Abstract: A method of scheduling tasks for a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) in a low-power, wireless, mesh network may include receiving, at a scheduler for the RTOS, a plurality of tasks to schedule for execution by one or more processors. The plurality of tasks may include a first task; the first task may be associated with an expected execution interval; and the expected execution interval may indicate an expected length of time for the one or more processors to execute the first task. The method may also include scheduling the plurality of tasks for execution by the one or more processors. The first task may be scheduled using the expected execution time such that the first task is executed without being interrupted by others of the plurality of tasks.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and devices are disclosed for enabling network devices to join a network. These embodiments generally include a first network device, which is joined to the network, sending authentication information. If the authentication information is determined as valid by a second network device, the second network device sends a join request toward the first network device. During or after the joining process, the first and second network devices can share scheduling information. These embodiments enable a network to have additional security while consuming low amounts of power.

Abstract: Methods of telecommunicating and systems configured to perform the methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include establishing a primary communications link, determining that a backup communications link is to be established, and determining a plurality of candidate network nodes. The method also includes selecting one of the candidate network nodes with which to establish the backup communications link, where the selected candidate network node is selected based at least in part on the selected candidate network node being in a foreign network, establishing the backup communications link with a selected candidate network node, and communicating using the backup communications link.

Abstract: Methods of telecommunicating and systems configured to perform the methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include establishing a primary communications link, determining that a backup communications link is to be established, and determining a plurality of candidate network nodes. The method also includes selecting one of the candidate network nodes with which to establish the backup communications link, where the selected candidate network node is selected based at least in part on the selected candidate network node being in a foreign network, establishing the backup communications link with a selected candidate network node, and communicating using the backup communications link.

Abstract: A method of scheduling tasks for a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) in a low-power, wireless, mesh network may include receiving, at a scheduler for the RTOS, a plurality of tasks to schedule for execution by one or more processors. The plurality of tasks may include a first task; the first task may be associated with an expected execution interval; and the expected execution interval may indicate an expected length of time for the one or more processors to execute the first task. The method may also include scheduling the plurality of tasks for execution by the one or more processors. The first task may be scheduled using the expected execution time such that the first task is executed without being interrupted by others of the plurality of tasks.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for specifying and enforcing connections in a network. Embodiments generally include a network device that maintains a data structure that identifies preferred nodes. The data structure includes entries associated with preferred nodes. Connections are established and enforced based on the entries of the data structure. The data structure may be updated and modified allowing network and node reconfiguration.

Abstract: This disclosure describes processes and methods for enhancing reporting of status information in a wireless sensor network. This disclosure also provides designs of wireless sensor devices configured to connect to a wireless network, and to execute the processes disclosed herein. As described herein, a first sensor device transmits a beacon signal to a second wireless device, and the beacon signal is transmitted while the first and second wireless devices are disconnected from the sensor network. The first wireless device facilitates supplemental network formation by transmitting information to the second wireless device, wherein the information causes the second wireless device to form the supplemental network by performing network joining procedures with the first wireless sensor device, and wherein, after performing network joining procedures, the second wireless device transmits status information to the first wireless sensor device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes processes and methods for enhancing reporting of status information in a wireless sensor network. This disclosure also provides designs of wireless sensor devices configured to connect to a wireless network, and to execute the processes disclosed herein. As described herein, a first sensor device transmits a beacon signal to a second wireless device, and the beacon signal is transmitted while the first and second wireless devices are disconnected from the sensor network. The first wireless device facilitates supplemental network formation by transmitting information to the second wireless device, wherein the information causes the second wireless device to form the supplemental network by performing network joining procedures with the first wireless sensor device, and wherein, after performing network joining procedures, the second wireless device transmits status information to the first wireless sensor device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing the amount of overhead transmitted in ad-hoc low-power wireless networks. Embodiments generally include aggregating a plurality of data packets and prepending and appending each with associated data. The plurality of data packets then can be inserted into a single data frame, or packet for transmission. Gaps may be inserted between the data packets for timing synchronization and/or other purposes.

Abstract: In a network environment, the Quality of Service becomes an important issue particularly for applications involved with real-time multimedia streaming. Any transmission failure may cause service disruption and the failure has to be quickly recovered to minimize the impact. A unified home networking standard based on existing media in home has been developed to meet the increasing demand for bandwidth, reliability and availability. However, the fault tolerant protocol adopted by the home networking standard is based on an advanced selective ARQ (Automatic Retransmission Request) protocol which may take hundreds of millisecond to establish a backup channel. Alternatively, a hot standby backup channel has to be used to achieve quick switch without data loss at the expense of increased power consumption by the hot standby channel. The present invention discloses a quick-switch modem that can quickly switch from a primary channel to a backup channel upon detection of transmission failure.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and devices are disclosed for enabling network devices to join a network. These embodiments generally include a first network device, which is joined to the network, sending authentication information. If the authentication information is determined as valid by a second network device, the second network device sends a join request toward the first network device. During or after the joining process, the first and second network devices can share scheduling information. These embodiments enable a network to have additional security while consuming low amounts of power.