Abstract: Wireless network devices discover individual mesh nodes and networks of mesh nodes. An association is formed on the basis of peer-to-peer interactions at layer-1, layer-2 and/or higher layers of the Open System Interconnect (OSI) model. In particular, the system uses Beacon, Probe Request, Probe Response, Association Request, Association Response, and Disassociation frames and introduces a new Extensible Mesh Information Element (EMIE) used by mesh nodes to discover, authenticate, and associate with other peer nodes.

Abstract: The Dynamic Efficient Encapsulated Multicasting (DEEM) scheme described in this invention improves multicast packet transmissions in mobile mesh networks. An Efficient Encapsulation Criteria (EEC) is used by the DEEM that takes into account different hop-by-hop wireless interface communication conditions. In another embodiment, a Dynamic Efficient Tunnel Multicast (DETF) scheme reduces the number of multicast packet transmissions sent over VPN tunnels. In yet another embodiment, a multicast debugging tool uses Multicast Tracer Packets (MTP) to identify different classes of multicast traffic.

Abstract: Nodes in a mesh network are configured to access centralized Internet Protocol (IP) services whenever the Internet infrastructure is accessible and then dynamically switch to providing the IP services locally in the mesh network when the Internet infrastructure is not accessible and operate through collaborative cooperation. In one embodiment, a Reported Node Time Server (RNTS) is elected when the mesh network is disconnected. In another embodiment, a Mesh Network Name Cache (MNNC) protocol pre-provisions each mesh node with the names and addresses of all other mesh nodes. In another embodiment, a Mesh Address Allocation Protocol (MAAP) provides DHCP services for DHCP clients in the mesh network.

Abstract: A network processing device calculates variable link metrics and then prioritizes selection of network links for sending packets according to the calculated variable link metrics. The variable link metrics can include a link capacity index that represents a combination of platform and interface capabilities for nodes on opposite ends of the network links. The link metrics can also include an expected retransmission value that indicates the percentage of packets that may have to be transmitted over different links.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure An Enhanced Multicast Forwarding Cache (eMFC) supports multicast transmissions in mobile mesh networks. The enhanced MFC is designed to support mesh node mobility, quality of service, and security requirements that are particular to mesh networks. To achieve these goals, the enhanced MFC draws from a global state maintained by a unicast routing protocol, multicast aware applications, and distributed services. The eMFC distributes this derived global state through the use of an eMFC-specific multicast packet header. Information contained within the eMFC header is also used to collect and derive multicast traffic statistics at each mesh node. To maintain backwards compatibility, multicast traffic without the eMFC-specific header is also honored by the MFC. Mobile mesh network specific interfaces, such as radio interfaces, as well as conventional interface types are supported. Security is maintained through the use of authentication and encryption techniques.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure A Data Distribution Service (DDS) transfers information between nodes in an ad hoc mobile mesh network. The DDS includes many different novel features including techniques for coalescing retransmit requests to minimize traffic, providing a reasonable level of reliability for event oriented communications, multicasting retransmissions for use by many nodes, and providing other optimizations for multicast traffic. The DDS uses UDP datagrams for communications. Communications operate in a truly peer-to-peer fashion without requiring central authority or storage, and can be purely ad hoc and not depend on any central server. The protocol is NACK-based, which is more suited to a mesh network than a traditional approach like TCP, which uses positive acknowledgements of all data.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure A Generic Client (GC) operates multiple virtual network interfaces that communicate simultaneously to different networks. Each virtual interface is capable of independent communication over an associated network through the same physical interface. In one implementation, the GC provides simultaneous communication with both infrastructure and ad-hoc networks in compliance with the IEEE 802.11 protocol. The GC provides these dual modes of operation by instantiating different infrastructure and ad-hoc virtual interfaces.