Efficient Network Data Dissemination

摘要

A method of efficiently disseminating various types of information throughout a mesh network is disclosed. Information is typically propagated through the network using a variety of protocols and messages. However, in one embodiment, a single message, communicates all of this information at once. The message includes data originating at the leader, which does not change as the messages are propagated through the network, as well as topology and link information that is created by the forwarding nodes. The data originating at the leader includes the identity of the leader node and a sequence number. Additionally, a version number is included by the leader which represents the state of the quasi-static information. Quasi-static information may include, for example, the identity of a node that has access to a central control system or the internet. This compact message format allows improved efficiency and use of the network.

主权项

1. A method of disseminating information throughout a mesh network, said mesh network comprising a plurality of nodes and a leader node which maintains a list of routers, said method comprising:
creating a beacon message at said leader node, said beacon message comprising: an identity of said leader node; a sequence number; a version number associated with quasi-static network information; a first network topology portion, said first network topology portion comprising entries for each of said routers in said network, a cost of reaching each of said routers from said leader node, and a next hop to be used when communicating from said leader node with each of said routers; and first link information indicating link quality and protocol state of each of said routers that is a neighbor of said leader node; transmitting said beacon message from said leader node; receiving said beacon message by a first router disposed within a listening range of said leader node; creating a first routing table in a memory device within said first router using said first network topology and first link information from said received beacon message, and using link information learned about neighbors of said first router; transmitting a second beacon message from said first router, said second beacon message comprising:
said identity of said leader node;said sequence number;said version number associated with quasi-static network information; a second network topology portion; and second link information; wherein information from said first routing table is incorporated in said second network topology portion and said second link information.