Band manager for use in multiple-channel networks

摘要

A band manager (100) for a frequency-agile network simplifies packet transmission over multiple channels in an ad hoc network or wireless network by acting as a filter between a radio layer (104) and a network layer (102). The band manager (100) selects one channel out of multiple channels for transmitting and receiving packets, thereby taking the channel-decision making responsibility away from the components (e.g., the routing module (206), packet multiplexer (204), clustering module (210)) in the network layer (102). As a result, the radio layer (104) and the network layer (102) transmit and receive packets over a single channel selected by the band manager (100) rather than handling multiple packets over multiple channels. The inventive band manager (100) simplifies a multiple-channel network by making the network layer (102) and radio layer (104) act like a single-channel network.