Abstract: It is the object of this invention to provide a method of increasing the data throughput of a multi-hop wireless link. A method is provided which mitigates self-interference, without precluding the use of omni-directional transceivers. Distributed protocols for channel allocations in a multi-hop wireless communication system are described. These protocols result in channel allocations that increase the capacity utilization of the network and render the system robust to localized interferers and jammers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method of client device roaming from a home subnet to a foreign subnet of a network. The method includes the client device accessing the network through a first access node of the home subnet, and the client device roaming to a second access node of the foreign subnet, the client device accessing the network through the second access node, the client device maintaining a fixed client IP address, default gateway IP address and IP subnet attachment as the client device roams from the first access node to the second access node.

Abstract: A method that includes a client roaming from the first access node to a second access node is disclosed. The second wireless access node detects the client seeking access to the system. The second wireless access node is able to connect to the backbone network. Client information is obtained. The second wireless node provides the client a communication path to and from the destination. The communication path is able to include wired and wireless communication links. Routing of information through the communication path between the client and the destination is aided based upon detection of the client. The wireless connection between the second access node and the backbone network can include at least one wireless hop between the second access node and a fourth access node.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of a method of an access point determining whether to transmit a response to a client device probe request is disclosed. The method includes the access point receiving a probe request from a client device. The access point determines a quality of a link between the access point and the client device based on the probe request. The access point sets a delay time for transmitting a probe response to the probe request depending upon the quality of the link.

Abstract: A wireless access node is disclosed. The wireless access node includes a primary CPU for controlling wireless data transmission and reception, of the wireless access node with other access nodes. A secondary controller provides alternate control of the wireless access node. The secondary controller is separately controllable by a system operator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining throughput between a first host and a second host of at least one network is disclosed. The method includes the first host intentionally corrupting ICMP packets by manipulating a checksum of the ICMP packets. The first host sends the corrupted ICMP packets to the second host through the at least one network. The first host additionally sends non-corrupted ICMP packets to the second host. Based on responses from second host to the ICMP packets, the first host estimates a throughput between the first host and the second host. The throughput includes a first direction throughput from the first host to the second host, a second direction throughput from the second host to the first host, and a round trip throughput between the first host and the second host.

Abstract: Embodiments for assigning channels to links of a node of a mesh network are disclosed. One embodiment includes a method of assigning channels to links of a node of a mesh network, wherein the mesh network includes the node and an upstream node. The method includes assigning a first channel to an uplink of the node, assigning a second channel to a downlink of the node, and maintaining the first channel and the second channel distinct from an uplink channel of the upstream node. The first channel and the second channel assignments for the node can be based on a number of hops from the node to a distinguished node.

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: A method and apparatus for generating connectivity is described. The method includes a server broadcasting a beacon including the server's address. The method further includes each client that receives the beacon rebroadcasting the beacon. The result is that each client receiving the beacon knows a way to reach the server.

Abstract: A method of verifying a mesh network is disclosed. The method includes identifying wireless links from a set of selected mesh network routing links, that have a link quality below a predetermined quality threshold, and providing a network manager with a link list that lists and prioritizes the identified wireless links according to a degree of impact each identified wireless link has on performance of the mesh network. Determining the degree of impact of each identified wireless link can include determining an amount the mesh network relies upon identified wireless link. Mesh network reliance can be dependent on how many routes through the mesh network include the identified wireless link. Determining the degree of impact of each identified wireless link can include determining a link quality of the identified wireless link.

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: Methods and systems are disclosed for managing a network. The management includes storing configuration parameters in cells within the network, sending a commit command and a commit delay time to the cells, sensing failed reception of the commit command, and aborting the commit command if a failure is sensed.

Abstract: Methods of access point control of client roaming are disclosed. The methods can include the access point periodically transmitting requests to a client, the access point monitoring reception of response to the requests, and the access point transmitting at least one disassociation frame if a response is not received by the access point from the client. An embodiment includes the disassociation frame being suppressed if the access point receives an association response from another access point that is intended for the client. Another embodiment includes the access point transmitting a disassociation frame if a response is received from the client, and a signal quality parameter of the response is below a threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating connectivity is described. The method includes a server broadcasting a beacon including the server's address. The method further includes each client that receives the beacon rebroadcasting the beacon. The result is that each client receiving the beacon knows a way to reach the server.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a network of at least one router. The network includes a data packet address translator. The data packet address translator manipulates address information of data packets routed by the network, so that a network device connected to the network perceives the network to be a bridge. One embodiment of the network includes wireless mesh network that is wirelessly connectable to a client.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus and method for displaying path metrics associate with nodes and links within a network. The method includes determining path metric values associated with the network. The method further includes displaying only the path metric values that fall within a predetermined set. The predetermined set can be adjustable by a network manager. The predetermined set can include an initial default value and be additionally adjusted by a network manager. The predetermined set associated with a particular node can be based upon a redundancy of paths available to the particular node.

Abstract: A wireless access node includes a first radio operable to transmit/receive on one of at least N transmission channels. A second radio is operable to transmit/receive on another one of the at least N transmission channels. A first filter bank, of less than N filters, filters a first transmit/receive signal of the first radio. A second filter bank, of less than N filters, filters a second transmit/receive signal of the second radio. Generally, N is greater than 2.

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.