Abstract: The stability of a channel in a wireless network is evaluated at a node. Upon transmitting a packet from the node on a network channel, a first counter associated with the channel is incremented. Upon receiving an acknowledgment packet responsive to the transmitted packet, a second counter associated with the channel is incremented. A stability metric for the channel is computed based on values stored in the first and second counters. Additionally, interference on a channel of the network is measured at a node. Upon determining that no packet is received during a predetermined time-period on the channel, a received signal strength (RSS) is measured on the channel at an end of the predetermined time-period. Alternatively, upon determining that a packet is received during the predetermined time-period on the channel, the RSS is measured on the channel following completion of the transmission of the packet on the channel.

Abstract: The stability of a channel in a wireless network is evaluated at a node. Upon transmitting a packet from the node on a network channel, a first counter associated with the channel is incremented. Upon receiving an acknowledgment packet responsive to the transmitted packet, a second counter associated with the channel is incremented. A stability metric for the channel is computed based on values stored in the first and second counters. Additionally, interference on a channel of the network is measured at a node. Upon determining that no packet is received during a predetermined time-period on the channel, a received signal strength (RSS) is measured on the channel at an end of the predetermined time-period. Alternatively, upon determining that a packet is received during the predetermined time-period on the channel, the RSS is measured on the channel following completion of the transmission of the packet on the channel.

Abstract: The stability of a channel in a wireless network is evaluated at a node. Upon transmitting a packet from the node on a network channel, a first counter associated with the channel is incremented. Upon receiving an acknowledgment packet responsive to the transmitted packet, a second counter associated with the channel is incremented. A stability metric for the channel is computed based on values stored in the first and second counters. Additionally, interference on a channel of the network is measured at a node. Upon determining that no packet is received during a predetermined time-period on the channel, a received signal strength (RSS) is measured on the channel at an end of the predetermined time-period. Alternatively, upon determining that a packet is received during the predetermined time-period on the channel, the RSS is measured on the channel following completion of the transmission of the packet on the channel.

Abstract: A mesh network system includes a plurality of network nodes, a network manager, and at least one access point. The network nodes communicate wirelessly with each other and the at least one access point of the mesh network system. The network manager manages operation of a wireless mesh network including the nodes and the at least one access point. The at least one access point communicates wirelessly with the network nodes, and provides a gateway between the wireless mesh network and the network manager. The at least one network access point is operative to synchronize its operation timing to an external clock, such as a UPS or UTC clock. Furthermore, in wireless mesh networks including multiple access points, the access points can synchronize their operation timing to each other, and can provide timing information to other access points and nodes in the network.

Abstract: The stability of a channel in a wireless network is evaluated at a node. Upon transmitting a packet from the node on a network channel, a first counter associated with the channel is incremented. Upon receiving an acknowledgment packet responsive to the transmitted packet, a second counter associated with the channel is incremented. A stability metric for the channel is computed based on values stored in the first and second counters. Additionally, interference on a channel of the network is measured at a node. Upon determining that no packet is received during a predetermined time-period on the channel, a received signal strength (RSS) is measured on the channel at an end of the predetermined time-period. Alternatively, upon determining that a packet is received during the predetermined time-period on the channel, the RSS is measured on the channel following completion of the transmission of the packet on the channel.

Abstract: Self managing a low power network is disclosed. A packet is received which includes network information and it is determined if a management action is required based at least in part on information in the packet. In the event that management action is required, the management action is performed wherein the management action is determined based at least in part on information in the packet.

Abstract: A method for processing a source routed packet comprises determining a next node in a source route for a source routed packet in a mesh network and transmitting the source routed packet to the next node in the source route. A method for creating a source routed packet comprises determining a source route path to a destination node and transmitting a source routed packet that includes the source route path to a first node associated with the source route path.

Abstract: Communicating for a mesh network is disclosed. A battery-powered node is assigned to communicate with a sending powered backbone node. The sending powered backbone node is assigned to either a first group or a second group. If the sending powered backbone node is assigned to the first group, then the sending powered backbone node sends a packet to either a gateway node or a second group receiving powered backbone node that is assigned to the second group and that is closer to the gateway node. If the sending powered backbone node is assigned to the second group, then the sending powered backbone node sends a packet to either a gateway node or a first group receiving powered backbone node that is assigned to the first group and that is closer to the gateway node.