wireless mobile mesh node equipped with a directional antenna may self form and self adapt its steady-state communications schedule. A link establishment handshake is carried out over an ongoing subtemplate-based discovery scan. During time not reserved for steady-state communications with previously discovered neighbors, nodes continue to search for an establish links with new neighbors. Initial and subsequent bandwidth allocation protocols may be utilized to allow peer nodes to coordinate communication opportunities between the peer nodes without impacting or having knowledge about reservations for communications with other peers. The link establishment and initial bandwidth allocation protocols may be piggy-backed for readily establishing an initial steady-state schedule with a peer upon link establishment without impact on previous steady state reservations by other nodes or on ongoing link establishment attempts elsewhere.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
randomly selecting to transmit based on a randomized choice between transmitting and receiving; transmitting a link establishment request from a node in response to the selection to transmit; receiving a link establishment response at the node; and updating a steady-state schedule of the node for communication in a mesh network.