Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for constrained dynamic path selection among multiple available communication interfaces. In some embodiments selection logic is operatively coupled with a number of link-layer interfaces to select a set of link-layer interfaces that satisfy a set of congestion constraint conditions. Metric logic is operatively coupled with the link-layer interfaces to calculate a metric value for each link-layer interface in the set. Switch logic is operatively coupled with the selection logic and metric logic to assign a data stream a link-layer interface in the set of interfaces according to its metric value to optimize communication performance.

Abstract: A packet aggregation system. In particular implementations, a method includes accessing one or more transmit queues, each corresponding to a wireless client associated with a given wireless mesh access point of a plurality of mesh access points. The method further includes selecting a mesh access point of the plurality of mesh access points and selecting a transmit queue corresponding to a wireless client associated with the selected mesh access point. The method further includes aggregating packets that are destined for the selected wireless client, up to a size limit, taking into account the path to the selected mesh point as well as quality of service constraints, and composing and transmitting the aggregated packet to the selected mesh access point.

Abstract: A coordinated channel change system. In particular implementations, a method includes receiving a prepare-to-change message, wherein the prepare-to-change message indicates instructions to prepare to change channels and includes a designated channel, and forwarding the prepare-to-change message to one or more child nodes. The method also includes receiving a ready-to-change message from the one or more child nodes, and transmitting a change-to-channel message to the one or more child nodes, wherein the change-to-channel message indicates instructions to switch to the designated channel. The method also includes receiving an acknowledgement message from the one or more child nodes, and changing to the designated channel.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method for determining backhaul channel assignments for multi-channel dual radio mesh nodes. The method comprises acquiring collision domain data for each access point of an associated mesh network. A cost function is calculated for each access point of the associated mesh network, the cost function assigning a weighted value for each access point in a collision domain based on a number of access points in the collision domain. Backhaul channel assignments for selected for each access point that minimizes the cost function.

Abstract: A two-phased path selection process for wireless mesh networks that promotes stability and power management. If, during a first route discovery phase, a route cannot be found without waking up battery-powered nodes in a wireless mesh network, the source node will wake up battery-powered nodes in the mesh during a second route discovery phase.

Abstract: A dynamic rate limiting mechanism for wireless mesh networks. In particular implementations, a method comprising monitoring one or more clients associated with a wireless mesh network and the respective hop counts of the clients to a root mesh node of the wireless mesh network; determining, responsive ton one or more events, a client data rate for one or more clients of the wireless mesh network based on the number of current clients and the respective hop counts of the current clients; and applying the client data rate to the wireless mesh network.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to facilitating increased throughput in wireless mesh networks. Generally, according to one implementation of the present invention, routing nodes in a wireless mesh network combine metrics corresponding to the link and network layers to select a route to a root node in the wireless mesh network. In one implementation, for each neighbor, a given routing node computes a routing metric, which is based on the computed route cost and hop count, and selects a preferred neighbor as the parent routing node based on the best routing metric.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to facilitating load balancing and bandwidth allocation in wireless mesh networks. Generally, according to one implementation of the present invention, routing nodes implement a contention-based media access mechanism and self-allocate bandwidth within a wireless mesh network by dynamically modifying one or more contention-based transmission control parameters. The routing nodes determine a hop count and adjust one or more contention parameters based at least in part on the hop count.