MULTI-CHANNEL WIRELESS MESH NETWORKS

摘要

A protocol is defined for coordinating the allocation of time-slots (TS) in a network that comprises sub-networks (BSS 1-4) that operate on a plurality of channels (A, B, C). A channel sampling sequence (A-C-B) is defined for the network, and each sub-network includes a station that switches channels in accordance with this channel sampling sequence. The channel sampling sequence (A-C-B) defines periods of time within which coordination information (311, 312, 313) is communicated on each channel (A, B, C). The coordination information (311, 312, 313) includes an allocation of time slots for traffic between sub-networks (BSS1-4), and traffic within sub-networks (BSS1-4). Preferably, the coordination information (311, 312, 313) also includes the channel sampling sequence (A- C-B), so that new sub-networks (BSS 1-4) can learn the sequence and join the network dynamically by communicating allocation requests consistent with this channel sampling sequence (A-C-B). Procedures are defined for sub-networks (BSS 1-4) to enter or leave the network that provides for efficient channel utilization with minimal overhead.