Abstract: A process for merging and using the Mediation Device Protocol with a network layer protocol. Under the merged protocol, each device joining a network enters into two stages: the Set-Up Stage and the Normal Operational Stage. During the Set-Up Stage, the device identifies its neighbors, builds a neighborhood list, obtains a Logical ID, and picks a parent node in the network. After the Set-Up Stage is complete, the device enters the Normal Operational Stage where it will send/receive control and data messages, invite and help new nodes to join the network, recover from broken links or topology changes, and other normal network operations.

Abstract: A cluster tree network formed by self-organization of a number of nodes. The method of self-organization includes processes for cluster formation, cluster network maintenance, intra-cluster communication. In the cluster formation process, each node discovers if any neighboring node is a cluster head or if any node is already a member of a cluster (thus making it a networked node), and if a cluster head or a networked node is discovered, each node establishes a communication link with the cluster head or the networked node. If no cluster head or networked node is discovered, the node itself becomes a cluster head. The network is maintained by each node periodically broadcasting a HELLO message to neighboring nodes, receiving responses to the HELLO message and updating a neighbor list in accordance with responses to the HELLO message. Multi-cluster networks are also provided using the processes of inter-cluster network formation, inter-cluster network maintenance, and inter-cluster communication.

Abstract: A communication access protocol improves the accessibility of devices operating on an asynchronous network (100), while supporting reduced power consumption. The network (100) includes a mediation device (130) for facilitating communications among network devices. Generally, each network device periodically transmits beacon signals to advertise its presence, and listens for communication signals targeted at the network device (532, 534). A device initiating communication with another operates in one of at least two operating modes in order to establish communications (536, 537, 538). In one mode, the initiating device communicates with the mediation device in order to derive timing information for the other device (537). In another mode, the initiating device listens to receive beacon signals directly from the target device in order to synchronize communications with the device (538).

Abstract: An “identical beacons” field (401) is inserted near the beginning of a transmitted beacon (403) that contains either an integer equal to the number of consecutive identical beacons sent (i.e., identical to the one presently being transmitted) or a repetition bit indicating whether or not the beacon contains changed information when compared to a prior-sent beacon. After sleeping awhile, a node (302-304) wakes up, receives a first portion of the beacon containing the identical beacons field, and analyzes the identical beacons field. Based on the analysis, the node makes a decision on whether to remain “awake” for reception of the remaining beacon or to return to sleep.

Abstract: A cluster tree network formed by self-organization of a number of nodes. The method of self-organization includes processes for cluster formation, cluster network maintenance, intra-cluster communication. In the cluster formation process, each node discovers if any neighboring node is a cluster head or if any node is already a member of a cluster (thus making it a networked node), and if a cluster head or a networked node is discovered, each node establishes a communication link with the cluster head or the networked node. If no cluster head or networked node is discovered, the node itself becomes a cluster head. The network is maintained by each node periodically broadcasting a HELLO message to neighboring nodes, receiving responses to the HELLO message and updating a neighbor list in accordance with responses to the HELLO message. Multi-cluster networks are also provided using the processes of inter-cluster network formation, inter-cluster network maintenance, and inter-cluster communication.

Abstract: A process for merging and using the Mediation Device Protocol with a network layer protocol. Under the merged protocol, each device joining a network enters into two stages: the Set-Up Stage and the Normal Operational Stage. During the Set-Up Stage, the device identifies its neighbors, builds a neighborhood list, obtains a Logical ID, and picks a parent node in the network. After the Set-Up Stage is complete, the device enters the Normal Operational Stage where it will send/receive control and data messages, invite and help new nodes to join the network, recover from broken links or topology changes, and other normal network operations.