Abstract: A device and method enable reestablishing a wireless connection in a wireless network. A first wireless device detects that a previous wireless connection has been lost with a second wireless device that employs dynamic frequency selection (DFS). The first wireless device then uses a routing table to identify a third wireless device as a next hop of a route to the second wireless device, and transmits a request message to the third wireless device, where the request message requests identification of a current DFS channel over which the second wireless device is operating. Next, the first wireless device receives a response message from the third wireless device, where the response message identifies the current DFS channel over which the second wireless device is operating. Using the current DFS channel, the first wireless device establishes a new wireless connection with the second wireless device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a link metric for a communication link along a path between a source node to a destination node is provided. A node can generate a link metric (LM) for the communication link between the particular node and next-hop node towards the destination node in the path based on a plurality of variables. The node can determine the LM for the communication link based on a plurality of variables including: bandwidth on the communication link, a number of spatial streams used to transmit over the communication link, and a guard interval used used to transmit over the communication link.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a number of spatial channels to use to transmit a data packet from a source node to a destination node. This determination can be made based on a Probability of Channel non-Correlation (PCC) function that is generated and updated by the source node based on feedback from the destination node. The PCC function indicates a probability of whether a plurality of spatial channels are non-correlated.

Abstract: A device and method enable reestablishing a wireless connection in a wireless network. The method includes detecting at a first wireless device that a previous wireless connection has been lost with a second wireless device that employs dynamic frequency selection (DFS) (step 505). A third wireless device is then identified from a routing table of the first wireless device as a next hop of a route to the second wireless device, and a request message is transmitted from the first wireless device to the third wireless device, where the request message requests identification of a current DFS channel over which the second wireless device is operating (step 510). Next, a response message is received at the first wireless device from the third wireless device, where the response message identifies the current DFS channel over which the second wireless device is operating (step 515).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for multihop packet forwarding within a multihop wireless communication network. The method uses a data frame format including at least the four address fields to forward packets in a multihop wireless network. The method includes generating a route request packet at a routable device in response to receiving a packet destined for an unknown destination. The route request packet includes an originating device field including an address of an originating device, wherein the originating device generated the packet originally; and a source field, wherein the source field includes an address of the first routable device which generated the route request packet.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving efficiency and reliability of broadcast transmission in a multi-hop wireless mesh communication network. When an intelligent access point (IAP) receives a broadcast packet (BP), the IAP can determine a list of downlink child mesh nodes (DLCMNs) of the IAP based on route information provided in its routing table. After the IAP knows its DLCMNs, the IAP can determine a first lowest data rate (LDR) between the IAP and each of its DLCMNs, and then re-transmit the BP at the first LDR. The BP is then received by at least one “parent” mesh node, which can then perform similar processing, and can then re-transmit the BP to its DLCMNs. This process repeats until the BP reaches a leaf mesh node. In other words, each mesh node can determine its DLCMNs, determine the LDR between itself and each of its DLCMNs, and can then re-transmit the BP at this LDR.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving efficiency and reliability of broadcast transmission in a multi-hop wireless mesh communication network. In some implementations, systems and methods are provided for a leaf mesh node to acknowledge reception of a broadcast packet broadcast by an Intelligent Access Point (IAP), and for allowing the IAP to determine whether to re-communicate the broadcast packet that it had previously re-transmitted when no acknowledgment is received from a leaf mesh node.

Abstract: A dynamic and distributive aggregation method in which a node determines the frame size of an aggregated frame based on or according to a transmission time of one or more of the received frames. This scheme to aggregate frames is based on the average packet size and average transmission time in the neighborhood. The method enables the aggregated packet size to dynamically change based on the neighborhood conditions. Usage of link rates and fair transmission time assignment enables the high data rate nodes to send more traffic but not to an extent of over-utilizing the channel thus achieving higher throughput efficiencies while maintaining fairness within a high data rate multi-hop wireless communication network.

Abstract: A method and device for providing a bridge between a distribution system and a wireless network device as provided increases network availability. According to one aspect, the method includes assigning a first wireless network device to a first wireless distribution system port in response to processing a first identification message received from the first wireless network device. A second wireless network device is then assigned to a second wireless distribution system port in response to processing a second identification message received from the second wireless network device after assigning the first wireless network device to the first wireless distribution system port. The bridge is then provided between the distribution system and the first wireless network device via the first wireless distribution system port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for multihop packet forwarding within a multihop wireless communication network. The method uses a data frame format including at least the four address fields to forward packets in a multihop wireless network. The method includes generating a route request packet at a routable device in response to receiving a packet destined for an unknown destination. The route request packet includes an originating device field including an address of an originating device, wherein the originating device generated the packet originally; and a source field, wherein the source field includes an address of the first routable device which generated the route request packet.