Methods For Limiting Number Of Routers In A Mesh Network

摘要

In some cases, it may be desirable to limit the number of routers in a mesh network. Various techniques to limit the number of routers, without affecting connectivity, are disclosed. In some embodiments, a node enables its router capability if there are less than a predetermined number of routers already in the network. In other embodiments, a node enables its routing capability only is it is necessary to resolve a connectivity issue or a biconnectivity issue. In some cases, a node, which previously enabled its router capability, may no longer be required to be a router. In some embodiments, this node, upon making this determination, disables its routing capability.

主权项

1. A method of creating a mesh network having biconnectivity, said mesh network comprising a plurality of nodes, each node comprising a processing unit and a network interface, said method comprising:
monitoring network traffic, using a network interface of a node of said plurality of nodes, to determine neighbors of said node; querying, using said network interface, each of said neighbors to determine neighbors of said neighbors; determining, using said node, that at least one of said neighbors is part of a first group and at least a second of said neighbors is part of a second group, where there are no nodes common to said first group and said second group; and sending a request from said node to find another node in said mesh network which is in communication with said first group and said second group.