CONTROL OF LOW POWER WIRELESS NETWORKS FOR POWER CONSERVATION

摘要

A wireless mesh network routes messages between a host computer and a plu rality of field devices. The mesh network is synchronized to a global regula r active schedule that defines active periods when messages can be transmitt ed or received by nodes of the network, and inactive periods when messages c annot be transmitted or received. Based upon messages to be sent by the host computer to selected field devices, the network is controlled to selectivel y maintain active those nodes required to route messages to the selected fie ld devices. Those required nodes are maintained in an active state as long a s communication with the selected field devices continues, while other nodes are allowed to return to a low power inactive state. When communication bet ween the host computer and the selected field devices is no longer required, the entire network is allowed to enter the low power inactive state.