| 摘要 |
A method of operating an ad hoc network comprising a plurality of devices (11-16). Each device includes communication means for communicating with other ones of the plurality of devices when they are in range. The method involves storing on each device one or more nodal policies (1-6) which specify rules for determining how a device should behave in response to various prevailing circumstances and controlling each device to operate in accordance with one or more of the stored nodal policies. Additionally, each device stores a fitness parameter and adjusts the value of the fitness parameter in dependence upon the level of activity of the device (in particular, activity which is consistent with its stored policies). Additionally, each device monitors the value of its stored fitness parameter and the activity of its communication means and transmits (46, 48, 49), to other ones of the devices which are in range (13, 15, 16) one or more of its stored nodal policies (5) in the event that its fitness parameter exceeds a threshold of value and its communication means is not required for other purposes. |
