Abstract: In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a particular node in an ad hoc network is configured with a desirable number of neighbor nodes and equipped with a transmission power level hierarchy. The particular node may adjust a transmission power level to a different level in the transmission power level hierarchy, based on a number of responses received from neighbor nodes after the particular node broadcasts a request at current transmission power level. This adjustment process is repeated until the particular node acquires a desirable number of neighbor nodes.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a forwarding node in an ad hoc network collects sets of node information pertaining to its neighbor nodes. An example of a type of node information is history information that indicates previous time periods during which a neighbor node has been available for communication. Other types of node information may include proximity information that indicates how far a neighbor node is from the forwarding node. In selecting a routing path, the forwarding node takes into account information collected in the sets of node information. A routing path can be selected to include a neighbor node having the highest probability to be available for communication. Additionally or alternatively, a routing path may be selected to minimize the power transmission level required for the forwarding node to forward data packets.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates improved resource allocation in a network. During operation, the system determines one or more metrics value for a node based on a characteristic of the node and assigns nodes within the network to access groups based on each node's characteristic-metric value and a grouping policy. The system further constructs a logical hierarchy of access groups based on the characteristic-metric values of the nodes within each access group. Additionally, the system allows a node to forward traffic to a next-hop node identified within an access group on a logical hierarchy level, thereby facilitating better resource allocation in the network.

Abstract: A wireless system includes at least one network computing system, a proxy server, a controller, and wireless devices. When a wireless device is already a member of a first group but moves into range of a second group, that device may initiate a request to join the second group, thereby ensuring that the wireless device can send and receive information through the second group. The proxy server maintains a list of authorized wireless devices and their primary controller, thereby routing information from one or more network computing systems to the proper controller, so that the wireless device may receive information from one of those network computing systems as necessary. When the wireless device becomes joined to a new controller, the proxy updates its list, thus ensuring continuity between the wireless device and the one or more network computing systems.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a forwarding node in an ad hoc network collects sets of node information pertaining to its neighbor nodes. An example of a type of node information is history information that indicates previous time periods during which a neighbor node has been available for communication. Other types of node information may include proximity information that indicates how far a neighbor node is from the forwarding node. In selecting a routing path, the forwarding node takes into account information collected in the sets of node information. A routing path can be selected to include a neighbor node having the highest probability to be available for communication. Additionally or alternatively, a routing path may be selected to minimize the power transmission level required for the forwarding node to forward data packets.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a particular node in an ad hoc network is configured with a desirable number of neighbor nodes and equipped with a transmission power level hierarchy. The particular node may adjust a transmission power level to a different level in the transmission power level hierarchy, based on a number of responses received from neighbor nodes after the particular node broadcasts a request at current transmission power level. This adjustment process is repeated until the particular node acquires a desirable number of neighbor nodes.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates improved resource allocation in a network. During operation, the system determines one or more metrics value for a node based on a characteristic of the node and assigns nodes within the network to access groups based on each node's characteristic-metric value and a grouping policy. The system further constructs a logical hierarchy of access groups based on the characteristic-metric values of the nodes within each access group. Additionally, the system allows a node to forward traffic to a next-hop node identified within an access group on a logical hierarchy level, thereby facilitating better resource allocation in the network.