Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus and method for communicating link quality information between access nodes. A first step includes a first access node transmitting first routing packets. A second step includes a second access node receiving at least one of the first routing packets over a first direction of a first link. A third step includes the second access node transmitting second routing packets. A fourth step includes the first access node receiving at least one of the second routing packets over a second direction of the first link, and determining a first direction link quality of the first link based upon the second routing packets.

Abstract: A method of optimizing link transmission parameters between access nodes within a mesh network is disclosed. The method includes each access node within the mesh transmitting packets at N different combinations of data rates and power levels. Each receiving node that receives the data packets at one or more of the N combinations, selects a most desirable one of the received combinations. The receiving nodes indicate to the transmitting nodes the selected most desired combination for transmitting to the receiving node.

Abstract: A method of selecting at least one routing path between and access node and a gateway is provided. The method includes the access node receiving over a plurality of channels, indicators from at least one upstream access node, the indicators providing information of selected upstream paths between each of the upstream access nodes and upstream gateways. The access node determines an optimal set of routing paths between the access node and at least one upstream gateway, based upon the indicators, the optimal set of routing paths including a combination of paths over multiple channels.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods of assigning a channel to a link of an access node within a wireless mesh network, is disclosed. The method includes the access node receiving beacons over multiple channels, from at least one upstream device, and the access node selecting an uplink channel based upon the received beacons. Additional methods include the access node selecting a downlink channel so that different channels are assigned to consecutive links within a data path between a gateway and a down stream device. The different channels can include non-overlapping channels, or a combination of non-overlapping and at least partially overlapping channels. The method can further include selecting a downstream link channel based upon predetermined sequences of channel selections, and a hop count of the access node.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus and method for determining an optimal route based upon path quality of routes to an access node of a wireless mesh network. The method includes receiving routing packets at the access node through at least one wireless route. Each routing packet includes route information that identifies the wireless route of the routing packet. A success ratio of a number of successfully received routing packets versus a number of transmitted routing packets is determined over a period of time T1, for each wireless route. The wireless route having a greatest success ratio is first selected, as are other wireless routes that have success ratios within a predetermined amount of the greatest success ratio.