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.

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: An apparatus and method for allowing a client to access a wireless system is disclosed. The system includes at least a first wireless access node. The method includes the first wireless access node detecting a client seeking access to the system. The first wireless access node being able to wirelessly connect to a back bone network. Client information is obtained. The first wireless node provides the client a communication path to and from a 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 first access node and the back bone network can include at least one wireless hop between the first access node and a third 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.

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.