Patent ID: 6097703
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: H04W,Y02D

Abstract:
A method of transmitting message data from an originating station (A) to a destination station (O) in a network comprising a plurality of stations (A to O), the method comprising:monitoring, at the originating station (A), the activity of other stations (A to O) in the network; andtransmitting the message data to at least a first intermediate (B) station for onward transmission to the destination station (O);characterised in that the method further comprises the step oftransmitting confirmation data back from the first intermediate station (B) to the originating station (A), indicative of the onward transmission of the message data,and in that each station (A to O) in the network monitors the quality of the signal path to other stations and in that the selection of the first intermediate station (B) by the originating station (A) and the selection of any further intermediate stations (I,M) by the first or a subsequent intermediate station is made opportunistically, at the time of the transmission of the message data, according to predetermined criteria including the monitored quality of the signal path between the transmitting station and potential intermediate stations, so that transmissions take place during peaks of opportunity.