Method, Apparatus, And Protocol For Improving Performance In A Wireless Network

摘要

A wireless network protocol (CORE) and related methods, systems, and circuits are disclosed that are capable of enhancing network performance. The protocol uses random linear network coding (RLNC) for intra-session coding in the network, while allowing nodes in the network to set up inter-session coding regions where flows intersect. Within the inter-session coding regions, combinations of coded packets associated with different unicast sessions are permitted. However, packets associated with multiple different unicast sessions are not allowed to be transmitted outside of the coding regions.

主权项

1. A machine implemented method for use in a wireless network having a plurality of wireless nodes, comprising:
determining routes through the wireless network for different unicast sessions; analyzing routes in the wireless network for the different unicast sessions to identify inter-session coding regions in the network, each inter-session coding region including at least one wireless relay node that is associated with multiple unicast sessions; combining network coded packets associated with multiple unicast sessions within the wireless relay nodes of the inter-session coding regions and transmitting the resulting combined packets from the wireless relay nodes to other nodes within the corresponding inter-session coding regions; and within a first node of a first inter-session coding region:
over hearing and storing transmissions of other nodes within the first inter-session coding region that are associated with different unicast sessions than the first node;using combined network coded packets received from a first relay node of the first inter-session coding region and overheard transmissions stored in the first node to generate a coded packet that is associated with a single specific unicast session; andtransmitting the coded packet that is associated with the single unicast session from the first node to a node outside the first inter-session coding region.